The ringtone shattered the still and brought her back to reality. She took the phone from her pocket.

"Hello?" she said.

"I've done some poking around, Erma. The mastermind is in Alorith, but that's all we know. We don't know his name or what he looks like yet."

‘In Alorith? That's great.’ She didn't have to run all over the place looking for him.

"I see. See what else you can dig up. Keep me posted."

“Yes, Erma."

In the evening, when Matthew came back with Boswell, Erica was bathing

Damian and Colman. The two boys splashed enough to Leave great puddles on the floor, Like they'd had a water war

Erica was a mess, her pajamas soaked through

On the other hand, Adkins sat on a chair next to them, holding a water gun and pointing it at his two brothers from time to time. Colman kept screaming. The noise was so Loud everyone on the third floor could hear it.

Boswell ran into the bathroom and wrapped his arms around Erica.

“Mom!"

Erica smiled and kissed him on the cheek.

"You're back. Where's your dad?"

“Downstairs. He's on the phone. He said he'd be up here soon."

“Well, would you like to take a shower with your brothers?" Erica asked.

Shaking his head, Boswell answered, “No. How about my own bathroom?

Please?"

“Okay. Ask the nanny to fill the tub for you. I'll be along after I'm done with your brothers!" She had so many sons and they had to take turns bathing.

“Okay!"

With the nanny's help, Erica finally finished bathing each of her sons.

Erica was in the master bedroom. She stared at the man exiting the bathroom, not saying a word.

Matthew put on his pajamas and glanced at her.

"You should probably grab a shower," he said.

"Okay." She nodded and walked into the bathroom, burying the questions she wanted to ask him deep inside her.