I went back into the apartment after having a long talk with the babysitter, my neighbor, and Aiden. I saw Eleanor pacing around the living room with her phone. She was on call.

“What do you think? Aiden is in safe hands, don't you agree? Emily asked.

I nodded with a smile. “I'm so relieved. He looks so happy with his new friends.”

Eleanor, who was on call, turned around and pressed the phone against her chest. “Hey girls, it's uncle Lucius. I asked him to come pick us up.”

“Why? You don't have to call him.” I protested, but she wasn't having any of it.

“He wants to see...