Chapter 43

When they were done having dinner, Ben wiped his mouth with a napkin and rose swiftly, making Aliyah follow suit, it felt almost as if she could read his thoughts for a moment.

"Grandpa, I have to leave," he paused briefly, his words disrupted the decorum of the room. He then continued.

"Something came up, so I'll be heading home first. I'll come around first thing tomorrow morning on my way to work."

Mr Vawn had earlier told him to meet him in the library after the dinner, and it seemed to be important, but he could tell that Ben had something of urgency he needed to attend to as well.

He sighed in acceptance.

"Alright, I hope you remember the promise you made earlier, boy," Mr Vawn asked, his heavy, half-closed eyes narrowed at him.

Ben hesitated, his gaze traveling to Aliyah and back to his Granddad, "alright I'll keep that in mind"

Mr Vawn's stare turned to Aliyah, and he seemed to flash a subtle Smile, obscured by the deep wrinkles that lined the sides of his cheeks. Maybe th