Say Less I Love You Episode 25

Chapter 285

 JACOB

I jolt awake to my phone's shrill ring, the pre-dawn darkness still thick around me. Detective Morrison's grave voice delivers the news that shatters my world - my parents are dead, their car found wrapped around a tree off the Hamptons highway.

"No, that's impossible." My voice comes out raspy as I grip the phone tighter. "They had security with them. Professional security."

Detective Morrison sighs heavily on the other end. "We lost contact with the security detail about ten minutes before the accident. We haven't located them yet."

The room spins as I pace across the hardwood floors. "What about James? He's been our driver for fifteen years. He wouldn't just-"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Stone. James didn't make it either."

My free hand clenches into a fist. "Was he drinking? Falling asleep at the wheel?"

"We'll need to conduct autopsies to determine the exact cause," Morrison says carefully. "But right now, we need you to come identify the bodies."

The word 'bodies' hits me like a physical blow. I sink onto the edge of the bed, the sheets still rumpled from where Nyla lay just hours ago.

"This isn't right," I insist, my voice cracking. "There must be some mistake."

"I understand this is difficult, sir. But we need you to come to the morgue as soon as possible."

The phone slips from my numb fingers, clattering to the floor. The pre-dawn darkness presses in around me as reality crashes down - my parents are gone. And something about this feels very, very wrong.

Standing at my floor-to-ceiling windows, I watch the city slowly illuminate with morning light. The world continues its rhythms, oblivious to how mine has just imploded.

"They can't be gone," I whisper to my reflection, hoping saying it aloud will make it less real. But the detective's words echo in my head: "No survivors... investigating the circumstances..."

I grab my phone again, needing to hear a friendly voice. "Derek? I need you to handle the hospital board meeting today. My parents..." My voice cracks. "There's been an accident."

"Jesus, Jacob. I'm so sorry." Derek's shock mirrors my own. "Of course, I'll take care of everything. Do you want me to come over?"

"No, I... I need to get to the Hamptons. The police have questions." Questions I'm not ready to face, about why my parents were fleeing to our beach house in the middle of the night.

I sink into my leather armchair, memories washing over me - Mom's proud smile at my business school graduation, Dad teaching me to sail, their strained faces during recent arguments about the company's direction.

Our relationship was complicated, fractured by business conflicts and my choices. But they were still my parents. And now they're gone, leaving a chasm of unresolved issues that can never be bridged.

I grab my phone, dialing Nyla's number for the third time. Again, straight to voicemail. The cheerful tone of her recorded message feels like a knife twisting in my gut.

"Nyla, please call me when you get this. It's important." My voice cracks slightly on the last word.

Pacing across my living room, I try Julia's number next. She picks up on the first ring.

"Jake?" Her voice is thick with tears. "I just saw the news alert about Mom and Dad."

"I know, Jules. I'm so sorry." I rake my fingers through my hair, wishing I could shield her from this pain. "Are you alone?"

"Yeah, I'm at my place." She sniffles.

"Come over. We shouldn't be by ourselves right now."

"I'll grab an Uber." Julia pauses. "Jake... do you think it was really an accident?"

The question I've been avoiding settles like lead in my stomach. "We'll figure it out together, okay? Just get here safe."

"Okay. Love you, big brother."

"Love you too, Jules."

I end the call and try Nyla's number one more time. Still nothing. She must be sleeping deeply after our emotional night together. But I need her here, need her steady presence as my world crumbles around me.

The sun continues its relentless rise outside my windows as I wait for Julia, each minute stretching like an eternity. Our parents are gone, and nothing will ever be the same.

I open my door to find my sister, her mascara streaked down her cheeks and her shoulders shaking with barely contained sobs. Without a word, she collapses into my arms, her small frame wracked with grief.

"I can't believe they're gone," she whispers into my shirt. "I keep thinking Mom's gonna call and yell at me about my getting a better job."

I guide her to the couch, keeping an arm around her shoulders. "Did you eat anything?"

She shakes her head. "I threw up when I saw the news alert."

"Let me make you some tea at least." I start to stand but she clutches my sleeve.

"Don't leave me alone right now. Please."

I sink back down, pulling her close as fresh tears spill down her cheeks. "Remember that time Dad tried to teach us both sailing?" I say softly. "And Mom kept backseat driving from the dock until he nearly crashed into the pier?"

A wet laugh escapes Julia. "She was so mad. But then Dad bought her that ridiculous captain's hat to make up for it."

"She wore it to every beach trip after that, just to spite him."

Julia's eyes drift closed as she leans against my shoulder. "I should've visited more instead of avoiding their calls," she mumbles. "Now I'll never..."

Her voice trails off as exhaustion finally claims her. I grab the throw blanket from the back of the couch and tuck it around her, my heart aching at how young and vulnerable she looks in sleep.

"I'll find who did this," I whisper, though she can't hear me. "I promise."

Suddenly, my phone vibrates and Nyla's name lights up the screen. Relief floods through me as I answer.

"Jacob, I'm so sorry! I put my phone on silent to catch up on sleep after-"

"They're dead." The words tumble out before I can soften them. "My parents... there was an accident on the way to the Hamptons."

Silence stretches across the line. Then, "Oh my God. When?"

"Early this morning. Their car went off the road." My voice catches. "The police want me to... to identify..."

"I'm coming over right now," Nyla says firmly. "Don't move."

"Julia's is here too."

"Good. You shouldn't be alone." Keys jingle in the background. "I'm getting in my car. Keep talking to me."

I sink onto the couch, phone pressed to my ear like a lifeline. "I can't believe this is happening. Yesterday we were arguing about the company, and now..."

"I know, baby." Her voice is gentle. "Just breathe. I'll be there in ten minutes."

"The security detail vanished before it happened. The driver too..."

"What? That's not-"

"Yeah. Something's not right about any of this."

"We'll figure it out together," Nyla says with quiet determination. "I'm pulling up now. Coming to you."

I end the call and stare unseeing at the city beyond my windows. Minutes later, rapid footsteps approach and Nyla bursts through my door, immediately wrapping me in her arms. I bury my face in her neck, finally letting the tears fall.