Chapter 38
Just then, Skyler’s phone began to ring. He pulled it out at once, barely containing his impatience. “Hello? Have you found that woman yet p>
Alaina had just lifted her hand but paused, waiting anxiously for the reply.
In this day and age, with security cameras everywhere, it wasn’t hard to track someone down. The assistant’s voice quickly came through the line. “Yes, sir. The woman you met at the entrance of Serendipity Café is Caitlin. I’ve sent Miss Kensington’s address and phone number to your WhatsApp p>
“Great, thank you,” Skyler said, hanging up immediately. He turned to his mother. “Mom, you and Dad stay here at the hospital. I’ll go find Miss Kensington right now p>
“Go, quickly!” Alaina urged, pushing him toward the door. “Even if you have to get down on your knees and beg, don’t come back without her p>
Caitlin was their only hope for his uncle now.
“I understand, Mom! I promise I’ll bring her back,” Skyler choked out, tears streaming down his face.
Real men rarely cry-unless the pain is too much to bear.
And Skyler was truly terrified. He was afraid that his one reckless mistake might cost him his uncle forever.
After Skyler left, Justice got the full story from his wife.
He patted Alaina’s shoulder reassuringly. “Don’t worry. Gordon’s always been lucky-Skyler will bring Miss Kensington back p>
Then he hesitated, lowering his voice. “Should we tell Mom about this p>
Gordon was in critical condition.
If they told Beatrice, it would only make her worry. But if they kept it from her and something went wrong, they’d regret it forever.
Justice was torn.
“No,” Alaina said firmly. “Mom’s still in the hospital herself. She absolutely can’t know about this p>
Things were chaotic enough. If her mother found out, it wouldn’t solve anything-if anything, it would only make things worse.
Besides, Beatrice was getting on in years. If she couldn’t handle the shock, the consequences could be disastrous.
Justice nodded. “Alright. We’ll do it your way p>
Meanwhile
Skyler floored the gas pedal, ignoring several red lights as he raced across town to Caitlin’s apartment complex.
He stopped at the building’s entrance, took a deep breath, and finally mustered the courage to knock on her door.
A few seconds passed before it opened.
A kindly elderly woman looked him up and down. “Hello, young man. Who are you looking for p>
Skyler answered respectfully, “Good evening, ma’am. Does Miss Caitlin Kensington live here p>
Seeing that Skyler was neatly dressed and looked nothing like a troublemaker, the woman simply nodded and turned her head. “Catie, someone’s here for you p>
“Coming p>
Caitlin emerged from inside.
The moment Skyler saw her, a glimmer of hope flickered in his eyes. “Miss Kensington p>
If Skyler was emotional, Caitlin was the opposite-her calm was almost chilling. She glanced at him once. “Give me two minutes p>
Skyler had no idea why she needed the time, but he nodded meekly. “Of course.” The old woman smiled. “Come on in, dear, you can wait inside p>
“Thank you, ma’am, but I’ll just wait out here for Miss Kensington,” Skyler replied, too agitated to sit still for even a second.
Two minutes later, Caitlin reappeared, medical bag slung over her shoulder. She said goodbye to the woman-her grandmother, perhaps explaining she’d be out for a bit, then turned to Skyler. “Let’s go p>
Skyler blinked, caught off guard.
Caitlin didn’t waste time. “Every second you hesitate, your uncle gets closer to danger p>
Skyler snapped to attention and hurried after her. As they walked, he blurted, “Miss Kensington, aren’t you… aren’t you angry with me p>
He’d offended Caitlin so badly earlier. Anyone else would have demanded an apology, or at least a groveling plea for forgiveness.
Skyler had braced himself for her to unleash her anger.
But Caitlin didn’t seem to care. She didn’t mock him, didn’t even say a word about
it.
He realized, painfully, how narrow-minded he’d been-judging her by his own standards.
Remembering how he’d treated her that afternoon, Skyler’s guilt only deepened. He wished he could disappear into the ground.