On the drive back to the house, Lucas tried hard not to discuss his feelings with Alexander about Jessica and her mother. He got a call. “Hello.”“Sir, Ethan won the case. He’s been set free.” The voice on the other end of the call said. “How did that happen? That case was pretty straightforward. He should be in jail by now.” Lucas replied. Alexander listened in trying to pick off exactly what they were discussing. “Yes sir. He had a damned good lawyer. I was a bit surprised when the lawyer came in saying she was representing Ethan. You may know her, it’s Gabriella Cornell, the big leagues.” “He couldn’t have gotten someone like that without help. Try to figure out exactly why she would represent him.” Lucas said. “Okay, sir. I’ll get back to you with any information I find sir.” “Yeah. Thank you” Lucas said before dropping the call. “Who was that?” Alexander asked. “Sir, that was Carlton, our guy at the D.A.’s office. He says that Ethan got an exceptional and expensive lawye
“What are you doing?” Aria whispered, her voice trembling as her palms rested against Alexander’s firm chest, their proximity sending a ripple of heat through her body.“You know exactly what I’m doing,” Alexander replied, his tone low, teasing yet filled with undeniable intent.Aria froze, her breath catching as Alexander reached up, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. His fingers grazed her cheek, lingering for a second longer than necessary, and the warmth of his touch ignited a storm of emotions within her.“I like your body massages, maybe we'll schedule some more in the future,” he said quietly. He took a deep breath so he could soak up her scent. “You do seem rather… relaxed.” Her voice trembled a bit. “I kind of get that feeling every time I’m around you whether you’re giving massages or just sitting there.” He whispered. Aria realized his face was getting closer to hers, he chuckled softly when he saw her close her eyes in expectation of the kiss to come. Alexa
“Mom, you can open your eyes now.” Jessica whispered. “Where’s your father? Is he gone?” Janet asked as she pulled away the oxygen mask once again. “Yes. He said he would get some help to come here with some food and all.” Jessica replied. Janet knew there was only so much she could tell her daughter, the less she knew the better for her future. There was only one other person in her life who knew exactly what to do in situations like this and it was her sister. “Call home and make sure the help gets me my phone. I need to call your aunt.” Janet instructed. “Okay. But you haven’t told me the plan yet. How do we win Alexander back when Aria is strongly in the way?.” Jessica questioned. “Just do what I asked. The plan isn’t set in stone yet and the less you know the better for you. Just concentrate on what we tell you and try not to do anything else.” Janet responded. Jessica left the room to call the house staff to tell them what to bring to the hospital. *** Ethan walked into
Janet received her phone from Jessica, very relieved that Anderson hadn’t felt the need to return to the hospital. It was just her and Jessica and she could easily get Jessica to give her some privacy when her sister arrived. Alone in the room as Jessica left to go pick up lunch from her favorite restaurant, she placed a call to the one other woman who she could align with in this situation. Her sister Mandy, picked on the second ring. “Hello… Janet…” Mandy screeched on the other end of the call. “Hello… Mandy.” Janet whispered. “Yeah, what’s the matter? You sound weird.” “Weird, more like trapped. I’m in the hospital.” “Are you alright? What’s wrong with you? We spoke last week and you seemed fine.” Mandy sounded concerned. “I had to fake a heart attack, Mandy, a freaking heart attack” Janet retorted. Bending her neck more to make sure no one in the hallway had heard her. “Why on earth would you fake a heart attack, I’ve always told you, you enjoy drama. Trying to scare
Mandy stepped off the plane in the bustling airport, moving out with purpose. Her fancy heels clicking against the floor of the airport, her presence commanded attention and her features and face gave her an air of authority. She grabbed her luggage and headed outside, she flagged down a cab. “Take me to Regius Hospital please and quickly. I’m in a bit of a hurry.” She said, her face expressionless. The cab driver looked at her through the mirror, their eyes meeting for barely a couple of seconds before he looked away. “You look like some of those old surgeons who come here for some consultation or the other. I wish I could…” “I’ll stop you there, I don’t appreciate the chit chat. Just get me to my destination, quickly and quietly. No talk about the weather, your family, my family or anything apart from instructions. This is not a therapy session.” She adjusted her dress suit as the cab driver nodded. The cab man weaved through the city, after a brief ride, the cab pulled up to t
“So do you have the full story for the job? Remember if anything goes south, just let me know…” Ethan stated. “Yeah. I think I’ve got everything. I’m ready for the job.” Frieda mentioned. Dr. Hensley walked into the room where Ethan was seriously last minute prepping Frieda. “Let’s pray that’s true because you’re the missing piece in our puzzle. Our ultimate weapon and the one in whom the entirety of my work rests on.” He shuffled around the lab and brought out five tiny spray bottles, they could fit in small purses. He handed them over to Frieda. “Hopefully, you don’t get to use them all. Spray once behind each ear, the nape of your neck and your wrists. That should cover it.” Frieda nodded. She kept the bottles in her purse. “So, we’re sorry we need to go through such measures but it is all for the success of the project.” Ethan said to Frieda.Frieda and Ethan left the lab, leaving Dr. Hensley alone. As they drove to the bus station, Ethan and Frieda talked about the plan som
