We slipped in through one of the back entrances to the palace, the signs indicating they were only to be used by delivery vehicles—although I was very sure others snuck in this way.
Josef was waiting for us as we pulled into the garage. He stood at ease, wearing a black suit and tie. A black armband was tightly wrapped around his arm, the darkness matching the circles under his eyes—a man who was beyond exhaustion, but still dedicated to his duty.
The driver opened the car door and Lily shot out, wrapping her arms around Josef in a tight hug.
"I'm so sorry..." she murmured as I drew near. "I know you cared for the family very much."
"Thank you." He pulled back and allowed me to enter their hug. "Good to see you, Kathleen. Been too damned long."
"I'm glad you're okay. And Teddy..." I h
