“And if we do open them?” I asked.

“They take the children,” Ryker said.

He turned toward the large windows, staring out into the rain-slicked driveway.

The headlights of the sheriff’s vehicle cut through the dark, reflecting off the wet gravel.

“We need time,” Ryker muttered.

“We only have pieces of this puzzle.”

He looked back at the desk, where the copy of Arthur’s will lay open.

“Marco, tell the lawyers to file an immediate stay of the order,” Ryker commanded.

“Tell them we have evidence of child abandonment at O’Hare.”

“I’m on it,” Marco said, speaking quickly into his phone as he walked toward the hallway.

I looked up at the ceiling, thinking of the quiet guest room upstairs.

Lily and Owen were finally sleeping, safe from the storm outside.

If the deputies came through those doors, the children would be terrified.

“I’m going to the gate,” Ryker said, reaching for his coat.

“No,” I said, grabbing his arm.

“Let me go. It looks less defensive if a woman handles the initial contact.”

Ryker hesitated, his dark eyes searching my face.