The metallic blue streaks in Dr. Kellog’s hair shimmered as she cooed at Jacob. “You’re developing exactly as you should. Aren’t you, little man? Aren’t you?” The Little Prince happily gurgled in reply.

Addison grinned from the welcome news and the patient-doctor interaction. The pediatrician’s way with children was more than her brightly colored stethoscopes, ever-changing hair color, and her miniature Schnauzer Clyde who followed her everywhere. Kellog was a natural. As much as Addison had resented Daniel ordering her to take Ashlynn to Kellog, she had to admit that he’d chosen well.

Kellog’s blue eyes turned to Addison. “Has Jacob been–”

Dread welled up in Addison, followed by near panic. Ashlynn. Addison mentally reached for her daughter. Lynnie, what’s wrong?

Fear laced the girl’s thoughts. It got Shane and he’s angry but Svetlana’s brave so she’s taking me to the butterflies and–

“Dr. Harris?” Kellog frowned, concerned, as Jake fussed on the exam table.

Addison soothed Jacob while keeping most of her attention on her daughter. “A moment,” she told Kellog. To Ashlynn she said, That’s my brave girl. Are you and Svetlana okay?

Yes, Mummy.

Where’s Shane?

At home. Breaking stuff.

Addison clamped down on her worry and frustration. Her children’s safety was paramount. What was wrong with Shane this time? Scowling, she returned her attention to Dr. Kellog. “I’m afraid I’ll have to cut this short.” She picked up Jacob, who was close to a crying fit.

Although curiosity shone in the doctor’s eyes, she kept her questions to herself. “That’s fine. We were just about finished.” Kellog grinned at Jake. “Bye, Jacob. Be good.”

Addison had all but forgotten the pediatrician as she focused on Ashlynn. Where are you now, Ashlynn?

We’re in the tree-garden. The girl’s anxiety had waned considerably.

I’ll be right there. Addison concentrated on her daughter’s location, and the cheerily decorated exam room morphed into the arboretum.

“Mummy!” Ashlynn, who’d been standing beside Svetlana, whirled around and hugged Addison. Addison smoothed the girl’s hair, sending reassurance through the touch.

Svetlana turned around, unsurprised. “Dr. Harris, I–”

“Ashlynn told me. Did he say what’s wrong?”

The nanny shook her heard. “He wanted to know where Jacob was. And he’s not happy with you. Didn’t say why. I got out with Ashlynn as soon as possible.”

Addison smiled her thanks at Svetlana. She bounced Jacob in her arms as she pondered what to do next. Jacob. He could find Jacob, Addison realized. She extended her mental fingers, glancing over the minds she encountered. Soon she touched Shane’s roiling anger, which made her recoil. He was in his office.

“Perhaps we should go to Dr. Gibson’s quarters,” Svetlana suggested.

Addison considered the idea for a split second. “No. I’ll speak with Shane.” She handed Jacob to Svetlana. “I’m sure it won’t be necessary, ” Addison lied, “but if I’m not back in five minutes, go to Dan– Dr. Gibson’s.” Svetlana nodded.

Ashlynn looked up at Addison with huge eyes. “Shane’s mad at Daddy, too.”

“What else is new,” Addison muttered. She forced a smile for her daughter. “Back soon.” Addison focused on Shane’s location and teleported.