Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem ( Elysia and Tarquin)

Since Elijah couldn't be there in person, he joined the conversation online.

Elliot started, "Even though it's a bummer we couldn't unmask the mystery guy today, it's not like we came out empty-handed! At least we've confirmed that the dude who took mom to the hospital that day, kidnapped Elijah, and dumped us and mom in the middle of nowhere is our mystery man! And clearly, we're just pawns to him. He won't hurt us for now; his sights are set on Tarquin and the rest."

Elijah, frowning deeply, chimed in, "He must have a beef with dad! Should I... should I give dad a heads-up to watch his back?"

Elliot, knowing Elijah's concern for Tarquin, advised, "That's up to you. If you want to warn him, go ahead, but make sure you're careful with your words. Don't let mom's situation slip."

"Got it."

Elliot then added, "He also dropped a major hint tonight. He wants to pursue mom, said he wants to whisk her away to be his bride..."

Before Elliot could finish, Evan, Emmett, and Elijah cut him off.

The trio was vehement, "In his dreams! If he thinks he can take mom away, he's got another thing coming!"

"I'm not on board either! He's not good enough for mom!"

"Yeah, our mom's a goddess bathing in sunlight, while he's just a creep lurking in the shadows. We can't let mom end up with him!"

Elliot agreed, "I'm against it too. He's not into mom because he likes her. He said he doesn't care about that; as long as his 'darling' approves, it's all good."

The other three in unison asked, "Who's 'darling'?"

Elliot shook his head, "No clue. He gave away too little for us to track down. But it's clear, whoever this 'darling' is, means a lot to him."

Elijah voiced his thoughts, "I think we need to find him ASAP. He's a threat to mom."

Elliot concurred, "Even though he won't hurt mom, he's been harassing her."

Evan frowned, "But he slipped away this time, and we didn't get a good look at him. He probably won't fall for it again. How do we find him?" Elliot, with a thoughtful look, said, "There are still ways to..."

Before Elliot could finish, sudden noises came from outside the room.noveldrama

The young detectives instantly went on high alert!

Evan, with a puzzled look, tiptoed to the door, flung it open, and flicked on the living room lights.

"Blossom?!"

Blossom, holding a glass of water and looking bewildered, stared back, "What's up, I mean... Evan?"

Evan relaxed, scratching his head, "I heard some noise in the living room, thought we had a burglar."

Blossom reassured, "Our neighborhood's security system is top-notch. No burglars can get in. I just accidentally bumped into a chair. Got thirsty and came out for some water."

"Why didn't you turn on the lights, Blossom?"

"My bedroom light was on; I could see where I was going. But you, why haven't you washed your face? I almost mistook you for Emmett there."

In the afternoon, to fool Tarquin, Emmett had put makeup on Elliot and Evan, which they hadn't removed yet.

Evan replied, "I'll wash it off in a bit."

"Alright, better head to bed soon. I'm off to rest too."

"Goodnight, Blossom."

Returning to his room, Evan whispered, "It was Blossom."

Elliot nodded, "It's getting late. Let's all get some rest. As for the mystery man, I'll think of another way to track him down."

As soon as Elliot finished speaking, Elijah suddenly exclaimed, "Found him!"