Chapter 42
Chapter 42:
The brick connected with a heavy thud against his head.
“Ah!” he screamed, clutching his forehead as blood began to flow. Shock filled his eyes as he looked at her.
“I’m calling the police! You’re going to pay for this!”
At the hospital, Eric’s phone buzzed once again. It was Nyla calling.
“Grandma…” Eric anticipated the topic and, wanting to avoid an argument, quickly responded, “We’re almost home.”
“Are you really?” Nyla replied with a skeptical chuckle. “Then put Hadley on the phone.”
“Uhm…”
“I thought as much!” Nyla interjected sharply. “You can’t manage it, can you? You’re not even with her, are you?”
Nyla’s voice grew tense with irritation. “I’ve been trying to get ahold of her. She’s not answering. Did you leave her to fend for herself?”
“Grandma…” Eric began, but Nyla cut him off.
“For four years, I’ve neglected her for your sake! Is it so hard for you to look after her just this once?” Her voice conveyed mounting stress. “I’m about to undergo surgery, and you’re leaving me worried?”
“Don’t worry. Everything will be alright.” Eric reassured her.
With no alternatives left, Eric conceded. “She headed out a bit ago. I’m going after her now, okay?”
“Excellent!” Nyla responded without hesitation. “Call me when you both get back.”
“Understood,” Eric replied, though his voice lacked enthusiasm.
After ending the call, he turned to Linda. “I need to leave.”
“Understandable,” Linda said, having heard the entire exchange. She nodded. “Your grandmother is just looking after your best interests. It’s best you go now. I’ll manage here.”
Linda then looked out the window and added, “This place is too remote. It’s not right for Hadley to be out there alone.”
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“Both you and Grandma are so caring,” Eric remarked, standing up. “Okay, I’m off. Don’t overdo it and exhaust yourself.”
“I know. Get going.” Linda urged him.
“Alright.”
As Eric turned to leave, Linda’s demeanor shifted. Her face became solemn, and she averted her eyes, hiding her thoughts.
Eric exited the hospital room and dialed Hadley’s number.
This time, the call didn’t go to voicemail, but still, there was no response.
Despite his repeated attempts, she did not pick up.
“What is happening?” Eric muttered under his breath.
As he drove out of the hospital’s parking lot, he kept an eye out for her, suspecting that she hadn’t gotten very far. In this neighborhood, catching a taxi was notoriously difficult.
After some time, there was still no sign of her. Perhaps she had managed to find a ride back to Silver Villas. That seemed likely.
.
.
.