Chapter 17: Wary

The couple embraced lovingly. The onlookers, transfixed by the scene, remained silent. Suddenly, Jonathan's phone rang. He excused himself from the laboratory and checked the caller ID. It was Frieda. He knew Frieda disliked Roxanne and had only helped locate Peregrine at his request. Why was she calling now? He hesitated before answering.

"Are you at the hospital, Jonathan?" Frieda asked immediately.

Shawn, unable to reach Peregrine for days after he'd arrived in Horington, had asked Frieda to inquire about the situation. Jonathan, puzzled by her mention of the hospital, asked, "What do you want to know?"

"How is Dr. Jarvis? Has she woken up?" Frieda asked.

"When did you start caring about her?" Jonathan frowned. "Don't tell me you've changed your attitude just because I reprimanded you."

A look of disdain crossed her face. "Isn't it normal to ask about her since I helped find the King of Medicine? Even if I don't care about her, I need to check on him. He hasn't contacted me for days."

He realized she was primarily concerned about Old Mr. Lomax. "You don't need to worry. Old Mr. Lomax is fine. As your guest, he's well cared for and highly respected."

She persisted, "What about Dr. Jarvis? It's been days, and the King of Medicine hasn't treated her yet?"

Thinking of Roxanne's condition, he replied gloomily, "Old Mr. Lomax isn't omnipotent. We're all working to find a treatment for Roxanne."

Unsatisfied, Frieda pressed, "What happened? Are you still wary of me, even after I helped?"

If she couldn't get answers, she wouldn't be able to appease Shawn. Jonathan paused. Considering Roxanne's critical condition, he doubted anything could worsen the situation. However, telling Frieda might lead to a meeting with that man again, perhaps sparking new ideas. He decided to reveal the truth.

"Old Mr. Lomax couldn't wake Dr. Jarvis. Lucian met with Jack to obtain an antidote, but it will only keep her alive a short while longer. Its effects wear off tonight, so Old Mr. Lomax is researching a cure with us."

"What?" Frieda exclaimed. "I can't believe Jack concocted such a devious plan! How loathsome!"

Jonathan sighed in agreement. "Who could have imagined the Damaris heir is such a vile man?" He added, "If this gets out, the Damaris family's reputation will be ruined. Think carefully about your actions."