The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 34
Milford took the prescription and scanned it, his brow furrowing. “These herbs…”
“They will boost her circulation and reduce internal bruising,” Leilani said calmly. “Yvonne’s leg injury has dragged on for too long. Her nerve pathways are severely blocked. We must clear that out before proceeding to the next step of treatment.”
Milford was silent for a moment before finally speaking. “…Thanks.”,
The word was spoken so softly it seemed squeezed out through his teeth, but Leilani heard it. She looked up at him, the corners of her lips hooking up slightly. “No need to thank me. I owe her this.”
That evening, Leilani returned to Celestial Heights. As she stepped into the elevator, she heard a low male voice behind her.
“Wait.”
She instinctively pressed the open button and looked up, meeting Callahan’s deep gaze. The man was dressed in a sharp suit, his brow cool and composed. He stepped into the elevator and stood beside her. In the confined space, the air seemed to thicken.
Leilani hesitated for a moment before taking the initiative. “Hello, Mr. Langley.”
Callahan glanced sideways at her, his voice low. “Hi, Ms. Sloan.”
After a brief silence, Leilani spoke again. “Thank you for the last two times.”
Callahan raised an eyebrow slightly. “It was nothing.”
Saying thanks verbally felt like it lacked sincerity. Leilani hesitated, then made a decision. “Let me treat you to dinner. As a thank-you gift.”
Her tone was straightforward. Callahan’s gaze lingered on her face for two seconds, and his lips curved almost imperceptibly. “Alright.”
The restaurant was a private dining establishment near Celestial Heights, with a quiet and elegant environment. They chose a table by the window, where exquisite appetizers were already set.
Leilani filled a glass with water for Callahan, her tone casual. “What do you usually like to eat, Mr. Langley?”
Accepting the glass, Callahan’s fingers grazed the rim as he replied nonchalantly, “I’m easy.”
Leilani nodded and didn’t ask further. She looked at the menu and ordered a few safe, standard dishes. Once the food arrived, they ate quietly. Neither spoke, yet the atmosphere was surprisingly harmonious.
Leilani cut the steak on her plate. Her movements weren’t overly graceful, but they appeared efficient and decisive. Opposite her, Callahan seemed relaxed, his long fingers gently swirling his wine glass, his gaze landing on her seemingly by accident.
“Are you always this quiet?”
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Or was she only this quiet with him?
Leilani took a sip of red wine and said faintly, “I’m used to it.”
She wasn’t a very lively person to begin with, and after four years in prison, her personality had become even colder. Unless necessary, she didn’t want to waste words. Especially since she and
Callahan weren’t that close.
Leilani looked up to retort, “Mr. Langley, do you always like to pry into other people’s business?”
Callahan chuckled low. “Just curious.”
“Curious about what?”
“Why every time I see you, someone is looking for trouble with you.” He leaned forward slightly, his voice deep.
Leilani’s fingers paused, then she smiled faintly. “Maybe I just have a face that looks easy to bully.”
Callahan’s gaze lingered on her cold, exquisite features. The last two times he saw her verbally sparring with the Sloan brothers, he hadn’t seen her lose ground. He gave her a meaningful look. “You don’t look like it.”
Leilani didn’t reply, looking down to drink some water.
Just then, a commotion came from the restaurant entrance. A young woman in a bright red dress and high heels walked in, looking around as if searching for someone.
Callahan withdrew his gaze, paying no attention.
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