CHAPTER 320

XENOIS

Theodore settled into the chair across from my desk, his weathered hands folded in his lap. For a long moment, he just studied me, his expression sad and knowing.

"Your parents loved you very much," he said finally. "I want you to understand that first. Whatever they've done, whatever choices they've made—it came from love. Misguided, perhaps. Complicated, certainly. But love nonetheless."

"Then why did they leave?" I demanded, my patience fraying. "Why dismiss you and the rest of the staff after thirty years? Why lock up the house and disappear without telling anyone?"

"Because they were torn," Theodore said quietly. "Between their love for their grandson...