Gone After the Wind

47

Chapter Forty-seven

BY THE time Cara entered the premises of Senator Meredith's large estate it was nearing nightfall and the sun was already preparing to go down. The orange hues blazing on the entire sky had appeased Cara's mood a bit and it amazed her more when the last bits of the sun's rays projected on the enormous mansion ahead of her, highlighting some of its intricate details and extravagant designs. It might be a soothing view to watch but Cara still dreaded what awaits ahead of her little endeavor.

Right from the moment she left her house, she was aware how big the consequences she would be facing after this. Although her intention was purely for the sake of the on-going investigation, Meredith won't surely let it be easy for her. Just the mere fact that she will go there uninvited, the payback would definitely worse than what she imagined. But she couldn't care much about that now. Even if it costs her the job she invested a lot of hardwork, she wouldn't mind. As long as Meredith would spill the information that will finally close the case, she would look forward of having another round of months serving her suspension.

Meredith must be partially blamed, too, and he must bear the affect of his incompetence. Had he been cooperative and helpful, the little information he knew could've saved the life of another innocent woman. He's a public figure. He must be serving the citizens not his full blasted ego. He might even aware that he could've helped the investigation but he rejected the chance. Instead, he insisted that it was all part of his political dilemma.

That infuriated Cara the most, the very reason why she couldn't feel any apprehension as she approached the main part of the mansion. If she was overly cautious the last time she went here, now, she couldn't find the same volume of fear inside her. The particular importance of the case overtook her senses completely. And if Meredith would use it against her, she wouldn't back down and wouldn't let herself be intimidated. What matters now the most is the evidence she need to find the man who killed those women that Meredith might have.

Cara did not even park accordingly on the oval space. As soon as she passed the fountain at the center, she took a halt and climbed out from her car immediately. She wasn't now fuming compared to the moment she learned that the Senator has something she must know. But she's still absolutely pissed about it.

She walked hurriedly towards the empty space in front of the large doors. She did not bother to use the doorbell, for she has no time to be formal and courteous now. And instead, she knocked boisterously on the door, ensuring that its volume would reach anyone inside. She waited not too long, though. A man in a suit immediately opened it, his expression was hospitable and respectful, Cara suspected that he could just be Meredith's secretary or just his butler. Either way, Cara won't hesitate to get rid of him if he ever gets in the way.

"Good afternoon, Ma'am. Do you have an appointment with the senator today?" he asked politely.

"No, he doesn't know I'm here. And I would appreciate if you won't tell him that I am. I want to speak to him as soon as possible," Cara said.

"Alright. May I know what your name is, Ma'am?"

"Cara Black. He knows me. Although, he didn't expect me to come here, he would totally understand."

The man nodded, bringing the walkie-talkie on his lips and said something to it. He listened for a moment before he turned to Cara, the softness on his expression had vanished. He looked at her with such stiffness. "I'm sorry, Ma'am. But the senator stated that he has no business to discuss with you. He wants you to leave and I hope you understand his wishes."

Cara clicked her tongue. "The hell I am," she said sharply and entered the foyer briskly, brushing past the butler who got alarmed by her movement.

"You cannot do this, Ma'am. I might call the security if you continue this—"

"Go ahead and I won't stop you," Cara said, stepping into the hallway where the office of Meredith resides. The footsteps of the butler dissipated from behind and Cara wasn't scared to realize that he might be actually calling the security now. Knowing that she could transfer the tidbits of her rage to an impending combat, it thrilled Cara more. If that would take her to talk with him, she wouldn't mind using what she learned from all the years she spent in the academy.

When she reached the end of the hallway, she was delighted to see the familiar doors. It only meant that she didn't get lost and her time is on point. She walked faster to the seemingly unending hallway. Out of common decency, she still managed to knock on the door even her reflexes was contradicting it. She successfully refrained herself from bursting it with such force. After Meredith expressed his approval, that's when she opened it widely and stepped inside.

Meredith's exasperated sigh was the first thing he did when her presence came into view. She didn't indulge herself into the deeper part of the office. She stood just meters away from the door, putting up a safe distance between them, just in case her temper would escalate badly.

"What is it that you want this time, Detective Black?" Meredith asked, putting down the pen he was using to sign something on the papers, shifting his full attention to Cara. He was sitting behind the large desk, his shoulders were squared and stiff, a clear indication that he's getting pissed as seconds goes by she was there.

Cara did not speak. She heaved a deep sigh, leveling his gaze with an intense one and braced herself for the worst time of her life that she must endure.