She just hugged me tighter. I had to gently unclench her fingers so that the guard would not have to do it by force. I watched Alfie, still weeping, being led away, only nodding reassuringly when she gave me a desperate look.

The caretaker remained in the room. He looked at me like he was waiting for something.

- She'll be all right. You won't hurt her! - it was not a question.

He nodded.

- I will personally check it. Lucas told you to come back to your place.

I breathed a sigh of relief. The last thing I wanted to do was be with him when he was...