He then started the engine and followed Nathanâs car.
Nathan drove rapidly, his speed reflecting his restlessness and anxiety.
Based on the timing and distance, Lucinda should have reached the kindergarten earlier than both him and Kyson, but she wasnât there.
And now, he couldnât reach her.
She was missing!
The thought that something terrible might have happened to Lucinda unsettled Nathan.
He calculated the distance from the Simmons Group to the kindergarten and chose a different expressway.
He was determined that nothing bad should happen to Lucinda.
He would never allow it!
The two cars sped along the expressway.
Nathan reconnected Lonnie with his Bluetooth earphones.
âI need Lucindaâs location right now.
Hurry up!â
He almost growled the last word, his voice tense with urgency.
Lonnie scrambled to update Lucindaâs location.
After rapid keystrokes, he inhaled sharply before speaking.
âMr.
Payne, weâve lost her.
Sheâs gone!â
Nathan was silent for a moment before barking, âKeep trying!â
âYes, sirâ¦â
Background noise filtered through from the National Security Bureau, where it sounded like a police officer was discussing something with Lonnie.
Then, with a trembling voice, Lonnie reported, âMr.
Payne, it appears that⦠something has happened to Mrs.
Payne.
â
Gripping the steering wheel tightly, Nathan held his breath, saying nothing.
Lonnie continued, âThe traffic bureau just reported a major traffic accident.
It occurred in the Bay Tunnel.
There was a_ serious collision involving three cars and two lorries.
Ambulances have arrived, and theyâre rescuing the injured, but the casualties are still being assessed.
The traffic bureau has dispatched investigators to the scene.
Mrs.
Payneâs last known location was in the Bay Tunnelâ¦â
With reddened eyes and forced calm, Nathan requested, âSend me the exact location of the accident in the Bay Tunnel.
â
âYes, sir.
Donât worry, Mrs.
Payne⦠sheâll be fine.
â
Unconvinced by the reassurance, Nathan pressed the accelerator harder, propelling the armored car swiftly along the expressway.
He noticed a luxury car trailing him.
It was Kysonâs car.
Before Nathan could initiate a call, Kyson contacted him.
The call was answered instantly.
Kysonâs concern was obvious as he asked, âNathan, Iâve never seen you this flustered.
Is Lucinda alright?â