Returning to his car, he found the interior had become a casualty of the downpour. Yet, by some miracle, the engine roared to life without a hitch.

An hour of battling the tempest later, Mark was at Cecilia's doorstep.

The servant, a mix of surprise and relief, greeted him, "Mr. Evans, you must change!"

Ignoring the plea, Mark strode with purpose toward Edwin's bedroom.

"Let me see Edwin first," was all he said.