The alarms stopped. “It’s over,” Christie said. “I think you should try and get some sleep.” Kate asked the obvious question. “Where’s Dad?” “He’ll be here. I’m sure he helped.” She forced a smile. “He said he’d be back soon,” Simon said. “And he will. Tell you what. As soon as he’s back, I’ll send him in. Okay?” “Okay,” Kate said. Simon looked up. “I want to hear what happened.” “Probably nothing. Only an alarm.” Just saying those words made them sound false. “Come on—brush your teeth and into bed.” The two kids slid off the couch and walked into their room. With them gone, Christie looked at the door and then walked over to the front windows.