I stayed frozen on my knees behind the desk, holding my breath while heavy footsteps moved slowly past the keyhole and faded away toward the kitchen wing.

I waited behind the mahogany desk for ten minutes until the footsteps were completely gone.

By two in the afternoon, bright autumn sunlight filled the master bedroom.

Theodore was awake in the middle of the wide mattress, kicking his legs and babbling at the ceiling while he clutched his blue wool blanket.

I stood by the bed and took the flannel bundle out of my apron pocket.

Mr.