Everything Everything

Chapter 78

James hung up the phone. His hands were shaking. The SEC guy had sounded serious. Really serious.

"What did they say?" Louis asked.

James ran a hand through his hair. "They're coming tomorrow with a whole team."

Louis nodded. He looked scared. "What do we do?"

"We get ready," James said. "Call the lawyers. Tell them the early bird thing. Get everybody working on those files. We are going to be organized."

As Louis hurried out, James slumped into his chair. His mind was racing.

The SEC. The heart attack. Lily and Ava.

His entire world appeared to be spinning out of control.

His phone buzzed. A text from Lily:

"Where are you? We need you here."

James felt a pang of guilt. His family needed him. But if he walked out now.

He texted back:

"I'm so sorry. Can't leave yet. Tell Gran I love her. I'll be there as soon as possible."

Lily's reply came fast:

"James. She's asking for you. Please hurry."

He stared at the message. Tears pricked his eyes.

But he couldn't go. Not yet. Unless