Chapter 17: Drugged: Isobel and Jubal

Jubal was surprised when Isobel texted him that she will be late that morning. It turned out that her father was rushed to the hospital. Robert Castille got shot by a disgruntled former employee who blamed him for being laid-off. Jubal told Isobel to take the day off and will just send updates if a case came up. She thanked him.

At the end of the day, Jubal dropped by the hospital. "Hey, how is he?"

"Jubal," she said surprised, "you didn't have to come. He just came out of surgery. Just waiting for him to wake up."

He opened his arms to offer a hug which she accepted. "He's going to be okay," he said, comforting her. When he saw her yawned, he said "You should go home and get some rest. I can watch him in the meantime."

He was able to convince Isobel to go home but he's sure that she will just take a shower and eat a banana or something before she's going back again. Only a few minutes have passed, when Robert opened his eyes. "Oh hey." His groggy voice clued Jubal in that he can still feel the effects of the anesthesia. "There's my favorite son-in-law."

That had taken him aback, for as far as he knew, Isobel is an only child. Who could he be referring to? "You must have me confused for someone else. I'm Jubal, I wo-"

"I know, I know..." the man smiled. "I always knew you'd end up together."

"Huh?"

"When you let me into her office, I knew immediately you're going to be good for Izzy."

Speaking of Izzy - Isobel. "She just went home awhile ago. She was here the whole time during your surgery. She's really worried about you."

"Ah, my Izzy," he looked as if recalling a memory with fondness. "She claims that she's as tough as nails, and she is, but she also has a soft heart. Did you know that she climb up a tree to rescue a neighbor's kitten? Her mother nearly had a heart attack when she saw her up that tree," he finished with smile.

Jubal can see it clearly in his head - the little girl with short brown curls. "Yeah, she is like that."

"I know that Isobel is more than capable of protecting herself but it certainly wouldn't hurt if someone else is looking after her. That's why I'm so happy she has you." Not knowing what to say, Jubal just listened as Robert continued.

"Take care of her, of each other. Be there for her, no matter how hard she pushes you away..." His eyes insistent and looking at him intently.

Jubal can only nod and reply with, "Yeah."

Neither were aware that Isobel was standing in the doorway just out of sight.

Notes:

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