Elliot shifted his focus away from the virus, turning his attention to the mysterious stranger.


    "Dad, have you found any new leads on that guy?"


    Tarquin''s brows drew together, and at the mention of the stranger, his entire face turned cold as ice. In his eyes, you could see pure anger, disgust, and disappointment all tangled together.


    It took him a while to answer. When he finally spoke, his voice was clipped.


    "That''s between me and him. You two don''t need to get involved, and definitely don''t go poking around on your own."


    "If I need your help, I''ll ask you."


    "For now, if you have some free time, maybe try to track down Gerald and Howard."


    Gerald and Howard had left the house days ago, but strangely, there hadn''t been a single word from them since. No one had a clue where they were.


    Elliot and Elijah exchanged a look, both frowning, but nodded in understanding. "Alright. Got it."


    Just then, Elysia finished preparing ate-night snack. She knocked on the door and poked her head in. "Food''s ready!"


    As she came closer, her eyesnded on the jigsaw puzzle spread out on the table.


    "Working on a puzzle?”


    Elliot and Elijah both nodded. "Yeah, it''s one Grandpa left behind."


    Elysia paused, ncing at Tarquin. She picked up a puzzle piece and smiled softly.


    "Looks pretty old-school."


    Tarquin started gathering up the puzzle pieces. "C''mon, let''s head downstairs to eat. I''m starving."


    "Okay."


    The four of them packed up the puzzle and went downstairs to share their midnight snack-grilled cheese sandwiches and hot chocte around the kitchen table.


    After eating, Elliot and Elijah, sensing the adults wanted some time alone, headed upstairs to bed. Soon, only Tarquin and Elysia were left downstairs.


    Tarquin moved to start washing the dishes, but Elysia stopped him.


    "Aren''t you in a hurry to leave?"


    "No rush."


    "Then why don''t you go upstairs, take a nice hot shower and rx? I''ll handle this."


    She started carrying the dishes into the kitchen, but Tarquin followed her in. "Let me do it."


    Elysia rolled her eyes.


    "Oh, please. Washing a few tes isn''t going to kill your wife."


    Tarquin grinned, relenting. He kissed her hair, grabbed a dish towel, and headed out to tidy up the dining room instead.


    Once everything was neat and spotless, he finally retreated to the master bedroom for a shower.


    The past week had left his nerves strung tight worrying about his parents'' burial arrangements and constantly turning over thoughts about the eighth generation virus: Now, with his parents finally aid to rest and a few new clues in hand, he could finally let himself rx, just a little.  s


    Border City. Of all ces, it was Border City.


    Surprising, yet... not really, considering Border City''s reputation.


    “Babe, I left some clean clothes outside your door. I''m going to go check on Elliot


    and Elijah, make sure they''re asleep."


    Elysia''s voice brought him back to reality.


    "Thanks," Tarquin called back, and Elysia slipped out.


    He finished his shower and stepped out wrapped in a towel. A neatly folded shirt and pair of cks waited for him atop the dresser, and the sight made him smile. That quiet warmth in his chest-this was what reat sess felt like Not just a thriving career, but a family that made you feel at home.<fnd9ab> The source of th?s content is FιndNovel</fnd9ab>


    belongs to s


    He didn''t bother with the dress clothes Elysia had set out. Instead, he strode into


    the walk-in closet and pulled onfy pajamas.


    Just as he finished, Elysia returned, raising an eyebrow.


    "Not going out again? Why the pajamas?"


    "I thought I''d get some rest before heading back out. Are the boys asleep?"


    "Barely. They waited up for you, but finally just crashed."


    Elysia noticed his wet hair and grabbed the blow dryer, patting the chair beside her.


    "Come here. Let me take care of that."


    Tarquin didn''t argue. He sat down, letting her dry his hair.


    When she was done, they climbed into bed together. Elysia, sensing the weight on his mind, didn''t wait for him to reach for her She stretched. out her arm, inviting him to rest his head on her shoulder.  s


    "C''mere. Let me hold you for a while."


    Tarquin didn''t hesitate he buried his face in her arms like a child, finally letting himself rx.


    They say every man is a child at heart. In this moment, it couldn''t have been more


    true.