Josie clicked her tongue. âItâs none of your business.â
Arnoldâs gaze fell on her phone. âDid you tip off Dexter?â
His guess hit the mark, causing Josieâs spine to stiffen. However, she quickly responded, âYouâre overthinking things.â
âThe information isnât accurate enough. I can tell you more. Mr. Vipera is planning to transport a batch of goods out of the state at the end of the month. The police want to seize this opportunity to apprehend him. As for the route map, I have a copy here as well.â Arnold spoke slowly and deliberately, causing Josieâs back to break out in a cold sweat. She had no idea why he was telling her this.
âYou telling me all this means it isnât part of the original plan.â
âIt is the original plan.â Arnold curled his lips, his large hand resting on the back of her head, forcing her closer to him. âGo tell Dexter. He can surely come up with a solution. But if you do this, I wonât provide your fatherâs medicine anymore.â
Josie trembled slightly. âYouâre testing me.â
âItâs just an entrance examination. Jo, youâve never shown loyalty to me.â
The two exchanged glances. Josieâs brows furrowed. âLapdog.â
Arnold wasnât angry.
âDo you really intend to be Mr. Daltonâs lapdog for the rest of your life? Itâs not too late to turn back now. I can fight for a chance to reduce your sentence,â Josie added.
This statement was so naive that Arnold couldnât help but laugh upon hearing it. He lightly tapped his fingers and said, âThe day you can take ten years off my sentence is the day Iâll turn over a new leaf.â
It was almost like a fairy tale.
Josieâs mind raced. âIf you donât give me the medicine, your fatherâs illness will also worsen, and you wonât see him again in this lifetime.â
âSo what if I canât see him? At least heâs still alive. But if I donât give you the medicine, your father wonât be able to survive.â
Each word, each sentence, was like a knife plunging into Josieâs heart. She shook her head. Facing this nearly unsolvable problem, she was unsure of how to choose. âIf Dexter doesnât take action, thereâs still the police. They clearly have a plan. How will you respond when the time comes?â
âItâs up to you, then.â Arnold took a deep breath and smiled. âYouâre quite close with the police, arenât you? Think of a way to buy some time. You can do that, right?â
Josie couldnât help but tremble. âYou think of me too highly.â
Arnold withdrew his hands, shoved them into his pockets, and was about to say something when Josieâs phone lit up. It was a call from Justin.
There must be something going on with Grape.
Josie shot Arnold a glare, collected herself, and answered the phone. âWhatâs wrong?â
âYouâre not at home, and neither is Dexter. Grape didnât see you guys all day. Sheâs crying non-stop.â Justin was quite helpless. Taking care of a child was not as easy as he had imagined.
âHand her the phone.â
After a moment, Grape picked up the phone. âMommy, I miss you so much.â
Josieâs expression instantly softened, filled with an indescribable tenderness. âIâm working outside. Iâll be back soon. Can you play with Uncle Justin for a while?â
âIâve been playing with Uncle Justin for quite a while now. Mommy, can I come find you?â
Although the child was crying, her voice was clear and resonant. Arnoldâs expression turned somewhat solemn.
Josie glanced at the person beside her. âBe good. Wait at home for me to come back.â
After she finished speaking and hung up, she walked past Arnold without seeking his opinion. She had barely taken a few steps when he pulled her into a corner and said in a low voice, âDonât move!â
Josieâs eyes widened, and without realizing it, she lowered her voice as well as she asked, âWhat are you doing?â