At home, Theo had the luxury of ignoring the world outside of his apartment. At work, John insisted on leaving the radio blaring during operating hours, occasionally replacing it with the television if things were slow like they were today.

When the first reports out of Blackfriars came over the airwaves, Theo's wrist froze mid-turn of his screwdriver, his attention stolen by the technology he so despised. He couldn't get to the phone fast enough, and even after he had Bekki's assurances that the girls were fine and with her and far from the library, he could barely think beyond what might have happened had she decided to be a little more adventurous this morning. Once it became obvious that he wasn't going to get anything productive done for the rest of the day, John let him leave early, but Theo didn't go home. He went straight to his ex's. Brief hellos were exchanged, then his kids were in his arms. The tension trickled from him like the slow, green drip out of a cracked radiator.

"Hello Daddy." Geri's chubby arms wrapped around Theo's neck as he took a seat on the floor just inside the front door.

"Hey." He drew her closer, pulling Dorothy near as well before she began to pout. They smelled of sunlight, clean cloth, baby sweat, and the memories the combination evoked nearly made him tear up. "How're you guys doing?"

They remained huddled in the hall for far longer than he would have thought Bekki would allow, the girls sharing stories of their adventures and making up new ones for his benefit. He learned the reason behind her leniency when he looked up and found they were alone. Theo let his daughters lead him on a tour after that, one that centered around their stuffed animals and tiny computer. It was the best Wednesday he'd had in a very long time.

Hours passed, Rebekka returning just in time to be the bad guy, demanding the brushing of teeth, donning of pajamas, and cessation of fun. Theo stayed to kiss his girls good night, and he might have made it out of the house without incident had Bekki not insisted on seeing him to the door.

He expected a comment, something about how she had this parenting thing under control and some drug-addled thugs were no reason to throw a fit, but she stayed silent. It was almost worse. She wasn't delivering, so he couldn't help doing so in her stead.

"Why are we here, Bek?"

"In Massachusetts?"

He nodded. Her expression suggested that she wouldn't have been surprised to find him asking questions about his existence instead. "The girls and I are here to be closer to my parents, mostly. Ashdown is also historically interesting. Cultured. I want Dorothy and Geri to be exposed to that kind of stuff."

"Ashdown is dangerous."

"Not any more so than any other city." She was controlled and calm, acting for all the world like she was performing for a hidden camera. For all he knew, she might have been. Baiting him into an overreaction she could use in court to get sole custody would be just like her.

He swallowed the response he wanted to unleash, a tirade on strange dreams and uncanny feelings that even he could admit sounded a little crazy.

"Yeah, sure. I guess you're right. Just... try to think about things from my side sometimes. I hate not knowing where they are and... I just worry."

"I did think about that. Today, when a routine crazy guy fluff story on the news got you all worked up."

It was true. She'd been under no obligation to answer his call or tell him he was okay to come over and she'd let him anyway.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry. Just don't make it a regular thing."

Theo knew he could push her then, make her the one who misbehaved on camera, but he didn't. He doubted there were cameras at all actually, they were simply being civil today, functional exes who shared their children like eggs at a breakfast buffet. His mood dipped slightly at the thought, but he managed to hold it aloft on little girl squeals and bubbling laughter.

"I won't. See you, Bekki."

"Yeah. Saturday. Take care of yourself, Theo."