Chapter 14

As Hailey and Leo arrived at the restaurant, her curiosity reached a fever pitch. She hovered at the entrance, her eyes scanning the surroundings with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. With a deep breath, she dialed Noel's number, her heart skipping a beat as the phone rang... once... twice... only to be met with silence. Hailey's brow furrowed in concern, she tried again, her fingers flying across the keypad with a sense of urgency. This time, Noel's voice crackled to life on the other end, his tone a warm whisper that sent a shiver down Hailey's spine. "Hey, babe... I've been waiting. You're right on time."

"Hello, babe," Hailey purred, her voice husky with anticipation, as soon as Noel answered.

"Hello, babe, have you arrived?" Noel's voice was laced with a hint of excitement, his words dripping with expectation.

"Yes, babe, but I'm clueless about who to meet," Hailey admitted, her tone tinged with a hint of frustration.

"Okay, what's your dress?" Noel asked, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone.

"A brown coat and black trousers," Hailey replied, her mind racing with possibilities.

"Alright, I'll alert him. Just grab a drink or something while you wait," Noel instructed, his words vague, yet intriguing.

"Okay," Hailey replied, her voice laced with suspicion, her mind whirling with questions. What was Noel up to? What was this mysterious package she was supposed to receive? Hailey's eyes scanned the crowded restaurant, her senses on high alert, as she waited for a stranger to reveal themselves. The air was thick with tension, and Hailey's heart pounded in her chest, like a drumbeat in the darkness.

Hailey settled into the restaurant, her eyes scanning the room with a mix of anticipation and trepidation, searching for a stranger who might hold a package. She didn't bother to peruse the menu, her mind preoccupied with the mystery at hand. Five minutes ticked by like hours, until a familiar voice whispered in her ear, "Didn't I tell you to get yourself a treat?" The teasing tone sent shivers down her spine, and Hailey's heart skipped a beat as she turned to face the speaker. Her eyes locked onto a familiar smile, and her face erupted into a radiant grin, her thoughts racing with excitement. It was Noel, her fiance, the mastermind behind the surprise, standing before her with a mischievous glint in his eye. Hailey sprang to her feet, her movements fluid with joy, and closed the distance between them, her heart soaring with delight.

As Hailey and Noel reunited, they shared a tender embrace, their lips meeting in a soft, sweet kiss that spoke volumes of their love. The warmth of their greeting was palpable, a testament to the deep connection they shared. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the moment.

"Why the secrecy about your return?" Hailey asked, her voice laced with playful curiosity, her eyes sparkling with delight. She leaned in, her face inches from Noel's, her heart racing with excitement.

Noel's eyes sparkled with a smile as he replied, "I wanted to sweep you off your feet, my love. Surprise you with a little romance, and make up for the time I've been away ." He smiled, his lips curling up, his voice filled with emotion.

As they sat down together, Noel took charge, ordering a delectable spread for them to savor. Noel's gaze turned to Leo, his concern evident. "How are you faring, Leo?" he asked, his tone gentle, his words infused with empathy.

Leo's response was warm, "I'm doing well, thank you sir." He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

Noel chimed in, his voice filled with gratitude, "I'm doing great, thanks for asking. Just happy to be back with my love, and surrounded by good people." The three of them sat together, enjoying enjoying their meal, basking in the warmth of the environment.

As they finished their meal, the trio strolled out to the parking lot, taking glance about the busy environment as they walk to the parking lot. "Did you drive here?" Hailey asked, her curiosity piqued, as they walked towards the car. Noel shook his head, "Actually, I borrowed a friend's ride." Hailey's response was a thoughtful "hmm, okay, you really want to surprise me, huh" her eyes narrowing slightly as she pondered the reason behind his decision, her mind whirling with possibilities.

As they drove away, Noel's mind wandered to Fiona, his thoughts filled with questions and concerns, his heart heavy with worry. But before he could ask Hailey about her, she interrupted, her voice laced with urgency, "Let's swing by the hospital." The sudden change in plans left Noel intrigued, his mind racing with possibilities, his senses on high alert.

Upon arrival, they were met with a sea of police cars and flashing lights, the sound of sirens piercing the air, shattering the calm of the evening. Hailey's eyes scanned the chaos, locking onto a familiar face - Deputy Mike. She rushed towards him, her feet moving swiftly, her heart pounding with anticipation, her mind racing with fear. "Hi, Deputy!" she exclaimed, her voice firm, her tone commanding attention. Dave's response was apologetic, "Hi, Hailey, sorry, I'm tied up, can talk now. Meet my wife."

Hailey and Noel rushed into the hospital trying to find Mrs Westley, then, Hailey's gaze shifted to Anna, her expression inquiring, her eyes searching for answers, her heart filled with dread.

So Hailey and Noel walked straight into the heart of the matter, "What's going on?"

Anna's reply was laced with a sense of tragedy,

"A suicidal bomber struck." Anna replied,

"where's Mrs Westley?" Hailey asked as her voice tinged with concern.

"Mrs. Westley is in her office," Anna revealed, her voice barely above a whisper. Hailey and Noel exchanged a concerned glance, their hearts racing with anticipation. Without hesitation, they hastened to Mrs. Westley's office, their footsteps echoing down the hallway as they sought answers to the chaos that had unfolded.

Upon arrival, Hailey greeted Mrs. Westley with questions, seeking clarity on the situation, gripped with much emotions to even remember to greet, But her response was eerily similar to Anna's - a failed suicidal bombing attempt had shaken the hospital, leaving a trail of tension.

Hailey's curiosity then shifted to Fiona, her voice laced with worry, "How is she? Can I see her?" Mrs. Westley's reassurance was fleeting, but Hailey's determination remained unwavering. She needed to see Fiona, to ensure her safety.

As they made their way to the ward, a sense of unease settled over them. And then, a ominous sight caught Hailey's attention - a loaded injection, abandoned and unattended on a nearby cart. "Who left this here?" Mrs. Westley muttered to herself, her eyes wide with alarm.

Noel's voice cut through the tension, "Um, Hailey, where's Leo?" The question hung in the air, as they collectively realized that Leo was nowhere to be found, his absence a chilling mystery that only added to the growing sense of unease.