Madeline Crawford and Jeremy Whitman novel Chapter 1849

Ada was merely looking for an excuse to bring Shirley over to Adam and Cathy’s place.

Unexpectedly, Shirley had initiated the visit instead.

Ada was secretly delighted but pretended to be in a tough spot.

Shirley, you saw how it went last time. I brought you to look for your brother, and Carter found out about it. I don’t intend to break Carter’s order again.

“But Carter had also asked you to respect all of my needs while taking care of me. I’d like to see my brother right now. Are you able to refuse me?”

In response to those words, Ada feigned a look of dissatisfaction, pretending to compromise with a conflicted expression.

“Then you better have a conscience, Shirley. If Carter comes home and discovers that I brought you to see your brother, you must explain to him that you compelled me to take you.”

Shirley, unaware that this was part of Ada’s strategy to avoid being implicated, simply replied, ” Sure. I’ll accept full responsibility.”

“Remember your words,” Ada reminded. She snickered to herself as she pushed Shirley’s wheelchair.

Although the small house and the garden were not far apart, it would take a minute or two to walk there.

On the way, Shirley noticed a pungent burning odor that seemed to be getting nearer.

Just as she was wondering what was burning, Ada let out a startled cry behind her.

“Why are there flames ahead?”

Shirley followed Ada’s gaze when she heard her.

Under the illumination of the street lights, they could see that it was no mere fire—thick billows of smoke drifted up into the sky.

A sudden realization struck Shirley. “That’s where Adam and Cathy are staying now!”

She moved her wheelchair along quickly as she spoke. When she arrived, however, the modern- looking  structure  was  already  engulfed  in flames.

Shirley widened her eyes in disbelief. “Adam! Cathy!