Rebirth Into My Second Chance

Ronald was ticking names off his list as he briefed Claude. "You need to start by cleaning up Claire's reputation as requested. Let's see what his next move is."

"That girl's reputation is as tarnished as a burnt burger in a diner," Claude scoffed with disbelief.

I had lost all hope in him, indifferent to his attitude toward everything.

Yet, in an attempt to better my public image, Richard seemed to throw caution to the wind. I wondered how I could ever repay his kindness.

When Ronald arrived at Richard's apartment, a run-down building that screamed years of neglect, no one answered his knocks. Spotting the detectives, a neighbor approached, "Officer, has Mr. Price gotten himself into trouble?"

Ronald didn't beat around the bush. "He's a suspect in a kidnapping case. We're trying to locate him."

The neighbor looked incredulous. "I think you've got it twisted. Mr. Price is a real diamond of a guy. He's even looked after numerous stray cats. Despite his wealth, which he generously donates to the local orphanage, he chooses to live here. Oh, and he drives a car with the license plate 8888. Quite the figure, that one. Maybe you can check where his car is, huh?"

The neighbor's disbelief in Richard being capable of crime was palpable, leaving Ronald momentarily speechless. Yet, he noted the license plate details, feeling that Richard was involved in the kidnapping case.

He left the building, instructing his team to track down the car, secretly hoping it would prevent Richard from heading to Serenity Bluff.

I was terrified of the potential traps that awaited there. From Kate's demeanor, I had a gut feeling she knew the truth about my supposed demise and how it occurred.

Soon enough, they located Richard's vehicle. "It appears he's headed toward the mountains, the direction, Serenity Bluff."

The choice of location baffled everyone, but time was of the essence, and they set off after Richard.

Meanwhile, Claude's press conference to clear Claire's name was in full swing. The car radio broadcasted, "Claire Floyd is a kind-hearted woman. I've always considered her my sister. Please stop slandering her, or I'll resort to legal action."

Upon hearing Claude's shameless claims, Richard scoffed, caressing the amulet I had given him. "Don't worry, Claire. If they're not looking for you, I will."

Sitting beside him, I was overwhelmed with tears. Richard truly embraced his role as a protective brother, vowing to be my pillar for life.

During a prison visit, I told him, "Richard, listen. Claude and I got married."

His silence spoke volumes of his disdain for Claude, the cause of his imprisonment.

"I'll bless your union if he truly loves you. And once I'm out, I won't cause him trouble," he reassured me, promising to be my forever sanctuary if ever Claude wronged me. These thoughts only intensified my tears.

Approaching Serenity Bluff, I prayed for Ronald to intercept us, fearing the worst for Richard in that trap-laden terrain.

But Ronald didn't arrive in time.

Richard had reached Serenity Bluff,

an undeveloped mountain range devoid of the usual hikers. Without hesitation, Richard disembarked, armed with a hiking stick, as silently followed, dreading what lay ahead.

Just then, Ronald's team arrived, shouting, "Richard!"

Surprised by Ronald's presence, Richard engaged him casually, "Mr. Collins, fancy a hike?"

Assessing Richard, dressed for the mountains, Ronald shifted the conversation to Claire.

With a gentlemanly nod, Richard invited him to discuss it further up the trail, Ronald and his team trailing behind.

"Hope you don't mind the company," Ronald remarked, noting Richard's calm demeanor.

Richard smiled. "Not at all. It's like the old days at the orphanage, surrounded by friends. Sadly, there are only me and Claire. But no matter what, I'll find her. You help, right, Mr. Collins?"

Momentarily taken aback, Ronald decided to help Richard. But this was under the condition that Claire was innocent. In doing so, he subtly acknowledged the nationwide alert that Richard had smartly hinted at.

Richard questioned, "You put a nationwide APB on her. Now, everyone's calling her a she-devil. Have you seen those comments?"

Being a spirit, I didn't have a cell phone. So, no, I hadn't realized there were such comments.