Chapter 29 His Mother Shows Up

"Huh?" Violet Leach stared blankly at Wesley Merritt's outstretched hand. What did he want? Oscar Merritt was just as puzzled. "Candy." The word dropped from the man's lips, single and sharp. At that word, both Violet and Oscar froze, eyes wide, disbelieving their ears. Wesley Merritt wanted candy?! This wasn't just shocking. It was downright terrifying. "Brother, brother," Oscar stammered, "don't you hate sweets?" Wesley gave him a cool look. "Didn't you just eat some?" "But—but that's different! My medicine was too bitter." "Mine too. My mouth tastes bitter," Wesley replied flatly, telling an obvious lie, his face completely blank. The air fell silent again—strangely, unnervingly still. After nearly a full minute, Violet pulled a White Rabbit milk candy from her pocket and placed it in Wesley's palm. "Is one enough?" Wesley glanced at her jacket pocket. "More?" "Yes." She pulled out a handful and dropped them all into his hand. "Too many?" Clutching the candies, Wesley turned and wal