Chapter 434
Evan and Emmett tensed up again. “Bro p>
Elliot remained cool as a cucumber. “Forget about him, let him talk. He has no proof we aren’t who we claim to be, and even if we were, it wouldn’t affect him in the slightest. What really matters is what happened back then, not who’s meeting him. So even if he figures out we’re not Nola, it won’t stop him from showing up. Besides, I’m pretty sure he’s clueless p>
The phone rang again the next second, still from a burner number. Elliot was even more convinced. “See, he’s calling again. If we don’t pick up, he’s just bluffing. If he truly knew we weren’t Nola, he wouldn’t keep calling.” Elliot hung up again. They definitely couldn’t answer it, or their cover would be blown.
“Elliot, Evan, and Emmett, are you guys asleep?” Blossom’s voice came from outside the door. The kids quickly stashed away Nola’s smartphone and dove under their covers, pretending to be asleep.
Blossom gently pushed the door open and tiptoed inside. She checked on them, tucked them in a bit more, and then left. After the door closed, Elliot whispered to Emmett, “Once we’re gone, Blossom is your responsibility p>
“Don’t worry, fooling Blossom is as easy as pie p>
At eleven o’clock at night, certain Blossom was sound asleep, Elliot and Evan changed into their sneakers and hoodies, grabbed their backpacks, and headed out.
Tarquin was waiting downstairs. Upon seeing them, the three had different reactions. Tarquin and Axel expected this, only Lowell was totally shocked! In the dead of night, why on earth were these two munchkins sneaking out? Where were they heading?
Unaware of their audience, the boys masked up and left the complex, hailing a cab to the hotel. Before getting into the cab, Evan sharply turned back for a look.
“What’s up?” Elliot asked.
Evan furrowed his brow, peering into the darkness for a moment before saying, “Nothing p>
The cab drove off, and that’s when Tarquin’s group showed themselves. Lowell marveled, “Can’t believe Ms. Thorne’s sons have such sharp instincts. Almost caught us there. But where could they be going this late p>
Lowell started his car, ready to tail them, but Tarquin stopped him, turning to Axel instead, “Follow them on your own. Better to lose them than let them spot you p>
“Got it.” Axel left the car.
Lowell was worried, “Better to lose them than be spotted, but what if those kids run into trouble? No, wait, Axel’s got skills; they won’t notice him.” Tarquin didn’t reply, just said, “Contact the cab company, get the destination of that cab with the license plate starting with JE p>
Lowell saw Tarquin’s serious look and immediately made the call. Soon they had their answer, “Marriott Hotel! Tarquin, those kids are heading to the Marriott Hotel p>
Tarquin’s brow twitched. The Marriott Hotel, a Slater family property! Were these kids on their way to find Nola?
“Take the back roads p>
“Right.” Lowell sped off, still couldn’t help asking, “Wonder what those kids are up to. Should we let Ms. Thorne know p>
“No need p>
“And if something happens, won’t Ms. Thorne blame us for not telling her sooner p>
Tarquin glanced at Lowell, “Even if you mess up, those kids won’t p>
“Huh p>
“They’re smarter than you, probably better in a scrap too p>
“What?!” Lowell was stunned, catching Tarquin’s reflection in the rearview mirror.
“Just drive p>
Lowell p>
Truth be told, having been Tarquin’s right-hand man for years, he knew him better than anyone. Today’s confusion stemmed from his underestimation of what five-year-olds could do.