Chapter 12

Taylor's voice cracked as he spoke, low and rumbling like distant thunder. Benedict's and Sapphire's faces went blank as they slumped to the floor in shock. Nelson's body went rigid, his hand trembling uncontrollably as it gripped Taylor's collar. A hoarse whisper clawed its way out of his throat. "What did you say?" "The rescue team has reached the crash site. The airline has issued a casualty notice. Ms. Shaw…" "Impossible!" Lucas roared suddenly, cutting through the sharp ringing in Nelson's ears. Was Natalie dead? "No… no, it can't be… Impossible…" Nelson muttered to himself and was in disbelief. Just days ago, they had walked along the lake together and had a candlelit dinner. Her hair had fluttered in the wind by her temple. The warmth in her gaze, the way she had trembled in his arms… He even remembered the color of the clothes she wore. How could someone so alive, so vivid, simply vanish? No! She had to be alive! He didn't know how he bolted out of the banquet hall