We lingered for a while longer before standing up to leave the Aroma Embrace Coffee. Turning to Hannah, I suggested, "It's still early. How about we swing by VitalAxis Pharmaceuticals?"
Hannah started the car. Just as we were about to roll out, my gaze was suddenly snatched away by a figure crossing the street at the intersection ahead.
"Stop!" I cried out to Hannah.
With a sharp brake, she turned to look at me.
Pointing at the figure at the street corner, I drew Hannah's attention. With a gasp, she exclaimed, "Holy smokes... Jesper Dawson?"
My eyes hadn't deceived me. It was indeed Jesper.
My eyes were glued to Jesper, who ambled down the sidewalk with an air of distraction.
"Follow him slowly," I instructed Hannah, "Let's see where he's headed."
Hannah obeyed, easing the car forward in Jesper's direction. But even at our snail's pace, we were catching up too quickly.
Moreover, Jesper seemed to wander aimlessly, as if waiting for time to pass or perhaps someone to arrive.
As I was about to tell Hannah to park, I noticed Jesper pick up a call and then hail a cab, quickly slipping inside.
My hunch was right. Hannah hit the gas and we tailed the taxi.
The cab zipped through the streets, and we kept our distance, careful not to get too close.
A sense of foreboding gnawed at me. Jesper wouldn't come to Silverdale City without a reason.
The Dawson family was in shambles, with Jerome stuck in Goldenvale Town. Jaylan might have been released on bail, but only Jesper was free to roam. Could he have come to Silverdale for the Wilburn family?
"Allie, they've stopped!" Hannah's voice pulled me from my thoughts.
Looking ahead, I saw Jesper's cab pull up in front of a bar, long before its usual opening hours. After a moment of hesitation, he stepped out, scanned the surroundings, and walked into the bar.
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