Nathaniel continued listening to Elsie's story related to the past five years. Although laden with some hoarseness, her voice echoed audibly in the small space they shared under the hanging wisterias.
"I contacted Mrs. Mathison..."
Mrs. Mathison was the lecturer Elsie the closest with back in Norvonna. The middle-aged woman was like a mentor to her. They kept in contact even after Elsie graduated from the university.
"I had my phone with me... when I escaped. I didn't know who to call. Either you, the police... or anyone else. Actually, it was a stroke of luck because... Mrs. Mathison called me at that time."
Mrs. Mathison often called Elsie randomly and the young lady also did the same. Through the fated phone call, a frantic Elsie quickly asked for help even though the former was far in another country.
"The Winslows were on vacation here. Mrs. Mathison got them to help me. They also hid me when... your men looked for me in the hospital."
