A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 423

Frank took a deep breath and managed a half-joking smile. "Don't worry about it. We go way back. I'm not going to call the cops on him." He paused, then explained, "I was just on edge earlier. That's why I said what I did to Rowan."

He was, of course, referring to the baby.

"I know," Elissa nodded.

Frank looked into her eyes. "But if you ever change your mind, I can go explain everything to him myself."

Around noon, Suzanne Jensen returned to the hospital, this time with a nourishing meal for Elissa.

"Eat up," Suzanne urged as she unpacked the food. "I heard the doctor say you can be discharged tomorrow?"

Elissa knew Suzanne's concern was genuine and nodded quickly. "Yes, I told you it was nothing serious. You don't need to worry."

"So, where will you stay after you leave?" Suzanne had also been told by the doctor that Elissa shouldn't travel long distances for now.

"A hotel for a couple of days should be fine," Elissa said, sipping some soup with a smile. "It's not as bad as the doctor makes it sound. After another two or three days of rest, I'll be able to go back to Vistapeak City." She could use the time as a small vacation to recuperate.

"And here I thought you considered me a friend," Suzanne said with a reproachful look. "You'd rather stay in a hotel than come to the Wilkinson Manor. Laurel has already told the staff to prepare a guest room for you. As soon as you're discharged tomorrow, you're coming straight to our house to rest properly."

Suzanne left no room for refusal.

The thought cheered her up considerably.

But just as her car was about to turn onto the road leading to the Atwater Manor, a Rolls-Royce Cullinan shot toward her, screeching to a halt just inches from her front bumper.

Marcia slammed on her brakes, her heart pounding. She threw her door open and stormed out, yelling, "What the hell are you doing? Are you blind?!"

Backed by the Atwater family, she was used to throwing her weight around in Vistapeak City, except when faced with the Murphys.