THE BILLIONAIRE'S BARGAIN

CHAPTER 17

Harrison sat in Alex's office, the dull hum of the fluorescent lights overheard barely registering in his mind as he focused intently on the flickering screen of CCTV footage. The grainy images displayed left both him and Camilla deep in thought. But Harrison couldn't help but replay the moments in his head. Just as he leaned closer to catch the nuenced scene that was made, his phone buzzed violently against the surface of the desk.

He glanced at the screen

“mom”, it read. He felt uneasy at the moment but a different sense of unease settled over him. His mother rarely called him during work hours; even if he wasn't working at the moment. Their conversation often took place in the quiet comfort of the evenings or on the weekends. Harrison's stomach twisted as he swipes to answer, puzzled by the urgency in the way she had insisted he come over.

“Hey, mom”, he said trying to keep his tone light despite the gwaning anxiety.

“Everything okay?”

“Harrison!” her voice was firm, and he could hear the muffled sounds of a busy station in the background.

“You need to come to the police station. Right now”.

His heart raced, the chatter of Alex and Camilla falling away into an indistinct blur.

“What's going on? Is everything alright?” He barely held back a sense of panic as he caught Carmilla's concerned gaze from the corner of his eye.

“Everything can't be explained over the phone,” his mother replied, her tones clipped and humed.

“Leave work and get here as fast as you can. Please Harrison”. Before he could respond, she hung up, leaving him with nothing but a dial tone and a chuning gut. He looks up at Alex and Camilla, both of whom had paused, their expressions reflecting the same worry that filled his chest.

“Is everything okay!” Camilla asked, eyes wide, concern etched into her features.

“I…I…I don't know; he stammered, trying to analyze the implications of his mother's words.

“Mom just called and said I need to get to the police station immediately”.

“What? Is she in trouble?” Alex leans forward, his brow furrowed.

“What did she say?”

“She wouldn't tell me. It sounded serious”. Harrison's mind raced, filled with scenarios that-while extreme-now seemed all too plausible. The cast few days has been filled with tensions in their home. He shook his head, forcing himself to focus, “I need to go”.

Camilla nodded, her features tightening with resolve.

“I’m coming with you”.

“I appreciate it, but……”

“No ‘buts’, Harrison . If mom is entangled in something senous, we need to support her. Besides, you can't go alone”.

With that, there was not much left to say. Thay grabbed their things, harrison's mind still a whirlwind as he considered the implication: was it regarding the last incident? They thanked Alex hurried over to where the car is.

They drive to the police station felt like an eternity, the streets bluming past them as he tightened his grip on the seat. Each passing traffic light felt like an indication of the urgency of the moment. Camilla lapsed into silence in the passenger back seat, her fingers tapping nervously against her though. Harrison caught her worried glance and knew she was no just concerned for his mother but also for him. Half an hour, they arrived finally at the station, the building looming ahead with it's stark, sterile presence. Harrison opened the door, the bell chiming lightly as they stepped inside. The air was thick, imbued with the scent of industrial cleaners and a hint of stale coffee. He spotted his mother sitting by the front desk, her expression seeming angry and weary, her eyes scanning the room as if searching for something just out of reach.

“mom!” He rushes towards her, concern eclipsing everything else. She looked up, her relief evident as she met his gaze.

“Harrison”. She said

“I’m so glad you're here”.

“What's going on?” he asked, holding Carmilla's hand reassuringly, an anchor amidst the mounting confusion.

“the officer over here was just asking me some questions, but i insisted on calling my lawyer” she glanced at the policeman.

“Questions about what?” he pressed, his heart pounding in sync with the anxiety in the air because this kind of thing has never happened before.

The officer cleared his throat, looking at him with a mixture of authority.

“we're trying to gather information regarding the unfortunate incident involving your family's maid, Ms.Helen. She was found dead hear your home early today”.

“who the hell is Helen?” he asked, his voice trembling.

“Yh….I’ve been in the house and I haven't seen or heard the name Helen before”, Carmilla added.

“That the same thing your mother said. But we're still investigating that” the officer said, trying to protect reassurance, through the gravity of the situation loomed heavily over them.

“We assure you that she is not under arrest. We just need to clarify a few things”.

“Harrison stepped forward, his voice steady despite the concern etched across her face.

“Can you give me a moment with my mom first. I'd like to discuss something with her” he pleaded.

The officer nodded in acceptance

“Just give minutes” he said excusing them.

“What is it?” his mom asked furious

“It just that….. Alex was able to recover the recover the footage, maybe the maid the officer was the talking about was the person we saw in the video”. Harrison explained.

“What was in the video?” his mom asked curious.

Harrison began narrating everything in the video and Margaret suddenly recalls that this incident might not be something ordinary.

“I see, they want to explaining what hw saw in the footage, the officer stepped in, his expression seniors”.

“Ma’am, you can go home” he said interrupting their discussion. Harrison's heart raced as he steps closer to the office”.

“Seriously! What's going to happen now?”

“There was no evidence that could pin the problem to you guys. She's free to go. Sorry about the inconvenience”. he apologizes.

“what about the dead lady?” his mom asked staring at the officer.

“I can't provide you with all the specifics since your off the case. It still an ongoing investigation. Again sorry for the inconveniences” officer replied.

With that, the officer stepped away, leaving them to process the enormity of the situation. A looming silence envelopes them as they exchange worried glances, thoughts racing as they moved back towards the exit, the weight of uncertainty hanging heavy in the air.