To stay alert, she requested a policewoman to prepare a cup of coffee for her.


    As the sky darkened, Lucinda noted the passing of three hours.


    The officers dispatched to the Paynes’ house had not yet returned.


    Without ess to her phone or a clock in the room, she relied on her sense of time.


    She couldn’t help but summon an officer and inquire, “What time is it now?”


    “It’s already seven o’clock.


    ”


    “Seven already?” Lucinda was taken aback, realizing it was evening.


    “Sir, the officers who went to the Paynes’ house for my belongings haven’t returned.


    Have you checked on them?”


    The officer looked puzzled.


    “I apologize, Mrs.


    Payne.


    Our station shifts change in the evening.


    The officer who was working with you has finished for the day.


    There might have been apse inmunication during the shift change.


    I’ll look into it right away.


    ”


    Lucinda’s frustration was evident.


    “Please ensure you follow up on why they haven’t returned from the Paynes’ house.


    Is there an issue?”


    “Absolutely, I will have a word with them.


    Please do not worry.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ”


    Without her phone or bag, Lucinda was left to wait, her boredom growing.


    Nathan and Sonny, now sun-ki*sed from their journey, had resolved a crucial issue at the border and were back in Stastle.


    Upon their ne’s ar


    rival, Nathan immediately tried contacting Lucinda.


    After two unanswered calls, concern crept in.


    It was unlike Lucinda to ignore his calls without reason.


    He dialed again, his anxiety mounting with each unanswered ring.


    The call was picked up just as it was about to disconnect for the third time, but it wasn’t Lucinda on the other end.


    “Mr.


    Payne, have you returned?”


    Nathan paused, recognizing Kern’s voice, a mix of surprise and concern in his tone.


    “Why are you answering Lucinda’s phone? Where is she?”


    “She’s been detained by the police.


    They needed to question her about an issue, but she hasn’t returned yet.


    Her phone and bag were left in Mr.


    Norton’s bedroom.


    Concerned they might be discovered, I secured them.


    ”


    Nathan’s rm grew.


    “Why would the police take Lucinda? And why was her phone left behind in grandpa’s room?”


    “Mr.


    Norton had an incident this afternoon, passing out.


    Then Mr.


    Simmons and the Payne family’s medical team were present.


    I’m unclear on the reason Mrs.


    Payne was taken away by the police.


    Given her standing, I’m sure the police wouldn’t risk treating her poorly.


    Now that you’ve returned, perhaps visit Mr.


    Norton first.


    He’s yet to regain consciousness and would surely be heartened to know of your return.


    ”


    Nathan found himself at a crossroads outside N&L Fairy Land.