Ethan couldn’t wait any longer. He was supposed to meet up with the goons who would join him to get Aria. There was no way he would be able to pull it off without their help. He told the driver to drive off. There was no need figuring out where Aria was staying, they would pick her off from the cemetery. He met with the guys at a small motel, they were three in number including himself. “The lady in question is a very important cargo. We do not need any scratches on her, your job is simply to grab her and we make a getaway. Then we meet up with the second one. Okay?” “Okay boss. So the lady now is the main one right?”“Yes. That’s exactly what I said. Isn’t it? Keep your head in the game. And you wonder why other people get the jobs and not you. You gotta learn to use your brain.” They had already picked up the truck they would use in the kidnap. “Let’s go boys, it’s a stake and take” one of the guys said.***Aria arrived at the airport and went out to her rented car. It was big
Frieda walked right to the door and knocked. Ethan had sent her the room number after he arrived, this part was going to be the hardest part that she had ever done as a method actress. “Ethan, it's me, Frieda.“ she whispered into the door. Ethan opened the door and she walked in quickly. Two of the guys went out of the room. “I told you you’d get here at the perfect time. I hope you didn’t let anyone important see you.” Ethan asked her. “Not really, just the cab driver. That’s not going to be a problem though. The man seems like a quick work. A drunk to be honest. He’d forget this face quickly.” Frieda replied. “Let’s hope so. You know we have to roughen you up a bit right?” “Yeah. You already mentioned but just so it feels real. Can you tie me to the chair first?” Frieda asked. “It’s not that kind of rodeo girl. But if you prefer it that way. It’s alright. I guess it’s just so it’s easier for you right?” Ethan asked. “Yea. Exactly. I just don’t want my reflexes to take over.”
“So, how was everything while I was away?” Aria’s voice was soft as she pushed the stroller with Lilian’s baby in it. She leaned forward on the couch in the penthouse, as Lilian carefully folded a few baby clothes. Lilian glanced up, smiling softly. “Well, to be honest, there wasn't a lot that changed. When you and Mr. Alexander returned from your trip, we thought you were back but then you just disappeared into your room and then Mr. Lucas called and told me I was to come work for you here but not to disclose a single thing to anyone.” Aria stilled. “When I came back with Alexander?” Lilian nodded. “Yes, when you and Mr. Alexander didn’t come back from your mother’s memorial, Grandma and most of the staff thought you both were finally getting a honeymoon.”Aria wanted to press more but she said nothing, she didn’t want to arouse any suspicion from Lilian. Lilian chuckled, she had no idea that Aria was tense. “When Mr. Alexander said you were ill, Grandma joked that maybe your il
“Young Master, we have a problem.” Lucas’s voice sounded sharp as he stepped into Alexander’s office. He took a look at Alexander who looked like he didn’t even want to be at the office today. The ongoing investigation was weighing on the young man. Alexander didn’t look up from his desk, he still studied the documents in front of him. “Which one of our problems?” Lucas slid the file he held onto the desk. “It’s Ethan sir.” “What about him?” Alexander replied, he finally lifted his head and reached for the file Lucas dropped, his expression unreadable. Lucas exhaled. “The detective told us their full strategy on how they plan on arresting Ethan and Shanta and taking down Shanta’s whole operation but there’s a catch.” Alexander’s jaw tightened as he opened the file to photos of Shanta and Ethan and redacted lines in the investigation file. “What exactly is this catch? I already know I’m not going to like it so just say it.” “Young Master, They want to keep Ethan on the ground un
“Good day everyone, I’m the detective here for the briefing on Shanta and his crew.” The detective spoke as soon as he strode into the Tech team’s conference room at The Sinclair Headquarters. “We need to talk about Ethan, we don’t know anything about this Shanta…” Lucas immediately replied. The detective, a lean man who looked like he was in his forties, turned to Lucas with sharp eyes. “I guess it’s straight to business with you.” “Well, there’s no time for pleasantries. Ethan should be in a holding cell awaiting trial just like his fellow conspirators.” Lucas replied. The detective exhaled, he looked weary as he rubbed his temples. “Yes that’s true but it’s not that simple.” One of the tech operatives leaned forward. “So what’s the holdup? We had eyes on him at Shanta’s pub, we alerted you on the location and you had a window but you stopped the officers from taking him. Why did you do that exactly?”The detective tapped his fingers on the table. “Because arresting Ethan would
