He opened the door and stepped inside. Fabian spotted Vinnie in the corner booth, his eyes on him as he entered.Fabian slid into the booth, his intense gaze piercing."What did you find?" Fabian asked without beating around the bush.Vinnie sipped at his coffee. His expression was grave."Rafael's plate number is registered to a shell company," Vinnie said.Fabian's eyes narrowed. "A cover-up?"Vinnie nodded. "Looks like it. But I dug further."Fabian leaned forward. "And?""Rafael's been in contact with someone local," Vinnie said, letting the meaning hang.Fabian's grip on the table turned tight. "Who?"Vinnie hesitated. "Maria."Fabian's eyes went wide "Maria?" he echoed.Vinnie nodded. "Appears they're collaborating."Fabian's head spun.Maria, in league with Rafael? What was going on?And where was Loretta?"More," Fabian insisted.Vinnie pulled out a folder. "Financial records show large transactions between Rafael's company and Maria's."Fabian scanned the documents.The numbe
Fabian stepped inside, his eyes adjusting to the sudden brightness.The room exploded in a kaleidoscope of colors.Confetti rained down.Choruses of voices shouted:"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!"Fabian's mouth fell open, and he was stunned, stuck in place by the door.His office and home employees were standing around him.Emma, sporting a bright, toothy smile.Nanny Mercy, with her eyes teary with joy.Mikel, shockingly healthy and grinning.Vinnie, a knowing glint in his eye.Fabian's mind whirled.Birthday?Completely forgotten.The last few days that went by was a blur.Loretta's disappearance, the investigation.His face flushed red, as embarrassment joined frustration.How could he have forgotten his birthday?The room was filled with laughter and friends and staff surrounded him.Smiling and cheering- Fabian joined in, slapping on a smile.But that wasn't where his heart was; questions swirled.Loretta's whereabouts, the truth behind her disappearance.Fabian's eyes locked with Vinnie,
The joy was relentless as the energy in the room bubbled. Shopping sprees without a budget? Fabian didn't know the meaning of restraint.But as time wore on, his mind strayed back to Loretta, and he still missed her so much; then again, all was not right with the world. He cast those concerns aside now and let the euphoria engulf him.For tonight, anyway, Fabian forgot his cares and basked in the elation around him.As the evening now wore on, it became time for goodbyes; guests said farewell to one another and went their various ways home.Fabian circulated the room, shaking hands and hugging the closest friends and colleagues."Thanks, Emma," Fabian said gratefully. "You've been an incredible support."Emma beamed, her eyes shining. "Anytime, Fabian."Mikel clapped Fabian on the back. "We make a great team, boss."Fabian grinned. "We do. I've enjoyed working with you, Mikel. And Vinnie, your loyalty means everything."Vinnie nodded, his expression serious. "I'm always here for you,
Fabian stepped into his room, wrapped in the silent moonlight. He closed the door and inhaled deeply, and his mind replayed all that happened tonight.Mikel's care, Emma's tenderness, Vinnie's staunch loyalty, and Nanny Mercy's strong backing voices tangled within him.For the first time in months, Fabian felt peace, a piece of hope.He went to the window and looked into the night, knowing that his mind had wandered to Loretta.Where was she? Was she safe?The ache in his heart was there, but tonight, for a moment it felt as though it wasn't so sore.Fabian turned away from the window and began to undress; his movements were automated as his mind strayed.Lying in bed, he almost missed the action replay of the events of the day: the surprise party, Mikel's accusing stare, Nanny Mercy's subtle nudging, and Emma's captivating smile.Sleep beckoned, but his mind was still racing, with possibilities and uncertainties.Tomorrow was to be another day, filled with other challenges and revela
As Fabian, Mikel, and Vinnie stood in Vinnie’s office, there was an insurmountable silence that felt heavy upon them. Santos’ death dealt a serious blow to their line of investigation. He had been their sole access to De Silva, a person who had eluded most people but was however connected to the missing Loretta.Fabian was walking around the room, his mind occupied. The angry beast had been stirred inside him but he held it in. There were far too many things at risk to allow feelings to rule one's brain.“No way can this be a chance happening,” Fabian whispered furiously.“It isn't weird?" Mikel replied, tilting his back on the table. "Santos possessed knowledge of particular facts, which is why someone killed him. It was an assassination rather than suicide. This has a purpose and aims to achieve something."Mikel folded his arms across his chest. He looked serious. “This is a wicked circus and it appears we are in its center.”Fabian stopped pacing and turned towards them. “We need
"Tasha," he returned the pleasantries while making sure his voice did not carry any emotions. "You said there was something you wished to discuss."She did and indicated where he could sit. Fabian sat down opposite her and studied her."I can’t stay for long," she declared, looking around apprehensively like a conspirator. "But I must caution you. It’s becoming risky."Fabian’s heart was racing. "What’s that supposed to mean?"Tasha drew closer and spoke in a hushed tone ‘I’ve held back certain things from you… regarding Maria and Rafael. I didn’t want to put you into it but now, I can’t help it.’Fabian stared at her in shock. “What are you saying, Tasha?”She held his stare and it was one filled with both fear and regret."They're coming for you, Fabian. And this time, they are going to fight till they win."Fabian could feel his heart beating faster. "And what do they want?"Tasha gulped, with a slight shake of her voice."They want, Loretta."Fabian choked. The noose was closing i
Tasha goaded almost cruelly, “And me? Do you think I sat back and relaxed when De Silva kept me? You think I’m not entitled to a piece of this?”Fabian locked eyes with her, barely containing his rage. “This wasn’t something I imposed upon you. But I will not be a pawn to you or anybody else while Loretta’s life is at stake.”Tasha contorted her expression in rage. “You will be sorry for this, Fabian. You will be sorry for dismissing me.”Fabian stood up suddenly, his chair scraping against the floor. He had had enough. Whatever Tasha hoped to achieve in this conversation, he had no time to waste on her. Loretta was still alive somewhere, and he needed to reach her before it was too late.“You made your choice,” Fabian said, tonelessly. “Now I will make mine.”He did not speak again but walked out of the café, burdened by the effects of their talk. The stakes had risen, and Fabian was very much aware that he was under pressure.Tasha was standing outside of the restaurant, her heart p
Tasha disconnected the phone call, her heart rate still elevated. She tilted her head upwards towards the clouds, suffocated by the burden of the choices she had made. It was clear that she had started something that she would not be able to finish, and now, waiting was the only option left.She pushed the phone back into her handbag and opted to leave the place, her head full of thoughts. It was a dark road she was traveling upon, and there was no way to retrace her steps. Not anymore.Fabian would be hers. One way or the other.With strides made even faster by the click of her heels on the pavement, Tasha exited the restaurant and stamped her foot with a stutter. In every direction she turned her head, she recalled her talk with De Silva, the germs of anxiety in her chest multiplying drastically. At her first inquiry, there had seemed to be no doubt to her that Fabian would one day notice her, desire her even. But at this point, she was no longer certain where De Silva's game ended,