Callie, wearing clothes a size too big, was stopped by security as she walked through.
“Wait! What’s this?” The security guard was surprised. For such a large gathering, no one would order takeout.
“Takeout.” Callie wore a mask, revealing only her eyes.
“Let me see.” The guard took the takeout bag, didn’t open it but pinched the slip outside to check.
Callie’s heart pounded as she watched him inspect it. Fortunately, she had filled in Jaquan’s name when ordering the takeout.
Today was Marilyn’s debut birthday party, and Jaquan was sure to attend.
The guard took out his phone and dialed the number on the slip.
Callie clenched her phone tightly, her heart racing. She was ready to run inside at any moment.
The call connected after a while, during which the guard suspiciously eyed Callie.
After a moment, the call was answered. The guard’s voice turned obsequious, “Mr. Scott, we have a takeout delivery for you. We’re just confirming.”
Callie closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
“Okay.” The guard listened to the response and looked at Callie.
Her palms were sweaty. “Is it correct?”
The guard nodded. “He’ll be out soon. Wait here.”
Jaquan was really here.
Soon, Jaquan emerged from the lively crowd. He was dressed youthfully today, in a color-blocked loose sweater and jeans, with a necklace around his neck.
He walked up to Callie, circling her as he scrutinized her. She almost lowered her head to her chest.
“Takeout?” Jaquan sneered. “Give it to me.”
Callie handed him the bag and grabbed one of his fingers tightly, her eyes pleading.
Jaquan’s smile widened, looking dazzling under the streetlight.
“She’s coming in with me,” he told the guard.
“Yes, Mr. Scott.”
Callie felt relieved and quickly followed Jaquan. When they reached a corner, she took off the takeout uniform in a hurry.
Jaquan stopped and removed her mask. “Takeout girl, you came up with this idea?”
Callie showed an embarrassed expression. “I had no choice. It wasn’t easy to sneak in!”
Looking up, she saw Jaquan had already opened the takeout, eating fruit slices with a fork without hesitation.
Callie was furious. “Stop eating!”
Jaquan glanced sideways. “You put my name and number on the order. You trust me a lot.”
She had no other choice. Callie didn’t bother to explain. While packing up, she asked directly, “Did Isaac show up today?”
Jaquan paused, chewing on a piece of mango. “No.”
Callie’s face changed. “What about Regan?”
“… Also no.”
“Do you know where the Ellison family’s basement is?” Callie’s expression turned serious. “Regan is in trouble.”
Five minutes later, Jaquan roughly understood the complications and looked grim. “Wait here. I’ll go find out.”
Callie grabbed his hand suddenly. “No, I have to go too. I can’t be at ease.”
Jaquan frowned, pondering something before tossing the fruit slices aside and putting her mask back on. “Let’s go.”
He deliberately led her through a corner, avoiding many eyes as they entered the Ellison family’s garden. Callie kept her head down, afraid of being recognized. Just then, a voice called out, “Jaquan.”
Both of them froze.