Zachary lowered his eyes. "It was an accident."
Irene's face fell.
She knew that Martin's work was dangerous, but to learn that he was hurt again left her in disbelief.
It was not easy for Lulu to find someone, after all.
"Is it serious?" she asked softly.
Zachary nodded. "They haven't found his body."
He knew because Lulu told him eventually after he asked.
Irene had to sit on the edge of the bed. "How could that happen?"
Zachary sighed lengthily in turn, unsure if he should be pleased or upset.
After all, Lulu would not have given Jean to him if Martin was alright.
Zachary thought he would at best watch Jean from afar and go his entire life without hearing her call him daddy.
Even if he was entrusted with Jean after Martin's accident, it also meant an end to Lulu's bliss.
Looking at Irene then, he said, "Lulu was blaming herself. That's why she gave Jean to me."
"What do you mean?" Irene asked.
"She and Martin had a fight, which was why Martin took the role of handler, but something happened and they don't know what happened to him."
Irene blinked. "Maybe he survived."
"Not really. Those are some serial criminals—there's not much hope of survival if captured. Moreover…"
His tone turned somber. "Lulu was threatened. That's why she's entrusting Jean with me—she's worried about her safety."
Irene was silent for a while.
"What about Lulu?" she asked eventually.
"She says she's rejoining the force, so she won't have time to care for Jean." Zachary heaved another long sigh. "I know her—she's working again for Martin's sake."
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