"A buzzard…are you sure?" Scrooge asked, finishing securing Beakley's bandage wrap on her shoulder tight.

"Or a vulture. Either could work."

"And he was…practically two meters tall? Maybe even more?"

Beakley pulled down the sleeve of her housekeeper outfit. "Practically." She tested her shoulder a little, but then she grimaced. Scrooge closed his first aid kit then flatly said, "You know better than to that now, Bentina."

She grunted roughly, unsatisfied. "Right."

"And…you're saying he had a large, golden sword on him with a swan's neck carved into its hilt?" Scrooge asked, putting the kit away into the medicine cabinet.

"Yes."

Scrooge sighed. "If my memory serves me right, that sounds like the legendary Sword of Swanstantine. But…unfortunately any information about it is either long gone, hidden, or destroyed. I could try to find more information about it in my archives, but I doubt I can find anything more than what little I already know."

The two walked outside the bathroom and down the hallway towards the main entrance.

"But what does the Sword do, exactly?" Beakley asked.

"That's exactly my point, I don't know. It could be any normal sword, or it can have some sort of magical properties. Did you see anything unusual from our so called 'knight'?"

Beakley raised a brow. "Well, not counting how big he was, his strength, the gaudiness of the outfit-"

"Alright, alright, I get it," Scrooge quickly backtracked. "So, I'm going to give an educated guess that this Sword bestows strength to those who wield it."

Beakley nodded stiffly. "That's what I think too, and it's the best guess we got now."

"But who was this goon anyway?"

She half shrugged with her good shoulder. "Doesn't matter at this point. Probably a lone guard hired to protect whatever was behind that door." She sighed. "Today was not a good day. I allowed their director to go deeper underground, plus I allowed this secret weapon of theirs to get away from me scot-free. I knew from the beginning that this was going to be a trap, but even when I knew about it going in, I still could not take advantage of that fact for my own benefit." She closed her eyes and sighed again. "Maybe I am losing my touch."

Scrooge looked at her in concern, then he cautiously put a hand on her uninjured shoulder. "Beakley, I know no better SHUSH agent than you, and you were picked to be director for a reason. We'll get them one day, I feel it in me old bones. One day. We just need to be smarter, sharper, and tougher going forward into this."

The two were now in front of the mansion's entrance doors. The heavy sound of pattering from the rain hit the door as they neared it. Beakley took in a semi-dramatic breath, then said, "Do you always have to use those words?"

Scrooge chuckled. "Well, it is sort of my thing."

Beakley lightly smiled goodnaturedly. "Thanks."

They looked at each other for a moment in peace, then Scrooge asked, "You sure you can't stay the night, Bentina?"

"I'd rather not bother you anymore than I already have, Mr. McDuck."

But Scrooge shook his head. "No bother to me, Bentina, no bother at all. Just, with your shoulder and all-"

"Thank you, Scrooge," she interrupted with a tone of finality. "But, I think I should return to SHUSH headquarters as soon I can to report my findings. It'd be imperative towards our goals with bringing FOWL down once and for all."

"Well," Scrooge said with some exasperation as he went to open the door. "If you ask me, I think your health is more important than that, especially if you can just call them on the phone. I mean, it's not like you're expecting the man in the red armor to be standing right outside this door."

Scrooge opened the door wide, and just as he did lightning and thunder struck, revealing the form of Bradford Buzzard standing right outside the entrance, holding an open umbrella in one hand and a bundle in his other arm. The two ducks blinked at him shock as he gazed back at them, unphased.

"What the- Bradford?!" Scrooge cried in surprised.

"Mr. McDuck. Bentina, pleasure to see you again, as usual," he nodded to them both, who were both still staring in shock. Bradford continued, "I apologize for my unexpected and late appearance in such tumultuous weather, sir. But, I hope what I have to show you will make my visit understandable. It's of the upmost importance. And thankfully, seeing Bentina here will hopefully make this easier to explain."

He turned the bundle slightly toward their direction, and they both gasped. The little girl was still sleeping, unbothered by the sound of their voices or the loud thunder.

"Bradford, how, what-" Scrooge started, but he was stopped by Bradford's desperate look.

"Please," the vulture whispered, a strain of worry in his voice. Scrooge glanced at Beakley, and she nodded with concern. Scrooge opened the door wider for him.

"Of course, please, come in, come in. The rain outside must be freezing, would you like a cuppa o' tea to warm you up? Beakley, could you be so kind as to get his umbrella?"

