RED FLAG - by Posi

RED FLAG Chapter Two A Tale of Two Cities (Part One) The morning sun shone brightly over Brisbane, painting the city in warm golden light. Unlike Perth, Brisbane carried a lively energy from the very start of the day. Birds chirped from the trees lining the streets, while the gentle breeze swayed the gardens surrounding the magnificent Tiller Mansion. The Tiller family were known for being early risers. By 8:30 a.m., everyone had already finished their morning routines. At the front entrance, Mr. Tiller adjusted the cuff of his suit as he prepared to leave for the hospital. Being one of Australia's most respected surgeons meant his schedule was rarely predictable. Today was no different. A board meeting awaited him before his afternoon surgeries. Rose stood beside him, straightening his tie with a smile. "Don't forget your lunch." Mr. Tiller chuckled. "I won't." "And try not to skip it because of meetings." "I'll try." She narrowed her eyes playfully. "Not 'I'll try.' You will." He laughed before leaning down to kiss her forehead. "Yes, ma'am." Rose smiled in satisfaction. The driver opened the car door. "Have a wonderful day, sir." "You too." With one last wave, the car slowly rolled out through the mansion gates. Rose watched until it disappeared before walking back inside. --- The mansion was unusually quiet. Normally, breakfast was filled with laughter. But the family wasn't complete. Twe was still in London. Miller and Muller hadn't returned from school. Only Chase was home. Just then, footsteps echoed from the staircase. Rose looked up. A smile spread across her face. "Well..." "You finally decided to grace your mother with your presence." Chase laughed softly as he walked into the kitchen. "Morning, Mum." He greeted one of the maids before collecting his breakfast. A few moments later, he returned to the dining table carrying a plate. Rose wasn't eating. Instead, she simply sat across from him, watching him with the warm smile only a mother could wear. "You were up late," she observed. Chase nodded. "I had a lot of unpacking to do last night." "I figured." He began eating. After a brief silence, Rose asked, "Any idea why the twins aren't home yet?" Chase looked up. "No." He shrugged. "They didn't say anything." Rose sighed. "I expected them yesterday." She let the thought pass before asking another question. "So..." "How was second year?" Chase pointed his fork toward his plate. "Let me eat first." "I'll give you the full report later." Rose laughed. "Fair enough." She stood. "I'll go get ready." Turning toward one of the maids, she said, "Could you please bring me my phone?" "Yes, ma'am." Before the maid returned... Chase's phone vibrated. Miller Calling... Chase smiled before answering. "Bro." "You're home already?" "Mhm." A brief pause followed. Then Miller asked, "Mum there?" Chase looked across the living room. "Yeah." Just then, the maid returned with Rose's phone. Rose accepted it before walking over. "What is it?" "M and M." That was the nickname everyone used whenever they referred to the twins together. Rose smiled. "Put them on speaker." Chase tapped the speaker icon. Almost immediately, Muller's voice filled the room. "Mum!" "We've been calling you forever!" Rose looked at her screen. Several missed calls stared back at her. "Oh my goodness." "I'm so sorry, baby." "I was helping your father get ready this morning." "I left my phone inside." "He had an early board meeting at the hospital." Across the table, Chase simply nodded. That explained why his father hadn't answered either. Miller's voice could be heard laughing in the background. "No wonder Dad wasn't picking up." Rose smiled. "So..." "Why aren't my twins home yet?" Muller sighed dramatically. "Funny story..." "Miller's car broke down." "And my car..." She laughed awkwardly. "My friends borrowed it for a race." "I already promised them." "I couldn't exactly say no." Rose blinked. "You let your friends borrow your car?" "...Yes." A short silence followed. Chase quietly continued eating, pretending he wasn't listening. Finally Rose sighed. "So how are you getting home?" "We need the driver." Rose nodded. "Alright." "I'll send him." She looked toward Chase. "Could you call the repair shop for your brother's car?" "Sure." Rose turned toward the hallway. "T!" Almost immediately, the family driver appeared. "Yes, ma'am." "Please go and pick up the twins from school." "Right away, ma'am." Within seconds, he was gone. Rose returned to the phone. "He'll be there soon." "Thank you, Mum!" "Drive safely." "We will." She handed the phone back to Chase. "I have to get ready." "I've got a meeting as well." She smiled before heading upstairs. The house became quiet once again. Chase continued eating. "Anything else?" he asked into the phone. Miller answered immediately. "Don't forget the repair shop." "I won't." The call ended. For a few seconds... The mansion fell silent. Chase stared absentmindedly at his breakfast. Then... His thoughts drifted back. --- Two Days Earlier... ITS University. The second academic year had officially come to an end. As tradition, students had no more than two days to vacate the university residences and nearby accommodations before leaving for the summer holidays. The usually peaceful campus had transformed into organized chaos. Suitcases rolled across walkways. Parents waited beside parked cars. Friends hugged each other goodbye. Some students laughed. Others promised to meet again next semester. Chase adjusted the strap of his backpack. "I can't believe I forgot my book." He turned toward one of the academic buildings. Halfway there... He noticed a large crowd gathered near the courtyard. Students whispered excitedly. Phones were raised. Some stood on benches just to catch a better view. Chase frowned. "What's going on over there?" Beside him, June looked up from her phone. She smiled knowingly. "Oh..." "I think it's that guy from the School of Creative Arts again." Chase raised an eyebrow. "Who?" June looked back toward the crowd. "Lase Giff." "The heir?" "The one and only." Chase's curiosity grew. "So that's Lase..." He tried to see through the crowd. Unfortunately... All he could make out were the backs of dozens of students. Before he could move any closer— Ding! His phone vibrated. A reminder. Call the repair shop. Chase sighed. "Right..." "I promised Miller." With one last glance toward the crowd... He turned around and walked away. Completely unaware that this small decision had delayed a meeting that would eventually change more than one life.

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