Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 260

"Click—"

The door locked behind them.

Tarquin furrowed his brow and took a glance but didn't pursue, turning to Lowell instead, "What's going on?"

His expression was all business. "Something really odd happened today! Just a while ago, our guys found this weird dude in the backyard. He was standing outside, grinning like a madman at Elijah's window and was about to hurl a dead cat through it. Our guys rushed to check it out, but this fellow, slippery as an eel, vanished before anyone could blink. And before we could catch him, Elijah suddenly showed up downstairs. Worried sick, I immediately brought him up here. Elijah said he didn't want to talk to you, probably spooked by that dead cat ordeal. When that man bolted, he left the cat behind, and when we found Elijah, he was just staring at that dead cat with a scowl."

Tarquin's brows knitted tighter as Lowell finished explaining. He strode into the study and powered up his computer.

...

Inside Elijah’s room.

Elysia was nearly scared to death by Elliot.

"Why didn't you call me before coming? And you didn't even say you'd be here now!"

Elliot calmed himself first, whispering reassurances to Elysia, "I thought it'd be trickier by daylight, so I came earlier. Don't worry, Mom, he didn't even notice anything. We didn't give ourselves away."

Elysia was still unnerved.

What had been bothering her these past few days was Elliot taking Elijah's place!

Elliot's plan was to appear as Elijah in front of everyone. Being a healthy kid, once he showed up, everyone would naturally believe Elijah was truly well.

After all, he and Elijah looked identical; no one could tell them apart.

But Elysia feared Tarquin would see through Elliot's scheme!

She was always on edge, hiding this big secret, fearing he would discover Elliot and Evan. And before he could, she had inadvertently brought Elliot right before him.

So, as good as the plan was, it was too risky for her liking!

If it hadn't been for Elijah, she wouldn't have dared to do it!

"Mom, you need to stay calm. The more nervous you are, the easier it'll be for him to spot something's off," Elliot reminded her.

It was lined with blankets and had air holes to ensure Elijah could comfortably sleep there all day without issue.

After stowing Elijah away and straightening the bed sheet, which perfectly concealed the cabinet, it was as if nothing was out of place.

They had considered moving Elijah out, but after much thought, decided it was safer and more convenient to keep him hidden in the room.

Just as they finished tidying up, Tarquin pushed the door open and entered.

He didn't speak but just stared intently at Elliot, his expression unreadable, leaving one to wonder what was on his mind.

Elliot slightly narrowed his eyes in response, mirroring the complexity in his expression.

Only Elysia felt her heart leap to her throat! She held her breath, her fingernails digging into the palm of her hand, forcing herself to remain composed, not to lose it!

But then, Tarquin's next words nearly made her crumble.

"I just checked the security cameras, you're…"