The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1358

On the way to the hospital.

Calvin tried calling another group of his guys, but nobody was picking up.

His face set in a grim line, he mulled over, "The fellas I sent to surround the estate, not a single one's answering. Odds are, Bard's got them all cooped up there."

"Calvin, look at it this way, it might actually be a good thing," he reasoned. "I sent at least a couple of hundred guys. Bard's gotta spare a fair number of his own to keep an eye on them. This means he's short on manpower. Tonight's our best shot!"

A flash of hatred crossed Calvin's eyes. "No matter what, we can't afford to screw this up!"

Inside the hospital.

Eunice sat on a bench in the corridor, her expression heavy with worry.

The elevator dinged open, and out stepped Calvin with Arlen in tow.

"Eunice, why are you all by your lonesome? Where's Bard?" Arlen asked with feigned concern.

Eunice lifted her sorrowful eyes. "Arlen, what brings you here? Calvin, did you know Arlen's come too?"

"Your dad's in there, and to tell you the truth, we share some of the blame." Calvin pretended to be remorseful. "Couldn't sleep a wink, so we came to check on him."

"Well, isn't that a surprise. I thought Calvin has no conscience, but seeing him now, I guess he's not totally heartless."

Calvin's face darkened, but he lowered his voice and said, "I know you're mad, and tonight, I was out of line. I scared you, left a bad impression. I'm here to apologize. I agree to those terms you and Arlen set. We'll go home and discuss it with our better halves."