Bradford passed his long umbrella to Beakley who closed it and slid it into the umbrella stand. "No, thank you, Mr. McDuck, I wouldn't want to further inconvenience you with my presence."

"Oh come off it, why does everyone think they're bothering me? You two sit down, I'll go get some cups."

The older duck left for the kitchen as Bradford carefully sat himself into a soft chair while Beakley took the couch. Bradford brought his other arm around the bundle and cradled the child's head in his hand, bringing her closer to himself. He watched her with worry as Bentina looked at them both in concern.

"The child," Beakley started softly, an edge of awkwardness in her voice. "How did you…"

Bradford shook his head. "I honestly don't know how or why me but…I had to come here once I found her."

"How did you find her? Where?" Beakley asked, an air of authority returning back to her. Just as she asked, Scrooge came back with two hot cups of tea in his hands. He placed the cups before them both. Bradford stared at his cup forlornly and took in a deep breath. Unconsciously, his body started to shake slightly.

"As you know, I was on my leave for the last month. Returning to McDuck Mansion under such circumstances was the very last thing I expected tonight but…" he took another breath in to steady himself. "My brothers and I were staying at our vacation home in Duckburg, at the edge of the harbor, near the forest so we wouldn't be bothered much by any hapless spring breakers. We were having a nice time there the last few weeks: reading books and newspapers, managing our portfolios, sitting on our porch and watching the sea. It was peaceful.

"Now, how I personally liked to spend my evening time was to keep up my health by walking through the trees and up to the shore, then to the harbor, and then back before 9 PM. I would usually head out the door by 7 PM, but tonight I was not feeling so well, so I decided to leave at 8 PM and only head up to the shore and then return home. Well…I-"

He pursed his beak and knitted his brows in worry, looking down at the duckling with wet eyes. He tried to control his short breathing.

"I was close by the harbor when I heard her crying. Not many people come close to the end of the shores, so it's a miracle I found her when I did. She was crying loudly, and I had thought at first it was just a seal or any other animal, but when I came closer to expect the sound since it was so loud…" he gulped. "I-I found her by the rocks, near the water. The water was rising as the night settled in. I couldn't leave her there. I couldn't."

He brought his beak closer to the duckling's face and nuzzled her slowly. Scrooge rubbed his hands as Beakley took a sip of tea. Scrooge asked with a slightly disbelieving voice, "So you climbed down those rocks? By yourself? And then got yourself back up again with her in your arms?"

Bradford sighed with a small groan. "Let's just say I've had some…training in climbing difficult rock walls under stressful circumstances while I was a child. I'll leave it at that."

Scrooge glanced at Beakley curiously, who then nodded assuredly. The older duck understood, then whispered gravely, "Yes, this is a serious manner, Bradford. A very serious manner. What monster would leave an innocent baby near the harbor just to allow her to drown?"

"Which is why I came to you, Mr. McDuck. Normally, I would've gone to the police with this manner. But, once I saw the blanket the child was bundled in, I knew I had to rush to you, even in such a storm."

Bradford reached into his back pocket and took out a lightly torn, blue blanket and unraveled it on the table near his now cold tea. The two ducks gasped again. The large "F" was unmistakable. Beakley placed her raised teacup back onto her saucer with an audible clink.

"FOWL," she stated plainly with a growl.

Bradford nodded grimly. "Yes...yes I was afraid of this. This must explain why you are here, Mrs. Beakley. One of your agents must've been spotted to have brought you here."

The two ducks quickly gazed at each other nervously, then Beakley said, "In a way."

Bradford sighed, tightening his hold on the duckling. "What would they want with a child, I can't comprehend. And I don't think I ever will. Terrible…just terrible."

The three sat in silence for a long moment in thought, the feeling of justifiable anger and disbelief heavily hanging in the air between them. The low sound of thunder grumbled outside and a short flash of lightning flashed through the windows.

Bradford broke the quiet with a small, unsure voice, catching Scrooge's attention. "Mr. McDuck…I know I am only a businessman. I have handled SHUSH's finances for many, many decades, and I knew of their many exploits, even top-secret ones that were especially enclosed to me and no one else. I know of the crimes that FOWL have done since their inception. And I know what SHUSH has done to combat them. But I only knew so much. And to be frank, I could not comprehend some of the things the two organizations have done over the years, nor did I agree with SHUSH's actions at some points in time in terms of monetary actions. I only knew the money side of these things at the end of day. I did not know what the agents did, nor their plans for when they had to invade FOWL facilities.

