89: Guilt Trip

Fenella’s POV The ringing of the phone has now ceased. Only silence remains, weighing heavily on my chest. Alan sent me a short message. Just a few words, but it swiftly made my guilt surge. "What did he say?" Laird asked softly. "He wants me to pick up the phone," I answered honestly, showing Alan's message to Laird. Laird glanced at the message briefly. "Just answer it; it seems like it's work-related," he muttered under his breath. I knew, despite Laird acting nonchalant, that his subdued tone was enough to make me realize he was annoyed and had been since earlier. Oh, come on. I just finished making up with him! I wanted to curse Alan, but it seemed my boss insisted I hear what he wanted to say over the phone. Finally, when Alan called me back, I answered. "Yes, Alan," I replied quickly. "Where are you?" he asked, with a noisy background. "I just finished dinner in the Juarez area." "Don't tell me you're going to miss Jemima's after party," he scoffed. "I thought it wasn't mandator