Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 61

Sebastian drove her toward the old cobblestone lane.

At the entrance, the Wellness Center was already buzzing–a long line snaked down the sidewalk as people waited for their turn with the renowned doctor inside.

Sebastian eyed the crowd, concern flickering across his face. He glanced at Emma’s injured foot and said, “I’ll wait in line for us. When it’s almost our turn, I’ll come get you. You stay in the car and rest.”

Emma hesitated, feeling awkward. “That’s not necessary. I can wait outside with you.”

He shook his head. “No need. I’ve got it.” Sebastian pulled the car into a parking space, hopped out, and slipped into the queue.

Left alone in the car, Emma finally pulled out her phone and powered it back on. Instantly, a flood of missed calls lit up the screen–at least ten.

Eight from Theodore. Two from Fallon.

There was a text from Theodore, too: *Where did you go?*

Emma frowned. Wasn’t he supposed to be away on business, traveling with Cecilia? Why did he have time to call her?

She dialed Fallon’s number.

The moment Fallon picked up, her anxious voice came spilling out: “Mr. Russell’s been looking for you. I told him I didn’t know where you’d gone.”

“Thanks, Fallon. I appreciate it,” Emma said, ending the call. No sooner had she hung

than her phone started ringing again.

up

Theodore.

“Where are you?” His voice was sharp, almost accusatory. “Why didn’t you answer? And why was your phone off?”

“Is there something you need?” Emma kept her tone even.

“I heard car horns–are you not at home?” he pressed.

“No, I’m out for some air. Is that a problem?”

He seemed to hesitate, then snapped, “No, nothing. That’s all.” He hung up without another word.

Chapter 61

Emma tucked her phone away and peered through the windshield. Up ahead, Sebastian was speaking to a woman in nurse’s scrubs, phone in hand–probably confirming their appointment number.

A moment later, the nurse nodded, and Sebastian made his way back.

“They’re calling patients by their online check–in order,” Sebastian told her, opening the car door. “We’re actually near the top of the list. We’ll be next.”

Emma hurried to get out, not wanting to hold things up.

As they approached the clinic, Sebastian lowered his voice. “I asked around. This doctor sees all kinds of cases, but he’s especially good with orthopedic issues.”

Emma nodded, though she kept her expectations low.

She hobbled slowly along, and by the time she reached the clinic entrance, a heated argument had broken out.

“There’s nobody inside! If there’s no one in there, why can’t I go in next?” a woman’s

voice demanded.

The nurse replied patiently, “There is someone. The patient’s family just went to fetch them–they’ll be here any second. I’m sorry, but you didn’t check in online. Let me ask the doctor if there’s any way to squeeze you in.”

“Then do it! Put me in now! I want that slot!” the woman insisted.

“That number is already taken,” the nurse said, voice strained. “Look at all the people waiting behind you–they all have appointments.”

The woman’s voice sharpened. “Fine, I’ll pay double. No–ten times the fee! Twenty times! How much for this slot? I’ll give you ten thousand!” she blurted, waving her wallet. “Ten thousand for one appointment! I want that slot today!”

People in line started grumbling.

“Money doesn’t mean you can cut in front of everyone!”

“Yeah, you think flashing cash makes it okay?”

“If you’re so rich, why not buy out the whole clinic and have the doctor to yourself?”

“Or better yet, why not just buy the whole city while you’re at it?”

The woman, flustered, whirled around, cheeks flaming.

Emma stared in disbelief–she hadn’t misheard that voice. It was Cecilia.

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Chapter 61

Cecilia was livid, her face flushed, gaze darting across the lane as she stomped her

foot. “Theo! Come here! We’re buying every slot on the doctor’s schedule

today–every last one, do you hear me?”