"But, tonight changed these things," he looked down at the baby, slightly changing his position with holding her and bringing her closer up his chest. "Tonight, I think I see why many of these actions were done on SHUSH's side, no matter the cost. I've personally seen now how it can affect the most innocent of us. So I ask…for the sake of the child…I ask if either of you have seen what has happened to have led FOWL here to Duckburg tonight? Why were they here? How could they have-"

His last question got stuck in his throat as a shudder went through him. Beakley quickly got up and brought over to him a box of tissues. "Thank you," he whispered as he gathered a handful of tissues and blew into them loudly, then lifting his pince-nez and drying his eyes with one hand.

"I can see this has affected you strongly, Mr. Buzzard," Beakley stated straightforwardly. Bradford nodded listlessly, unable to speak. "And I see you've already grown attached to this little girl as well, am I right? I'd be surprised if you hadn't."

Bradford suppressed another sniffle as he checked the child again. She was still sleeping peacefully, snuggled into his black business suit and holding onto it tightly. He smiled, but anxiety still clung on his face.

"I just…don't want anything happening to her. I don't want them to come and take her away. I know I sound childish, I know that they probably think her dead. Still…"

Beakley stiffly nodded. "I understand, Mr. Buzzard. More than you know."

Scrooge raised an eyebrow and looked at Beakley in disbelief. The older woman continued unabashed, "If it's alright with you, would it be okay for me to discuss some matters with Mr. McDuck in private? We shall rejoin you both soon."

"Yes, of course," Bradford deeply nodded. "I understand."

Beakley touched Scrooge's shoulder and gestured towards the kitchen with her head. Scrooge looked surprised from the situation, but he followed Beakley into the kitchen, leaving Bradford and the duckling alone in the living room.

As they went in, Beakley closed the door, then said, "Before you can even ask me, no, I don't believe he was that knight I saw."

"Huh?" Scrooge perked up, batting the air against a wandering, annoying fly. "What? The red knight? Him?"

Scrooge laughed. "Bradford? Wearing giant armor? Holding a sword? Ha!" He laughed even harder, slapping his knee. "How could the thought even cross your mind, Beakley? Ha ha, Bradford! Fighting you! Of all people!"

But Beakley stood unenthused. "Which is exactly why I said I didn't suspect him. He's too meek and easily moved. And even if this was all an act, why would he come all this way to you to expose himself and the child to you? It would make no sense on his end if he wanted to hide his plans."

Scrooge calmed himself down and cleared his throat, trying to get the giggles out. "Look, Bentina, I've known Bradford for almost as long as you've known him from SHUSH. That vulture and his brothers are some of the most traditional, rule following, cheap, heartless, and stuffy old men I've ever met. You should see what he's been doing with me and my-"

He stopped quickly, swallowing hard. Beakley waited for a few moments for Scrooge to regain his composure. Finally, he said in a whisper: "But as much as I dislike him, he would never, not in a million years, could I ever imagine him being seen in a physical fight, nor would he have anything to do with any physical risk or adventure. Until…well until today when he said he risked his crooked neck for that child. I admit, my respect for him went up just a notch. But just a notch, mind you!"

Beakley sighed and crossed her arms. "It's not only that. Bradford…I've known him not just longer, but I know him better than you. I can't provide all the details, but this is for the same reason I recommended him to you almost 20 years ago."

Scrooge raised an eyebrow. "It must be a really good reason then."

"It is more than enough for me," Beakley stated. "He dedicated his life's work to SHUSH as an accountant, and his family has a…history, you can say… of working with the organization. As such, the two may also be vultures, but there's no way they could be the same person. He cares for the child's safety, that much is clear. That's more than I can ever say for all of FOWL's villains put together."

Scrooge nodded. "Then our priority would have to be the child then. Do you think-"

"That the child was what that knight was guarding? I have many hunches, but it could be. However, why would they want to get rid of her after protecting her so fiercely against me is beyond my thoughts right now. Either way, we should be careful. If they wanted to 'destroy the evidence', we have to make sure she's safe if they ever come to check on their supposed 'handiwork' near the harbor."

