“Where is everyone?” Morales asked quietly, his voice echoing slightly in the hollow space.

“My mom’s at work. She never knows what happens when she’s gone,” Jimena replied, her voice a soft whisper that seemed afraid to disturb the air.

“And him?” Morales pressed, his instincts on high alert.

Jimena hesitated. “He’s here. Somewhere. He doesn’t let us leave the room when he’s around.”