One Hundred and nienty seven

CHAPTER 197

The waiting tone of the call Hendrick was making, finally stopped. Someone on the other call answered the call. In a hoarse voice, a familiar female voice answered Hendrick.

[You received the package, didn't you?]

Hendrick took a sip of the coffee in his cup, then sighed contentedly. Before finally speaking to the caller on the other side. "It's a nice gift. It must be expensive."

[I bought it from a collector, you'll like it. But you know that the gift is just a bonus, right?"]

The man with the mustache above his lips grinned, even though someone on the other side wouldn't be able to see Hendrick. Hendrick looked around, at the flower garden he had been tending for over two years now. It was Hendrick's backyard, a favorite place he would always love to be. "So, what exactly do you need?"

[You seem to know Alicia well. The dark-haired girl who always sticks with Nicholas].

Hendrick gave a long mumble, "I know. What do you want from her?"

[I just got information from someone that she will be the strongest candidate for all of Alpha Company's treasures and assets. You know I have an informant in there, right? I want you to get Alicia to do business with me."]

Hendrick's laughter broke out at that moment. It sounded mocking and absurd. "Are you kidding me, um? I don't even know her that well and she keeps sticking with Nicholas. How can I get her to do business with you?"

[I'll increase the fee. I need a plan B if Ace can't be found and I'll use Alicia to seize Alpha Company's entire treasure."]

Hendrick's brow furrowed deeply. He observed the towering rose stalks, moving with the occasional breeze. His hand touched the red rose petals, untouched by snow as Hendrick had a tarp over his garden.

"I know you always have amazing ideas, Angela. But I can't do anything like that. I'm not Santa Claus, can't grant your wishes just because you give me money and nice presents." Hendrick stood up, and looked across his garden from his current position. "Alicia is just an adopted little girl, it won't work for her. She doesn't understand business, and you can use that to get her to do business with you. But, I can't get involved. You'll have to deal with it yourself, I'll help from behind."

Angela's loud, scornful laughter could be heard from the other side. [Wah, wah, wah, you can even dictate to me now. I've given you the money, you should take care of the rest."]

"It's not like that, cutie. You have to play my game, because I'm the one who can help you here. Do you think being a traitor in the police department is an easy job? You don't want me to expose all the crimes you've committed, do you?"

[Is that a threat?]

Hendrick shrugged even though Angela wasn't looking. "I don't know, it depends on how you judge it. You should know, that I have an AS card. You killed someone else and I'm a cop. So, you have to play my game if you want to stay in the game."

For a moment, the voice on the other side disappeared. Angela could be heard sighing and that made Hendrick raise one eyebrow. [Listen, Hendrick. I need a lot of money for this project. And you will receive twenty percent of the profits if this project goes ahead. A hospital that creates monsters for the third world war. Aren't you interested?"]

Hendrick snorted, he turned around and left his colorful flower garden. "I'm not interested in your crazy experiment. I'm only interested in money and profit. But about Alicia, that's a different matter. If I get close to her, my cover will be blown and I don't want that."

The sun was setting below the horizon, casting long shadows across Hendrick's flower garden as he continued his conversation with Angela. The air felt very tense, as did the weight of secrets and choices looming over him.

Angela's voice on the other end of the line turned serious. [Hendrick, I know you're cautious, but this project is a game changer. Imagine the power we could wield with an army of genetically enhanced soldiers. This is the future of warfare.]

Hendrick paced along the stone path, the sound of gravel crunching under his shoes reflecting the internal conflict echoing in his mind. The offer was tempting, and the lure of huge profits danced in his mind.

[You're not just doing this for the money, Hendrick. Think of the impact, the influence. We can reshape the world.] Angela's voice, now flavored with a hint of persuasion, tried to penetrate Hendrick's resolve.

He stopped in front of a fountain adorned with intricate carvings of mythical creatures. The water droplets shimmered in the fading light as Hendrick took a moment to collect his thoughts. "Angela, the world doesn't need more chaos. Creating monsters for war is a dangerous path. I don't want to create that kind of chaos."

[You're a cop, Hendrick. You know the system is flawed. This is a chance to level the playing field, to change the game]. Angela's voice contained a mixture of frustration and despair.

Hendrick sighed, torn between his duties as a cop and the appeal of a life-changing endeavor. "Alicia has nothing to do with this. I won't take advantage of her, and I won't jeopardize my principles for your project. Find another way. I don't want anything risky. I'll keep doing this dirty work as long as it brings in big money."

Silence hung in the air for a moment before Angela spoke again, her tone sharper. [You're making a mistake, Hendrick. This opportunity won't come twice.]

Then the call was ended by Angela.

Little did she know, this choice would set in motion a series of events that would test her limits and lead her down a path she never imagined - where the lines between right and wrong become blurred, and the true nature of power is revealed in unexpected ways.