You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 319

“Pattie, I’ll always make room for what you love—because loving you means loving everything about you.”

Patricia stared at him for a second, then wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

The streetlights spilled through the trees, casting shifting patterns inside the car. The light flickered, like butterflies fluttering up and down.

Just like how Patricia felt right now.

The car rolled into Cloud Peak’s underground garage. Aiden didn’t say a word, just got out and left.

He knew when to keep his distance. Honestly, he’d almost lost his grip on the wheel just a minute ago.

It was ten thirty.

Patricia was lifted out of the bathtub, her body so heavy and weak she couldn’t even raise her arms. As soon as someone settled her in bed, she burrowed under the covers and fell right to sleep.

***

Eight a.m.

The Newton family home.

Brandon was taking notes while asking Grandma questions.

“Who do you think did this? If it was on purpose, someone must have had a reason.”

Grandma answered carefully, not giving anything away. “The Newtons have plenty of competition.”

Brandon looked at her. “Anyone specific? Can you give me some names?”

Grandma listed a few.

Brandon wrote each one down.

But Patricia’s name never came up.

Judy, who was standing nearby, jumped in. “Grandma, aren’t you missing someone?”

The words were barely out before Grandma shot her a warning look. “Don’t say things you can’t prove.”

Judy muttered, “It’s not like I’m making it up. You’re just too nice to mention it, but the police will find out anyway.”

Brandon watched their back-and-forth. He already knew who they meant.

But his new assistant hadn’t caught on. “Would you mind telling us who you mean?” he asked.

Brandon nodded toward the living room’s big window.

They both looked over and caught a glimpse of someone’s face behind the curtains, before the fabric fell back into place.

Judy let go of the drapes and turned to Grandma. “I’ll go call Mr. Newton and his son down.”

Grandma nodded.

Howard and Theo came downstairs while the teapot next to Grandma steamed away. She stared at the rising steam, lost in her thoughts.

When she heard footsteps, she finally looked up.

The house felt so empty since Kelly left.

“We have to find a way to get Patricia’s hands dirty, too.”

“If she’s hiding in the dark while we’re out in the open, we need to draw her out.”

“Let’s make our move at the Riverdale Chamber’s yacht auction at the end of the month.”

Riverdale sits right on the river, flowing straight out to sea. If someone goes overboard, they’re gone fast. Isn’t that right?