Junior walked down the quiet residential street toward his sister-in-law's house, the late afternoon sun shining over the neatly trimmed lawns. As he thought about his plan to gather the information he needed, his stomach churned in unease. He and Caitlin spoke frequently and he considered her as more of a friend instead of just an in-law, which made him feel even more guilty.

During their childhood, he had been promised to Caitlin; their parents thought that they were a perfect match, though he and Caitlin saw their relationship as strictly platonic. Despite this, they both obediently agreed to the arrangement that their parents had made for them. When Caitlin's health seriously declined, however, Anton had stepped in and offered Doreen instead. Even as children Doreen had carried herself with a stoic harshness that kept most people at arm's length, yet Junior had fallen for her all the same. He knew she didn't return those feelings.

To Doreen, love was a burden, a weakness. She had said many times that love was for children. Junior had always disagreed, but kept it to himself.

He reached Caitlin's house, pulled in a steadying breath, and pressed the doorbell. A minute later the door opened and Caitlin greeted him with a warm smile. "Junior," she said. "I wasn't expecting you. Come on in.”

“Thanks,” he replied, stepping inside. “Everything all right?” she asked as she closed the door behind him.

“Yeah. Everything’s fine.” Caitlin tilted her head, studying him. “Are you trying to convince me or yourself?”

He offered a small, apologetic smile. “Both, I guess.” “Come on, I made coffee for Cole before he went to work. It's still fresh.” Junior followed her into the kitchen and sat down at the island. “Where are the kids?”

“The triplets are at a birthday party and I just put the little munchkin down for a nap.”

Caitlin poured him a cup and fixed it exactly the way he liked it. Junior stared down at the coffee cup. “Thanks, Cait.”

“Talk to me,” she pressed gently. “What’s wrong?”

Junior shrugged. "I guess I'm just worried about Doreen. I don't know if you heard, but she got into some trouble with your dad over some misdirected shipments. He told her to take a break and put Abigail on her work for now." Caitlin let out a sarcastic sigh. "I'm sure Doreen loves that. And I take it she's not actually taking the break?"

Junior shook his head. "She's at the gallery right now. It's like she's allergic to rest."

Caitlin chuckled softly. "I'd believe that.” “And then there's rumors all over town about Binky looking to replace Anton.” Caitlin’s smile faltered and she closed her eyes for a moment. “I was hoping that the talk would die down. I guess I'm really going to have to talk to dad soon.”

“Do you know if there's any truth to it? Strictly between you and me," Junior said, his voice soft but insistent. Caitlin exhaled. "Well, Uncle Alexander called me the other day. Apparently Binky really is reconsidering Dad as his heir. Thankfully no one's volunteering to step in, but who knows what plans Binky has up his sleeve.”

“What does Alexander think about all this?” “He still believes that Dad shot him over getting that ring; he's concerned that Binky is needlessly putting himself in danger. There's a lot at stake,” Caitlin sighed.

In the quiet aftermath of Caitlin’s words, Junior’s thoughts darkened. The family’s power struggle threatened to tear everything apart and drag Doreen into the crossfire.

For her to be protected, he sacrificed his loyalty to the family by agreeing to spy for the Magician. If she ever found out, she’d never forgive him, but losing his integrity and risking her wrath was worth it - at least in his eyes - to keep her safe.