Timothy watched the car disappear down the drive until it was little more than a speck on the horizon. Only then did he wheel around, guide his wheelchair back into the house, retreat to his room, and quietly shut the door behind him.
Sandra let out a weary sigh. She knew there was no point in pressing Timothy for answers right now; he wouldn’t tell her anything in his current state.
She turned to Sheila. “You spent some time in Riverside City, didn’t you? Do you know anything about what’s going on with them?”
Sheila shook her head. “I don’t know the specifics. But I can tell Timothy cares a lot about her. I have no idea what happened to make her insist on a divorce.”
“I thought as much,” Sandra murmured.
She took Abell’s arm, leading him out for a walk. Once they’d strolled a ways past the gates of Howard Mansion, Sandra spoke up. “Why don’t you call Timothy’s grandfather? Maybe he knows what’s really going on.”
“You’re right. I’ll ask Phelps about it.”
Abell dialed Phelps’s number.
Phelps picked up almost immediately. “Abell, is something up?”
“I met my granddaughter-in-law today,” Abell said. “She seemed gentle and well-mannered. I was impressed. But she told me she wants a divorce. Do you know why?”
Phelps was in the middle of organizing a search for Jessica. Like Sallie, he’d assumed Timothy had gone to find Sheila, so he relayed the information Jessica had sent him to Sandra and Abell.
“I can’t find her anywhere. Turns out, she’s left the country. I’d appreciate it if you could try reaching out to her. Please, do whatever you can to keep this from going to court. Don’t let her divorce Timothy.”
Phelps had actually been considering letting Jessica go, figuring it might be best for everyone if she and Timothy split. But now that Timothy had gotten himself hurt chasing after Sheila, Phelps was worried he’d just get tangled up with Sheila all over again if he divorced Jessica. For now, it was better that they stayed married.
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