Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Chapter 57

Was she just being paranoid, overthinking things again?

Right on cue, Timothy's phone buzzed. It was a call from Henry.

He answered immediately.

Henry's anxious voice came through, sharp and urgent.

"Dad, you have to come to the hospital-Great-grandpa and Aunt Sallie took Miss Sheila away. It's kind of scary."

Timothy didn't hesitate; he quickly set Jessica down and spoke into the phone, "I'll be there right away."

He strode off in a hurry. But after a few steps, something occurred to him and he turned back. Reaching out, he cupped Jessica's neck with his large hand, pressing her gently to his chest.

With his lips close to her ear, his voice low and husky, he whispered, "I need to step out for a bit, but I'll be back soon. I'll have the bodyguards leave. Just stay home and wait for me, okay?"

He pressed a kiss to her forehead. As he released her and started to go, Jessica grabbed his hand.

Timothy hugged her again, coaxing softly, "Be good. I just have to handle something. I'll be back soon."

tightly, unable to free

she wanted to say

only watch as he gently pulled away and left without

a faint, bitter smile

call had come from Henry. If it were really about Henry, Timothy would have told her more. Who else but Sheila could make him this

had almost believed his

comforted her when he wanted, left when

was always

***

Phelps and Sallie were in Sheila's

knocked on the door from the

can't bully

Sallie a

scooped Henry up, and carried him back into

put me down!" he

the door did Sallie let him

"since when do you take someone else's side

Protecting that woman like she's

talking