They were out of earshot from the boss lady and Theoâs conversation, but it felt super weird seeing a high and mighty guy like Theo chilling alone in a small roadside joint Chase said. âEllinor, who wouldâve thought Theo was so down to earth? Here he is at a roadside joint, munching on barbecue, washing it down with beer and fries! But whyâs he all by his lonesomeâ Drinking solo is such a bummer, man!â
Ellinor found the scene unusual too. Didnât Theo say he was catching a flight this afternoon at the hospital? What was he doing still kicking around Greenhaven?
Ellinor remembered once when she came to this roadside barbecue joint for dinner Theo just happened to pass by, saw her, and sat down with her to try the barbecue. She was so stuffed she couldnât stand up when they were leaving, and Theo even held her hand It felt so awkward to think about it now!
âWho knowsâ Maybe heâs waiting for someoneâ Ellinor was bummed and lost her appetite Forget it, letâs bounce and grab a bite somewhere else Chase gave her a sly look Waiting for someone? You think. Theo could be waiting for you?â
Ellinor gave him a glare. âDonât be ridiculous! Just drive!â
After exchanging glances with Ida Chase quickly drove away from the barbecue joint.
At the barbecue joint. Theo sat on a small, unassuming seat that was totally at odds with his persona, attracting curious glances and whispers Everyone was guessing who he was But the manâs intimidating aura kept them from openly staring and they were all sneaking glances After a few more minutes. Theo got up and left. He hadnât touched a single thing on his table.
He walked away confidently, not caring about the admiring or puzzled looks from those around him.
Collin opened the car door for Theo. Once Theo was in he closed the door firmly before he allowed himself a sigh of relief.
For the past month, Thea would occasionally stop by this barbecue joint to sit for a while, order some food, but never eat a bite. Heâd just sit there, lost in thought.
While others might not be able to guess why, Collin knew Mrs. Blanchet, who had disappeared, had eaten here and loved the barbecue Before Mrs Blanchet disappeared. Mr. Blanchet would occasionally ask him to get takeout from here for her. Even though Mr. Blanchet didnât like Mrs. Blanchet eating food of dubious origin, he would still compromise because she loved it.
In the past. Collin always thought that Patricia was the most important woman in Mr. Blanchetâs heart because Mr. Blanchet would always do whatever Ms. Howard asked of him Only after Ellinorâs appearance did Collin see what Mr. Blanchet was like when he truly fell for a woman.
Mr. Blanchet only felt indebted to Patricia because she had saved his life But Mr. Blanchet was in love with Ellinor He was unswayed by any external factors and unable to pull himself away Collin got back in the front passenger seat, then turned around to report, âMr. Blanchet, we still havenât found any leads on Ms. Mendoza â
âHmm, how can a living person just disappear like that? Keep searching Theoâs voice was calm but resolute, filled with unwavering determination and persistence âGot it!â Collin nodded, signaling the driver with his eyes to start the car The top of the line Mercedes business car slowly disappeared down the road, heading in the opposite direction of the car that had briefly stopped by the roadside