Nathan's Counter Attack (3)

Lincoln is at the Lounge, helping the band to set up their equipment. He keeps on glancing at the entrance to spot Halsey and Charlotte. It’s nearly 7 PM when Charlotte walks in only to find a large crowd had gathered for the event that night.

“Mom!”

She turns around to find Lincoln jogging towards her. “Where’s Halsey?” he asks.

“Oh, she’s gonna come later,” Charlotte lies. “The Andersons called and they asked her to babysit their kid for tonight. They won’t be out long so I suppose Hales will be here by 9 o’clock.”

“Oh, okay.”

Lincoln is disappointed but quickly hides it. Charlotte gives him a list of things to do for the event to keep him busy for a long time. She carefully observes him, trying to gauge his actions. Outwardly, Lincoln seems fine but something has changed in him.

She checks her watch. Nathan should be in Halsey’s room by now.

Lincoln is piling a few boxes when he receives a text. He reads it and looks around to make sure no one spots him before heading for the dock