You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 316

Patricia gripped Oliver’s hand tight as they hid in the hallway, barely daring to breathe. Every sound from outside made her heart pound even louder.

Atticus had been a scout in the army. He could pick up on the tiniest things. If he really showed up, what would she do? She wasn’t ready for this. Was she about to be caught before she’d even had a chance to think?

Patricia squeezed her eyes shut and thought, Maybe it’s better to just get it over with. Whatever happens, happens.

Just as she braced herself, Oliver’s arm slipped around her waist, lifting her gently off her feet.

The fire escape door clicked open.

Atticus stepped in, looking around, and shot Chelsea a confused glance.

“No one here?” he asked.

Chelsea shrugged. “How would I know?”

“You’re by yourself? Where’s your sister?”

Chelsea lied smoothly, “She ran downstairs to grab something. She’ll be back soon.”

Upstairs, Patricia held her breath, listening to the voices below. She didn’t dare move or even make a sound.

Atticus gave Chelsea a suspicious look, then turned to Maggie. “You go inside. I’ll check things out.”

“You live here alone, right? Just making sure everything’s alright.”

He pulled the door open and stepped inside.

Chelsea reached out, trying to stop her dad, but it was already too late.

Unbelievable. Just unbelievable.

She wanted to roll her eyes. When her parents were off somewhere far away, wrapped up in their own lives, did they ever think about leaving her alone in Riverdale? Now they wanted to come play detective.

If there really was a problem, did he think he’d spot it so easily?

Chelsea just thought, Guess we’re all on our own now.

About ten minutes later, Atticus finally came in, Patricia following right behind. Once she’d finished answering a few questions from Atticus and Maggie, she slipped into the bedroom.

Suddenly, Chelsea’s voice came out of nowhere. “Not bad. My dad didn’t find a thing.”

Patricia jumped and hurried over to clap a hand over Chelsea’s mouth. “Shh! Don’t say that.”

Chelsea just grinned. “If my dad found out, do you think he’d flip out? I kind of want to see it. Things have been way too normal lately. I could really use a little drama.”

Patricia could only stare at her. Total maniac.

Atticus didn’t stick around Riverdale for long. He went out during the day to meet an old friend and handed off the smuggling case. By the time it landed on Brandon’s desk, he was already sitting in a big staff meeting.

The boss didn’t mince words—this was a major case. International criminals, illegal smuggling, even the military was watching. They couldn’t afford to miss a single lead.

When Brandon left the conference room, he let out a long sigh.

A coworker slung an arm around his shoulder. “Brandon, you always end up with the biggest cases, don’t you?”