Priorities

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO.

"I don't think it's what you're thinking," Chief Onapuruagu said. "It's obviously a coincidence."

Coco shaked her head in disagreement. "I think there's more to it."

"Stop being paranoid."

"I'm not paranoid, Fred."

"It's fine. Let's not argue. We'll find out when we return."

Coco nodded. "Okay."

***

Tems ran from room to room, switching on all the lights and calling out all four of her brother's names, her heart pounding so hard that it was difficult for her to breathe. She raced up the stairs to Chief Onapuruagu's bedroom . His bed had been slept in, but it was empty.

Tems searched every room in the mansion, then raced downstairs, her mind numb. She was passing Inna's bedroom when she heard a faint scrabbling sound from the closet. Tems moved toward the door slowly and pulled it open. It was dark inside.

A voice whimpered, "I will make you pay for this."

Tems turned on the lights. Coco was laying on the floor, her hands and feet tightly bound with wire. She