Chapter 754 I Know You Want to Leave to Find Your Father
The thunder rumbled loudly.
Josie immediately covered Ruth’s mouth and scanned the area around them. After confirming that no one was around, she let out a breath of relief.
“What do you mean?” Josie asked. “Are you saying that other girls ended up here like me?”
Ruth nodded. “Plenty. They were all my dad’s girlfriends. But some didn’t make it out. because they were too dumb.”
Josie felt a shiver down her spine as she imagined their ill–fated endings. “Why did you help them?”
“They looked pitiful. They were covered in wounds like you. Ruth’s eyes were glassy with emotion, revealing her deep concern.
“How about this? Can you come back here tomorrow at the same time to find me? I need some time to think.”
Ruth nodded in understanding. She turned away and walked towards the fence, taking the brick away and crawling out of there to where she belonged.
Josie’s head was filled with a whirlwind of thoughts. She knew she shouldn’t be too trusting of anyone but Ruth was only a five–year–old girl. What schemes could she be capable of?
When Josie returned to the room, Arnold tried to get up using his crutches. “Where did you go?” he asked.
Josie marched over to support him. She changed the subject, saying, “Won’t the Olsens be mad at you for leaving Wavery for so long?”
“Are you getting jealous thinking about Summer?” Arnold asked.
“Do I look like I’m jealous?” Rolling her eyes, Josie placed a pillow for him to lie on. “Stop daydreaming. I’m simply curious.”
“You should be worried, Arnold teased with a mischievous grin. “After all, we disappeared at the same time and didn’t return for such a long time. I’m sure the rumors about us are already spreading like wildfire in Wavery.” He lit up a cigarette to elevate the pain.
Josie ignored his playful remarks. “You have a point,” she said. “After all, now that Liana has returned, Summer has lost the power and standing she had in the past. You’re of no use to the Olsen family anymore. I’m sure Mark would be glad to know that you’ve disappeared. You have no intention of returning to Wavery because that place is no longer an area that is
|||
13
beneficial to you.”
Arnold took a drag on his cigarette and blew the smoke out slowly. “How are you so confident that Summer would lose her power?” he asked through the puff of smoke.
Josie spread her hands in front of her, gesturing to him that everything was as clear as day. “Isn’t it obvious enough?” she said rhetorically as she lifted a brow.
Suddenly, a thought popped up in her mind. “I heard that Liana was able to prove her identity to Mark and Claudia due to her birthmark,” she said. “what kind of birthmark did she have?”
Josie also had a birthmark, but it wasn’t obvious. She didn’t like it, so she would always subconsciously try to hide it from Dexter.
Arnold’s hand halted in the air when he heard her question. “I’m not sure,” he answered in at flat voice.
Josie was oblivious to the odd behavior change as she was busy tidying up things.
“Arnold.”
“Yes.”
“I… I think…”
He lifted his head and asked, “What’s on your mind?”
Josie stared into his eyes, and she couldn’t bring herself to talk about it. How could she think. of leaving the person who saved her behind?
“Nothing,” Josie lied.
The clock ticked. After a moment, Arnold got exhausted from sitting up and returned to bed. He leaned towards one side and uttered, “If you can leave, you should.”
He went straight to the point, his words pouring out in one breath.
“I…” Josie froze at her spot. She didn’t expect him to figure out her plans.
“I know you want to leave to find your father. I understand your feelings, but I cannot guarantee your safety this time.”
Arnold sounded dispirited, his voice leaving no hint of emotion as he stated the reality of the situation.
Josie stood rooted to her spot for a long while. After ruminating for a bit, she finally made her decision and leveled her gaze at him. “If you need me in the future, I’ll be here for you.”