She pulled out her work phone and stepped a few feet away, pressing it to her ear.

I knelt down on the cold floor, trying to get on eye level with the twins.

“Hi, Lily. Hi, Owen,” I said softly.

Owen pulled the teddy bear closer to his chest, his knuckles white.

“We are going to take you to a big, warm house,” I told them. “You will have your own rooms.”

Lily’s lips trembled, but she did not speak.

Marco stood watch near the gate, his eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of Marissa’s associates.

After what felt like an eternity, Hannah Brooks walked back over to us, lowering her phone.

“The commissioner is familiar with your work with the foundation, Mr. Steel,” she said slowly.

“Under the circumstances, and given the high-profile nature of the Vale family, he is approving a temporary emergency placement.”

She looked at us sternly.

“But this is strictly temporary. I will be at your estate first thing tomorrow morning to conduct a formal home study.”

“Understood,” Ryker said.

He reached down and gently offered his hand to Owen.