Goodbye, Mr. Regret

After ending the call, Timothy checked the time. The day before the national holiday was a weekend, so after school let out the day after tomorrow, Henry wouldn't need to go back until the break was over.

Timothy planned to book a flight for the morning two days from now. That way, they could still spend the afternoon out together.

He instructed his assistant to reserve two plane tickets. As he sent over their passport numbers, a thought struck him—Mabel had called earlier to say Jessica's phone was ringing, but she wouldn't answer.

Not picking up made sense. She couldn't speak anyway.

Was she staying out all day because he'd invited her to dinner-then canceled at the last minute?

He and Jessica had been married for seven years, and not once had the three of them gone on a trip as a family.

On impulse, he told his assistant to book three tickets instead.

But he didn't know Jessica's passport number, so he shot her a quick text:

[Oakwood's got a comic con over the holiday. Henry wants to go. Send me your passport number so I can book the tickets.]

His message might as well have been tossed into a black hole.

Timothy got home, but still hadn't received a reply from Jessica.

And she still hadn't come back.

kept his emotions in check, but tonight, that calm

him she still needed Jessica's passport

Timothy just sent over his

dinner, Henry was laughing and chatting

Mrs. Lawson still missing, it was as if these two

Lawson hasn't come home.

when Timothy tried to include her in their holiday plans, she ignored

had never caused him this

him with a burning weight in his

going missing. Even a kidnapper wouldn't bother taking someone who can't

Mabel fell silent immediately.

He set down his fork and got up,

Sheila's eyes darkened.

in, whispering, "Miss Sheila, is Dad

finish your dinner. I'll go

walked to the master bedroom and knocked.

"Come in."

open

was standing by the window, cigarette in hand, smoke curling around