Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



The tables had turned, and Clayton was visibly distressed, while Bobby was on cloud nine. After having a chat with Bobby, Mr. Murphy strode over to us.

He greeted Tarquin politely, a clear sign that Bobby had filled him in about Tarquin earlier.

But when his gaze shifted to Clayton, his demeanor changed drastically!

Frowning and with a stern face, he said coldly, "Mr. Hawkins, if Larry is a suspect, it's up to the police to handle it. You found an issue and didn't report it immediately, instead, you took matters into your own hands by detaining him. That's illegal! Be prepared, the police will be calling you in for a statement soon."

Clayton clenched his fists, his brows furrowed, feeling the harshness of the world.

The man hadn't even left, and the warmth of hospitality was already gone!

Gone were the days when he would greet me with respect, calling me "Uncle Hawkins"...

Elysia couldn't bear it anymore and retorted, "The incident just happened, Mr. Hawkins didn't even have the chance to report it before the Murphy family barged in! And isn't it illegal for the Murphy family to storm into a house with a group of thugs? When will you be taking their statements?!" Mr. Murphy's face darkened, "And you are?"

Tarquin stepped in, "My wife!"

Caught off guard, Mr. Murphy's expression softened, "Rest assured, the police will act according to the law."

He then turned back to Clayton with a less friendly tone, "Where's Larry?!"

Clayton's frown deepened, reluctant to hand Larry over to him-for that would be like delivering him straight to the Murphy family.

Bobby strutted over, looking more confident as if he had a powerful backing, stirring the pot, "What, the Hawkins family plans to go against the police now?"

Clayton glared at him, biting back his anger.

Bobby looked at him with disdain, his eyes challenging: A down-and-out dog could never win against a lion. Larry is coming with me today, no matter what.

Clayton's lips were pressed tightly together, his fists clenched, barely containing his rage.

Suddenly, someone called out, “Tarquin!"

Tarquin turned around to see a group approaching, led by a young man in a military uniform, excitedly waving at Tarquin.

Tarquin waved back, "My friend's arrived."

Clayton scrutinized the newcomer, “The friend from the police department you mentioned?"noveldrama

"Yeah, you know him?"

Clayton shook his head, "I know quite a few folks at the department, but I've never seen him."

"Let me introduce you later."

Tarquin walked over with Elysia, and ElliotEvan, curious, followed along. Roger muttered, "I knew they had connections in the department. They were bound to bring in reinforcements!"

Bobby sneered, "I haven't even heard of this guy. Definitely an outsider, a nobody. He won't make waves!"

Then, turning to Clayton, he boasted now that Tarquin was away, "I told you, the times have changed in Oceanopolis. Clayton, you're out of your league. You think you can avenge Pamela? Ha! Even if it led to her death, my family, the Murphys, could cover it up!"

The Patel brothers were so angry they nearly came to blows, but Clayton held them back.

Bobby taunted, "Lay a finger on me, and I'll have you guys rotting in jail. The cops are watching!"

The Patel brothers were seething, their teeth grinding loudly.

Bobby added, “And Mr. Bradford, as powerful as he may be, Oceanopolis isn't his turf. Thinking he can control the Murphys is a pipe dream!"

Roger then arrogantly told Mr. Murphy, "Take a good look at him, make sure to remember his face. Find a chance to fire him! Make him wish he could never even touch the police department's doorstep again!"