A sudden notion dawned on her.
Could it be that beyond some of the Russell family, Pop had attracted adversaries? But his life and connections were uncomplicated, and she couldnât seem to come up with anyone who might bear a grudge against him.
Past disputes, maybe? But her knowledge of Popâs history was limited. Anxious thoughts churned within. Josie. After some contemplation, she retrieved the medical qualification certificate with the bold âRivodia City Hospitalâ written on the box.
âMrs. Russell, Mr. Russell instructed us to keep you within Mason Gardenâ¦..â
The servant stood by the doorway, attempting to obstruct her exit.
âI just spoke with him. Heâs fine with me going out.â
The servant was skeptical. âWell⦠unless Mr. Russell confirms that, we canât permit you to leaveâ¦.â
Given Josieâs feeble condition, her ashen appearance suggested a gentle breeze could knock her over.
Josie was darn sure Dexter wouldnât entertain her request even if she reached out to Dexter.
Taking a deep breath, she had no choice but to retreat to her bedroom.
There was an external staircase extended from the bedroom balcony. However, the door at the base was locked. Sheâd need to climb over the wall if she wanted to escape this dungeon.
Josie descended the stairs carefully and was just about to hoist herself over the wall when the servant noticed her. âMrs. Russell! Stop right there!â
She was already halfway up the wall..
Upon hearing the plea, she summoned a final burst of energy, managed to clear the wallâs edge, and landed on the other side. âIâll talk to Dexter. Donât follow me!â
With those words, she jumped down, tumbling onto the grass due to the momentum. Her ankles throbbed, and she limped away.
Before pulling away from Mason Garden, Josie dialed Dexterâs number. She was determined to take action and fill him in later. However, he only picked up right before the call disconnected. âHello.â
It was the same womanâs voice as before. Josie had identified her by now. She kept her query concise.
âWhereâs Mr. Russell?â
âMr. Russell is occupied.â
Then make sure you let him know Iâve left Mason Garden. Iâm heading to find Wyatt.â
Sounds of scribbling filled the other end. âNoted.â
With that confirmation, Josie hung up.
Her first destination was Carter Residence. Andy, spotting her, was taken aback. âMrs. Russell?
Whatâs⦠Arenât you worried about angering Mr. Russell?â
Josieâs brows knitted. Iâm looking for Arnold.â
âMr. Carter isnât here.â
âWhy the charade?â While waiting outside, she noticed the illuminated interior of Arnoldâs office.
Josie surged ahead.
âHey! Mrs. Russell! You canât just enterâ¦â Andy attempted to stop her, employing minimal force and lacking any serious intention of preventing her.
A subtle scent of red wine in the air.
Arnoldâs features were striking, yet his smile held an intriguingly dangerous charm. âTurning my office into a club, huh? Come as you wish. Barge in, and no knocking necessary, huh?â
Josic stepped closer, her hands resting on the desk, her expression intense.
âWhereâs Wyatt?â
Arnold casually picked up a pen and toyed with it. âWhy are you asking me? Heâs a Russell, not a Carter. How would I know?â
âLet me rephrase. Whereâs my father?â
This time, he halted the penâs twirl and regarded her seriously. âYour fatherâs missing? You got suspicions that Wyattâs got his hands dirty?â
Arnoldâs mind raced. âYouâre not saying I had Wyatt on my leash and gave him instructions, are you?â
âIs that not the case?â
âOf course not!â He retorted swiftly.
âI donât believe you!â
Arnold chuckled. âSo, anything unfortunate related to you must be my doing, right? You asked, I answered, and then you doubted my response. What exactly are you expecting from me?â
âWyatt is alone and stranded in Wavery. Youâre his only lifeline, his only hope. Besides, youâve met him.
before. I canât believe thereâs no collusion between you two.â
Josieâs tone grew frostier with every word.
âArnold, Iâll ask one more time. Where is he?!â