Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem

Chapter 499

As the first light of dawn crept into the sky, Elysia stirred awake. The news from the night before, about a death in their neighborhood, hit her like a cold shower. She was completely on edge when Elliot mentioned that at the time of the incident, Evan and Tarquin were at the scene. The mere thought sent shivers down her spine.

"Where's Evan now? Is he okay? Did it scare him?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

"He's over at Blossom's house. Mom knows about it. Evan's got nerves of steel; he wasn't scared," Elliot hurried to reassure her.

Taking a few deep breaths, Elysia's frown deepened as she probed further, "Why were Evan and Tarquin together in the first place? What on earth were they doing at Future Community so late at night?"

Knowing they couldn't hide the truth, the kids had agreed on a story the night before. Elliot repeated the carefully chosen words, "Mom had a bit too much to drink last night and needed to stay over. Evan isn't too fond of step-dad, wanted to come home. Step-dad, worried for his safety, escorted him back. Once home, they heard noises from the neighbor's, went to check it out, and accidentally witnessed someone fall from the building. Security called the cops, and since step-dad was at the scene, he got taken in for questioning."

Elysia was shocked, "The police think Tarquin did it?"

"Just suspicion."

on her face, she pondered, "What if they can't find evidence to clear his name? He'll be branded a

you

"I may not like him, but I don't want him to be in trouble. After all, he's been a

The cops are really good at their job;

Elijah, her heart aching at the sight of his evident lack of sleep. She pulled him into a comforting embrace, "Don't worry, Elijah. Like Elliot said, the

moved by his mother's concern for Tarquin and troubled

...

eyes immediately sought out Evan. Rushing to him, she enveloped him in a hug, "Evan, did it scare you?

brave, she couldn't help but worry. To her, Evan was just a typically

"Mom, don't worry. I'm not scared at

fault. If I hadn't stayed out last night, none of this

her, "You can't blame yourself, Mom. These things happen. If I'd