Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Was she just being paranoid, overthinking things again?

Right on cue, Timothy's phone buzzed. It was a call from Henry.

He answered immediately.

Henry's anxious voice came through, sharp and urgent.

"Dad, you have to come to the hospital-Great-grandpa and Aunt Sallie took Miss Sheila away. It's kind of scary."

Timothy didn't hesitate; he quickly set Jessica down and spoke into the phone, "I'll be there right away."

He strode off in a hurry. But after a few steps, something occurred to him and he turned back. Reaching out, he cupped Jessica's neck with his large hand, pressing her gently to his chest.

With his lips close to her ear, his voice low and husky, he whispered, "I need to step out for a bit, but I'll be back soon. I'll have the bodyguards leave. Just stay home and wait for me, okay?"

He pressed a kiss to her forehead. As he released her and started to go, Jessica grabbed his hand.

Timothy hugged her again, coaxing softly, "Be good. I just have to handle something. I'll be back soon."

She held his hand tightly, unable to free her fingers to sign.

words she wanted to say stayed

gently pulled away

stood alone, a faint, bitter smile curling

really about Henry, Timothy would have told her more. Who else but

almost

he wanted,

heart, she was always

***

and Sallie were in

worried about Sheila, knocked on the door

bully

Sallie a

stepped out, scooped Henry up, and carried him back into the

me down!"

door did

when do

family? Protecting that woman like she's