By this point, Josie had come to her witâs end, and her voice turned hoarse with her frustration tipped over. âBut heâs not the only criminal on the run in the entire Wavery!â
Arnold paused in his attempt to dab her tears away, taken aback by her sudden outburst, âWow. Easy now. You sound pretty worked up.â
As Popâs disappearance neared twenty-four hours, Josie was on edge, visibly worn out.
Arnold playfully pinched her cheek, âWhen was your last shut-eye?â
âWhy do you care? Iâm done here.â
Josie shoved him aside and unsteadily got to her feet, ready to leave.
Arnoldâs grip gently pulled her back into place.
âWhere do you think youâre going being in this state? Planning to walk right into the enemyâs clutches?
Thatâs a one-way ticket to disaster. Theyâve got your Pop, and their motiveâs likely more complex than just wanting cash. They might be using him as leverage against you or Dexter.â
If it was about blackmail, the perpetrators would reveal their hands sooner or later.
In many ways, his words began to steady Josie, though worry still furrowed her brow. âWhat if they hurt.
Pop?â
Pop had just undergone surgery, so he wasnât fit for additional stress.
Arnold forced her head against his shoulder, âDriving yourself crazy wonât help. Get some rest first, and then weâll talk about it.â
The wine packed more punch than Josie expected, and she was knocked out cold in no time.
Arnold held his breath and refrained from moving, Josie napping on his shoulder, seeming more precious than any rare gem.
He turned his head to sneak a look at her serene sleeping face, an unfamiliar helplessness washing over him.
Swiftly taking a snapshot with his phone, he looked at the picture with a satisfied smile.
Josieâs nap wasnât long, maybe a couple of hours. As she sat up, wincing from the all-over soreness, she glanced up at Arnold and shuffled back a bit, exclaiming. âWhat were you doing?!â
âPlaying the knight in shining armor, and all I get is suspicion,â Arnold quipped, his tone relaxed as he teased Josie, all while kneading his shoulder.
Just then, the private roomâs door was swung open. âWeâve got a situation! Scar and the others have been cornered and taken away!â
Arnoldâs playful grin disappeared. âBy whom?â
The waiter glanced at Josie and then at Arnold, ⦠Dexter⦠Mr. Russellâ¦â
Josie was equally stunned.
She was the first to bolt from the room, but thanks to his long legs, Arnold surged ahead and grasped her arm, urging, âYou need to lay low. Sneak out through the back exit. Go!â
Josie hesitated momentarily. Her concern was etched on her face. âWhat if heâs here for me?â
The irony struck â how had this scenario become reminiscent of an operation to catch a cheating spouse?
Arnoldâs expression grew serious, his voice determined. âIf he were after you, he wouldnât have taken Scar.â
Josieâs response was even quicker. Dexter must be tracing the clues to Wyatt, which led them here!
Arnold descended the staircase like a whirlwind, and Josie struggled to keep up, haphazardly clutching the handrail for support.
Scar was held captive in the high-rise lobby, shocking those entering and exiting.
Amidst a contingent of bodyguards stood a man exuding an unsettling aura-a tangible threat hanging in the air.
Bound to a pillar, Scar spat curses and profanity, his anger palpable. âDexter Russell, if I catch even at glimmer of opportunity, Iâll wipe out your whole dâmn family!â
Dexterâs stance was commanding, with his arms clasped behind his back. He subtly turned his head as Arnold entered the crowd, and his smile icy..
âWhatâs the deal, Dex?â Arnold approached, a chilling grin tugging at his lips.
âLooks like your crew needs a better lesson in manners, Arnold. I shall do you this favor. Dexter retorted, stepping aside.
His gaze shifted from Arnold to the woman behind him. Recognition flickered, his expression darkening -an imminent storm brewing-
Josie held his gaze, unflinching, looking confused and concerned.
But in the next heartbeat, she noticed there was someone else, a woman, next to Dexter.