After wrapping up a grueling meeting, Jeffrey snatched his car keys and hurried downstairs, intent on picking up Karen.

As he neared the villa, his cell phone rang.

A quick glance, a curse under his breath.

"Damn it!" The woman was like a bad penny.

He pulled over to the curb and answered the call.

"What now?" "Jeffrey." Paige's voice was a choked sob, her throat raw, "Our girl, she's in the hospital, you need to come, now." Jeffrey's brow furrowed, "I'm not going.” "I didn't tell you before, but she has a congenital heart defect. She could die at any time. Please, just come see her. The doctors say it's serious, they're afraid she won't make it through the surgery.” "I said, I'm not coming." With that, Jeffrey hung up.

But he didn't start the car right away. Instead, he grabbed his pack of cigarettes, tapped it, pulled one out, and lit it with a flick of his lighter.

day

flicking

the ignition, he continued toward the villa, but then

was quiet, just the sound of

step up. Just eat something, or I can order for you, and have it delivered. How about seafood?" "No way. I'm watching my figure. Just something simple will do. You focus on work. I was just teasing. I'll finish up here and pop over to the supermarket. I won't starve.” Jeffrey bit his lip, his voice tinged with guilt, "Alright." Karen added, "Wait! Any idea when you might be back? If it's late, I might swing by my cousin's. You know how he's been stewing. Mom says he's been holed up in his room, and she told me to check on him." "Because of us?" "Of course not!" "Because of Dorothy?" "Ugh, he knows he can't compete with Everett, and he's just being stubborn." "Okay, then go. You can take any car from the garage. Don't bother with cabs; they're not safe." "Got it." With that,

through his hair in frustration before

and headed straight

she couldn't be bothered to

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