Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 442

“If you don’t shut your mouth, I’ll dump your body where no one will ever find it,” he snarled, turning to glare at the passenger seat.

Robert just shrugged. “Do what you want. Once I’m dead, you can toss me in a ditch for all I care. You can’t control me while I’m living, so why should I worry about what happens after?”

***

Sebastian drove with a giddy heart. They were nearing the park, just a short stretch from home, when he suddenly pulled over. “Emma, I need to call Larson.”

“Why are you calling my brother?” Emma asked, thinking how sly he could be. He had this way of looking so pitiful, like a lost puppy, that it made it impossible for her to stay mad at him.

“I made a reservation at this restaurant,” he explained, turning those signature puppy-dog eyes on her. “I booked it a month ago… I was hoping I’d have a chance to ask you out for Christmas.”

Emma just stared at him.

“Emma…” He reached over and gently took her hand.

“Fine, call him,” she sighed, unable to resist his plea. “Just don’t be surprised if he yells at you.”

She watched as he dutifully called her brother to ask for permission to take her out for a few hours. As expected, Larson was not pleased. “Everything’s closed for the holiday. Where could you possibly be going?”

“A few restaurants are still open, Larson,” Sebastian said meekly.

“Put Emma on the phone.”

As he handed the phone to her, Sebastian shot her a look of desperate appeal. Emma hid a smile. “Hello, Larson…”

“Do you want to go out with him?” her brother asked, straight to the point.

“Well… I’m not really…” Emma said slowly, glancing at Sebastian, who looked like his world was about to end.

On Christmas Day, the sprawling city was unusually quiet. The streets were nearly empty save for a few cars like theirs. As Larson had said, most shops and restaurants were closed, but the festive decorations lining the streets were beautiful. At night, when the lights came on, it would be even more magical.

Sebastian had booked a Christmas luncheon at a high-end hotel. Stepping inside was like entering another world, a stark contrast to the cold silence outside. Lively Christmas music filled the air, and waiters bustled between tables with practiced efficiency. It was less of a luncheon and more of a Christmas party.

There was live music, singing, and later, dancing. Performers in festive red outfits moved through the crowd, inviting guests to join them on the dance floor. Inevitably, one of them approached their table.

Sebastian was about to decline, worried the fast-paced group dance might be too much for Emma. To his surprise, however, she stood up.

Delighted, he joined her, and they merged into the dancing crowd. Swept up in the joyful music, they jumped and twirled along with complete strangers. Emma seemed perfectly fine; it wasn’t about technique or getting the steps right, it was simply about moving and having fun.

Then, the music shifted, slowing to a gentle, melodic tune as a musician in a Scottish kilt began to play the bagpipes.

***