But it explained why the family had never been able to establish exactly where Catherine had been taken.
After further investigation, Richard finally learned where his daughter had been buried.
He asked me to accompany him.
I agreed.
We drove to a quiet cemetery on a gray morning. The grass was damp, and a cool wind moved through the trees.
Richard carried a bouquet of white roses.
I walked beside him, holding the small brown rabbit Margaret had given me to keep temporarily.
When we reached Catherine’s grave, Richard stopped.
For a long time, he said nothing.
He stared at the headstone as though he were trying to recognize the face of the young woman he remembered.
Then he knelt and placed the roses at its base.
“I’m sorry, Catherine,” he whispered.
His shoulders trembled.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t bring you home.”
I stood beside him, tears running down my face.