FakeNovelHiram's fingers twitched, desperate to break free from his own body and shout back in protest. But all he managed was a strangled, guttural sound, eyes blazing red with helpless fury.
Watching the agony etched across the Sterlings' faces, Tricia couldn't help but recall Charlotte's own look of anguish. A wave of satisfaction washed over her.
At that moment, she released the brake on the wheelchair.
The slight slope was enough-the wheelchair began to roll, slow and steady, straight toward the reflecting pool. Hiram's eyes widened as he realized what was happening. Powerless, he watched himself slide closer to the water's edge, despair closing in. He shut his eyes, bracing for the inevitable.
"Stop!" Vera's voice rang out as she burst onto the scene.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtBut she was a moment too late. Hiram, wheelchair and all, toppled into the water with a splash. Vera didn't waste tdemanding answers from Tricia-she dove in after him.
Tricia's face drained of color. Before she could react, Noreen crunning, flanked by Judd and Gentry.
Panic flaring, Tricia yanked her hat down over her face and bolted.
"Hey! Stop right there!" Gentry shouted, chasing after the fleeing figure.
Tricia darted into a crowd, weaving through startled guests. Just as Gentry was about to catch her, she grabbed a passerby, shoving them between herself and her pursuer. The stranger yelled after her, "What's wrong with you, lady? In a hurry to meet your maker?" Gentry hesitated, unwilling to barrel into the innocent bystander. By the the looked up again, Tricia had vanished into the sea of people.
Meanwhile, Vera hauled Hiram out of the pool, with Judd and Noreen 1/3 12.14inin lending a hand from the edge.
Hiram had swallowed water and was unconscious. Judd dropped to his knees and began CPR, working methodically.
After a tense moment, Hiram coughed up a lungful of water and started shivering violently as consciousness returned. Judd shrugged out of his jacket, wrapping it around Hiram's shoulders. Noreen rushed to call for the Summitview Wellness Retreat's medical staff.
The paramedics arrived quickly, whisking Hiram away for a full evaluation, while Vera, Judd, and Noreen went with him.
Out in the hallway, a nurse handed Vera a towel. Noreen helped her dry her hair. "Thank God we got here in tand thank God you know how to swim. Otherwise, he'd be a goner." Vera started to reply, but just then, Gentry returned, still catching his breath.
"Where is she?" Noreen asked.
"She runs like the devil," Gentry grumbled, hands on his hips. "I was right on her heels, but she pulled sstunt in the crowd and slipped away." He paused, then added, "By the way, who the hell is she, anyway?" Noreen shook her head and looked at Vera.
Vera answered quietly, "Her nis Tricia." Gentry's expression shifted to one of recognition. "So that's her. Mr. Howard's old flame. Figures..." He shot a sidelong glance at Judd, then sidled up to him and muttered, "You looked pretty anxious back there." Judd shot him a cold look. "Just doing my job." Gentry smirked but let it drop.
A doctor soon emerged from the ER, clipboard in hand. "Who here is family for Hiram?" "We all are," Vera blurted.
2/3 12:44 Chapter 375
The doctor studied them briefly but didn't press. "Aside from his existing neurological issues, he's just a bit shaken up from the incident. There's nothing else to worry about." "Thank you." "Of course."
Once the doctor was gone, Noreen turned to the others. "She didn't get what she wanted this time, but I'm worried she might cback.
Should we have someone keep watch?" Gentry folded his arms across his chest. “No need. Honestly, transferring him to our hospital would be safer." "You'll handle the paperwork?" Noreen asked.
"That's what Dr. Carstairs is for." Gentry clapped Judd on the shoulder. "You've got the connections-right?" Noreen and Vera both looked at Judd.
He said nothing.
Charlotte was just stepping out of a patient's room when her phone rang. She answered, meaning to ask about Hiram's condition, but Vera's voice rushed through, telling her everything that had happened. Charlotte froze, her face darkening, hand tightening around her phone. "Is Hiram alright?" 3/3 Chapter 376
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