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“But she did stop it,” Lucy says. “And while the words are one of the more explosive things to find their way onto the road, they’re hardly the only tools at our disposal. The gates may be gone, but enough of the road remains to follow it—if you have theright connection to it, and to your destination. You all have keys, I presume. Have you all used them?”

I think through quickly—Becca must have used hers at some point, because she nods. Kyle opened that first gate, Anthony opened the gate after the water, Mel handled the third—which leaves me, and the gate at the beach.

“Good,” Lucy says. “That ties you to the road. If you’re careful, and stay focused, it should be enough. Well. Could be. But we don’t have any option but to risk it.”

“We?” I say.

Lucy blinks at me. “Isn’t it obvious?” she says. “I’m coming with you.”

EXHIBIT M

Email sent from Rebecca Donoghue to Andrew Ashford

April 29, 2017—Ten days before interviews

To: Andrew Ashford

From: Rebecca Donoghue

Subject: help

My sister gave me your name. My name is Rebecca Donoghue. We live in Briar Glen, in Massachusetts. Something happened. I don’t have time to explain.

Look up Lucy Gallows. I have pictures. I’ll attach them here, I think I can do that.

We need help. Something’s wrong. Sara said you could help us. She said Miranda told her, but Miranda’s dead so I don’t know how that could be true.

I can’t explain.

I’m attaching the pictures.

Please come. Please help.

Please.

INTERVIEW

REBECCA DONOGHUE

(Audio only)

May 4, 2017—Five days before interviews

The background of the recording is noisy—clinking plates and silverware, the murmur of voices. It seems to be a public place, probably a restaurant.

ASHFORD: Miss Donoghue. Rebecca.

BECCA: Becca, please. No one calls me Rebecca.

ASHFORD: Becca, then. Do you mind if I record this?

BECCA: Why? To give to the police?

ASHFORD: I try to avoid contact with the police whenever possible. I can assure you that I will do everything I can to see that this recording, and the rest of the materials I may collect, will not come under scrutiny by anyone other than myself and my associates.

BECCA: Associates, huh?

ASHFORD: Mostly just Abigail. You’ll meet her later. My point is that any information you share will be quite safe with us.