Tonia's POV
The metallic clatter of the spoon hitting the floor echoed through the kitchen as I lunged for my phone. My pulse hammered against my throat so violently I thought it might burst through my skin.
Lucien picked up on the second ring.
"Tell me it's real," I gasped into the phone, barely able to form the words. "Your message about her being alive?"
"It's real, Tonia. But there's a problem. Her sister won't let me near her. You need to get here now. Maybe seeing you will change everything."
"I'm coming. Just tell me where."
"Same address I gave you before. Her sister's house. And Tonia? Don't waste time."
The line went dead. I stared at the phone, my mind racing. Five hours of driving stretched ahead of me. By the time I returned, it would be past midnight. The thought of leaving Kermit alone sent ice through my veins, but my children had to come first.
