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."

leaned

I saw it in the news-Timothy bought Flameheart and gave it to you, didn't

always the talker and thrilled to see Sheila

relief by the shifting, colored lights overhead. The dim, moody glow flickered across his face, making him look all the more handsome

clinked it against Yates'. After taking a sip, Timothy asked quietly, "So, what do you need me

hand, his posture relaxed but his tone serious. "Vince Zimmerman asked me to track someone

"Looking for that childhood engagement

take you

are searching for someone, who else could it be but the daughter who disappeared? They've been looking for her for years, and I thought they'd

grew somber. "Vince says Mrs. Zimmerman's health is failing- doctors say she might not last more than six

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 these years, what

gave a rueful smile. "That's why I'm coming to

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