Chapter 28

Alice glanced at Mr. Hawthorne and Mr. Thornton, both clearly overacting. She instantly caught on to their little show, a soft sigh slipping through her otherwise calm expression. “It's fine, Grandpa. I’m young, a little walk won't hurt. I’ll just grab a ride on the way.” She’d already stood up Richard Brooks once—she wasn’t about to bail a second time. Hopefully, she’d flag down a cab soon. If not, she’d just leg it, even if it meant cutting it close. Mr. Thornton looked like he wanted to speak up, but Mr. Hawthorne gave him a subtle shake of the head. Thornton fell silent. Alice said goodbye and headed off. Mr. Hawthorne watched her figure getting smaller down the road, looking anxious. He was just getting ready to call his grandson and chew him out when Thornton’s phone suddenly rang. "Hello? Uncle Thornton, how’s Grandpa? Has the doctor seen him yet?" Edward had gotten halfway through a call with his grandfather when it suddenly cut off, and now his phone was dead. The abrupt silen