#Chapter 308: Belligerent

Abby As I enter Karl’s study to tell him about the mysterious car, I find myself stopped in my tracks. The scene in front of me is rather jarring, to say the least. He’s slumped in his chair, a half-empty bottle of what looks like his most expensive whiskey on the desk. He looks up, his eyes glazed, as if he’s somewhere far away. “Abby?” he slurs, his tongue thick and heavy. “What do you want?” His voice sounds a little harsh, as if he’s angry or upset. It leaves me taken aback; this is a far cry from the Karl who was laughing and playing games with us earlier. He was so jovial at the party, clearly having fun with everyone. Why the sudden change? “Karl?” I say softly, taking a step into the room as my eyes flit over to the bottle once more. “Are you okay?” He shrugs, a nonchalant gesture that doesn’t match the troubled look in his eyes. I watch as he lifts the bottle to his lips and takes another swig, the dark amber liquid making a sloshing sound in the bottle. “It’s f