“Like?” Mrs. Calloway inquires.
“Some homemade pyrotechnics. A small camera. A voice recorder. And a motion-triggered flash device that was rigged up to emit a high-pitched tone.”
“You don’t think … ?”
Mrs. Calloway doesn’t finish her question.
It trails off into oblivion.
“Think what?” Dad finally asks.
I picture Mrs. Calloway fidgeting with anapkin, squirming in her seat. When she answers, her voice is even lower. I really have to strain to hear. “It’s just … after school on Friday, Spencer and Selah were in his room for quite some time. And, well, they asked Carl for help with several … gadgets.”
The silence that follows is deafening.
Twig and I stare at one another.
A throat clears—Mr. Calloway’s, I think. “Listen, even if it was their equipment, I don’t believe for one second they would manufacture a hoax. They’re too smart for something like that, and too obsessed with the real thing.”
A pause stretches long enough for Twig to shift beside me, the air between us taut.
Then Mr. Calloway adds, “Elena said the camera still works.”
“Do you think it could have captured something?” Mrs. Calloway asks.
“I’m sure that’s what they’re hoping.”
I gape at Twig.
He gapes back.
If the camera is still working, what in the world did it capture?
Foggy Hollow Police Department Press Briefing
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 – 3:46 p.m. EST
CHIEF DOUGLAS PERRY: After four full days ofcoordinated searches, including extensive ground sweeps of the cemetery, the woods, and surrounding rural areas, we have not yet located Lainey Sikes or Ivy Winslow.
We continue to follow every lead, and our team is in regular contact with the families. This remains an open and active investigation.
Based on witness interviews and available evidence, we believe the event on Halloween night was most likely a prank that escalated in unexpected and tragic ways. There is currently no evidence of abduction, and no individuals are being pursued as suspects at this time.
We know there is a great deal of speculation circulating online, much of it unverified or sensationalized. We ask the public to refrain from spreading misinformation and allow our investigators to do their jobs without interference.
Again, if you were at the cemetery party or have since heard or seen anything that might help, we urge you to come forward. No detail is too small.
This community has always come together in hard times, and we are confident that with continued effort and cooperation, we will find answers.”
REPORTER (FOGGY HOLLOW GAZETTE):Chief Perry, can you comment on the status of Rafe Vandenberg? Given his connection to Lainey Sikes, is he considered a suspect or a third missing person?
CHIEF DOUGLAS PERRY: At this time, Mr. Vandenberg is not considered a missing person. He is 22 years old, and according to family and acquaintances, he expressed plans to leave Foggy Hollow following the weekend festivities. While he did attend the public ball with Ms. Sikes, we have no verified reports placing him at the cemetery party or confirming involvement in the events currently under investigation.
That said, we would like to speak with Mr. Vandenberg. If anyone has heard from him, we urge them to contact our department.
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