If she still couldn't find a solution, she'd think of another way to speak with Timothy.
[At the hospital. Everything okay?]
[Yeah.]
[Send me the address—I'll come find you.]
Jessica sent him the location of a nearby café.
When she got inside, she ordered a glass of warm water. She took a few more painkillers—just in case. The last thing she needed was for Herbert, being a doctor, to notice something was off.
Half an hour later, Herbert rushed in, still looking a bit disheveled. There was a dark bruise at the corner of his mouth.
Jessica's brows knitted together. Mrs. Reynolds had told her his father hit him.
Herbert slid into the chair, adjusted his glasses, and managed a smile. "Hey, Little Mute. Want anything to drink?"
Jessica's chest felt tight. So much had happened—enough to worry Mrs. Reynolds enough to come find her—and yet, even after being hit, Herbert could still smile as if nothing was wrong.
She signed heavily, *Does it hurt?*
Herbert's smile wavered for a second, but he quickly recovered. "You mean my lip? It's just a scratch. Doesn't hurt at all."
He still wouldn't talk about his family.
Jessica had no choice but to be blunt. *Has Timothy been giving you trouble?* she signed.
Herbert's eyes paused, a shadow crossing his face.
He clenched his fists for a moment. "Did my mom come to you?"
*Does it matter how I found out? I haven't contacted that lawyer, and I won't ask you to introduce me to anyone else. Talk to your family—see if it's possible to communicate with Timothy peacefully,* she signed firmly.
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