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 from

his cigarette, flicking it

continued toward the villa, but then slammed on the brakes, grabbed his phone, and called

was quiet, just the

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

fingers through his hair

and

she couldn't be bothered to

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