“This is the one I picked, I think it’s okay and it looks warm and homely at the same time as doubling as a safe house.” Lucas said. Alexander stepped into the penthouse, his eyes scanned the space. The apartment was sleek, modern and the sunlight filled the room. The windows were floor to ceiling but they had shutters in case the person needed to drown out the natural light. The penthouse overlooked the city… It was a humble type of luxury. “Is it secure?” Alexander asked, stepping towards the closed balcony doors. Lucas nodded his response. “Yes, Young Master. It has triple security, controlled access so no one gets in without clearance.” Alexander ran a hand along the door knob before opening it. The balcony was nice, airy but very secure. “And inside?” Lucas gave a small smile, he was proud of the apartment. “The inside is fully stocked, has a private gym and enough space so she doesn’t feel like a prisoner.” Alexander’s gaze went straight to the woman standing near the kitc
The guest house bubbled with laughter as the ladies clunk their glasses together and celebrated. The bottle of expensive French wine sat half empty on the table as Janet, Mandy and Jessica indulged in their victory. Jessica sighed, as she swirled her wine in her glass. “I have to admit, I didn’t even think it would happen this fast.” Mandy smirked, “when you pay for the best, you’ll definitely get the best.” She took a slow sip of the wine. “I didn’t exactly trust him, I thought he’d probably screw it up, or worse take the money and run away.” Jessica replied. Janet let out a small laugh and a cough, obviously enjoying the wine. “You weren’t the only one. I was skeptical about hiring someone, what if he made a mistake or he got caught? That would be stupid and traceable.” “There’s still a slight chance that he screwed up.” Jessica said. Mandy snapped, “Don’t say that.” Jessica frowned. “Don’t say what?” Mandy firmly placed her glass down on the table. “That kind of talk can j
Lucas stood in the cold, autopsy room waiting for the autopsy report. As soon as he saw the forensic toxicologist walk in, his gaze swept over the stout man. He was handed the document and his eyes absorbed the information. The results were obvious. “She was poisoned,” the examiner said as he pulled off his gloves. “We found a deeply concentrated toxic substance in her bloodstream. It wasn’t something that could have entered her blood naturally. This substance is what caused her demise, we are yet to ascertain what sort of poison it is or where it comes from but we think it’s a mix of some sort.” Lucas kept a straight face. “So do you think this substance was ingested or it was injected?” The examiner pointed at the file. “We also checked her IV bag.” Lucas opened the next document in the file, a report of the administered drugs and what was later found in the IV bag. “So the IV tested positive for the same poison meaning that’s how it got into her system?” That was a calculated
Lucas stood in the next room watching through the two way mirror as the medical examiner began cutting through Frieda’s body. He thought about how Frieda was a casualty of deception even in death. He wasn’t here for answers about her, rather he was here for proof, proof that someone had made a mistake. Or proof that someone had killed this young woman, or who they thought she was. The forensic pathologist glanced at him from the other side of the room, the light was on so he could clearly see that Lucas was watching him intently. “I’ve never had someone insist on being present for an autopsy before.” Lucas didn’t blink. “You’re not used to my kind of people.” The pathologist raised an eyebrow but said nothing. He continued the autopsy, while analyzing the toxicology results. The door opened, the doctor from earlier emerged. “The security footage is ready, you can come and take a look.” He took one last glare at the pathologist before leaving the room. He followed the doctor to
The private hospital was indeed private, it was quiet and the eerie silence felt unnatural. But that didn’t matter to Alexander. His footsteps through the hallway was fast and determined as he walked down the corridor towards the hospital room where Aria was being kept. His own Aria, his wife and love. Lucas walked briskly beside him, they found the doctor in charge. “Hello sir. I’m Doctor Smith. I’m in charge of the patient.” He said.“What’s the situation?” Alexander asked. “The man pumped her with enough anesthesia to keep her unconscious for days. We’re currently trying to clear it from her system but it’ll take time.” The doctor replied. Alexander said nothing. His body language showed his impatience, he wanted to see Aria now but he also wanted to find Hensley and make him pay for what he had done. Lucas spoke out, sensing Alexander’s rage. “At least she’s here now. We found her.” Alexander exhaled. “Not soon enough.” He said under his breath. They reached the door of he
Janet sat in her grand living room scrolling through a gossip column on her phone. It came as a surprise when the butler announced that she had a delivery. She walked out to the door and was handed a bottle of wine with a red bow tied around the neck. She frowned in confusion as she thought about the most likely people to send her a bottle of wine. “No sender information?” She asked as she signed. The delivery man shook his head. “No sender address ma’am and no note, except this.” He handed her a tiny card. Janet’s eyes scanned it. All that was written wasCongrats. Her heart almost stopped. Realization hit her at once and she almost lost hold of the bottle. There was only one reason someone would send this. This was what the hitman said he would do. She had initially thought it was a joke especially since it feels like overkill but here they were. Aria was dead and the bottle of red wine seemed fitting. Without another thought, Janet turned around and ran straight into the h