The Fourth of July party (8)

In the guest room on the main floor…

"Did she buy it?", Max asked.

Hunter got his phone and responded a few seconds later: "Yeah, she is in panic mode. Grace is doing her part in keeping her on the edge."

Mia is in charge of watching McKenzie, and she is texting Hunter with updates.

Max pulled Liz into a hug. He would not forgive himself if McKenzie was successful this time. "I am sorry, Liz. All this is because of me…"

Hunter saw that things are getting emotional and he glanced at the door. "I can leave, right?"

"Yeah. Thank you. Make sure McKenzie hears that Max is not well and that I'm by his side, and I will take it from there.", Liz responded.

Max tightened his hug on Liz.

"Who is Grace?", Liz asked Max.

"A neighbor and Hunter's classmate from high school. We know each other for a long time. Hunter asked her to stir up Zi with occasional provocations."

Liz looked at Max suspiciously. "Why would she help you?"