Page 73 of Justice Denied

Seth rearranged the siblings several times, snapping photos while Brogan continued with his questions. Finally, Ms. Stanhope cleared her throat. “Mr. Topher, it’s eleven.”

Ryan stood. “That’s all the time we have for you today.”

Seth stepped over to where he’d laid his camera bag as Brogan thanked Ryan for his time.

As Ryan, Yasmine, and Gene headed for the door together, Brogan tossed out, “Oh, one more question, if you don’t mind.”

The siblings turned in unison, Ryan raising an eyebrow.

“Why are Yasmine and Gene conspiring with Maxwell Technology on the hostile takeover of Topher Robotics?”

ChapterTwenty-Six

“Mrs. Ainsley, your vitals are strong, so how about we spring you from the hospital today?” The attending physician winked at her as he scribbled notes on her chart.

“That sounds great.” Emily couldn’t wait to leave the hospital, although returning to the rehab center wasn’t appealing. “When will that happen? I’ll need to give my daughter a time to come get me.”

He glanced at the wall clock. “How about noon? I’ll get the discharge paperwork started now.”

“Wonderful.” She grabbed her phone the minute he left her room and texted Seth.

Would you mind picking me up from the hospital?

His immediate reply brought a smile to her lips.

Of course. What time?

Noon. Thanks!

He sent a thumbs up emoji in reply. Emily tapped her phone against the bed, then dialed Jetta.

“Hey, Mom. How are you this morning?”

“I’m fine. They’re discharging me. Would you come get me around noon? And bring a Jersey Mike’s sub, the one with turkey and provolone. I’m tired of hospital food.”

“You must be feeling better if you want a sub. What time should I come?”

“Noon would work. I’ll be waiting in the lobby.” Emily should have felt bad about omitting to tell Jetta she’d also asked Seth to come, but how could she not when Jetta was determined to push Seth away. Anyone could see how much the young man cared for her daughter—and how much Jetta cared for Seth. Her youngest daughter had it in her head that she needed to distance herself from Seth because of the baby, but Seth wouldn’t care. Emily suspected he already loved the little one as much as he did Jetta. Emily viewed Jetta’s reluctance to let her feelings for Seth grow as more fear-based than fact-based, and she aimed to do what she could to help bring them together.

She didn’t have time to contemplate the wisdom of her decision, as medical personal came in and out of her room with various papers and instructions ahead of her discharge.

“Ready to be sprung from this joint?” Seth grinned as he entered her room.

“More than ready.” Emily patted the folder beside her. “I have all my discharge papers, so I am just waiting for a wheelchair.”

He eyed her leg, still in its cast. “Did they say how much longer you’d have to wear that cast?”

She grimaced. “Maybe another week. The kidnappers dragging me about put strain on the bones. But enough about me. Do you have any updates on the investigation?”

“Nothing concrete, but Brogan and I did interview Ryan Topher this morning and take some pictures of him and his two siblings.” Seth shook his head. “Those were the most awkward family photos I’ve ever taken. None of them wanted to be near the other.”

“Jay always said the Tophers were a close-knit family.”

“They certainly didn’t seem all that close to me. The two younger ones appeared to resent Ryan’s decisions.” Seth paced to the window, then back. “Brogan asked mostly softball questions about Ryan and the company, then did the classic, ‘one more question’ as we were getting ready to leave.”

“About the embezzlement?”

“No, about why Yasmine and Gene were conspiring with Maxwell Technology on the hostile takeover of Topher Robotics.”

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