Before he could answer, the door to the study opened.

Harris stood in the threshold, his face grim.

“The outer gates are locked down, sir,” Harris said. “The guards are patrolling the east wall.”

“Where is Leo?” I asked, my voice rising in panic.

“He is in the playroom with Mrs. Russo,” Harris replied quickly. “Two men are posted right outside the door.”

I didn’t wait for Damon.

I pushed past Harris and ran down the long, carpeted hallway of the estate.

The walls of the grand Chicago mansion felt like they were closing in on me.

I sprinted up the stairs, my breath coming in short, painful gasps.

I threw open the door to the playroom.

Leo was sitting on the rug, building a tower out of colored wooden blocks.

Marlene sat on the small sofa nearby, holding a cup of tea.

She looked up, her kind face instantly tight with worry when she saw my expression.

“Nora? What is it?” Marlene asked, setting her tea down on the side table.

I rushed across the room and dropped to my knees, wrapping my arms tightly around my son.