School was closed for the morning, but I decided to go in anyway, to escape the muttering at home. I wore my new silver sunray earring and planned to walk directly to the market square after preparing for the afternoon lessons. It would calm me to keep busy.

The door to the schoolroom was unlocked. I was sure I locked up properly yesterday. Perhaps Ty had come in early too. I called, but nobody answered.

The box felt light as I lifted it. The lock had been forced. My knife was gon...