Young triplets vanished in 1981 — 30 years later their mom makes a shocking discovery…

See you soon. Evie left the house with a sense of purpose, locking the door behind her and walking briskly to the bus stop three blocks away. The Texas heat was building as the day progressed, and she was grateful when the bus arrived just as she reached the stop.

The fifteen-minute ride to the medical clinic passed quickly as Evie’s mind churned with questions about Howard Fielding and his Cadillac. As she stepped off the bus, a young woman in a straw hat and bright yellow T-shirt thrust a colorful flyer into her hand. County Agricultural Fair this week, the woman announced cheerfully before moving on to the next disembarking passenger.

Evie glanced at the flyer as she walked toward the clinic. It advertised a week-long agricultural event that had started yesterday. Each day featured different activities culminating in a farmer’s market and various competitions over the weekend.

She noticed the large print announcing a special auction today at a site not far from Howard’s Farm. Interesting, she murmured, tucking the flyer into her purse as she approached the clinic entrance. Inside, she found Walter at the cashier’s desk, settling his co-payment for the appointment.

He smiled when he saw her. Perfect timing, he said. Dr. Matthews says everything looks good.

My blood pressure’s down since they adjusted my medication. That’s wonderful news, Evie replied, genuinely relieved. Are you ready for our little adventure? Soon they were in Walter’s sedan, following the GPS directions toward Howard’s Haven for hope.

The landscape gradually changed from suburban neighborhoods to increasingly rural farmland as they drove. Any response to your e-mail, Walter asked, eyes on the road ahead. No, nothing, Evie replied.

She pulled the flyer from her purse. But look at this. I got it at the bus stop.

There’s a big agricultural event happening this week. Today there’s an auction not far from Howard’s Farm. Walter glanced briefly at the flyer as she held it up.

I wonder if Howard will be at that event. It’s possible, Evie agreed, studying the map on the flyer. The auction site is in the same general area as his farm, just a different address.

Let’s visit his farm first as planned, Walter suggested. We can always check out the auction afterward. After driving for more than an hour through increasingly remote countryside, they turned onto a long gravel road marked by a simple wooden sign, Howard’s Haven for Hope.

The driveway led to a cluster of buildings, a large farmhouse, several barns, and what appeared to be dormitories. The place seemed quiet with few people visible. As they parked and got out of the car, they noticed a young man emerging from one of the barns.

Hello there, Walter called out, waving. The young man, Hispanic, probably in his early twenties, approached them with a friendly smile. Hello, can I help you? We’re looking for Howard Fielding, Evie said.

Is this his farm? Yes, this is Mr. Fielding’s place, the young man confirmed. Do you have an appointment with him? Walter shook his head. No, not exactly.

We’re old friends from back when Howard was a teacher. We sent an e-mail to the address on the website. The young man’s expression cleared.

Oh, that’s the old e-mail address. We’ve been switching to a new one this past month, but the website hasn’t been updated yet. He looked apologetic.

Mr. Fielding isn’t here right now. He and most of our staff and children went to the county agricultural event. There’s an auction today, and we’re also running a stall to promote our charity program.

Yes, we just heard about the event, Evie said, trying to hide her disappointment. She turned toward the car, ready to leave. Wait, Walter said, placing a hand on her arm.

He turned to the young man. Since we’re already here, would it be possible to look around the farm a bit? We’d love to see what Howard has built here. The young man hesitated.

Let me check with the supervisor on duty. One moment, please. He walked away, pulling out a phone, and had a brief conversation.

When he returned, he was smiling. That’s fine. I’d be happy to show you around.

For the next 30 minutes, they followed him through the property. He showed them the barns where they kept livestock, the stables for the horses, and the fields where they grew various crops. Throughout the tour, he explained their charity program, how they helped immigrant children learn about agriculture and farming, while providing them with education and support.

This is one of our special barns, the young man said, as they approached a colorful structure with children’s paintings decorating the exterior. It’s designed specifically for the younger children to play, get messy, and explore. Mr. Fielding created this program to introduce farming life to kids in a fun way.

Inside the barn, they found a man arranging materials on several low tables. He appeared to be in his late 30s or early 40s with thick black curly hair and fair skin. When he smiled at their entrance, Evie noticed his unusually wide, bright smile.

Ferdinand, these are friends of Mr. Fielding, their young guide explained. They stopped by, hoping to see him. The man wiped his hands on a towel and approached them, extending his hand.

I’m Ferdinand, the activities coordinator. Nice to meet you. Walter and Evie Marlowe, Walter said as they shook hands.

Ferdinand gestured to the materials he’d been arranging. I’m preparing some demonstration activities for potential investors and clients who’ll be visiting during the event this week. We want to show them exactly how we work with the children here.

He moved around the tables with practiced ease, explaining each station. I’ve been here a very long time, since I was six years old, actually. Mr. Howard rescued me and took me in when I had nowhere else to go.

Howard was a school teacher before this, Evie said, watching Ferdinand’s movements carefully. Our sons were his students. He always had a way with children…