Chapter 3p3 – That's Your Clue?

Tic scratched his forehead. "That's your clue? You're heading to Haddock because your dad said he 'had ocular issues'? Doesn't that seem like a bit of a stretch?"

"It was obviously intentional!" said Milly.

"Another question: I thought you said they disappeared 15 years ago, but in the message they said 14."

"It must've taken them a long time to get their message sent after they recorded it. They're obviously being watched really closely."

"Uh huh. Sure. Don't you think this whole thing's just a bit too fishy? What does your grandfather think about all this?"

Milly avoided Tic's eyes.

"He does know, doesn't he?"

"He never would have let me go!" Milly blurted out. "He gave up on my parents a long time ago."

"Great," said Tic. "You ran away? He probably thinks you've been kidnapped or something!"

"No, I left him a note saying I'd enrolled myself in a super private rehab facility," said Milly. "He's always been paranoid that I was going to get myself addicted to something or other. I bet he's sitting at home right now writing his 'I Told You So' speech."

Tic sighed. "You have to realize how crazy this all sounds from my perspective. I can't afford to get myself caught up in any more trouble. I've already got some pretty unhappy clients breathing down my neck, and don't remind me about the loan payments…" He watched for her reaction.

At his mention of loans, she looked up at him with big, innocent eyes and bit her lip. "I… What if I could help solve your money problem?"

And there it was. The hook was in.

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