Emilia straightened when she noticed Raymond standing in the doorway, watching her and Freya with a curious look. She met his gaze, then rose to leave, thinking she’d given Freya enough comfort for the moment.

“Just a conversation,” Emilia said quietly as she brushed past him, hoping to leave them in privacy.

But Raymond’s hand reached out, stopping her. “Stay,” he ordered. “I’d like you here for this.”

Emilia hesitated, glancing between him and Freya. Finally she nodded and returned to her chair. She was curious, and maybe even a bit nervous, wondering what Raymond wanted to talk to Freya about so suddenly.

Raymond walked over to where Freya sat,...