The world drifted away for Alex. Everyone was sending their condolences. Mason was running about like a madman trying to find someone, anyone who knew anything about his baby daughter.
Jerry and Theresa insisted on keeping the family together. Alex and Mason moved in with their son as quickly as possible. The Russo family circled the wagons, and watched for an attack.
Days passed without event. A missing wizard child, specifically a Russo, was no small news event. Nothing happened. No evidence turned up, none of the wizard world's criminals had any clue where the girl was.
Weeks passed. Jerry stopped eating nervously. Theresa stopped humming because she was afraid. Mason went out for the night instead of staying up taking shifts watching the door. (Like their enemies used doors.)
Mason, Theresa, Alexander, and Alex were gathered around the dinner table. Their spirits were a bit high as the sandwhich shop had been reopened to surprising success. Mason was recounting how he set a series of dog tied up to a lamp post free when everyone laughed. Everyone but Alex of course. Still, the dinner went well.
Finally, after an eternity of silence, Alex spoke, "Justin."
Whatever happiness had been managed immediately disappeared. Alex continued in a quiet voice, "He has to know. Who else would target me? Who else has the power to kidnap a wizard child? He ran the mortal world, and has countless contacts in the monster world. Justin knows something."
The table was silent.
"Well?"
Mason spoke quietly, "I will never, ever, EVER support any idea that leads to his freedom. Ever. I love you. I do. But Alex... even if we never see Justine again... that would still be better than having Justin in power again, and you know that, my love."
Alex blinked, "I can take him."
Theresa, noting the dangerous vibe, picked up little Alexander and carried him into the next room. Jerry chewed thoughtfully, "You realize he is still as dangerous as ever? Don't forget, just as you're his kryptonite, he is yours."
Alex nodded, "I have a plan."
Jerry sighed, "I'm sorry Alex, but I just can't help you. Justin... needs not to be touched. It's over. He could not have arranged it from his cell. Period."
Alex nodded, "Fine, I'll just eat in my room."
Of course this was a lie. Not the eating part. She planned to do that. But now she knew she could no longer count on anyone to help her this time. And that made her plan so much more difficult...