Chapter 1272

Paul mumbled something, his voice too soft, hurried, and anxious to understand. Skylar was still shaken by hearing Ned's name. Neither Jeremy, Gene, nor Winthrop, who had accompanied him from Murida, mentioned Paul's acquaintance with Ned.

She considered the possibility of misinterpretation. Perhaps it was a coincidence; "Ned" was a common name. Many people had been imprisoned with Paul at the underground factory.

Paul had been asleep for two hours and showed no signs of waking. Then Jeremy arrived, looking weary, as if he hadn't slept well.

"You said he mentioned Ned?" Jeremy asked, surprised.

Skylar nodded. "It was just the two of us, and it was very quiet. I don't think I misheard."

Jeremy stared at the sleeping Paul. "If he meant the Ned, how does he know him?"

That question would have to wait. Skylar mused aloud, "Jeremy, I have a feeling Joe is still alive."

The intuition felt unbelievable, yet persistent. Jeremy's expression changed, but he didn't respond. Silence settled over the ward.

After a while, Jeremy asked, "What about Natalie and Austin? Do you know anything?"

Skylar looked up. "You haven't let go of Natalie, have you?"

Jeremy's gaze darkened, a bittersweet smile playing on his lips. "Whether I can let go or not doesn't matter. I just hope she's happy, and that someone cares for her."

Skylar was surprised by his candor. "I know Austin likes Natalie. She probably feels the same."

Jeremy fell silent again, a melancholic air surrounding him. His eyes darkened further; a self-deprecating smile touched his lips. "They seem to have each other in their hearts."

Another silence followed. Jeremy appeared lost in thought. Skylar didn't disturb him. Her own mind was racing, thoughts flitting by too quickly to grasp.

About half an hour later, Jeremy received a phone call, the voice on the line quiet enough not to disturb Paul. Stepping out of the room, he said, "Sure, I'll come to your place tonight."

In the hallway, he leaned against the wall, listening to Helena ask about dinner. He suddenly remembered Natalie's barbecue ribs. "Let's go with barbecue ribs," he said before hanging up.

As he turned to re-enter the ward, he saw Ned. The conversation with Skylar returned to him. He approached quickly. "Mr. Sowle, do you know Mr. Ziegler?" Jeremy asked directly.