The airport tarmac became quiet again, save for the dying whine of the jet engines.

I drove back to the mansion.

The large stone house looked imposing against the dark mountain.

Inside, the grand entrance hall was warm, but it felt empty.

I found Benjamin sitting in the library.

A single green banker’s lamp lit the room.

His oldest daughter, Emma, was asleep on the sofa under a wool blanket.

Lily and Sophie were sitting on the rug, sorting through colored pencils.

Dr. Amelia Hart stood by the window, watching the snow.

She gave me a quiet nod as I entered.

Benjamin looked up.

His eyes were bloodshot, and he looked ten years older than he had a month ago.

“Is it done?” he asked.

“They are in custody,” I said.

“Julian was with her.”

Benjamin closed his eyes for a long moment.

“My own CFO,” he whispered.

“My cousin by marriage.”

He looked at his hands, which were rough and dry.

“I built a kingdom,” he said.

“And I let the wolves guard my children.”

“You are here now, Benjamin,” I said.