“Mr. Francis?”
The call from the housekeeper snapped Rebecca to attention, her gaze inadvertently locking with Francis’.
That single glance, an unintended collision of eyes, spurred Francis into action, quickening his pace towards her.
Eddy, witnessing this exchange, was seething with rage.
With a swift motion, he delivered a harsh slap to Rebecca, “You tramp! Flirting with another man right in front of me, huh?”
Before he could finish his tirade, a sharp cry of pain cut him off as he doubled over, clutching his stomach.
Francis had landed a solid kick to his midsection and swiftly pulled Rebecca behind him for protection.
“You…”
Eddy, face contorted with anger, stared up at Francis, “And who the hell are you?”
Francis had been out of the picture for years, recovering from a long-term illness, and during his absence, Eddy had risen to prominence within the Johnson family, never having met him.
“Hah!”
Eddy’s scornful laughter filled the air as he pointed at Rebecca, “So, you’re the one keeping Rebecca, huh? Got quite the taste for damaged goods, don’t you? This kind of woman, who…”
He couldn’t finish his sentence before Francis’ foot met him again, sending him flying into a wall with even greater force than before.
Watching Eddy writhe in pain, Francis felt a momentary relief. Insulting James’ mother was akin to insulting James himself, and by extension, an insult to Francis.
Francis took Rebecca’s hand and led her away from the scene.
“Don’t you dare leave!” Eddy managed to get up, “She’s my wife! What right do you have to take her away…”
His attempt to follow was useless; Sawyer’s men held him back, leaving him feeling powerless.
…
Inside the car, Rebecca had calmed down, whispering, “Mr. Francis, thank you.”
Once again, he had rescued her.
But this time, Francis offered no response, not even his usual acknowledgment.
Rebecca bit her lip, not daring to breathe too heavily. She couldn’t see him, but she could feel Francis’ displeasure. Was it because she had become a nuisance to him?
She had to admit, she had indeed
caused him a fair amount of trouble, though most of it was unintentional, like today. She couldn’t understand why Francis had suddenly come to her aid.
Just as Rebecca had surmised, Francis was indeed angry, but not at her. He was frustrated with himself.
Since the last incident with Eddy taking Rebecca away, Francis had contemplated that Emerald Estates was no longer a suitable place for her. He had been considering how to properly and logically arrange for her refocation…
Today, he had intended to do just that.
Yet, he was still a step too late.
James’ mother had almost been mistreated again!
The silence in the car was palpable.
Rebecca, feeling uneasy, finally gathered the courage to ask, “Mr. Francis, if I may, where are we going?”
Francis remained silent, giving Sawyer a glance.
“Ms. White.” Understanding the cue, Sawyer explained, “As you might realize, Emerald Estates isn’t safe for you anymore. Eddy could come after you at any time.”
All this while, Mr. Francis had been pondering how to persuade you to leave.
Eddy’s actions had inadvertently solved that dilemma.
Rebecca sat, wide-eyed in realization. Indeed, she understood, but where could she go?
“Ms. White.”
Sawyer continued, “The Johnson family owns the Southern District Sanatorium: It’s a safe place where you can stay for now. Given your condition, it’s an ideal spot. There are doctors, nurses, and caretakers who can attend to your needs.”
It did sound like a good plan.