Whispers Turn

Wrapped in a white puffer jacket from head to toe, the woman seemed bundled against more than just the cold.

Sawyer lifted a hand, gently brushing aside the hair that velled her face, revealing a mosaic of scars and bruises!

The once fair skin was a patchwork of blues and purples, with fine scratches across the cheekbones, a split lip still oozing blood, and the loft eye, swollen and darkened, was a sight of sheer brutality.

Even so, Francis recognized her… it was her, Rebecca White!

His heart raced, his brows knitting together in worry. What had she gone through to look so completely defeated?

These injuries were clearly not from a car accident, but more like she had been battered.

Who could have done this to her?

Sawyer explained, “Ms. White didn’t actually hit the car; she fainted right in front of it. Maybe from exhaustion?”

“Hmm…” As they spoke, Rebecca, wincing in pain, slowly opened her eyes.

Startled and panicked, she wondered where she was. In a car? That’s right, she had nearly run into one just moments ago.

Then she saw Francis, and Sawyer by the car door.

It was them. She had almost hit Mr. Francis‘ car.

“I’m sorry.”

Rubbing her forehead, Rebecca nodded apologetically at Francis, “Mr. Johnson, I’m sorry for the trouble. I’ll be on my way now.”

As she turned to leave, Francis caught her.

“You need to see a doctor. I’ll take you,” he inspected her with concern.

Rebecca paused, then shook her head, “It’s just some minor injuries, no need for a hospital. But thank you for your kindness.”

She tried to insist on leaving the car.

As soon as she stepped out, before Francis could say anything more, she stepped back inside and ducked down beneath the seats.

Francis frowned, “What are you doing?”

15:04

Shht

Rebecca urgently gestured for silence, “Please let me hide. Just for a moment!”

Hide? From whom?

Francis looked outside the car window.

A silver Volvo was parked at the curb, and Eddy Jones was stepping out, looking around while calling out intermittently.

“Rebecca! Rebecca White!”

In that moment, Francis understood.

“That’s…” Sawyer began, but was quickly silenced by Francis with a sharp look. Material © of NôvelDrama.Org.

“Zip it,” Francis whispered, shaking his head slightly.

Sawyer got the hint and kept quiet.

Francis looked down at the hiding woman, who seemed terrified, her body shaking uncontrollably, the trembling growing more intense.

So, she was afraid of Eddy. Could he be the one who hurt her?

“Drive,” Francis commanded with a firm voice, to the hospital.”

“Yes, Mr. Francis.” Sawyer closed the car door and took the driver’s seat, “David, let’s go. Hospital.”

“Alright.”

As the car moved, Rebecca remained in her hiding spot, not yet realizing she was momentarily safe.

Francis, noticing her distress, reassured her, “It’s safe now, take a seat properly.”

“Huh?”

Rebecca, snapping back to reality, swallowed hard and cautiously sat up, scooting into

the corner.

“Thank you, thank you so much.”

She looked outside, “There’s no need to take me to the hospital. Just drop me off at the

next corner and…”

“Drop you off?”

Francis, visibly annoyed, cut her off, “So that guy can catch up and beat you again?”

Rebecca startled, looking at him wide–eyed.

He had guessed it?

15:04

“Rebecca

Francis uttered her name. “If I’m going to help you, I’m not going to leave things halfway. We’re going to the hospital; those injuries need medical attention.”