Chapter 3
While calling Jodie, I rushed toward Lonnie’s place.
No one picked up the phone. As I arrived, I was surprised to see Antonio’s. parents.
I said immediately, “The Stone Cliff Reservoir is about to release floodwater very soon. Why are you still here?
“There’s only fifty minutes left. Evacuate now, or it’ll be too late!”
Vernon Kaufman, Antonio’s dad, glanced at me and then said to Lonnie helplessly. “Sorry about that. It’s probably because of the pregnancy–Grace is actually losing her mind.
“She even believes in her own lie, coming down all the way here.”
Meanwhile, Jodie glared at me and snapped, “What are you doing here? You just won’t stop till you make a complete fool of yourself, right?
“Just resign and focus on getting ready to give birth. Given how willful you are now, you’ll get yourself in big trouble sooner or later.”
I was baffled. How was I willful?
Taking a deep breath, I said to them, “I’m not lying. There’s gonna be a heavy rainstorm at Stone Cliff soon, and the reservoir will release floodwater soon. You should…”
As I was talking, Jodie came over and slapped me across the face hard.
“Stop lying! I just asked Antonio. The Stone Cliff Reservoir isn’t going to
Chapter 3
release floodwater today, and of course, the floodwater won’t reach town.
“He designed the reservoir, OK? What are you trying to say? Are you trying to undermine him? He’s your husband, Grace!”
It turned out they had talked to Antonio, too.
I knew it was almost impossible to talk some sense into Jodie and Vernon now, so I took out my phone and showed Lonnie my prediction report.
“Mr. Potter, I swear I’m not lying. Please believe me. It’s hundreds of lives. we’re talking about here,” I said to him, almost pleading.
He glanced at the report, his expression turning solemn.
“Lonnie, don’t fall for her lies,” Vernon immediately said.
Lonnie waved his hand and made a call.
He said, “Christopher, is it true that the reservoir will release floodwater soon?”
Christopher Kimmons, on the other end of the line, quickly said, “Not at all. Who told you that? It’s sunny today, and the water level is perfectly fine. What floodwater?”
Lonnie hung up the phone and slammed the table hard.
Then he said coldly to me, “You’re not welcome here. Get out.”
The last time, with Antonio, we convinced Lonnie easily.
Yet, without Antonio, let alone Lonnie, even Jodie and Vernon wouldn’t believe me.
I was overwhelmed by a deep sense of powerlessness.
But then again, those hundreds of lives came back into my mind.
I looked up at Lonnie and swore again.
“Mr. Potter, I am not lying.
“Indeed, it’s sunny at Stone Cliff now, but there will be a heavy rainstorm very soon. The rainwater from the mountains will all rush into the reservoir, and within half an hour, the water level alarm will go off.
“I swear. If I’m lying, I’ll die a horrible death!”
Lonnie looked at me, wavering.
Seeing this, Vernon walked over to him.
“Lonnie, didn’t you hear what Christopher said? He works at the reservoir, and he said it was fine. Would you really believe Grace over Christopher? Don’t believe a word she says.”
Jodie echoed, “Indeed, Lonnie. Antonio said there wouldn’t be a flood at all. Grace has had a row with him; she’s saying this just to vent her anger.”
Out of anxiety, I knelt on the floor, reaching out to pull Lonnie’s pants. “I’m not lying! Mr. Potter, please, please believe me! There are hundreds. of residents here! Their lives are at risk!”
Jodie slapped me again.
“Grace, have some shame! Stop embarrassing yourself!
“If you keep up this nonsense, you will no longer be part of our family. Get an abortion and leave as far as you can!”
Enduring the immense pain, I said calmly, “I’ve already broken. up
with
Antonio, and I’ll get rid of the baby.
“I only have one request left. Mr. Potter, please evacuate everyone. Don’t leave them to die!
“Mr. Potter, we’ve got less than fifty minutes left. Please!”
Lonnie sprung to his feet.
“Alright. I’ll believe you this once.
“If it turns out you’re lying, you’ll go to jail.”
