Free Web NovelChapter 418: Chapter 418: Busted
"How about this," Aston Marsh proposed. "I’ll take the kids out for a bite, then I’ll pick up some bar snacks and come back to have a drink with you. How does that sound?" Goldie Thorne, of course, had no objections.
Once downstairs, Tang Xiaonan clamored to make a phone call. Adrian Hawthorne spoke to the front desk, and they easily managed to borrow the phone. Tang Xiaonan had been worried that making a call would give away their location, but she was relieved when she saw the old-fashioned telephone. It was the kind with a rotary dial and no caller ID; there was no way they could be traced.
There were no phones on Millstone Peak, so their only option was to call Frederick Thorne’s distillery. Frederick probably hadn’t gotten off work yet. Jim Thorne got through to the gatehouse, and sure enough, Frederick hadn’t left. He was on the line in no time.
Upon hearing Jim’s voice, Frederick Thorne chuckled warmly. "Your youngest uncle just called today. How’s Xiaonan? Having fun in Capria, are you? It’s a real foodie city over there, tons of delicious things to eat."
Jim was dumbfounded. He stammered, "My... my youngest uncle... made... made a call?"
"That’s right. He called around lunchtime and asked me to let your parents know you’re all safe. You have to take good care of Xiaonan, you hear? Keep a close eye on her whenever you go out," Frederick Thorne urged gently.
When he got Goldie Thorne’s call at noon, Frederick had been shocked to hear he’d actually taken his little niece to the south for fun. He was even more surprised that Felix Thorne and his wife had agreed. In the past, they were worried even about her going to Wraven!
The old-fashioned telephone’s earpiece leaked sound, so anyone standing close could overhear. Tang Xiaonan, who was right there, vaguely made out the conversation, and her feelings mirrored Jim’s. ’We’re so screwed.’
’My youngest uncle is usually lazy as hell when it comes to chores, never proactive about a single thing. But of course he’s all eager when it comes to making a phone call, and he’s such a blabbermouth! Now, when we get back, someone’s butt is going to be beaten black and blue.’
’Of course, it definitely won’t be me. Mom and Dad could never bear to hit me. All their anger will be unleashed on my third brother.’ Tang Xiaonan glanced sympathetically at a wide-eyed Jim. ’His butt will be beaten into at least four pieces, and they’ll probably skin him alive. *Sigh*.’
"Uncle Frederick... can we talk about this? How about you don’t report that we’re safe? You should just stay home and take care of Aunt Lana. We’ll be back in a few days."
Jim swallowed hard. His mind cleared a little as he desperately tried to persuade Frederick. He had to save his own hide.
"Your aunt is doing very well now. The bike ride back and forth is only an hour, so it’s no trouble. I’ll make a trip back as soon as I get off work. Your parents must be worried sick. Where’s Xiaonan? Let me have a word with her."
’My nephew is really getting more sensible,’ Frederick thought, feeling gratified. ’He even knows to worry about his aunt. But ever since she found out she was pregnant, Lana’s spirits have been lifting every day. Her appetite is back, and she’s clearly doing much better. Besides, she’s staying with her parents, and her mother is taking meticulous care of her. There’s really not much for me to do.’
"Uncle Frederick... riding your bike at night isn’t safe. You should wait until daytime..."
Jim tried one last time to salvage the situation, inwardly cursing Goldie Thorne. ’When we get back, I’m going to load up his food with extra chili peppers. He can’t handle any spice at all—one bite gives him diarrhea.’
Frederick cut him off. "I have a flashlight, it’s fine. Let me talk to Xiaonan. I have to get back to the workshop."
Jim was utterly dejected. The situation was irreversible. He might as well just wait to go home and face the music. Thinking of the god-tier combat power of Felix Thorne and Phoebe Huxley’s "mixed doubles" tag team, a chill ran down Jim’s spine. He suddenly felt the urge to run away and wander to the ends of the earth.
Tang Xiaonan gently patted him a few times. She was going to try her luck—by acting cute and pleading with Frederick, maybe she could convince her uncle to help them keep this a secret for a few days. ’Uncle Frederick has always been so reasonable,’ she thought. ’He’ll probably agree, right?’
But—
