Chapter 575: Oh no, your house is on fire!
Tommy was right, the police station did have an early meeting today, but it was quite brief, just a summary of recent work, and it ended in less than half an hour.
Back at his desk, Tommy struggled for a long time before calling Thomas, but the prompt indicated that the phone was off.
Tommy then sent him a message: [Mr. Emberlyn, I just called you but your phone was off, so I'll text you instead. Gillian said yesterday that she's feeling a bit homesick. I've been really busy with work lately and don't have time to take her. If you have time, could you come and pick her up?]
Tommy knew it was a lot to ask of an elder, but if he took Gillian away, she wouldn't leave. Only Thomas coming to pick her up might work.
After sending the message, Tommy put down his phone, closed his eyes, and leaned back in his chair, feeling powerless. It was very quiet around him, and he could only hear the ticking of the second hand on the wall clock.
Gillian had already noticed something, so it couldn't continue.
Hearing the phone ring, Tommy quickly opened his eyes and saw that it was Thomas calling. Tommy felt his heart race with nervousness as he answered.
"Hello, Mr. Emberlyn."
"I was on a plane just now, so my phone was off. I just got off the plane and saw your message."
On a plane just now? Was he traveling far or coming to Arizona?
Thomas explained, "There was a benefit trip for retired officials, so we went abroad."
Hearing this, Tommy's heart sank. If Thomas was abroad, it meant he couldn't come to pick up Gillian in the next few days.
"You said Gillian was feeling homesick?" Thomas sounded completely skeptical. "She's almost forgotten she has a father, how could she be homesick? Did you two have a fight? Or did you bully her?"
"No," Tommy quickly explained. "How could I bully her? Gillian said yesterday that she wanted to leave Arizona, so..."
Gillian said she wanted to leave Arizona? Was it because they couldn't gather enough money to buy a house, so she wanted to convince Tommy to go back to Arizona together?
"She doesn't really want to come back; she has other motives," Thomas then asked, "Are you two planning to buy a house and get married?"
Buy a house and get married?
Did Gillian tell Thomas that?
"Yes, we are planning to buy a house, but there's no rush for the wedding. We want to hear your opinion." Tommy replied respectfully.
"Hear my opinion?" Thomas snorted. "I can't make decisions for her; she doesn't listen to me at all."
Tommy remained silent, not daring to say anything more.
Thomas continued, "She's already told me about the house. She might not have told you my opinion, but since you called, I'll tell you. I only have one daughter, and selfishly, I don't want her to marry far away. I'm getting old and don't want to move to Arizona, so I hope you two can come here. If she insists on being with you, then you'll be my son-in-law. To ensure you both have a good life, I can arrange everything for you here. When you get married and have children, it'll be convenient for me to be around to help."
Hearing this, Tommy felt a mix of emotions. He understood a father's heart; Thomas only had Gillian, his precious daughter, and naturally wanted the best for her.
"Of course, it's just a suggestion; I'm not forcing you," Thomas added. "If you really don't want to come back and want to stay in Arizona, that's fine. I told her that if she stays in Arizona, I won't help with anything. But can I really not help? I just said that to give her some pressure, so she can think of solutions herself. After all, I can't take care of her forever."
After saying this, Thomas sighed and advised Tommy, "Her mother passed away early, and I feel I owe her. I've spoiled her since she was little, and she's really been spoiled. She can't do anything except dress herself and eat. She's willful and has a bad temper. Honestly, most people can't tolerate her. If you really want to marry her, you need to be patient and not argue with her."
"No, Gillian is great. She's perfect in every way," Tommy answered. He never saw the things Thomas mentioned as flaws.
"Just be more patient. If you can't take it anymore, let me know, and I'll talk to her." Thomas spoke.
"Really, Mr. Emberlyn, Gillian is wonderful in every way." Tommy explained again.
"Anyway, it's your life together. As long as you can accept it, that's fine. She's so infatuated with you that she's lost her mind. I'm too tired to say anything more." Thomas continued, "Think about what I said. If you can come back, great. If not, and you want to buy a house in Arizona, let me know how much more money you need."
"Thank you, Mr. Emberlyn, but really, there's no need. I'll find a way to get the money for the house. You don't need to worry." Besides a thank you, Tommy couldn't say anything else.
"Alright, I'm heading to the hotel. Think it over."
"Okay, Mr. Emberlyn, enjoy your trip."
Tommy put down the phone, feeling a weight on his mind. He closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead. Maybe he didn't sleep well last night; his head was foggy.
"What's wrong, Alaric?" Seeing Alaric looking unwell, Stellan quickly asked.
"Nothing, maybe I didn't sleep well last night." Alaric replied.
Yes, Alaric didn't sleep well last night either. He had nightmares as soon as he fell asleep, but he couldn't remember them when he woke up, just that they were bad dreams.
"Why do I feel like the further along I am in my pregnancy, the more anxious you get?"
Stellan was already six months pregnant, and the next month's check-up was crucial. This period was tough for both of them.
"I don't know, especially today. I feel restless," Alaric spoke, helping Stellan. "Are you still going to yoga today?"
"Yes, the private instructor Rowena found is very professional. It's good for the baby, and I feel relaxed after the sessions."
"Alright, I'll take you there."
"Okay." Stellan nodded.
When it was time, Alaric drove Stellan to the yoga studio, which happened to be near the bank Gillian went to yesterday.
After dropping off Stellan, Alaric drove back, passing the bank again. He couldn't help but think of Gillian's state when she came out and how she seemed anxious when they had coffee.
Thinking of this, Alaric picked up the phone and called Gillian. The phone rang repeatedly in Gillian's ear.
And it felt so hot, like she was being roasted. Gillian slowly opened her eyes.
Flames had already entered the bedroom, and it seemed like the outside was on fire. Realizing the house was on fire, Gillian tried to run out, but the bedroom door wouldn't open.
Her phone kept ringing. She wanted to answer it, but the fire had already reached the bed sheets in front of her, and she couldn't get through.
She quickly ran to the window. The window was open, but it was the ninth floor. Jumping would mean death.
"Help! Is anyone there? Help!" Gillian shouted.
Gillian panicked, terrified, and screamed desperately.
"Sorry, the number you dialed is currently unavailable..."
'Not off, just not answering? Did she fall asleep again? Sleeping so soundly?' Alaric thought inwardly.
Alaric, worried, stepped on the gas and sped off.
Meanwhile, Tommy was reviewing case files when Vernon rushed in, shouting, "Mr. Reaves, something's wrong! Your house is on fire!"
Tommy's neighbors knew he was a police officer but didn't have his phone number, so they called the station.
His house was on fire!
Hearing this, Tommy's mind went blank. He grabbed his car keys and ran out as fast as he could!
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