Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

I shook my head helplessly. "She should know whose child it is. If you're really curious, you could just ask her directly."

Kara scoffed. "I don't have time for that. I'd rather spend my free moments looking at Mr. Howell."

When she mentioned Brandon, I realized he still hadn't come back. I glanced at the clock on the wall and asked indirectly, "Are you off work now, or are you just hiding in the restroom again?" "Maddie, what are you saying? Do you think I'm that kind of person?" Kara protested. "Mr. Howell has become quite considerate. He's even letting us off work earlier than usual." "Oh? How long ago did you finish work?"

"Half an hour ago. I'm already at home and lying on the couch," Kara said. By now, I had calculated that Brandon should have returned already.

I hadn't heard any noise though. Maybe he got delayed on the way.

"You finish work so early and don't work overtime in the evenings. Will the project be completed on time?" I asked Kara.

She seemed to be drinking or eating something, as I heard clear swallowing sounds. "Mr. Howell says we can."

"Do you think you can? Don't let him fool you. If you don't finish on time, you'll be the one who suffers. You'll lose your bonus," I reminded her.

She coughed twice. "I think we can. We're already testing in Zone D, and we're making quick progress every day. There are hardly any new problems, so we just work straight through."

constantly had to go to Mr. Howell's office to solve

when we worked together. Everything got better once I left." "Hmph." Kara disagreed. "Don't take

Brandon, I denied it guiltily. "What

there's really something going on between you and Mr.

deny it.

They say he rented a place to

not to

deaths," Kara lowered her voice even over the phone. "Maddie, did you know about this?" I didn't. When Brandon rented a place, I asked him why,

died in

a car accident, my heart ached at the mention

the call and stared at

parents' accident

that thought flashed through

while, when it was nearly seven o'clock and I still hadn't heard