Cold husband burning regret

Hiram’s fingers twitched, desperate to break free from his own body and shout back in protest. But all he managed was a strangled, guttural

sound, eyes blazing red with helpless fury.

Watching the agony etched across the Sterlings‘ faces, Tricia couldn’t help but recall Charlotte’s own look of anguish. A wave of satisfaction washed over her.

At that moment, she released the brake on the wheelchair.

The slight slope was enough–the wheelchair began to roll, slow and steady, straight toward the reflecting pool.

Hiram’s eyes widened as he realized what was happening. Powerless, he watched himself slide closer to the water’s edge, despair closing in. He shut his eyes, bracing for the inevitable.

“Stop!” Vera’s voice rang out as she burst onto the scene.

But she was a moment too late. Hiram, wheelchair and all, toppled into the water with a splash. Vera didn’t waste time demanding answers from Tricia–she dove in after him.

Tricia’s face drained of color. Before she could react, Noreen came running, flanked by Judd and Gentry.

Panic flaring, Tricia yanked her hat down over her face and bolted.

“Hey! Stop right there!” Gentry shouted, chasing after the fleeing figure.

Tricia darted into a crowd, weaving through startled guests. Just as Gentry was about to catch her, she grabbed a passerby, shoving them between herself and her pursuer. The stranger yelled after her, “What’s wrong with you, lady? In a hurry to meet your maker?”

Gentry hesitated, unwilling to barrel into the innocent bystander. By the time he looked up again, Tricia had vanished into the sea of people.

Vera hauled Hiram out of the pool,

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12.14inin

hand

was unconscious. Judd dropped to his knees and

shivering violently as consciousness returned. Judd shrugged out of his jacket, wrapping it around Hiram’s

full evaluation, while Vera, Judd, and Noreen went with

hallway, a nurse handed Vera a towel. Noreen helped her dry her hair. “Thank God we got here in

to reply, but just then, Gentry returned, still catching his

is she?”

runs like the devil,” Gentry grumbled, hands on his hips. “I was right on her heels, but she pulled some stunt in the crowd and slipped away.” He

shook her head and looked at

answered quietly, “Her name is

a sidelong glance at Judd, then sidled up to him and muttered, “You looked pretty anxious

a cold look. “Just doing my

but

ER, clipboard in hand. “Who

are,”

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12:44

Chapter 375