Without hesitation, she reached for her phone and dialed Albert.
It was late, and Albert, though in another city and fresh from a meeting, hadnât yet turned in for the night.
He regarded his phoneâs screen for a moment before answering in a voice both soft and weary, âWhatâs going on?â
Jessie, bypassing a conversation, handed the phone to Jeslyn, who was in no mood to speak and retreated to a corner in defiance.
At a loss, Jessie relayed to Albert, âElsie sent Jeslyn over.
â
Under the cloak of night, Albertâs voice, rough yet comforting, carried over the Line.
âAnd why would Elsie do that?â
Jessieâs patience snapped.
âHow should I know? Albert, your daughterâs with me now.
Shouldnât you be reflecting on your own actions rather than questioning me?â
In stark contrast to Jessieâs frustration, Albertâs response was marked by serenity.
He even allowed himself a chuckle, pondering aloud, âWhatâs got you so riled up at this hour? Trouble in paradise? If thatâs the case, feel free to share.
Iâve navigated those waters before.
â
Jessie remained silent after his remarks, the phone pressed to her ear, enveloped in her own thoughts.
Sensing the shift in her mood, Albert softened his tone, offering an apology, âJessie, my intentions werenât to upset you.
â
âand what exactly were your intentions?â she pressed, after a pause that seemed to carry her thoughts.
âI need someone to take her off my hands.
This arrangement isnât working.
â
Albert took a moment before responding, his voice thoughtful, âAlright.
Iâll arrange for someone to come by.
â
Jessieâs tension eased at his assurance.
Meanwhile, Albert ended the call, massaged his temples, and turned to Emma with a firm directive, âGet a car ready.
I need to head back to Duefron.
â
Emma, taken aback, reminded him, âBut you have a critical meeting here at ten in the morning.
â
Albert met her gaze squarely, his resolve clear.
âThe situation in Duefron demands my attention just as much.
â
Jessie ended the call and glanced at the little girl dressed in black standing in the dim corridor.
Jeslyn was occupied with counting mosquitoes, her feet tapping the floor in frustration as she muttered, âThere are too many mosquitoes.
â
Jessie set her phone down and pondered momentarily.
âLetâs head downstairs for now.
Your father will arrange for someone to collect you shortly.
â
Jeslyn let out a snort.
âDo you really trust him? The TV called people like my dad profiteers.
You canât rely on anything a profiteer says.
â
Jeslyn regarded Jessie with disdain and remarked with disappointment, âYouâre easily deceived by men.
I believe Dad enjoys fooling you.
â
Jessie had a strong desire to leave Jeslyn alone to her own device, despite the late hour.
However, with Jeslyn being just a few years old, Jessie didnât have it in her heart to really do that.
Afraid of being caught by her mother if she took the girl inside, Jessie opted to squat in thecorridor with Jeslyn.
As they squatted, Jessie swatted away several mosquitoes.
Jeslyn remarked slowly, âI told you there were so many mosquitoes.