Chapter 423
“How did Xavier get trapped in there?” Ralph whispered to Beau.
“I don’t know.”
When Beau refused to elaborate, Ralph didn’t dare press further.
One of the Fisher bodyguards suggested, “Mr. Fisher, let us escort you home first. The moment the firefighters rescue Ms. Jones and Mr. Xavier, we’ll notify you immediately.”
“I’m waiting right here!” Harvey’s voice could have frozen hell itself. “I’m not leaving until I see them with my own eyes!”
“Daddy…” Beau spoke up. “Is Mommy hiding inside on purpose? Is she refusing to come out?”
“What nonsense are you spouting?”
Harvey’s gaze turned scalpel–sharp, slicing through Beau’s small frame. The boy might as well have been nailed to the ground under that stare.
“Take Beau home.” Having issued the order, Harvey dismissed his son entirely.
“Mr. Beau, let me take you back.”
Beau stared at Harvey’s broad back–the man stood within reach yet felt continents away.
“Daddy…” His lips moved soundlessly, but Harvey remained statue–still, offering no acknowledgment.
The acrid stench of burning debris filled Beau’s lungs. As he covered his nose, he broke into coughs.
“Let’s go then.”
After all, Elara and Xavier would be fine.
Dawn broke, the sky behind the auditorium still glowing crimson from the residual heat of the fire. After relentless efforts, the firefighters finally extinguished the blaze.
It was already 6:00 am when the crew carefully checked the ruins for any remaining embers. Meanwhile, Harvey had spent the entire night on a stone bench outside.
His head was bowed, and his back was hunched. Morning dew soaked through his black suit, leaving his hair and eyebrows glistening with moisture.
At the sound of approaching footsteps, he slowly lifted his head. His bloodshot eyes were fixed on the auditorium’s charred skeleton.
Several firefighters emerged from the wreckage. Harvey stood, his body protesting with stiff joints that cracked like popping knuckles after hours of stillness.
“Did you find them?”
His voice scraped like sandpaper. A night without water had left his face ghostly pale, and his eyes were rimmed
with red.
The firefighter shook his head. “We’ve combed every inch. There’s no sign of Ms. Jones or the boy Xavier.” “That’s impossible!” Harvey stood frozen as an icy sensation crawled up from his heels.
1/2
Chapter 423
+25 BONUS
Had Elara… been reduced to ashes?
It felt like his chest had been split open–blood cascading out, dragging entrails and viscera with it in a grotesque waterfall.
How could the firefighters not find Elara?
The metallic tang of blood flooded Harvey’s nostrils, making each breath a struggle.
“Excuse me, are you Mr. Harvey Fisher?”
Someone had called his name. Harvey simply turned to find uniformed police officers behind him.
“That’s me.” His response was mechanical..
The lead officer spoke formally, “We’ve received reports linking you to the arson case at Summit Academy’s auditorium. Please come with us for questioning.”
