Duty and Distance

In the end, Vaughn didn't call Valerie himself. Instead, he handed the whole thing over to his assistant in the country.

The assistant was quick to act. He called the Sterling family, asked about Sloane, and then reported back to Vaughn.

"They said Ms. Sterling was worn out from work today. After dinner, she went straight to her room and turned in early," the assistant said.

"Got it," Vaughn said,