The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 41

Stepping out of the restaurant, Charley Sheffield first headed home to grab Nemo.

After clipping on the leash, he handed the loop to Lavinia Joplin.

She took it happily, scratching the dog's fluffy head.

"Let's go. Time for a walk."

They strolled along a small creek blooming with fresh flowers until they reached the wide, open riverbank.

The dog led the way as the two walked slowly side by side, making casual conversation.

"Charley, I think I remember now. Back in high school, you wore a mask all the time. I never actually saw your face back then."

"I had a sensitive respiratory tract at the time. The doctor made me wear it."

"Oh."

Lavinia wanted to ask if he was the boy who had fought off six guys to save her that one time. For some reason, she couldn't bring herself to ask.

They walked a little further, and the sound of singing drifted over.

A set of steps leading down to the river was packed with young people. At the bottom, a singer was strumming a guitar and belting out an acoustic rock ballad.

The audience held up their phones, flashlights on, singing along as if they were at a concert.

"Want to sit over there?" Charley asked.

"Yeah."

They found an empty spot on the steps. Following the crowd's lead, Lavinia raised her phone and turned on the flashlight.

The sea of little lights blended together, and the familiar melody carried everyone back to their own pasts.

It had been a long time since Lavinia felt this peaceful and relaxed.

Just a few days ago, she had been drowning in despair, convinced the person she loved most was going to leave this world before spring ended.

She held her light high. Her arm began to ache, but she refused to put it down. She was terrified that if she let go, the miracle would vanish.

Just as she was about to drop her arm, a hand reached over, gently gripping the top half of her phone to support her weight.

She didn't turn her head.

His palm was warm, only brushing against her fingertips, yet it gave her the illusion of a deep, unspoken connection.

***

Having just thanked the last batch of funeral guests in their dark mourning clothes, Garnett Harper strode into the lounge.

Corinne was stunned, looking completely innocent. "Mr. Harper, I already gave it to your wife."

"Then why the hell did she curse me about being given the wrong medication?" Garnett roared, the veins bulging on his forehead.

He had never lost his temper like this before. Sigrid froze, and Corinne began to panic.

"Mr. Harper, I swear I gave her the medication. She took it straight to Dr. Roland, and even mentioned something about immediately switching to a new treatment plan," Corinne explained weakly.

Sigrid stepped closer, gently tugging on Garnett's sleeve. "Garnett," she murmured, keeping her voice low, "could it be that she found out you came to Portus City to help move my father's grave, and she said those things out of spite?"

Garnett looked as though he had been struck by lightning.

That wasn't impossible. It seemed she was genuinely furious this time.

She was mad, so she cursed him?

His fists clenched tightly once more.

"I'm going back to get some answers from her." Garnett brushed past the two women and stormed out.

Corinne let out a long breath of relief and looked at Sigrid with deep gratitude. "Ms. Sloan, thank you."

If she hadn't intervened, Corinne suspected she would have been fired on the spot.