Sophie and Colby stepped out of the interrogation room. Harold checked his watch and said, "The kids are out of school now. James is keeping an eye on them. When are you two heading back?"


    "Right now," Sophie answered. "We need you to keep a close watch on Isaac. Make sure he''s not hiding anything else, and dig deep into the channels he''s been using to spread information. We can''t afford any slip-ups."


    "Don''t worry. You two head back, and I''ll take care of things here." Harold had already arranged for someone to wait outside the interrogation room. Sometimes, dealing with slippery characters like Isaac required a more direct approach.


    Meanwhile, back at the Costello house...


    Fiona peeked out the window, scanning the street below. Once she confirmed her parents hadn''t returned yet, she breathed a sigh of relief. The longer they stayed out, the more time she had to avoid their scolding.


    Alec lounged in an armchair, working through some papers. He nced up at Fiona, his expression deadpan. "No point in watching the clock. You''re not dodging this one."


    "Alec, easy for you to say when you''re not the one in trouble," Fiona grumbled. "What''s in it for you if I get scolded? You must have a heart of stone."


    "You getting scolded? I get a front-row seat to the show. What do you think I gain?"


    "You...!"


    "Instead of bickering with me, maybe focus on how to soften them upter. Uncle Colby isn''t exactly known for going easy on people."


    Alec could already imagine the stern look on Uncle Colby''s face when they got back. Unlike other dads, Fiona''s father didn''t spoil her; he treated her just like everyone else, maybe even tougher.


    Since she was little, Colby''s harsh words often brought Fiona to tears, while Sophie yed the understanding mom role. They had their routine down pat-one yed the gentle one ensuring Fiona learned her lessons.


    the strict parent, the other yed


    Just then, the sound of a car engine rumbled from outside the vi. Hearing it, Fiona felt a wave of dread wash over her. She had just been relieved that her parents weren''t home yet, and now here they were.


    "Fiona, get down here!" Her dad''s voice sent a shiver down her spine. She thought about hiding but quickly realized her room offered no good hiding spots. "Three, two..." Before Colby could finish counting, Fiona dashed downstairs. "Mom, Dad... you''re back early," Fiona said with a forcedugh, awkwardly greeting her parents.


    Sophie ruffled Fiona''s hair, saying, "Our Fiona is quite the brave one. I heard you took on those kidnappers head-on without flinching. Just like my daughter."


    "Oh, it''s all thanks to your teaching, Mom!" Fiona said, ying the innocent card as she cozied up to her mom.


    Every so often, Fiona stole a nce at her dad''s face. Only once she was sure he wasn''t giving her the death stare did she rx and say to Sophie, Mom, you wouldn''t believe how heroic I was! I took them down in no time, didn''t even need my godfather to rescue me."


    "Indeed, she went in alone, and the kidnappers fled at the sight of her," Alec chimed in, descending the stairs, his voice dripping with sarcasm about Fiona''s "heroics."


    Fiona had no idea how worried they''d been that day. Hearing Alec''sment, Fiona shot him a discreet re.