The Kiss that Sparked it All

Nolan had Regina’s schedule figured out. He knew exactly when she’d be heading back to the Tanner estate, a day she looked forward to for the chance to pry more details from Imogen. Despite the challenging late nights, she persisted, eager for any clues.

So, Nolan decided to lighten her mood by taking her out for dinner or a stroll somewhere nice right after these visits.

“Yeah, I’ve gotta head back there today,” Regina agreed. “I’ll text you after dinner.”

“Sure,” Nolan responded, “just shoot me a message in advance, and I’ll swing by in my car to pick you up.”

“No, no, I’ve got my car today. Just send me the location, and I’ll meet you there.”

“That works.”

Even after making plans, they didn’t end the call, simply enjoying the sound of each other’s breathing. Regina felt a step closer to happiness. “I should hang up now, gonna start driving.”

But Nolan insisted, “I won’t distract you, let’s just stay on the line.”

So, they did, occasionally exchanging words during the drive, content with just that.

The Tanner estate was deliberately set in a secluded area to signify their status, surrounded by families of similar stature. However, Regina never imagined that on this familiar route home, several cars would suddenly blockade her path.

She braked hard, a mix of panic and confusion setting in, as a man approached her car window.

Hearing the commotion, Nolan urgently asked, “What’s happening?”

“I…I don’t know, a bunch of people have surrounded my car. They blocked me first, and I didn’t even hit anyone. What do I do?” Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

Regina initially thought it was a scam, but Nolan sensed danger.

“Don’t roll down your windows! They’re not here to settle scores; they must have another motive.”

Regina’s clarity returned at his words. She tried to catch the license plate of the car in front but couldn’t from her angle.

The men, masked and clad in black even in broad daylight, clearly spelled trouble.

“Does he have any distinguishing features?”

Just as Nolan spoke, the sound of shattering glass came through the phone, his grip tightening, standing up from the couch.

“Regina? Régina!”

“Who are you? What do you want?” Regina screamed, thankfully unnoticed by the assailants that her phone was still connected with Nolan.

The men, skilled and silent, broke through the window, pulling Regina out without a hint of mercy.

“Are you after money? I have money. My house is right there. Let me go, and I’ll make sure you’re satisfied!”

Regina’s panicked voice kept Nolan on edge, wondering how a simple drive home turned into a robbery.

Holding his breath, not wanting to make a sound that might alert the assailants, Nolan hoped for a clue, any clue. But his caution was in vain as a scoff came through the line before the call was abruptly ended.

When Nolan tried calling back, the phone was already off.