Independence

Chapter 0120

As Sam was heading out of the restaurant, he bumped into Hansel, who was just showing up for breakfast. Hänsel frowned as he discreetly scanned the area, but Miranda was nowhere in sight.

Ingrid caught him searching and played it cool. “Dear, are you looking for something?”

Hansel shifted his attention to her and said, ou shouldn’t have insisted on coming with that injury on your leg.”

“Sure, I could’ve had breakfast in the room, but I’ve been cooped up too long. I need to stretch my legs and get some air, or I’ll start to mildew,” she replied, playfully sticking out her tongue.

Hansel hummed softly in response. “What would you like to eat?”

“A sandwich and some milk. Thanks, dear.”

By noon, Hansel had scoped out all four restaurants on the island but still hadn’t spotted Miranda. In the afternoon, he took a stroll along the beach, but she was nowhere to be seen.

After dark, Hansel caught sight of Winter at a restaurant on the island that served Bartovian food, but Miranda was still missing.

What made it even more baffling was that, apart from his quick run–in with Sam that morning, he hadn’t seen him around since.

Could Miranda have gone out on a date with him?

The idea set Hansel on edge. He stood, paused briefly, then snatched the shawl Ingrid had left draped over the back of her chair. It was a popular style on the island, one that nearly everyone had, including Miranda.

He walked over to Winter. “Miranda left her shawl with me at lunch.

Chapter 0120

Could you pass it along to her?”

Winter was on a date with a good–looking fellow and didn’t quite catch

Hansel’s words. She blurted out, “Lunch? That can’t be right! She

headed off-”

She stopped short, realizing she’d almost spilled the beans. “Hansel, are you fishing for information?”

Hansel’s look turned piercing. “Where did she head off to? Back to the country?”

Winter rolled her eyes. “Why do you care?”

Hansel nodded. “So she really did go back to the country.”

After confirming his suspicions, Hansel turned and walked off. There was no more need for speculation. Miranda had left, and likely, Sam had followed her.

Winter was shocked. She silently berated herself. Why did she let that slip?

As Hansel strode away, he pulled out his phone and dialed Joe. “Book me the next flight home.”

“Right away, Mr. Johnson. Will Ms. York be coming back with you?” Joe asked, careful to double–check his information this time.

Hansel stopped in his tracks.

“Dear,” Ingrid said as she walked up and linked her arm with his. “I just heard from the restaurant folks that there’s a cruise setting off the day after tomorrow with a captain’s dinner that evening.

“How about we sign up? We might as well enjoy a few more days here since I’m not in any shape to travel back just yet. What do you think?”

Hansel paused, uncertain.

23

Hole off on the stoking for now,

th, we you on the phone? m didn’t realize. I hope I didn’t

gt die inged asked

I’m word i

Hansel waved it off No, not at all

Ingne’s face instantly it up. That’s a pellet The doctor said my wound was healing moey No sign of infection so far.”

Her mention of the wound tugged at Hansel’s heart

Let’s hit that cruise shall we? I’ve never been to a captain’s dinner before.” she said, clinging to his armand using a playful, almost Sugary tone

without a second thought Hansel nedded “Alright whatever you want.” Ingrid kissed him “Thank you, dear”

The plane touched down punctually at 9:00 pm at Elgerson City Airport

A familiar blast of icy wind, laced with sleet, hit Miranda’s face the moment she stepped out of the terminal. She shivered and sneezed right away from the chill