Beakley opened the kitchen door slightly, the both of them peaking through to glance at the old buzzard. Bradford was still holding onto the child, absentmindedly stroking her head as he watched her with a serious and troubled expression. The child seemed to be awake now, as a small hand reached towards him from the blanket. He lightly took hold of the tiny hand and caressed it softly.

The two closed the door and looked at each other in worry. "He really does seem to have hit it off with the wee lass," the billionaire duck said while rubbing his fingers through his whiskers. "I almost feel sorry for the old chap. And, as much as it pains me to ask him…I'll have to ask Bradford if he'd like to stay for either the night or even for the week. For her sake."

"Of course. And as for me, I believe it best we tell him what little we know."

Scrooge cocked a brow. "Are you sure, Beakley? Aren't you just going to worry him more?"

The secret agent sighed. "I won't tell him everything. But only to set his fears straight, just to let him know that we know what's going on, and that we're just as concerned for the child as he is. I believe that should be more than enough for now."

Scrooge let out a deep breath, then said, "Okay. I trust you."

She crossed her arms. "Of all the gall…I knew I would be heading into a trap from whoever gave me that tip about the location of FOWL's headquarters. But I would never had expected such a ruse to happen. Why trap me in there? What's the point?" She shook her head. "I don't understand it."

Scrooge rubbed his chin. "Maybe it wasn't a trap made by your informant? Maybe they were genuine."

Beakley barked out a laugh. "As genuine as that tea you made there."

"Heeeey, that's fine, Scottish, watered down tea to keep the bag from being wasted, Beakley. You saw how he didn't even touch his cup!"

Beakley rubbed her eyes. "Oh, never mind. I will have to find out myself someday, but not today."

He nodded. "Right, right. More unfortunate matters to deal with."

She nodded stiffly as well. She opened the kitchen door for him. "Shall we?"

As Scrooge re-entered the living room, Beakley shot Bradford a discreet look, narrowing her eyes at him. The fruit fly flew under her nose and, with a precise clap, she ended its short life. "Irksome pest," she whispered to herself. Then, she followed Scrooge from behind.

The child was now fully awake and playing with Bradford's fingers. A faint, sad smile sat on the old buzzard's face. He looked up towards the ducks as they walked in, worry returning to him. The two gravely sat down on the couch across from him, and they all watched each other closely.

Beakley inhaled and was the first to speak. "There was a break in at FOWL today. I had found out their location and was on my way to bring their director down. However…I had found something of interest. A door that seemed to hide something highly important to their grand plans. I was just about to enter until I was stopped by one of their… larger bodyguards. The largest I've ever seen, and highly fearsome as he wielded a sword full of magical power."

Bradford's eyes became big, and an unconscious hand went to his mouth, hovering below his beak. Scrooge raised a skeptical brow at him as Beakley continued, her eyes directed at the carpeted floor.

"I fought him off as much as I could but…I should've been more prepared for such a fight instead of just from useless eggheads. I was injured. I made my way out of the facility before it collapsed from its self-destruct alarm. And as I watched it crumble… I saw the same guard leaving the grounds with…something in his arms. I couldn't make out what it was. He left with Black Heron and one of the eggheads who survived on a motorboat down the river…and that's the last I saw of them."

Bradford's eyes frantically glanced around the room as he tried to keep his composure. "Heron…"

Beakley nodded deeply. "Yes, I remember your first run in with her was frightening. I know it's probably not the best time to bring her up again, but it has been many years since you first laid eyes on her. It's best you knew the truth."

Bradford gulped loudly, and tried to control his breathing, gripping the duckling's hands tighter. The little duckling giggled in response.

"So you're saying…you may think…" he started in a whisper, sounding desperate.

Scrooge shook his head. "We're not sure yet, Bradford. It's only a guess for now. But…what FOWL would want with a baby, we don't know either."

Bradford looked down at the duckling mournfully, his heart heavy. "Just a child…an innocent baby…my little April…"

"April?" they both echoed in surprise.

Bradford's head shot up, looking at them in shock. "I-," he choked out, then he said in a defeated voice, "I…yes. I've always liked the name. Such an innocent girl…I just thought…"

The words left him, and they sat in silence besides for April's cooing. Beakley then got rose up stiffly and said, "I'll be back within a moment," and she left the room, leaving Scrooge behind.

The two men tried to avoid the other's glances, looking anywhere besides each other. April's gurgling and giggling became louder as she clumsily played with Bradford's hand, sucking on one of his fingers and watching him with her large, watery eyes. The old vulture couldn't hold back a light smile from forming at seeing her antics. Even Scrooge began to grin from the duckling's laughter.

