Goodbye, Mr. Regret

They arrived at the Red House.

Kane and Yates had claimed the best booth in the place-prime seats with a perfect view of the action.

They hadn't bothered to reserve a private room, which didn't surprise Timothy in the least; that was just typical Kane.

Red House was one of Riverside City's most well-known clubs. At night, the main hall came alive with a spectacle of pole dancers-new faces rotated in every week, each one more stunning and alluring than the last. The show had earned a reputation, drawing crowds from across the city and beyond.

As soon as Kane spotted Sheila, he sprang up, arms wide, swept her off her feet, and spun her around several times. Sheila shrieked, startled, clutching at his shoulders. "Kane, put me down! Right now!"

Yates, meanwhile, lounged in his seat, having just lit a cigarette. When Timothy walked over, Yates wordlessly offered him one. Timothy sat, and Yates flicked his lighter, holding the flame steady until Timothy's cigarette caught.

Kane finally set Sheila down, laughing. "Come on, don't be such a spoilsport! I haven't seen you in ages-just one hug! Timothy doesn't mind, does he? Or are you worried he'll get jealous?"

Sheila shot him a stern look. "Timothy's married now. Watch what you say."

sofa, insisting she sit beside him. He leaned in close, eager to catch up, as if he had a lifetime

bought Flameheart and gave it to you, didn't he?" "Enough! Not another word." Sheila snatched a glass of wine

talker and thrilled to see Sheila

drag from his cigarette, his features thrown into sharp relief by the shifting, colored lights overhead. The dim, moody

Yates'. After taking a

glass in hand, his posture relaxed but his tone serious. "Vince Zimmerman asked me

"Looking for that childhood engagement you

you

for someone, who else could it be but the daughter who disappeared? They've been looking for her for years,

gaze grew somber. "Vince says Mrs. Zimmerman's health is failing- doctors say she might not last more than six months. Before she goes, she wants to try one last time, just

twenty years. Where do you even start?" Timothy swirled the wine in his crystal glass, brow calm. "The Zimmermans aren't exactly short on resources. If they couldn't find her all

why I'm

a miracle worker," Timothy replied, though he didn't sound