章 19: Chapter 19

They needed a reason first,but the lion was biding his time.When they got closer to the old house,the lion seemed to look at the number of toys for boys and girls in the yard and draw further conclusions.

Noah still wasn’t back with Maxim,and even though Mikael could catch a glimpse of Zoya from between the curtains—she looked scared but determined—there was no trace of Sean,either.Sean’s first task was to keep his family safe.Mikael assumed that he was inside with Zoya and all the kids,and hopefully also Anton.

“Would you be so kind as to lend me a bed for the night?”Tony asked suddenly,and Mikael had absolutely no valid reason to say no.

“Sure.There is one upstairs that we have set for surprise visitors at all times,”he said as they walked back to the house.

The lion retreated to the guestroom for a“nap,”and Mikael tried to force his feet to carry him down the stairs as calmly as possible.

When he got to the kitchen,Noah was there.