Coming together.

They hung up. Neither of them moved for a few seconds. Tracy’s emotional outburst made everything feel more real. Almost as if the gravity of the situation hadn’t truly sunk in. A hollow, gnawing feeling had settled in the pit of his stomach. A black hole formed in the center of his chest. It was as if he’d been run through with red hot steel. Air felt like lead in his lungs and each breath was struggle. It was like trying to breathe in ice water. And he knew that feeling wouldn’t go away until they got Audrey and Becca back safe and sound.

Bella began to fuss in her crib.

“That’s our cue,” Lucien said. “Go into my apartment and pack up some clothes. My stuff should fit you.” Lucien tossed him the keys.

“Okay.” Damian’s response was wooden. “Anything else?”

“There is some paperwork on a desk in there. And a laptop. Pack that up. And anything else you want.”

“Okay. I’ll be back in a few.”

Damian walked out of the apartment and into Lucien’s.Lucien let out a bitter laugh. It seemed like