Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 911

The butler answered truthfully, “I don’t know, sir. Not long after you returned, she left with her handbag.”

A sense of unease crept over Solomon. “Bring me my phone,” he ordered.

The butler retrieved the phone and handed it to him. Solomon took it and dialed Faith’s number.

It took a long while before someone picked up.

“Faith, how could you not be home when something this big has happened?” Solomon demanded.

Faith’s voice on the other end was rushed. “Solomon, I’m sorry. I can’t go to Africa with you. I have to stay here! Which means I need to lay low for a while!”

“Lay low? How do you plan to hide from Haskell’s search?” Solomon asked, exasperated.

“Don’t worry, I have help,” Faith said.

Solomon frowned, the words tasting bitter. “Help? Don’t tell me it’s one of those losers who used to chase after you, the ones who had nothing to offer. You’re not actually lowering yourself to be with a man like that, are you?”

A sharp cry came through the phone, as if she had been slapped. It was followed by static, and then a harsh male voice boomed, “Solomon, we let it slide when you were on top of the world. But now you’re being exiled for life, and you still have the nerve to look down on me? Let me tell you, your sister has no choice but to cozy up to me now!”

The line went dead.

Solomon’s face was a mask of fury. That fool, Faith! As bad as Africa might be, it was far better than being crushed and humiliated back home. At least there, it would be their own territory!

But now, Faith was choosing to suck up to a man she wouldn't have given the time of day before.

Fine. Whatever happened to her from now on, she brought it on herself.

…

No one objected.

Avril offered her sincere congratulations. “Congratulations, Haskell! Looks like I’ll be counting on you from now on!”

Haskell smiled warmly. “Of course.”

Harriett remained silent. The seed money for the business she started with her husband had come from Zoltan. Now that her career was established, her ambitions were modest; she only wished for a safe and prosperous future for her daughter, Avril.

After the meeting concluded, Xylee, who was usually quiet and reserved, was the last to leave.

Haskell, sensing that she had something to say, took the initiative. “Aunt Xylee, was there something you wanted to talk about?”

Xylee didn't beat around the bush. “I heard you plan to take down Jedidiah Zeigler. Is that true?”