She stepped in for Ruth Upperton to shoulder this trouble, saying calmly and respectfully, "I told Grandma that Lindsey is missing. Because Lindsey and I are alumni from A City Academy, someone mentioned in our alumni group that they couldn't find her, couldn't reach her by phone, and don't know where she went…"
"Julian, won't you let me go?"
Ruth Upperton glared at him a bit angrily, arguing, "I didn't dare tell you just now that it was Bertha Marley who leaked the news of Lindsey's disappearance because I was afraid you'd do something to Bertha again…I know you've always been dissatisfied with her and have even hit her several times, but did you know Bertha is the best girl I've ever met—"
"Shut up!"
Julian Johnsons had grown impatient, directly shouting at her to stop, then went upstairs without looking back.
