Her concern for Marcus had grown especially since she discovered he had been poisoned.
Unable to contain her worry, Millie finally called Marcus, only to receive no response.
Why wouldn’t he answer? In a hurried attempt to reach him, she dialed Derek’s number.
At that moment, Derek was also in the old house. He glanced at his phone, then at Marcus, who was still kneeling on the ground. A thought struck him, and he stepped away to answer the call.
“Mrs. Thomas,” he said.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtMillie’s voice trembled with urgency.
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“Derek, are you with Marcus? Why hasn’t he cback? It’s so late.”
Derek’s eyes landed on Claudia, seated in the hall.
He had pleaded for mercy earlier, but she had refused to listen, insisting that Marcus remain kneeling.
In Derek’s eyes, they had done nothing wrong, and Marcus’ punishment was utterly unjust.
“Mrs. Thomas, we’re at the old house,” he told Millie.
“In the old house? Is there anything wrong with grandma?” Millie’s confusion grew.
“She is fine.”
“Then what are you doing in the old house? Why didn’t Marcus answer the phone?” Millie’s voice rose, her words tumbling over one another.
With no other option, Derek found himself disobeying Marcus’ wishes, revealing the truth to Millie.
“Mr. Thomas can’t answer the phone now because he… is kneeling as punishment.”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmDerek’s voice was tinged with resentment, his conviction that Marcus‘ punishment was unwarranted clear.
Claudia had a fondness for Millie. Perhaps if Millie were to plead on Marcus’ behalf, Claudia might forgive him.
Millie’s thoughts ground to a halt. Marcus was kneeling in the old house as a punishment? Why would Claudia impose such a severe penalty?
Had he been there the entire night? The more Millie contemplated the situation, the more her worry escalated.
“I’m coming now.”
Outside the old house, the sound of a car’s brakes echoed through the night. Upon hearing it, Derek rushed to the gate.
Millie stepped out of the car.
“Mrs. Thomas, you are finally here,” Derek exclaimed, breathing a sigh of relief. Now Mr. Thomas could get up.