Mum didn't meet me at the front door that night. I went into the house and found her sitting at the dining table, writing a letter. I already knew who it was for, the only person she ever wrote to, Vanessa. They had been friends for a long time, too long to count the years.
I sat down opposite her determined to speak to her. My dad wasn't at home and I wanted the conversation to stay between the two of us. It was the best chance I had to get the truth as well as get to continue at the university.
"Mum?"
"Yes, sweetheart."
"Can we talk?"
"Can it wait until I'm finished?"
"Not really." She looked up more than a little concerned. I wasn't sure if it was the urgency or my voice that had given me away.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong as such. A girl has gone missing from uni. I think
