I felt guilty as I thought that it might be because of that gunshot.

I closed the book in frustration and stepped out onto the balcony for some fresh air. I heard a knock on the door, accompanied by Tom's voice, "Ma'am."

I hurriedly opened the door, "Tom…how is Richard?"

"He has a fever."

Hearing this, I felt a slight relief. I believed it was just a cold or something like that, but then Tom continued, "The gunshot wound had got infected. He won't let anyone touch ...