the three foxes

part four

Chapter Four

Year 2016

Arthur Blackwell, a tall man with gray hair and a wrinkled face that reflected his old age, had piercing blue eyes. He wore a suit made of the finest materials and designed by the best designers in the world, embodying his calmness and high status. Arthur sat in his spacious office, the main office of the family, which consisted of luxurious classic furniture. Behind his desk, there was a large painting gifted by the royal family, depicting a flying falcon, the symbol of power and wisdom for the Blackwell family, the most powerful and wealthiest family in the world.

Arthur sat in his office, returning from his son William's trial. He looked at the picture on his desk, which included his five children and his deceased wife, with sadness and suffocation. He couldn't get rid of the horrifying thought that filled his mind: what would his wife Mary do if she were still alive? And how would he now bear the decision to execute his grandchildren whom he had not yet met? Arthur felt more and more suffocated, and the more he thought, the more the pain in his chest increased.

Hans, Arthur's servant and right-hand man, entered the office after seeking permission, carrying several files, smartphones, and a laptop, and carefully placed them in front of Arthur. Hans knew that the moment was filled with tension and pain for his master.

Arthur (with a choked voice full of emotions): Tell me what happened in brief.

Hans (with a serious but understanding expression): We have captured the two children, James and Daniel, and they are now in the main hall of the palace. As for the mother, Clarine, and the third child, Eliana, they managed to escape with several men who were working with William and refused to obey orders.

Arthur opened the first file with trembling hands.

Name: Clarine Stone

Age: 38

Occupation: Architect working at...

Arthur opened the second file, which contained information about his grandchildren. As he read, he felt deep sadness engulfing him.

Name: James Stone

Age: 16

Name: Daniel Stone

Age: 14

Name: Eliana Stone

Age: 10

He looked at the birth certificates and report cards from their schools, and closed the file with deep sadness. This is all related to his grandchildren, this is all the information available about them in this light file. They didn't have enough time to fill in more, and the idea that they were registered under the name Stone filled him with anger and regret.

Then he noticed a large and heavy envelope, full and intriguing. He opened the envelope and reached inside to grab several cardboard photos. The surprise was astonishing; they were pictures of naked students inside the school restroom. Arthur took out everything inside the envelope, only to be surprised by the quantity of photos and hard drives labeled with names and video lengths.

Arthur (with an amazed and surprised expression): What is this?

Hans (with a firm voice): This is what we found inside the children's laptop. They were using it for threats and blackmail at school.

Arthur burst into loud laughter, a mixture of astonishment and pride: They truly are Blackwells.

Hans (with a serious expression): There is more.

Arthur (curiously): Speak, tell me what you have.

Hans: After speaking with the teachers and some students at their school, it became clear that Daniel had formed a group of students and started a gang, engaging in beating and extortion.

Arthur (with a questioning expression): And what about James?

Hans: He was the opposite of his brother. He formed a gang to stand up against his brother and became the hero who saved the students from his brother, or at least that's what he wanted others to believe.

Arthur (cautiously): What do you mean?

Hans: Daniel's gang, the targets of the students, the methods of torture and threats, all of this was planned by James.

Arthur (astonished): Are you sure?

Hans: Yes, but what piqued my curiosity is the timing of the students discovering this.

Arthur (curiously): What do you mean?

Hans: The students discovered that James was the mastermind only four months ago.

Arthur: And what's the problem with that?

Hans: He managed to hide it for a full two years, so why did it suddenly come to light in this surprising way?

Arthur (with a deep sigh and visible sadness): Don't forget that they are still children. If they are in the main hall, let them come to meet me.

Hans (with a slight bow): Very well, sir.

Hans left the office to bring James from the room, leaving Arthur contemplating the future of the family and what tomorrow holds for him.