—Mabel—

A bullet of panic rose in my throat as I jerked to my feet.

“The kids? What about the kids?”

Mrs. Chukwuemeka drew a breath. “They've refused to go to school, have been throwing tantrums asking to see you.”

Relief swept through me. I lowered my cutlery on the table and dragged a hand across my face.

“Oh, okay. I'm coming right now.”

I ended the call, grabbed my purse, and headed out immediately.

The elevator opened automatically as I approached. After I stepped in, it ...