Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Was Francis really that unfazed as the one in the eye of the storm?

Francis picked up the glass from the table, taking a sip of water.

"I've never really explained it, mainly because it's indefensible. Once I start talking, I'm up against a million other voices spreading rumors. All that matters is that I know the truth," he said with a calm that belied the gravity of his words.

Sherilyn remained silent, her breathing almost imperceptible.

So, there was more to the story? Were the rumors not just baseless fabrications?

Francis set down his glass. "Gilbert and I have always been good to Caroline, that's undeniable...absolutely true. Sherilyn, do you want to know why?"

Sherilyn paused, her heart racing.

She nodded slightly, "Yeah."

"Ah." Francis sighed, as if the words he was about to say were a heavy burden. "We hardly ever talk about it in our family because... well, it's especially painful for Gilbert and me."

He began to recount the past, each word seeming to cost him.

when we were kids,

well. The

police searched day and night but couldn't find them. The kidnappers never made contact with Sylvia Johnson, leading the authorities to suspect that the motive wasn't money - which

remained unresolved for six months until Francis and Gilbert were

Gilbert was being carried on

and gaunt, having carried him for miles through the

wanted to rush them to the hospital. But the girl refused because she had to lead them

big. But with Gilbert safe,

rescue Francis as

police, it was likely they had

was buried deep e within each member of the Johnson family, seldom spoken of,

Francis' voice

parted slightly, her eyes

"Caroline, she

Francis nodded,

knows we treat her well, but they don't