Twenty three years ago Helen Jones disappeared on her way to school. She was twelve years old. No trace of her was ever found. But now a confession in a sealed envelope has turned up in a dead man's possessions. Naomi Blake was Helen's best friend and the last person to see her alive. They had quarrelled and Naomi has never forgiven herself. Now blinded and an ex-policewoman, she sets out with Helen's brother to uncover the dusty truth behind Helen's vanishing.