Chapter 28

The GPS instructs me to turn off at Exit Twenty-Six. As I activate my indicator, it adds, "Take a left at the traffic light."

My latest investigation into Ariella's background has led me to Bothell, Washington. In her notebook, she describes attending an open mic to listen to a woman named Sashi, a priestess of an alternative religion to whom Ariella seems to be devoted. I am eager at the prospect of finally learning the specifics of Ariella's belief system, as she was notably unclear in her writing about it—the one topic she had not fully addressed.

However, Ariella spoke extensively about Sashi Naidoo, who apparently resides in France with her religious order. I realized she is no longer in the United States. Her open mic companion, however, lives nearby, and I had requested a meeting with them.

I try not to smile as I drive along the main arterial road leading to the older part of town. I started driving after school last night and drove all night to get to our early meeting. I a