Evelyn adjusted her little backpack, big eyes blinking as she looked from her father to her mother. Even at her young age, she was perceptive.


    "Mommy, what were you going to say to Daddy?" she asked, looking up.


    Eleanor stroked her head. "Mommy has to go to a meeting in Kingston. Will you be okay with Daddy for a bit?"


    "Okay! Will you bring me a present from Kingston?" Evelyn asked expectantly.


    "I will," Eleanor promised.


    Evelyn had been a typical high-needs baby from the start. Ever since she could recognize faces, she was wary of strangers, clinging only to her parents. They had originally hired three nannies, but Eleanor had let them all go.


    When she was fussy, not even Joslyn could hold her, which was why both Eleanor andn were so hands-on with their daughter. Eleanor had developed a habit of only entrusting her daughter ton and no one else.


    Aftern took their daughter downstairs, Eleanor quickly packed herptop and luggage. When she went down, she saw Gavin waiting by her car. "Miss Sutton, I''ve been instructed to take you to the airport."


    "Oh, I couldn''t possibly trouble you, Gavin," Eleanor said, not wanting to impose.


    "It''s no trouble. Mr. Goodwin said you need to rest up for your meeting in Kingston."


    Eleanor paused. She hadn''t slept wellst night and really did need to catch up on some sleep during the drive. The afternoon''s BCI meeting was going to be a mental marathon.


    She didn''t refuse, as she needed to review the key points for the conference in the


    car.


    Her thoughts drifted back to


    Princess, and her heart ached with worry. But she sighed. She knew how to prioritize. Her sense of responsibility and the urgency of her project meant she couldn''t continue the search herself.


    But she knewn wouldn''t give up.


    Lanny followed him. A foul smell suddenly wafted over, and he said, "Mr. Goodwin, there''s a garbage collection point up ahead. I can go search it."


    There was still no sign of Princess. His men kept reporting in, but none of them had any news.


    A sense of unease crept into his heart. Could something have really happened to Princess?


    Just then,n''s phone rang. It was one of Lanny''s subordinates.


    "Mr. Goodwin, I just spoke with an old man who said he saw a city animal control van near the street market around nine o''clockst night. He said he heard what sounded like a dog being captured."


    "Animal control?"n''s heart sank. His voice was urgent. "Find the license te number and the location of the local animal shelter immediately."


    Ten minutester,n received an address-a temporary holding and processing facility within the district. He pulled open the car door and got in. Lanny immediately started the vehicle, and they sped toward the location.


    the terror she must be experiencing if she were locked up in a ce like that.