Chapter 174
It seemed like a simple invitation for a fishing trip, but there was more brewing beneath the surface than just bait and tackle.
Garfield, ever the leader, had a way with words, quoting classics and not missing a beat.
In essence, he assured us that the project was a surefire success, promising government grants to sweeten the deal for both the Crawfords and Clyde.
But fishing was the last thing on their minds, proven by their empty hooks at the end of the day.
In contrast, I, the rookie, reeled in several big catches, earning a meaningful glance from Garfield. “Mrs. Patterson, looks like you’ve got beginner’s luck on your side,” he said, giving her a meaningful look.
I maintained my professional smile, engaging in pleasantries while hiding my true feelings. The thought that these men could be behind my father’s death filled me with a silent rage, wishing I could feed them to the fishes.
At the dinner, while they were busy toasting and drinking, I stuck to soda, thinking the deal meant we were safe from harm. Yet, Clyde and I were drugged.
Feeling groggy, I initially blamed the room’s heat until Clyde’s urgent grip on my hand signaled trouble. I excused myself, supposedly heading to the restroom, but quickly dialed Lisa.
Before I could speak, she warned, “Talbot’s pulling the same old tricks, drugging you two. I’m on my way, don’t move.”
“Okay, I’m in the restroom. Hurry,” I replied, suddenly trusting Lisa more than ever.
By the time I returned to our private room, Lisa had arrived, ready to take control. “You got this?” she asked, seeing me barely keeping awake.
Talbot and Garfield soon left, leaving us under Lisa’s watchful eye. “Don’t worry, dad. My people are on it,” she assured him.
I couldn’t catch the rest of their conversation, my head pounding with pain. Once the door shut behind them, Lisa rushed over, “Melanie, you still with us?”
“Yes,” I managed, shaking my head to clear the fog.
Her driver entered, ready to escort us to the hotel for safety, but suddenly, Clyde began convulsing, vomiting without consciousness.
“Call 911, now!” Lisa commanded, springing into action.
By the time the ambulance arrived, Clyde was unconscious, and Lisa looked utterly lost. Meanwhile, I regained most of my senses, accompanying them to the emergency room.
Doctors and nurses rushed about as
Lisa and waited anxiously. “The patient’s having a severe allergic reaction, struggling to breathe,” one doctor announced, preparing for a stomach pump.
Peering through the door, I saw Clyde’s pale face, lifeless on the bed as medics performed CPR. My fists clenched in fear and anger.
“No stress, good folks have their guardian angels looking out for them. He’ll be alright.” Lisa tried to
reassure me, though her trembling too.
hands told me she was
“Besides, troublemakers like Clyde are tough to kill.”
As we sat in the cold hospital corridor, could feel Lisa’s fear. In that moment, both of us were united by our concern, the earlier schemes and betrayals momentarily O forgotten.