Chapter 30: Make Yourself Useful
The results of the compatibility test would take a week to arrive, leaving the Quixall family to endure an agonizing wait. However, the doctor assured them that Jesse’s condition was relatively stable and he should be able to hold on until the test results were finalized. Tears welled up in Deborah’s eyes as she held Jesse’s hand tightly. “I’ll come to see you again tomorrow. Until then, you must hang in there.”
With a gentle smile, Jesse said, “I will, Mom. After all, I still have to marry Raquel.”
Because of the doctor’s constant urging, Deborah didn’t get a chance to ask for more details before she had to part ways with Jesse. She summoned Raquel, intending to get some clarity.
“Raquel, what’s going on with your wedding to Jesse? Have you set a date?”
Raquel lowered her gaze shyly, avoiding Deborah’s eyes. “Yes, Mrs. Quixall. Jesse and I have decided to hold our wedding ceremony on the fifteenth of next month, which also happens to be my birthday.”
But fate had other plans. Shortly after Jesse spoke of their wedding, he fell ill. The idea of a wedding seemed distant now, as even making it to that day wasn’t guaranteed. Deborah’s eyes flickered with an unspoken thought.
“I wish you all the happiness in advance. Don’t worry, Jesse will be fine. No matter what it takes, I’ll ensure his safety.”
Raquel earnestly reassured, “Mrs. Quixall, I will also use my connections to help Jesse find a donor.”
Deborah gently tapped Raquel’s nose and said with a smile, “Still calling me ‘Mrs. Quixall’? You’re about to be my daughter-in-law. It’s time to be less formal.”
Raquel’s cheeks flushed as she bashfully muttered, “Mom.” Deborah laughed warmly, her worries momentarily melting away.
Caleb observed the exchange silently before departing on his own, choosing not to accompany the Quixall family. By the time he returned home on foot, it was well past midnight. With no light left on for him, he had to navigate in the dark, eventually making his way to the storage room. The small bed creaked under him, and the damp air felt oppressive. Resting there felt no better than seeking shelter in a sewer.
While the Quixall family didn’t have absolute control, their influence was far too great for someone like him to evade. Unless he could manage to flee abroad, there would be no place to hide from their relentless pursuit. Before dawn broke, a sharp knock sounded at the storage room door. Rubbing his tired eyes, Caleb got up to answer it.
“Jesse’s still in the hospital, and you’re in the mood to sleep?” George was livid. “After what happened yesterday, it’s clear to me that you’re simply not fit to be a part of our family! I’ve found a great place for you, so make yourself useful there!”
Caleb was baffled by George’s outburst so early in the morning. Whatever plans George had, Caleb figured they couldn’t be worse than prison.
“Get in the car!”
With a firm shove, George slammed the car door shut. The driver didn’t ask for the destination. As soon as the passengers settled in, the car began its silent journey. Upon arriving at their destination, George finally calmed down and led Caleb out of the car.
“Make sure you behave yourself. Don’t bring shame to the Quixall family!”
Caleb remained quiet, knowing that any response would be dismissed as an excuse. There was no point in saying more. Through the iron bars, a stout elderly woman shuffled toward them. Her plump frame trembled slightly with each step, as though it might burst at any moment.
“Madam Yardley, here’s the item you requested. It’s not perfect, but it’s incredibly durable. No matter how you use it, it won’t cause any trouble!”
George rubbed his hands together, his expression one of eager appeasement.