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

I can’t remember exactly the date when I left town, he finally said, his voice lower than before. And I certainly don’t recall driving near your home or seeing the boys that day. He handed the photo back to Evie.

It must belong to someone else. Walter nodded, placing a hand on Evie’s shoulder. Well, at least now we have our answer.

Evie nodded, too, but she noticed Walter’s behavior had changed. He seemed suddenly tense, clearing his throat and shifting his weight from foot to foot. Howard looked at them with an unreadable expression.

Do you think the Cadillac is connected to your boys’ disappearance? We’re not sure, Walter replied. The police never mentioned it back in 1981. We just noticed it in the photo this morning.

Howard checked his watch. It’s nearly 3.30. We need to start wrapping up. He turned to two men standing behind the table.

The event is ending at 4 p.m. Let’s get everything packed up. He turned back to Evie and Walter. You should take the opportunity to look around while you can.

In about five minutes, there will be a closing performance by the children from our farm. He pointed toward a small outdoor stage at the far end of the fairgrounds. It’s quite charming.

You might enjoy it. Thank you, Walter said. It was good to see you again, Howard.

As they walked away from the tent, Evie lagged slightly behind. She heard Howard’s voice, low and urgent, speaking into his phone. Leave immediately after the performance.

Get Diego here. Yes, now. Evie froze, then slowly turned back.

Howard was busy directing his staff, paying no attention to them. She hurried to catch up with Walter, her mind racing with questions and a growing sense of dread. They made their way to the small outdoor stage where a group of children was assembling for the closing performance.

Most appeared to be Mexican, ranging from about six to nine years old, with a few kindergarten-age children mixed in. The children lined up on the simple wooden platform and began singing a cheerful folk song in Spanish. Evie watched the performance, but her mind was elsewhere.

She scanned the crowd, the staff members, looking for anything unusual. After a few minutes, movement at the edge of the stage caught her eye. A man emerged from behind the stage, walking with purpose toward the vendor area.

His pace was quick, almost hurried. Even from a distance, Evie could see his thick, curly black hair. Walter, she whispered urgently, tugging at his sleeve.

Look at that man, she pointed discreetly. The one walking so fast, see his hair? Doesn’t he look like Ferdinand? Walter followed her gaze, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the retreating figure. Yes, he said slowly.

The resemblance is striking. Do you think they’re twins? Evie asked, her voice tight with barely controlled excitement. Before Walter could answer, Evie was already moving away from the crowd, weaving between spectators to get a better look at the man’s face.

Walter hurried after her, keeping close. They circled around a cotton candy vendor, positioning themselves where they could observe without being obvious. The man had reached Howard’s tent and was engaged in an intense conversation with Howard Fielding.

As they watched, the man turned slightly, giving them a clear view of his profile. Evie gasped softly. The resemblance to Ferdinand was undeniable.

They could have been identical. The same wide smile, the same thick eyebrows, the same animated way of gesturing while speaking. This must be the brother Ferdinand mentioned, Evie whispered.

Diego, I think, the one Howard was calling for. Walter’s face had gone pale. The similar smile.

Same curly black hair? Could they be? Lucas and Noah, Evie finished, her voice barely audible. She gripped Walter’s arm tightly. Remember how Gabriel used to have a slightly smaller body and smaller eyes? He was always the easiest to identify because of his eyes.

And Noah had that slightly thicker brow and was always so agile and fast, even though he was calmer than Gabriel and Lucas. They watched as Howard and Diego suddenly broke off their conversation. Howard gestured sharply, and both men began walking rapidly toward the parking area, leaving the other staff members at the tent looking confused.

Why are they in such a rush? Evie’s voice rose with alarm. We should follow them. I need to talk to that man.

She started forward, but Walter caught her arm. Evie, wait. We could be mistaken.

If they really are our boys, Gabriel should be here, too. Let’s check the area first. If Gabriel is here somewhere, then we can call the police to investigate Howard.

Evie hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. You’re right. Besides, we know where the farm is if we need to go back.

They moved quickly through the fairgrounds, scanning faces in the crowd, looking behind booths and tents, but found no third man resembling Ferdinand and Diego. Maybe we’re wrong, Walter said, though his voice lacked conviction. Maybe it’s just a coincidence.

But Evie was already heading back toward Howard’s tent, where a single staff member was packing up the last of their materials. He was an older man, perhaps in his late sixties, with weathered hands that spoke of decades of farm work. «‘Excuse me,’ Evie said, trying to keep her voice casual.

«‘We were just at the farm earlier today and met Ferdinand. Then we saw another man who looks just like him. Diego, is it? Are they brothers?’ The man looked up, nodding.

«‘Yes, they’re twins.’ «‘Twins?’ Evie repeated, exchanging a glance with Walter. The man chuckled. «‘Well, actually, here’s a fun fact.

They’re triplets. The third one isn’t here today, though. He works at Mr. Howard’s private estate, not far from the farm.’ Evie and Walter stared at each other, identical expressions of dread and hope mingling on their faces…