Spills.

Case's P.O.V

Something was intriguing about my dad's hostage. I have been observing her for a while now, I don't know much about her, and now am starting to feel the need to do some digging about her. "No you can't be serious Case," I said to myself, with a slight smile. I have more important things to do at the moment.

Observing her was my father's instructions, but going to visit her wasn't part of it, and am sure if my dad found out, he would be upset. Not like anything was going to happen though, as I drove home silently my mind wandered, and Lin's eyes kept replaying in my head like a vivid memory. I am quite sure I've seen those eyes somewhere before. I just can't seem to place where...

*****

With a swift halt, I pulled up to my driveway, the tires crunching on the gravel. Exiting the car, I briskly jogged towards my expansive mansion, the grandeur of its facade welcoming me home like an old friend. Taking off my coat and hanging it on the hanger, I flipped the switch to illuminate the room, the dim light revealed an opulent interior; mahogany furniture, plush velvet upholstery, and intricate Persian rugs sprawled across the polished marble floor. The walls are adorned with expensive artwork, hinting at a taste for the finer things in life, while the faint scent of cigar smoke lingers in the air. Exhaling, "I need some time alone, and the house here, which is my most private enclave was the only place I could escape from all the pressures of being a Chaplin".

Luca P.O.V

After I found out that Lin was held hostage by the Chaplins, I decided to keep my cool and not tell anyone yet. Although I had a backup plan, in case anything went wrong, My mom was out of town. My brothers were all busy with one thing or another, but Lin's disappearance was also something that got everyone worked up and kept everyone on their toes. And I don't want them finding out, so I told Miguel not to breathe a word of it to anyone, let it be our secret for now as long as no harm comes to my sister for the time being.

Now here's the reason why I don't want anyone to know yet. I already have all the necessary information I need to get my sister back, all thanks to Miguel. So when the abductors finally showed their faces and asked for whatever they needed in exchange for my sister, I'd be one step ahead of them as always and make everyone proud. Although some of my brothers would be quite pissed. But what do I care?

Then the telephone's shrill ring cuts through the silence, drawing me away from the labyrinth of my thoughts. The insistent chime echoes through the room, demanding my attention. With a sigh, I reluctantly abandon the intricate maze of my mind to answer the beckoning call."Luca Guan on the line" I said with no sign of interest in my voice" ."Hey bro, it's me Alan" the person said in a seemly excited tone. "Alan?" I asked in a questioning tone. "As in Alan Rossi," I asked again...

"Yeah man," he said giving out a short laugh.

"Alan was a very close gay friend of mine back in college, but then he lost his mom, had to move out of town, and I have never heard any news about him since."

"Damm, buddy where have you been?" I asked curiously.

"Long story man, how about we hang out tonight," he said, "we've got a lot of catching up to do" he added.

"That would be great, honestly, but am sorry am quite occupied tonight. Some other time Alan" I said sounding all disappointed.

"Yeah, it's okay I wasn't expecting a yes, especially from a Guan". He sounded sad, but there was nothing I could do. I have more serious business to take care of, than hanging out with someone who was crushing on me in college. We're both too old for that right now.

"I'll get back to you, I promise" I added to make him feel better. "Take care, Alan," I said.

"You too Lu," he said, making me cringe at the sound of that.

"Am not getting back to him, his a distraction". I said to myself, making a mental note.

Claire's P.O.V

The taxi driver seemed to be a curious one, as he kept asking my purpose of visit, suggesting a few tourist attractions, he kept blabbing about so many things, that I couldn't keep up with, but I just kept replying with either a nod or a smile. And when I finally got to my destination, I told him bluntly " People get tired of being around talkatives" I said alighting from the cab and giving him his money. "Your change ma'am," he said no longer smiling, seems he was hurt. "Keep it," I said walking away.

After the cab drove past me, I turned towards the street, standing transfixed my gaze fixed upon the house before me.

