Chapter 4
1430 Words
“I render my apologies, Matthias. We've reached a dead end, and I have no choice than to close this case with suicide.” stated the Director of the FBI over a tense phone call with Matthias.
“The receptionist claimed that over the years, different women had visited the apartment, except for the last few months– they had noticed a particular woman and had produced a sketch. You are really telling me that a face scan in the database couldn't produce an identity?” Mathias criticized angrily.
“The scan produced Jane Miller, a twenty four year old blonde woman who died five years ago. I have to assume that it was a mask. People who deal in hard drugs use this tactic all the time. Besides, Liam's autopsy result revealed traces of drugs in his system.”
“So that is not enough grounds for a criminal investigation?”
“No, I'm afraid not. More importantly, the phone number was traced to an old drunken woman who lives on the slummy streets of Lake City. In Florida. Quite the distance from New York,” The Director explained in a firm tone, not backing down.
“My son did not end his life.” Mathias declared firmly. “He was forced to. And I want the culprit found. This is an obligation.”
“With all due respects, my old friend, I have done my duty. And it is time for me to close this up. Best believe, if incriminating evidence is found, I will reopen this case. Right now, you need to take your time to heal and be with your family.”
The Director hung up, leaving Matthias furious and in the cold. It was still early afternoon, but he had shut down the blinds and curtains to keep out any form of light– leaving the colors in his office a pale cold-streaked gray. Matthias shrugged his shoulders and poured himself a glass of whiskey.
In small strides, he walked over to the soft black sofa and sank into it, placing both legs on the glass coffee table. His phone buzzed, and he chuckled to himself.
“Heyyyy, baby.” A familiar soft and sultry voice greeted him.
“Lisa,” Matthias acknowledged, smiling at no one.
“You missed me?”
“I always do. I am just caught up with this case.”
“And I'm always right beside you. You seem tired. Tell me what happened.”
*
“Utopia City? With their crazy CEO?” Adrian queried Malcolm.
“Yes sir. The headquarters just sent us an email. They are requesting a meeting tomorrow.”
“Well then, I accept the challenge. Make preparations, and inform the Board that we have a crucial meeting tomorrow.”
“Yes sir.” Malcom noted and nodded his head, walking out of his office.
Adrian took in a breath of relief. However, the CEO of Utopia City was a person he had hoped to never deal with. Rumors had it in the business world that Anika D'Amelio was a shrewd woman down to her toes.
She came up with the most absurd ideas, and that was the success of her estate. Surprisingly, amidst the popularity and success of her estate, she barely showed herself on social media, and always opted for audio interviews.
Various speculations sprung up about how only her board of directors knew what she really looked like, as she always showed up in masks. In the end, they were all speculations, and Adrian could do nothing about it.
Marisa opened the door and let herself in, with a warm smile and confident strides. Adrian's face lit up with a knowing smile. He got up and walked across the table, facing her directly.
“And you pulled something. What was it?” Adrian asked curiously, his face beaming. Marisa had a heart-stopping moment for a minute. Adrian raised an eyebrow out of concern.
“Uhm. Mari?”
“Oh,” Marisa mumbled, and chuckled and sat on top of the desk. “It's nothing. I knew it was a crazy idea, but I dialled their secretary, and the rest was really easy.”
Adrian held her soft palms within his, looking down at her with soft, light brown eyes.
Marisa felt her cheeks heat up at the gesture. She smiled at him and blushed. The light flow of air from the windows pushed the lush strands of her blonde hair in her face. As Adrian softly tucked back the loose hair behind her ears, Marisa knew that the tip of her ears were a bright shade of deep red. She looked away, embarrassed.
“Thank you, Mari.” Adrian spoke softly, and Marisa shook her head and was about to respond, but Adrian quickly shut her up by planting a kiss on her cheek.
“Best friends don't do that,” She squealed at him, hitting her frail hands lightly on his chest.
“But we are not like the others,” Adrian admitted, and cupped her face in his hands. “I'm serious Mari. Thank you. You have been the best partner I've ever got.”
“It's my company too, you know.” Marisa smiled up at him. “I cannot let it go down without a befitting fight. And I have done my duty so you make sure to secure the deal tomorrow. That's what makes us a team,”
“Yeah,” Adrian agreed, and pulled in Marisa for a hug. She dived in, snuggling against Adrian's body, relishing the warmth that flooded through hers.
She had always wanted more than this, and she was willing to wait till Adrian was going to give more. It had always been the two of them against the world. She relaxed her body against his, sniffing in his manly scent that wafted through his expensive shirt and perfume– and released a soft sigh of bliss.
She would do anything to never give this up.
*
It was late in the afternoon when Adrian decided to leave his office. In two hours, he had freshened up in his luxury condo, and was ambling down the busy streets of Central Park.
The sun was setting, giving the environment a golden- orangish glow. The cool evening air littered the golden crusted fall leaves around Adrian's feet, leaving crushing sounds as he stepped elegantly on them.
He felt inwardly liberated to be clad in jeans, a black t-shirt and a pair of Jordan black sandals instead of a thick Hermes or Versace suit and shoes from the Gucci brand.
He hadn't taken a walk since Liam passed, and it amazed him how much he missed the sights. It had always been an avenue to clear his head, but with the brewing storm in his family over the past month, and the issues in his company, he was well going over the edge.
After he had a heart-to-heart talk with Mari, he realized that he had pushed everyone around him under increased amounts of pressure and worry. He had to open up to her about his feelings on Liam's death. She had simply suggested taking a walk, like he used to.
His eyes met a sign for a zoo in Central Park. The past memories of him and Amber laughing and trying to identify the animals they had seen in their enclosures flooded his brain. Liam came to them so much later, and they had enjoyed taking him to the zoo.
He had a sudden urge to visit, and began strolling along the main road that connected together parts of the zoo. He watched as moms and dads took goofy pictures of their kids in front of animal enclosures, and the happy toddlers in strollers who pointed enthusiastically at each animal they passed.
He got approving glances from the women who passed him by, and he observed a few animals in their extensive enclosures, watching the keeper's antics around each one. Eventually, he approached the exhibit for a silver-striped fur Tiger, the attraction that brought the fame of Central Park.
The tiger stood elegantly on all fours by the rocks, ignoring all sorts of edibles thrown at it by the sight-seeres. Amused by the actions of the tiger, he sat down on an old bench next to someone in a black hoodie who drew quite expertly on a large sketchpad.
The tiger began strutting around the rocks in its enclosure, its head held high. Adrian chuckled, and turned to glance at the sketchpad. He froze.
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