Chapter 197

Ollie POV

Marcus pulled out his phone and walked a little bit away. I heard him talking quietly, probably to Uncle Rhodes’s house. Probably telling them I was here.

Jennifer picked up her phone and dialed. I held my breath, hugging Mr. Hoppy so tight he almost squished.

“Come on,” Jennifer muttered. “Pick up. Please pick up.”

The phone rang and rang. I counted—five rings, six rings, seven—

“You’ve reached Ramon Navarro. I’m unable to take your call right now—”

Jennifer hung up and tried again.

Same thing. Voicemail.

“He’s not answering,” she said, her voice sad. “Ollie, I’m so sorry. I don’t think—”

“Try again!” I begged. “Please! Maybe he just didn’t hear it the first two times! Please try again!”

Jennifer looked like she wanted to cry too. But she dialed again.

This time, after three rings, someone answered.

“Jennifer, I told you I’m not available,” Papa’s voice said, and it sounded rough and tired. “I’