The house stands as a timeless testament to elegance and simplicity. Its exterior, painted in a soft ivory hue, exudes warmth and sophistication. A neatly manicured lawn, framed by delicate shrubbery, adds a touch of verdant charm to the scene.

Large windows, adorned with crisp white trim, invite natural light to dance within the interior spaces. The roof, clad in slate tiles of a dusky gray, lends a sense of durability and refinement to the structure.

A welcoming front porch, adorned with a pair of understated yet tasteful wooden chairs, beckons visitors to linger and enjoy moments of quiet contemplation.

"Lin sure does have a unique taste," I thought smiling. I still can't believe I never got to visit her in her home, until her disappearance. I walked slowly towards the front door, really observing my environment. If I could, spot something unusual, but nothing was looking out of place, the only thing weird was that the place was oddly quiet, and the next house was about five miles away from hers.

I'm sure Lin was enjoying the serenity, and never really thought of the disadvantages of such a place.

I took out my phone and placed a call. And after a few rings, he picked up.

"Currently at the location," I said almost immediately. "I'll be there in five minutes" and he hung up. Walking up to the porch, and sitting on one of the wooden chairs somewhat in a corner, I laid my back. So anyone across the street wouldn't notice a thing unless the person comes close enough.

********

"Mrs Claire" a deep husky voice boomed, "Ahh, there you are James," I said adjusting my sitting position. James— was an old friend, my bodyguard at a time, and one of the surveillance, I secretly placed to watch over Lin here in Japan.

"Shall we?" He asked, gesturing towards the door. I stood up immediately, signaling I was ready. My meeting with James is highly confidential and only he knows, about my being in Japan currently.

"So, here her biometric lock was physically tampered with and it seems her software was vulnerable," he said pointing towards the broken lock by the side of her door.

"And now, anyone can easily assess her house, although that hasn't happened because I have been keeping a close eye on her house, after the incident ". He added opening the door. "How the fuck do they know her software was vulnerable," I asked, coming in, eyes darting around her chic yet simple and cozy living room, where warmth and comfort embraced every corner.

Soft pastel hues adorn the walls, creating a soothing ambiance that invites relaxation and ease. Playful and charming drawings of whimsical creatures and uplifting quotes add a touch of youthful spirit to the space, creating a personalized sanctuary for the young occupant.

At the heart of the parlor, a crackling fireplace casts a gentle glow, casting flickering shadows that dance across the room. Plush cushions and bean bags are scattered about, inviting lounging and intimate conversations among friends. A fluffy rug, soft underfoot, adds an extra layer of comfort and warmth.

In one corner, a bookshelf overflows with beloved novels, graphic novels, and art books, providing endless opportunities for escape and inspiration.

A cozy reading nook beckons, complete with a snug armchair and a soft throw blanket, perfect for curling up with a good book on a chilly evening.

"I did underestimate Lin" I muttered.

"Yeah, you all did". James said interrupting my thoughts."Shut up James" I said giving him a short glare. "Honestly, am impressed, the young adult was living her best life here, really disciplined, neat, aesthetic, focused on her goals, never came home drunk" .... "So you were stalking her" I interrupted him immediately.

He turned and gave me a side look." I guess that's part of keeping a close watch on her".

"Hope, you didn't think of anything dirty ".

"Eww... No Claire, I see her as my daughter, you don't expect me to fuck you, and fuck her as well .. do you" he asked, seemly annoyed by my question.

"Yeah, yeah, I said... And the broken vase?" I asked pointing towards the broken ceramic on the floor, close to her stairs trying to avoid any awkward discussion with James.

"Well, from the look of things, it seems that was what the abductors used to lure her downstairs, 'cause we found her gun on the floor, right here," he said squatting and using a finger to point a spot.

"So that's it, nothing else to give us any clues. I said squatting as well".

"Am afraid so, Claire".

"Let me clean the mess up," I said standing up. "You know where to get the dustpan, and the brush?" He asked with a scoff.

"I'll find it," I said heading towards what seemed to be the kitchen.