This was Daniel’s world.

The towering crane of the Mercer Development site was visible against the grey sky.

It looked like a giant skeleton.

I parked in the underground garage of Robert’s office building and woke the children.

We took the elevator to the twelfth floor.

Robert’s assistant, a kind woman named Sarah, was waiting for us with a tray of cookies and some coloring books.

“I’ll watch them in the conference room,” she said, giving me a reassuring smile.

“Thank you, Sarah,” I said.

I walked into Robert’s private office.

He was sitting at his desk, surrounded by stacks of manila folders and printed financial statements.

He looked tired, but his eyes were sharp.

“We have a hearing at 11:30,” he said, skipping the pleasantries. “The judge has agreed to see us in chambers.”

“Did Daniel’s lawyer respond?” I asked, sitting in the chair opposite him.

“Yes,” Robert said. “They are claiming the passport issue was a misunderstanding. They are saying Daniel was traveling to London for a pre-scheduled business meeting.”

“In Dubai?”