Barton pushed open the door and entered Andrew's bedroom. "Sir, Mrs. Houston has found all the ledgers."
"I see." Andrew nodded.
Barton hesitated. "Sir, the mastermind will act soon. Should we..."
"Life goes on. No need to borrow trouble," Andrew replied. "You can go now."
After Barton left, the gauzy curtains fluttered in the breeze.
Andrew gazed at the dark sky outside and whispered, "This time, I'm here with you."
...
The next morning, Debra grabbed her bag, ready to go to work.
Ivan blocked her path. "Mrs. Houston, have you eaten breakfast?"
"Not hungry, thanks." She sidestepped him.
He scrambled in front of her again. "Maybe a sandwich?"
Debra forced a polite smile. "I'm really not hungry."
Ivan blocked her a third time. "Coffee, maybe?"
Her jaw tightened. Every photo was from the past two years. It meant the mastermind had been watching her since then.
Ivan wrung his hands. "It's not wise to go out like this."
"Hide from the world? Just like that?" Debra scoffed.
Ivan hung his head like a lost puppy. "I just think it's not safe outside. These people are horrible. They might hurt you."
Debra almost laughed, realizing why Juan had fallen for Shelia's act. This innocent lamb routine was too convincing.
She patted his head. "Thanks for caring."
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