Justin was already confined in the community hall for two days and one night. After listening to the commotion outside, one of the young committee members, namely Jethro Huxley, comforted him, “Mr. Burton, please don’t take it personally.
The townspeople aren’t taught basic etiquette. They snatch everything from the truck as soon as it arrives. We can’t even share the stuff equally according to the quota. If the second batch of supplies doesn’t arrive any time soon, I’m afraid that they’ll flip the community hall inside out.”
Justin’s brows knitted together tightly as he remained silent. He had not expected the situation to be this complicated before coming. Still, he was not that worried, for the problem would be solved once they got the relief goods.
Jethro observed the man, who was sitting on the long bench in front of a wooden table in the corner. The shabby environment could not even conceal the sophisticated grace flowing out from him. He did not seem like someone who would offer help in a run-down place like Greensborough.
After a while, a knock sounded on the door. “President Burton, it’s me.” The officer quickly opened the door with delight. “Assistant Beckham, how did it go?”
As soon as they received news of the problematic second shipment, Frankie traveled to town to find a solution because the signal tower had collapsed due to the heavy snowfall, rendering the area disconnected from the outside world. He entered the hall with his body covered in snow before closing the doors to tune out the noise.
“President Burton, the supplies should be here at any time soon. President Hudson called me this morning. She said that she’ll come in person to deliver the things from Hudson Pharmaceuticals. They should be here before. night.”
Justin’s eyes darkened. “Who told you to tell her this?” Frankie was paralyzed with shock. Justin was placid and unwavered as ever until he heard of the incoming shipment, which made his expression change. Meanwhile, Jethro, who was next to them, could not comprehend the situation at all. Even so, Justin did not explain a word as he rose to his feet and headed toward the door at once.
“President Burton.” “Mr. Burton.” The officer blocked his path with quick movements. “You can’t go outside right now.”
Justin’s expression turned thunderous as he growled, “Frankie, how long does it take to reach a place that has a connection?” “You have to go into town, which will take around an hour.”
“I’m going there.” Justin could not let Rachel take the risk just for him. Even if the shipment was safely delivered, the townspeople were chaotic. If she was harmed in any possible way, he would regret it for the rest of his life for not being able to protect her.
In a worry that they could not bear the responsibility if Justin got hurt, the officer wanted to stop him, but Frankie grabbed his arm.
“What are you doing, Assistant Beckham? Don’t you know that the townspeople are waiting outside for Mr. Burton just to hurt him?”
“That’s not going to stop him either.” Frankie’s stomach churned with mixed feelings. “It’s all my fault. Had I known this beforehand, I would’ve stopped President Hudson from coming over.” “Who’s President Hudson?”
“Just leave it to me.” Frankie then sprinted toward Justin. At this moment, the courtyard had already plunged into a fray; a few of the people took over the truck, whereas some of them were holding hoes and shovels in their hands, their expressions fierce.
“He’s out!” One of them yelled, prompting the men jumping off the truck as everyone cornered Justin like a robust wall.
“You’re finally out. How does it feel to be a coward, huh?” The leader was a youngster glowering to Justin’s face. Despite his tender age, he was the notorious gangster in the village. “Give us all the food you have in the hall
“The pills too. We can’t buy medicine from anywhere, and my father is going to die from a fever!”
“Give it to us!” Noticing their urge to charge toward him in at group, Justin grabbed and dislocated their leader’s arm. The latter plopped onto the ground with an agonizing scream, and a path cleared amidst the throng.
Justin’s cold gaze swept across them. “There’s nothing in the hall. I’m going to the town to make a phone call. If anyone dares to get in my way, I can guarantee that you won’t get anything from us and you will die from starvation.”
“Lies! You’re just trying to run away!”
“Even if I’m running away, what can you do about it?” A dauntless person growled, “We’ll kill you!” “Try me, then. Kill me and let’s see who’s left to help you guys.”
Having a dispute with them was never his plan. However, if he did not show his resolved decision to leave at this instant, he would not be able to stop Rachel from coming. A stalemate struck upon both parties as the snowy wind began to blow.
“Everyone, back off. A croaky voice could be heard coming from the people. It belonged to an elderly man who was highly regarded in the village. “Hack! Mr. Burton has promised our wellbeing throughout the snowfall. Thus, I don’t think that it’s reasonable for you to leave when our village is in this state.”
“What’s wrong with you guys? We’ve given you the things. It’s not our fault that the medical. team left. They just couldn’t stand it. Why don’t you hold them responsible, huh?” Frankie was utterly frustrated by the townspeople’ ridiculous. actions. He even had the urge to just leave them be and consign them to fate.
However, when Justin motioned him to keep quiet, Frankie gritted his teeth to rein back the string of curses from escaping through his mouth.
The old man said, “It’s not like we don’t want to let you go, but you’ve got to keep your promise. We will never let you leave until the second shipment arrives. Everyone’s life is at stake. I hope you can understand.”
Understand? That’s totally absurd! “Stop me if you can.” The sky was darkening and Justin was not in the mood to continue the conversation any longer.
He coldly retaliated before marching forward without bothering them, taking the old man by surprise as the latter took a few steps back.
Justin’s pervasive aura was more domineering than that of the snowfall. No one had the audacity to touch him and they instinctively made way for him, while Frankie tagged along. behind him.
The moment they reached the entrance, a loaded truck loomed out of the snow. The red flag on it was rather eye-catching.
“It’s the truck!” Frankie exclaimed vehemently. Hearing the commotion from afar, the townspeople flocked over in ones and twos. They put down the tools in their hands as soon as they realized that it was the shipment. The truck halted before them and two drivers alighted from the vehicle. “Assistant Beckhamn!”
“Mr. Gasper, you’re finally here!” Frankie welcomed them. “It must be hard for you to rush all the way here. But why are you here this early? The sky hasn’t even darkened yet.”
Andrew heaved a puff of smoke as agitation sat on his brows. “There’s no time to waste. President Hudson got into trouble when we were on our way here. We should call for help immediately. Is there any connection nearby?”
Something flashed through Justin’s gaze when he heard that. Grabbing Andrew by the shoulders, he questioned, “What happened to her?”
