“Xyla, take Stan next door to take a look,” said Jeremy.

“Okay…”

This was perfect, as she had just wanted to pull Five Batton away on some pretext to talk to him anyway.

Stanley leisurely stood up and tipped his head down politely. “Dad, I’ll be back soon.”

Jeremy waved them off. “Go on, go on.”

Xyla latched onto his arm affectionately as the two left the house. Out the door, Xyla led him to her Maserati.

Once the car door was closed, Xyla pinched the bridge of her nose helplessly, he