As she spoke, she briskly walked over to the car, slid into the seat, and slammed the door shut.
“Are you f*cking satisfied now?” Josie ripped off her earpiece and threw it on the ground.
Arnold was still smiling. “I wasn’t joking just now. Charles is no small fry, Josie. You are of great importance.”
“Thanks. For your mess, I’ve exhausted the connection that could have ensured a lifetime of wealth and prosperity for me!”
Josie was genuinely furious. If it weren’t for Arnold’s threats, she could have kept Charles as a resource for any future emergencies, instead of acting so rashly.
“Can he protect you?” Arnold sneered disdainfully, “He’s just a mayor for now, but in a couple of years, he won’t be. The one who can truly protect you is…”
He drew out his words, finally giving up. “Forget it.”
Just then, Josie’s phone chimed. It was a message from Charles confirming that everything had been arranged. They were to meet the day after tomorrow for two hours.
She handed it over to Arnold, her thoughts drifting until she broke into a laugh. “I’m quite curious. How are you going to pull off dressing as a woman?”
Arnold glanced around, a plan forming in his mind. “Want to know?”
She remained silent.
“Stop hanging around with Dexter. Come with me instead. You’ll understand in due time.”
When Josie stepped out of Arnold’s car, Laura was still standing in the same spot, her skirt billowing in the wind. She was seemingly lost in thought.
Josie waved at her and quickly drove off in her own car.
Late that night, Dexter was still awake. He sat on the carpet, leisurely sorting through Grape’s toys, thoroughly enjoying himself.
Upon hearing the sound, he didn’t lift his head. “Is it done?”
“Yes. Everything went smoothly with Laura and Charles. The meeting is set for the day after tomorrow. We’ll have two hours.” Josie quickly stepped forward, not understanding. “Will Arnold personally attend?”
“No.”
“Why? He was the one who said he wanted to meet Edward. There must be something important. He surely wouldn’t feel at ease letting someone else handle it on his behalf.”
Taking advantage of the situation, Josie sat down on the carpet, her face full of curiosity.
Dexter doted on her as he looked at her. “Arnold’s request has two advantages for him.”
“What?”
“First of all…” He set aside a block puzzle and continued, “It will test whether Edward is truly alive, whether he is really in prison, and the layout within. Secondly, he’ll be able to gauge your loyalty based on this action.”
Josie was taken aback.
Dexter stood in the dim light and shadow, enunciating, “Only after you’ve successfully handled matters for him will he allow you access to more related benefits. This serves as both a stepping stone and a pledge of allegiance.”
“So, what do we gain from this? We can’t bring him down, yet he reaps many benefits. Are we to be forever at his mercy?” Josie didn’t understand.
Dexter neatly put away all the blocks. “Now we can have a good night’s sleep.”
“What?” She thought she had misheard.
Dexter had risen to his feet, extending his hand toward her. “Isn’t it too late? Aren’t you tired?”
He didn’t want to say more, and it wasn’t appropriate for Josie to ask further. Looking at the time, it was indeed very late. Reluctantly, she took his hand for support to stand up. However, with a stumble, she fell directly into his arms.
“Hmm…”
At the earliest opportunity, Dexter steadied her body. Josie reacted swiftly as well, shaking off Dexter, her ears turning a shade of red. “Um… I’m going to sleep now!” she announced.
With hurried steps, she tried her best to ignore the faint scent of tobacco she had just caught.
She swiftly entered the room, clutching her wildly beating heart. Panic mingled with a sense of defeat. I’m going mad, absolutely mad!
