Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 269

I suddenly felt tense, and a sense of panic began to rise within me. I noticed my voice had changed, “Go ahead.”

“I had someone track his phone. It’s been located in an abandoned freezer warehouse.” Neil paused, then continued, “It should still be there.”

“A freezer warehouse?!” I was shocked. How did Oscar’s phone end up there?

Neil nodded, “If you’re planning to call the police, you should do it as soon as possible just to be safe. Although I can’t confirm that he is there...”

I didn’t need Neil to tell me that something was definitely wrong. I immediately grabbed my phone and dialed 911.

I got the address of the abandoned freezer warehouse from Neil and gave it to the police.

After hanging up, my anxiety didn’t ease. I decided to see the situation for myself at the freezer warehouse.

Neil stood up, “I’m coming with you.”

“But you’ve been drinking.” I hastily put on my coat, “I can go by myself.”

Neil insisted on coming. He even beat me to the door, indifferently saying, “You can drive, can’t you?”

Neil never liked Oscar, so he didn’t really care about Oscar’s fate.

I paid him no mind. He followed me as I quickly headed towards the garage, then I drove off towards the abandoned freezer warehouse.

The freezer warehouse was in a suburb of Rosemont. I knew this place because our company used to rent one of their freezers to store some raw materials. After the lease ended, we didn't renew.

This freezer warehouse had always been rented out to companies for storage. Why would Oscar be there?

The police had already arrived. They were trying to contact the owner of the freezer warehouse but couldn't reach him. Someone noticed that the lock was broken, so it could be easily pushed open.

My mind was a mess as I watched the police search, and the panic inside me was growing.

Neil noticed my distress and helplessness. He stood by my side, took my hand, and held it tightly. His warm palm gave me some comfort. Perhaps because I really needed comfort and support right now.

"There's a body!"

After one of the policemen shouted, everyone rushed over to see. I, on the other hand, felt my legs go weak.

Neil steadied me. His arm was the only thing I could rely on right now.

"Let's go see." Neil sounded sober; his voice was steady and strong, like a tranquilizer for me.

I nodded, forcing myself to go see.

The freezer warehouse had been sealed off by the police. I couldn't go in to check; I could only watch from behind the police tape. The body was covered in ice and was slowly melting.

I saw the body curled up with its back towards me, wearing a black short-down jacket. He lay quietly in the corner of the freezer with a phone beside him.

“Oscar...” I stammered.

I recognized the jacket. I’d seen Oscar wear it.

“Do you know the deceased?” A police officer noticed my reaction and came over to ask. He was holding a passport, “Is this him?”

When I woke up, I was in the hospital.

Stella and the others were by my side, looking worried.

"Rena, you're awake?" Seeing me awake, Stella anxiously asked, "Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?"

I shook my head, expressionless, like a zombie.

Barbara's eyes were also red, "Rena, I know you saw Oscar as a brother, but there's nothing we can do now. Please try to hold it together."

They all knew about my sibling-like relationship with Oscar, and they would occasionally meet him. They were friends with Oscar as well.

Oscar's sudden tragedy made everyone sad.

But I was different. I was indirectly responsible for his death.

I asked, "Where is Oscar now?" As soon as I said it, I felt a heavy pressure in my chest.

"He's undergoing an autopsy. They should have the results soon." Alicia squeezed my hand and whispered, "Neil and Mitch are helping with the arrangements."

After hearing the word ‘autopsy,’ I couldn't hold back the tears again. I remembered the first time I ran into Oscar at a bar, he politely brushed off my pick-up attempt, telling me he already had a girlfriend.

At that moment, Neil showed up at the hospital room door. He looked worried and had a heavy expression on his face.

Stella and the others exchanged glances, then made themselves scarce, leaving Neil and me alone to chat about Oscar.