A few days after Ashby's arrest, Austin walked into his study and sat at his desk. And to his surprise, the table was empty. There were no confidential letters, investigation files waiting for him.
He opened one of the drawers and found an old supply report from months ago and started reading it, even though he had already read it a number of times.
Alina came to the study an hour later and found him still at the desk.
"That report is from three months ago," she said from the door.
"I'm just verifying the numbers."
"How many times will you verify them? I was sitting across from you when you did."
"I think…"
Alina snatched the report from his hand before he could finish.
"Why are you stressing yourself?" she asked.
Austin sighed as he turned to look at her.
"Harrington is running the castle fine," he said. "Maren has no active operations. Cecily has settled. We are happy. I have nothing to do."
Alina laughed at his response.
"Most people would call it a good day."