"Ohh, how I do miss the sound of happy children in my halls," Scrooge reminisced. "My niece and nephew used to bring me such joy when they were younger." He sighed sadly and shook his head. "Unfortunate how everything had to happen. This old mansion could be so quiet at nights…"

Bradford knitted his brows in concern. "I cannot say I've felt the same before, Mr. McDuck. I never had children nor did I have a desire to have any, especially near me. But…I can't lie and say meeting April didn't change things for me."

The old adventurer chuckled. "Children have a way of doing that." His smile died on his beak as his eyes went to the floor solemnly.

Bradford pursed his beak, thinking. Then, the words seemed to escape him. "I…I'm sorry."

Scrooge lifted his head up in amazement. "Sorry? For what?"

"For…for what's happened to you in the last year. I-" He looked into Scrooge's skeptical face, but he continued. "I know I've been hard on you. I know what I've done may seem harsh to you: limiting the amount of money you can use in your search. I see how that can hurt, more than you believe."

Scrooge glanced down at the child in concern, yearning in his eyes.

"I only did it to save the company, Mr. McDuck," Bradford continued. "To save you from even more future regret or ruin. Without McDuck Enterprises, the world would be in an even worse state than how it seems now. I didn't see at the time anything beyond saving the company monetarily, if I must say the truth, even though I was concerned for your niece's safety as well. I had said before that the fate of what you had now was more at stake than chasing a fantasy in the stars…but perhaps there is something to be said about sacrificing everything for those close to you. Even for a small chance at seeing them again."

The tired vulture said the last words in a mere whisper as he watched the child play with his coat sleeve. Scrooge looked Bradford's face in worry. "What are you-"

He was interrupted by the sound of approaching steps. Beakley returned with something pink in her hands. "There we go now, Mr. Buzzard. I had to go through the old stores I stashed here in the mansion to find it, but I believe it'll fit her perfectly. With your permission, of course-"

Curious, Bradford stood up and faced the larger woman. Beakley took a step closer, and gently slipped on April's head a pink headband and bow. The little duckling giggled a little, with Beakley watching her carefully with a smile.

"This bow used to belong to someone close to me," she said bittersweetly. "After seeing how much you cared for her, I knew that I had to give it to April. I know it'll keep her good company as it did with my own daughter."

She betrayed no emotion in her voice, but a heavy weight was still felt in the room. Bradford carefully felt the old ribbon in his fingers, and he bit his slightly trembling lip anxiously. "I-"

"Oh, I almost forgot to ask," Scrooge spoke up, "I know how much you're worried about the child's safety. If it means watching her over and making sure no harm comes to her, you're more than welcome to stay here at the mansion until the coast is clear. I know you're still on vacation for now, so you don't have to worry about it until this is settled." He chuckled then added under his breath, "Not like I'll be rushing you to come back anytime soon anyways."

"I-I-"

"Oh, but of course you can tell your brothers about it, although I don't how I'll feel if I have to host all three of you-"

"I don't think I'll need to- th-that is, I think my own home is safe enough—"

"Mr. Buzzard," Beakley said reassuringly, "you don't have to feel uncomfortable about this at all. This is just as a precaution for April's sake. You may feel like your own home is safer, but McDuck Manor is the safest place I know. I know April will be protected here, trust me. And this will only be temporary, until we know its safe."

"I…I…"

His beak quivered, he was unable to speak at all. The ducks looked at each other troublingly. Then, in a sudden move, Bradford extended his arms to Scrooge, presenting the child to him.

"Please…I can't do this," his voice wavered in a wet whisper as tears welled up in his eyes again, trying to keep the last grip he had on his composure. "Please. Take her. I can't do this, I'm not worthy...I'm not able to…no…"

Not waiting for an answer, he handed the bundle into Scrooge's arms, turned, and distanced himself away from them. He stood stiffly like a statue, but his shaking fists betrayed him. Not even a few moments later, a high-pitched cry cracked the silence as April tried to reach out to Bradford frantically. Bradford gritted his teeth as he struggled not to look back, but ignoring April's wailing was too difficult for him to ignore.

The two ducks could only watch aghast at his reaction. "Bradford…Bradford please," Scrooge pleaded. "Bradford…I know how daunting this could be. I know it's scary and unpredictable to raise a child, especially in such sudden circumstances-"

But Bradford only shook his head harder. "No, no, I can't, I can't do this, I can't. She'll be…she'll be safer here with you. Safer than with me. She doesn't need me. She'll be safer with you."

