Edgar had thought that he should give Maggie some time to deal with Tompson, but she was gone too long. She still hadn't come back when he thought she would have. After waiting for a long time, he began searching for her, using the techniques that he would normally use in scouting. His search finally ended with him at a bar.
In the night of their marriage, the bridegroom was alone in the apartment, while the bride went out to meet another man. Edgar wanted to ask Maggie if she thought it was proper for her to act this way.
He sighed as he looked at the bar, letting his thoughts float around in his head. He spotted Maggie and Tompson as soon as he walked through the doors and immediately headed over to where they were seated. Standing in front of their small round table, he looked down at the bottles of beer—there were enough to cover the whole table. He frowned, then pulled out a chair and sat down indifferently. Glancing at Maggie, he knew that she was feeling guilty. Then he turned to Tompson. "What are you planning to do next?"
"Oh my God. Becoming husband and wife...and asking the same question..." Tompson said jokingly and smiled, glancing at Maggie. Just a few seconds ago, she was having drink after drink as though she was trying to beat him in a drinking contest, but now she was acting meekly, like a sheep who was caught for hypocrisy. Turning back to Edgar, he continued, "I want to rest first. I will think about what to do after the New Year."
Edgar nodded. He picked up an unopened bottle and took off the cap. Nodding at Tompson again, this time in a little hint sort of way, he drained the whole bottle in one gulp. When he finished, he stated, "I'm taking Maggie back home. If you need help, just let me know and I'll come to you."
Then he got up and pulled Maggie up to her feet, not waiting for Tompson's response. Maggie, who was still lost in thought, trying to come up with an explanation for her behavior, let herself be pulled out of the bar by Edgar.
Maggie headed to her car and opened the door, but before she could put her key into the ignition, Edgar stopped her, taking away the key. "Didn't you drink?" he asked her coldly.
Maggie was speechless. She paused and thought for a moment. "I only drank..."
"Your blood alcohol concentration is above the legal limit," Edgar said, still in a cold voice. He linked arms with her and pulled her with him to the main street. There, he hailed down a cab and pushed Maggie in before climbing in after her. He told the driver the address, and then sat in silence as the driver started on his way.
Maggie felt like things were going all wrong. The atmosphere inside the cab was so weird, so thick. She could hardly breathe, and there were unspoken words threatening the back of her throat. She wanted to explain to Edgar. She wanted to make amends. But meanwhile, she didn't think it was necessary for her to defend herself. She didn't think she did anything wrong.
"Uncle Three..." Maggie finally murmured, hoping to get Edgar's attention. However, he didn't turn to her, nor did he say a word. Pursing her lips, she decided against saying anything to him either. She turned to look out of her window.
It was very late. Despite the prosperity in S City, it was quiet in such a winter night. There were few cars and people outside.
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