Chapter 36 - A Visitor From The Past

MRS ROSA'S POV

My train of thought was abruptly derailed by the buzzing of my phone. I didn't recognize the number, but it felt strangely familiar. I was filled with questions—why was this person calling me? What could they possibly want? The buzzing refused to subside, like the persistence of an annoying fly.

With a sharp inhale, I answered the phone. "What is it?" I demanded, steeling myself against whatever was coming.

His deep, confident voice cut through my tense silence, "Can't I call to say hello anymore?" He teased with a laugh. "Let's meet up."

His words sent a chill down my spine. Something didn't feel right, but I couldn't put my finger on it.

Inwardly, I scoffed at Alfred's attempt at small talk. "I knew it," I thought to myself. Alfred had always been cunning, and I knew he was up to something if he was calling out of the blue after all these years. But whatever it was, I was going to put him in his place.

"Alfred, I don't have time for this," I said, my tone dismissive.