Female Novel
Chapter 1763
Three days into Ian's mysterious coma, Dylan rolled into the quaint town of Greenfield, with aspecial delivery: Patric, cuffed and looking like he'd been through the wringer, was dragged into theheart of Greenfield Gardens.
The sight of Patric in such a state was a solemn reminder of the power play at hand. He wassporting a scruffy beard and hiding behind a pair of glasses, a sharp contrast to his former self.Maja, unable to bring herself to call Dylan "big brother," simply nodded in acknowledgment of hispresence.
Patric's eyes held a flicker of something indefinable when he caught Maja's gaze, but it vanished asquickly as it appeared. He stayed sullenly silent, a storm brewing in his silence.
Beck, who was never one to mince words, smacked him on the back of the head. "Quit sulking,man. After all that running and hiding, here you are, caught like a rat in a trap."
It was a joint effort between Dylan and some hard characters from the local fight club that hadcornered Patric. He was seething, and not even Maja's questions about Eric's fate or Patric's futureplans could pierce his resolve.
Before matters could progress, the doorbell rang, slicing through the tension. Dr. Sarah andBernard, accompanied by a line of uniformed officers, stood at the threshold. Maja's eyes sparkledwith a glint of intrigue as she took them in.
Dr. Sarah's gaze lingered on Patric for a quick moment before she gracefully shifted her attention.Bernard, meanwhile, exuded a calm authority as he stepped forward.
"I'm here to take Patric into custody. Ian had made a promise to return him unharmed," Bernarddeclared with the ease of someone used to getting his way.novelbin
Maja bit her tongue; Bernard wasn't someone she could easily challenge. However, his next wordssent a shiver down her spine.
"Additionally, we've contracted Dr. Sarah's services. I understand Ian's predicament, and if you trustme, I can provide Dr. Sarah with state-of-the-art facilities to develop a potential antidote. The kind ofequipment she needs can only be obtained through government channels."
Maja's fingers twitched subtly. She looked up at Bernard, his smile as reassuring as a benevolentpatriarch's.
"I have every faith in your intentions," Maja said with a thin smile. "But wasn't Dr. Sarah scheduledto return to North America? What's changed her mind so abruptly?"
Dr. Sarah's response was light and detached. "Once Ian's situation is resolved, I'll be free to returnto North America."
Maja nodded silently, agreeing to let them take Patric, but requested a day to speak with Ian beforethey returned for him.
Bernard and Dr. Sarah departed as swiftly as they had arrived. Alone again, Maja called Fitch,seeking an update on his end.
Fitch, standing in the midst of Oakford, reported in a steady voice, "After Queena's execution, herashes were supposed to be delivered to her family. Since she had none left, they were scatteredinto the sea off Oakford. No evidence, no way to prove whether she's alive or dead."
The rain in Oakford had turned Fitch's suit pants muddy as he listened to Maja question his loyalty.
"Fitch, do you truly consider Ian a friend? Would you betray him?"
Fitch's pause was palpable, his tone darkening. "What are you implying, Maja? I know you've beensour about Zoey's choice, but it was her decision, not mine. I merely presented an opportunity."
Maja's voice was resolute. "There might be something off about Bernard."
"Have you lost your mind?" Fitch retorted, incredulous.
Only Maja would dare to cast suspicion on Bernard. After all, she was the same woman who hadonce dared to sue Edith.
"I'm not crazy. If there's no lead on your end, come back."
Fitch looked down at the mud clinging to his legs, his mind awash with thoughts and the murkypossibilities ahead.