Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 578

They had secretly followed Tarquin, setting their smartwatches to silent mode to avoid detection once they arrived.

Their minds had been preoccupied with Elijah's condition when they left the hospital, forgetting to inform Elysia.

Seeing their anxious expressions, Tarquin reassured them, "Don't worry. I told her you're with me and even said it was my idea, not like you two sneaked out or anything. She thinks I've already informed her when we left."

Evan pouted, his eyes rolling, caught in a dilemma of not wanting to admit Tarquin's help yet unable to deny the reality.

Elliot, on the other hand, was curious about Elysia's reaction, "What did Mom think about us being with you?"

"She's relieved, of course. She knows you're safe with me."

Elliot squinted, puzzled. "Mom would've freaked out before, but now she's actually calm. Seems like her view of you has really changed!"

"Let's get in the car. Elysia's waiting at the hospital, and we can talk more on the way there."

Obediently, Elliot and Evan followed Tarquin back to the vehicle, heading towards the hospital.

On the way, Tarquin inquired, "Did you guys follow me to find out who poisoned Elijah?"

Elliot admitted, "We overheard your conversation with Mom. We were worried you wouldn't catch the culprit and couldn't stand up for Elijah, so we came to check it out."

Tarquin, touched, affectionately ruffled Elliot's hair, "Elijah is lucky to have you guys."

Evan chimed in, "Elijah's our real brother! If someone messes with him, they're messing with us! Of course, we won't just stand by. We're going to avenge Elijah!"

Elliot's eyes flickered nervously at the mention of 'real brother.'

Elliot, snapping out of his thoughts, nodded and then asked Tarquin, "Before that shadowy figure's decoy jumped, he mentioned preparing a New Year's gift for you. Was it this?"

Tarquin's face darkened, "Yes."

The car fell silent for a moment before Elliot continued, "The shadowy figure deserves to die, but Gideon's been poisoning Elijah for a long time. He's a murderer too. What are you going to do with him?"

Tarquin replied, "I dealt with him today."

Evan immediately asked, "Is that it? You're not going to hand him over to the police?"

Tarquin frowned slightly, "There's no solid evidence linking him directly, and the police can't convict him based on hearsay. Besides, I can't push him too hard."

Elliot sensed there was more, "Does he have something on you? Elijah mentioned you haven't taken down the Bradford family because you're investigating something."