April was crying more now, her sobs inconsolable as she desperately tried to reach for the vulture. Bradford blinked several times and, despite himself, the tears came back all the same.

"No…I can't…I won't let this happen again…" he whispered to himself.

Beakley shook her head sadly at the sight, but Scrooge stepped ahead with a look of both determination and sympathy, and he stood right behind Bradford. April's cries subsided somewhat as she came closer to the shaking vulture.

"Bradford," he said softly and patiently, "I know what you've seen and heard today was scary. And I don't know what happened in your past to make you say such things. But…listen to her, Bradford. Both of you have already made such a strong bond with each other, you'd be hurting the wee lass more by separating yourself from her. I know you don't seem capable now. I know you may feel inadequate. But we'll be there to help you if you need us for absolutely anything. I know you want her to be safe, but I can't imagine anywhere safer for her to be than with you."

A loud sob became stuck in his throat, and he turned his tear-stained face towards Scrooge. "You don't know," his voice broke beseechingly, anger boiling just above the surface. "You don't know, you can never know. I can't keep her safe- not from me, not from them, not even from you! I can't do this, I can't-"

And despite himself, he glanced at the crying baby, her small hands reaching out to him, longing and need etched into her wet face, her cries becoming more shrill and frantic. He tried to look away from her, but his grimace betrayed his internal agony from seeing her in such pain. He ceased his struggle, looked deeply into her moist eyes, and mirrored her look of yearning.

A new sob rankled through him, and he held his arms out for her, distress written all over his rattling body. A smug Scrooge passed April along, and Bradford scooped her up unhesitatingly and held her close to his face, kissed her softly on the head, and rocked her slowly as she immediately calmed down in his arms.

"I'm sorry," he whispered to her. "I'm so sorry. I will never let go of you again, ever. You're safe, everything's going to be okay now…"

Scrooge and Beakley watched them both reunite in a satisfied silence. Finally after a few moments, Bradford opened his eyes and saw the two of them staring at him.

"I-," he sighed guiltily, trying to find what to say. "I'm sorry about my words. I was…scared. Scared that me being near her would invite more…unsavory people to find her, to cause pain to her. And little April here, she…almost died today because of FOWL." His voice cracked again from the words. "Mr. McDuck, you're the world's greatest adventurer. But I'm…nothing but an old businessman. If anyone can protect her from FOWL, it's the both of you. Not me."

"Is that it?" Beakley finally spoke up with a stern voice. "You think you're dangerous to her because you believe FOWL will paint a target on your back for being near April? That you can't protect her from them?"

Bradford bowed his head and nodded resignedly. Scrooge groaned impatiently and rolled his eyes, startling the vulture. "Oh, Bradford, when are ye going to learn? Of course we'll be there for you both, and we'll make sure neither of you will get hurt. This, I solemnly promise, as I'm sure Beakley will as well, right Beakley?"

She nodded. "Of course. I'll do my best to make sure you're both out of harms way, from any danger whatsoever."

Bradford sniffed. "You both will? You both will help me take care of her?" he whispered vulnerably.

They both nodded, then Scrooge asked, "Well, uh, what about Bentley and Buford? Can't they help as well?"

"Ah well, out of the three of us, let's say I'm the one most capable for even holding a baby, let alone knowing anything about them. Still, that's not saying a lot in retrospect."

Bradford checked on April, who gave him a jovial smile. Despite himself, a small, wet smile returned to him slowly. He wiped his face with a loose sleeve.

"Thank you," he said to Scrooge and Beakley. "Thank you both. I-I will return to my home tomorrow evening, once I'm sure it's safe for us. I will…I will tell my chauffeur to go home and tell my brothers not to wait for me tonight."

"Go do what you have to," the duck billionaire said.

"Right, right," Bradford muttered. He extended his arms out slightly towards Beakley, and asked, "Would you mind, Bentina?"

"Oh, not at all," she carefully picked April up and held her, the child's smile infecting her as well. The child's smile faded as she looked down at Bradford from the taller woman's height, but he lightly stroked her head reassuringly and said, "Don't worry, I won't be for long."

Bradford picked up his umbrella, opened the door and unfurled his cover outside under the continuing dark rain, leaving the now mewling April behind in the warmth of the mansion.