Chapter Thirteen

Lizzie pushes open the door to the elderly home, a warm smile on her face as she scans the room for her grandma. She spots her in the corner, surrounded by familiar faces, but one person stands out - Jasher. Her heart skips a beat as she takes in the scene: Jasher laughing with her grandma, holding her hand, and looking every bit the charming volunteer.

Lizzie's mind races, memories flooding back. She had forgotten that Jasher signed up for volunteer work instead of extracurricular activities. His dad's image rehabilitation plan, she recalls. She feels a shiver run down her spine as she approaches her grandma, trying to compose herself.

"Grandma!" Lizzie exclaims, forcing a bright tone, as she leans down to hug her.

Her grandma's face lights up, eyes sparkling with delight. "Lizzie, sweetie, come sit with us! Jasher's been keeping me company."

Lizzie's gaze flicks to Jasher, who's watching her with an unreadable expression. She tries to smile, but her lips tremble. "Hi, Jasher. I didn't know you...volunteered here."

Jasher's smile is effortless. "Yeah, I figured it was a great way to give back. Your grandma's been an amazing conversationalist."

Lizzie's grandma pats Jasher's hand. "He's been so kind, Lizzie. We've had the best conversations."

As Lizzie sits down, Jasher continues to chat with her grandma, effortlessly charming. Lizzie observes, feeling a mix of emotions: unease, suspicion, and a hint of curiosity. What is Jasher's true motive for being here?

As the visit progresses, Lizzie finds herself drawn into the conversation, despite her initial reservations. Jasher's easygoing nature and genuine interest in her grandma's stories begin to disarm her. She starts to wonder if she misjudged him, if there's more to Jasher than his enigmatic persona.

But as they're about to leave, Lizzie's grandma mentions something that makes her heart skip a beat: "Jasher's been helping me with my memory book, dear. He's been so patient and kind."

Lizzie's eyes lock onto Jasher's, a spark of unease reigniting. What is he doing, really? And why is he so interested in her grandma's memories?

Lizzie's gaze lingers on Jasher, her mind racing with questions. She forces a smile, trying to brush off the unease. "That's great, Grandma. I'm glad you have someone to help you with that."

Jasher's eyes meet Lizzie's, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "It's my pleasure, Mrs. Thompson. I love hearing about your experiences."

As they prepare to leave, Lizzie's grandma pats Jasher's hand again. "Thank you, dear. You come back soon, okay?"

Jasher nods, his expression sincere. "I will, Mrs. Thompson. Take care."

Lizzie follows Jasher out of the elderly home, her heart still racing with questions. As they step into the bright sunlight, she turns to him. "Hey, Jasher, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, what's up?" Jasher responds, his tone casual.

"What's really going on here? You're not just volunteering for your dad's image, are you?"

Jasher's smile falters for a moment before he recovers. "What makes you think that?"

Lizzie's eyes narrow. "I know you, Jasher. You're not exactly the volunteer type."

Jasher chuckles, a low, smooth sound. "You'd be surprised what people are capable of, Lizzie."

The air is thick with tension as they stand there, locked in a silent standoff. Lizzie's determined to uncover Jasher's true motives, but he's not giving anything away. Yet.

Jasher's eyes narrows as he watches Lizzie leave the elderly home, her expression a mix of concern and determination. He had been volunteering at the home for weeks, using that advantage to gather intel on the residents and families. But one person had caught his attention - Lizzie's grandma.

He had suspected Lizzie was onto him, but her visit today confirmed it. She was terrified to see him, tried to read his intentions. Jasher's mind races as he thinks about his next move, a charming smile on his face.

"I see your granddaughter visited you today."

Mrs. Thompson turns to him, a hint of confusion in her eyes. "Oh, yes. She's such a sweet girl. Her twin rarely comes by."

Jasher's smile grow wider. "Yes, she is. But I think she's getting a little too curious about my activities."

Mrs. Thompson's expression changes, a flicker of concern crossing her face. "What do you mean?"

Jasher leans in, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "I think Lizzie suspects I'm not who I say I am. But don't worry, Mrs. Thompson. I'll take care of it."

As he leaves the home, Jasher's mind was already plotting his next move. He would strike when she least expects it, eliminating the one person who stands in his way.

Jasher's eyes gleam with determination as he walks away from the elderly home. The game was on, and he would win at all costs.

Lizzie's mind races as she walks home from the elderly home, her heart still racing from the encounter with Jasher. She can't shake off the feeling that something is off, that Jasher's presence in her grandma's life is a threat.

As she enters her house, Lizzie's thoughts turn to her grandma's safety. What if Jasher is involved in Veronica's murder? What if he's using his volunteer work as a cover to gather information or manipulate the residents?

Lizzie's fear for her grandma's safety grows with each passing moment. She tries to push the thoughts away, telling herself she's being paranoid, but she can't shake off the feeling of unease.

She decides to take action, to protect her grandma from potential harm. Lizzie starts by calling her grandma, asking her about Jasher's visits and what they talk about. Her grandma seems oblivious to any potential danger, chatting happily about Jasher's kindness and interest in her stories.

Lizzie's fear turns to frustration. How can her grandma not see the potential danger? She decides to visit her grandma again, to keep a closer eye on her and maybe even confront Jasher if he's there.

As she hangs up the phone, Lizzie realizes she's not sure what she's up against. Is Jasher a master manipulator or just a charming volunteer? She knows one thing for sure - she'll do whatever it takes to keep her grandma safe.