Chapter 276: The Roar of a Superbike
<.Norvonna, around fourteen years ago.>
The hues of gentle blue painted the late spring sky. Puffy white clouds drifted lazily, following the breeze. A warm gust of wind rustled the canopy of trees in the park.
A young, teenage Ruediger pedaled his bicycle to his usual fishing spot, the tires moving along the gravel path. A fishing rod was strapped to his backpack. The scent of river water and grass filled the air as he reached the place.
The park was quieter than usual that morning. Ruediger rode past a few joggers. At the playground, only a few children ran here and there, accompanied by two mothers.
Ruediger grinned once he saw Uncle David was already there. The elderly man was settled in his fold-out chair, sheltered by the extending branches of the nearby tree.
"Thought you bailed out," Uncle David grunted with a smirk, briefly looking behind his shoulder to look at Ruediger.
"Gotta help my aunt with a chore," Ruediger replied as he dismounted the bike.
The teenager whose crimson locks shone fiery under the sunlight walked toward the elderly man. Their unlikely friendship began over two seasons ago, and it only grew stronger.
"Uncle David... Look at that."
As Ruediger was about to set up his rod, the corner of his eye caught something strange. He pointed in a direction, leading Uncle David to be wary of what he saw.
A black van with tinted windows circled the other side of the park slowly—too slowly. Whether it was a coincidence or not, the vehicle only moved near the playground.