Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 267

"Hello?"

Dawn called softly, making the middle-aged innkeeper nearly jump.

He wiped his mouth and mumbled, "What's up? Eating or staying?"

"Staying," Janice forced a smile, hiding her annoyance. "Can we really stay here?"

The innkeeper didn't like that question.

"Hey, girl, watch your words!

"Let me tell you straight—there's no better inn in this whole town than ours. Take it or leave it!"

Dawn quickly stepped in, tugging Janice's hand. "Sorry, sir. My friend had a long day. Please be kind. We'd like a room for two."

The innkeeper snorted, shot Janice a glare, and then started checking them in.

He led them upstairs and into the room.

"No hot shower in here. Water's on the first floor. Hair dryer? You gotta get it at the front desk," he said and started to leave.

Dawn called after him, "Could you also prepare something to eat? Just a few local dishes will do."

The innkeeper, now fully alert, smiled and nodded.

Once the door closed, Janice looked around, frowning.

"Northville actually has places like this? Look at this ... "

She tugged at the damp bedding. "The sheets are all wet!"

"Relax," Dawn said, patting her shoulder. "Just a few days. Once we figure out why Margareth won't cooperate and convince her, we'll be out of here."

There was no way around it.

Like the innkeeper said, this was one of the better places in town.

Janice sighed deeply. "I'll go shower."

After freshening up and grabbing a quick bite, they went out to explore.

The good thing about small towns is you can ask anyone about anyone, and you'll usually get some info. Before long, they learned why Margareth had been so moody.

"Her husband passed away recently. It's sad—they didn't have any kids, and now she's all alone."

Dawn's chest tightened. She frowned at the woman speaking. "Do you know what happened to him?"

"What else could it be?" The woman said, chewing bubble gum, her face full of sympathy.

"Her husband worked on a construction site in Northville. Died on the job. I heard it was a big company—they kept sending people to offer condolences and compensation.

If she would, this wouldn't have dragged on so long.

"People," he said, pointing. "Look at them all."

He chuckled. "Some know they're here to pay their respects, but anyone else would think a robbery's going down."

Dawn put down her fork and went to the door.

The group had already walked farther down the alley, with only the sharp silhouettes of suits and polished shoes visible.

Janice came up. "What's happening?"

"Margareth," Dawn said, thoughtful, and followed after the group of people without another word.

"Hey, wait for me!" Janice hurriedly grabbed her bag and paid the meal bill.

Margareth's house was at the end of the alley. Even before they reached it, the sounds of crashing and banging came from inside. A small crowd had gathered outside, whispering, but no one stepped forward.

"Make way ... "

Dawn squeezed through and pushed the door open.

The courtyard was a mess—likely things Margareth had thrown herself. Supplements and fruit were scattered everywhere.

Dawn exhaled quietly and scanned the faces of the people in front of her.