Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)

Chapter 357

As Hannah and I reached the garden gate, I peered through the sliver of an opening. Sure enough,

someone was inside.

We exchanged silent glances.

Hannah signaled for me to stay put while she crept forward, ascending the two stone steps to the

entrance. She pressed her ear against the door for a moment, and I drew closer as well.

The gap was too narrow for me to see anything inside.

With a daring nudge, Hannah gently pushed the door ajar further. My heart raced, fists clenched,

fearing we’d make a sound.

The door opened a bit more, but the darkness within veiled the interior from view.

I was about to push the door wider when Hannah yanked me back and I heard a faint whispering voice

inside!

Despite the intermittent sounds, I recognized Jaylan’s voice immediately. I knew him all too well.

My nerves calmed, replaced with curiosity. What could anyone be up to in the middle of the night?

I held my breath, straining to hear who Jaylan was speaking with and about what.

I was sure about who was inside now!

I overheard Jaylan asking, "In a nutshell, what does Galen do every day?"

The reply came from Gemma, "Sir, Galen goes out daily. The missus says he works at VitalAxis

Pharmaceuticals, always comes home late. I find it odd, sir. If he's working, why doesn't he ever bring

any paperwork home?"

Gemma was certainly keeping tabs on my father's comings and goings. I leaned in, straining to hear

better in the pitch black.

Jaylan prodded further, "Who does he meet with often?"

Gemma answered, “He had lots of visitors. But mostly, it's the Damon family from next door. They chew

the fat about nothing in particular, mostly kids’ schooling and such. I used to record them, but it was

fruitless, so I stopped. Few folks from the pharma industry pop in, but they chat briefly and leave. I

suspect... he doesn’t discuss business at home."

At this, a chill ran down my spine. Gemma was more observant than I gave her credit for.

"What do you mean by 'doesn't discuss business at home'?" Jaylan pressed.

"Just that, sir. He never talks shop in the house," Gemma said cautiously.

"Why do you think that? Found something? Or..."

Gemma continued, "Just a hunch!"

"Why not follow him to see where he actually goes?" Jaylan sounded irked.

"I've thought about tailing him a few times, but his wife is sharp. If he steps out, and I try to follow, she'd

call me back for chores." NôvelDrama.Org (C) content.

Gemma's tone was sycophantic but sincere, "By the time I'd be free to leave, he would be long gone."

"Does he drive, or does he walk?" Jaylan asked.

"I've noticed it’s usually the chauffeur driving him. He seldom walks unless someone comes to see him.

Then they'd stroll and talk."

Gemma elaborated, "He has a habit of walking down the street after dinner. Those looking for him

picked up on this habit and would choose that time to discuss matters. I couldn't hear what they were

saying while walking."

She was thorough in her reporting.

"Did they mention how much the government might pay for Oldtown Avenue?" Jaylan's question was

blunt.

I snorted involuntarily. How desperate must someone be to unabashedly reveal such a greedy side,

asking so directly?

"No specifics, but I overheard them talking about ownership rights of the street, suggesting it could all

belong to Galen. He was adamant about not selling. I got the impression he wanted to persuade the

remaining residents to leave and take over their properties."

Jaylan muttered, "Hmph... seems the old coot's got a hefty appetite for greed himself!"