366 The Assistant's Blunder

"Borrow money?"

Jackson’s voice was muffled, and there was a noticeable whooshing sound in the background. “Yeah, it's just a nuisance. I'm playing along with them for now. You should head back.”

Emily's suspicion was piqued by Jackson’s vague tone. “Jackson, are you in some kind of trouble?”

“No way. Who am I? Jackson, the king of the road! No one would dare give me trouble. Anyway, Emily, be a good girl and take Bert home to rest. I’ll be back a bit later. That's it, I’m hanging up.”

Beep… Beep… Beep…

Jackson had indeed hung up the phone.

Bert asked, “Is something wrong? Is Jackson in trouble?”

“He said he ran into some old friends,” Emily echoed, her concern mirroring Bert's. However, she knew her best course of action was to avoid adding to Jackson's burdens. “Let’s go. Jackson knows what he’s doing.”

With Jackson absent, it fell to Amy to drive them back.

This was Emily’s second experience with Amy behind the wheel, and it was every bit as nerve-wracking as the first. The ride wa