He was here for Jennie's sake. Tyrone knew it. Making them wait showed his stance that he did not agree Jennie should return to Philade with him. Bouncing now would be like waving goodbye to their chance to talk it out.

“We shouldn't have sent your granddaughter back yesterday. We should have headed straight for the airport. What could Tyrone do then?"

Allen said.

"You reckon I hadn't thought of that?" Kaleb retorted. "Jennie's tight with Tyrone, more than with Keilani. Forcing her away will just make her resent us. I want her to genuinely accept me and Zandra."

Plus, Tyrone could just sneak Jennie away as easily as they had brought her to Philade. All this back-and-forth was only hurting Jennie.

“So, we just sit here and wait?" Allen asked.

“Patience, yes," Kaleb replied.

Calm and collected, Kaleb grabbed a magazine, saying, "You've still got a lot to learn, kid."

Allen pondered, taking a quiet sip of his coffee, his brow furrowed in thought.

"Did we clue Lancer in on the plan?" Kaleb asked.

"Yeah, I gave him the lowdown," Allen replied, rising and strolling to the window. “Let me shoot him a quick call to confirm."

After dialing and exchanging words, Allen returned to the couch, settling in. "They confirmed Lance's got it covered with the girl."

“Alright." Kaleb nodded, reclining and shutting his eyes for a moment's respite.

Time seemed to crawl.

Allen stole a glance at his watch, irritation simmering within.

Twenty minutes dragged on.

The secretary entered with a tray, swapping out their coffee cups and setting down fresh ones. "Enjoy," she chirped.

“How much longer is Mr. Blakely's meeting supposed to drag?" Allen couldn't help but inquire.

The secretary offered a reassuring smile. "It should be wrapping up soon. Just hang tight a tad more. He'll be here right after."

It felt like words were said yet nothing was really said.