Chapter 1424
She helped him take off his coat, gentle as always.
“Did you get some sleep? Or just lying there?” she asked softly. “Did you finish everything p>
“The cemetery’s all settled, but the monks are still at the old chapel, holding services. They say they’ll need three more days p>
“Do we need to go over there p>
“I’ll go myself. Just wanted to come home and check in. I’ll head back in a bit p>
Elysia took his coat and hung it up in the entryway closet.
Elliot, their little boy, grabbed a pair of slippers from the shoe rack. “Daddy, change your shoes p>
Tarquin grinned. As soon as he slipped on the slippers, Elijah, his younger son, picked up his dress shoes and tucked them neatly inside the cabinet.
Tarquin gave Elijah’s hair a gentle ruffle, his eyes full of warmth.
The four of them headed toward the living room. Tarquin glanced around. “Did Mom and Dad head out already p>
Clayton and Pamela had moved out at the beginning of the month. The house was quieter now.
“No,” Elysia replied, “they stayed tonight. They’re worried about you—and about me and the kids p>
She lowered her voice, “I gave them a little something to help them sleep. Your dad left you some dinner too. Want to eat p>
She knew he probably hadn’t had a bite all day.
Tarquin nodded. “Yeah. Is there any soup p>
“You want soup p>
“Yeah, kind of craving it. But if not, no big deal p>
“I can whip up some chicken noodle. It won’t take long. You hang out with Elliot
and Elijah—I’ll call you when it’s ready p>
“Thanks, hon. You’re the best p>
Elysia grinned. “You sweet talker p>
She disappeared into the kitchen. Tarquin wasted no time—he led the boys upstairs to the study.
Truth was, he wanted soup just to give her something to do. The business about the eighth-generation virus… he didn’t want her worrying about that.
As soon as the study door closed, Elliot piped up, “Daddy, did you find anything today p>
Tarquin reached into his pocket and took out a small plastic box. He popped it open.
“Come on, let’s work on this together p>
Elliot and Elijah leaned in, curious. “What is it p>
“It’s a puzzle your granddad gave me when I was your age p>
Elliot picked up a piece and read it aloud: “King City p>
Tarquin explained, “Your grandpa used to use this to teach me all the cities in Zhinora. He’d say, ‘Wherever you are never forget where you came from. The blood in your veins makes you who you are, son Never forget your homeland, never forget her shape.”” s
Both boys sat up straighter, eyes shining with pride.
“Grandma and Grandpa are real heroes,” Elliot declared. “We’re proud of them p>
“We’ll learn from them and never forget our roots!” Elijah chimed in.
Tarquin’s heart warmed at their enthusiasm. He tousled their hair affectionately. “They’ll be proud of you too. Come on, let’s put this puzzle together p>
The three of them quickly assembled the pieces, revealing a detailed map of Zhinora, with every city labeled.
But-
Elliot frowned. “Hey, we’re missing a piece. Is that all of them p>
Elijah double-checked the box and looked around. “Nothing else. That’s all we’ve
got p>
Elliot turned to Tarquin. “Was it
always like that? When you did
With Grandpa, was this pienet
missing?” s
Tarquin’s brow furrowed. “Don’t bother looking. Your grandpa took that piece out
on purpose p>
When he’d done the puzzle as a kid,
it was always complete. The
missing piece now-his father had. removed it deliberately s
Elliot and Elijah exchanged a look, realization dawning.
“The real eighth-generation virus… is there?!” Elliot gasped.
Tarquin’s expression turned grim. “Border City p>