The Day Silence Spoke novel Chapter 77

As the officer spoke, Clifford and Ziven came into view. He was impeccably dressed in a suit and a knee-length brown overcoat that made his legs look even longer.

Clifford glanced down at Latisha, then at Nikita beside her.

Latisha guiltily lowered her head. Her ponytail had come loose, and stray strands of hair fell across her pale face like scratches on white jade, making her look messy and exhausted.

Nikita just frowned, saying nothing. Given their last encounter, and the fact that Clifford hadn't provoked her, she saw no reason to start a fight.

Just as the atmosphere grew tense, Killian arrived. His expression changed when he saw Clifford and Latisha. He strode over to Nikita and hissed, “Nikita, have you caused enough trouble? We’re going home!”

Nikita didn’t have the will or the energy to argue. Killian pulled her up and led her away. As she passed Latisha, she shot her a worried look.

After they were gone, Clifford finally spoke. “Planning to spend the night here?”

Latisha flinched and looked up at him. His face was an unreadable mask. She hesitated for a moment before nervously getting to her feet.

Clifford turned to leave, the movement of his overcoat stirring a scent she didn't recognize. She followed him quietly.

Ziven was holding the car door open, but before she could get in, Clifford said to Ziven, “You can go home.”

Ziven nodded, closed the door, and stepped aside.

Latisha sat silently in the passenger seat. Neither of them spoke, but the temperature in the car seemed to drop several degrees. She twisted her fingers in her lap, her anxiety growing with every mile.

When they arrived at Aqua Harmony Haven, Clifford took off his coat. Mrs. Dashiell limped out from the kitchen, her eyes filled with a mixture of joy and apprehension. She nervously wiped her hands on her apron and moved to take his coat.

“I was just about to ask Latisha when you two would be back so I could start dinner.”

A wave of suffocation washed over Latisha. She grabbed Mrs. Dashiell’s arm and shook her head.

*Wait for me,* she signed.

Mrs. Dashiell’s mouth opened. “It’s alright. I’m used to that little shelter. It’s fine, really.”

Latisha’s eyes burned. She looked at the old woman pleadingly and signed again, *Please, wait for me.*

Was she truly so useless that she couldn’t keep a single person she cared about? Surely, just once, fate could be on her side.

Latisha turned and went upstairs. She stood before the study and knocked on Clifford’s door.