I filled it with tap water, the pipes clanking loudly in the walls.

The water was ice cold.

I set the kettle on the gas burner and struck a match, the blue flame sputtering to life.

“Do you think Clara can handle the court appearance?” I asked.

“She is terrified of Marissa,” Ryker said.

“Marissa threatened to have her arrested for harassment last year when she tried to see the kids.”

“Clara is their only living relative who cares about them,” I said.

“We have to protect her too.”

I walked back to the living room to check on the children.

The room was starting to lose its bitter chill, though the air still smelled of old dust.

Owen had fallen asleep, his thumb tucked into his mouth.

His worn teddy bear was tucked securely under his arm.

Clara was sitting on the edge of the sofa, her face buried in her hands.

I sat down beside her and placed a hand on her trembling shoulder.

“They are safe here, Clara,” I said gently.

She looked up, her eyes red and swollen.