"Okay!" The voice in the earphones fell silent. Following Lily was unnecessary. The organization's brazen abduction indicated thorough preparation. Their cunning ensured even hidden cameras struggled to capture their movements, and the Russells' network yielded nothing. The question wasn't whether to follow; they were operating openly, the vaccine development base their most prominent lair.

Alexander straightened, his eyes narrowing slightly. His wife was deep in the lion's den, and he couldn't remain idle. He turned and entered the living room, where his son, Galen, sat engrossed in Lego construction. Alexander squatted beside him.

"Mommy left again," Galen said, continuing to play.

"Yeah," Alexander nodded. "She'll be back soon."

"No," Galen countered. "Mommy won't be back for a long time!"

Alexander's eyes widened. He propped his chin on his hand, tilting his head. "How do you know? Did Mommy tell you?"

Galen shook his head. "Grandpa said Mommy has important things to do. I'm a little man! I must be sensible and grow up big and strong!"

Galen's understanding of Dominic's words was incomplete, his expression of them halting.

Alexander chuckled. "That's right! You are a little man. You should be sensible!" He ruffled his son's hair. "But don't worry. Growing up is a process, you can do it slowly!"

"No!" Galen stood, arms akimbo, his father's words seemingly stinging. "I have to grow up fast to help you and Mommy defeat the bad guys!"

Alexander laughed, speechless. "So, tell me. Who are the bad guys?"

"The poison people," Galen replied.

Alexander was puzzled. "You know this because Grandpa told you?"

"Yeah!" Galen nodded determinedly, his face remarkably like his father's.

"What else did Grandpa tell you?" Alexander asked seriously.

"That Mommy is making an antidote to save people, and the bad guys aren't as powerful as she is!" Galen paused, searching for words. "Mommy is the smartest!"

"Your grandfather seems confident in your mother!" Alexander cupped Galen's chin. "I'll leave you to play at Grandpa's house for a few days. Is that okay?"