19 Hide well

In the white windowless room, sat two figures on the black leather sofa with its cushion pillows overflowing to the floor, hiding their bare feet. The man was wearing a black-on-black suit while the woman wore a pleated lavender blouse with white pants.

One would assume something important is being discussed when in fact, their exchange was rather casual.

"You make sure you lock that door from the inside, you understand. Don't even think of stepping out," Frederick Mortcombe ordered as he looked at her calm expression.

"Okay."

"And for your safety, I will also be locking it from the outside."

"That's fine."

"Please be assured I'm not locking you away. I'll make sure Gerard or one of the girls sends you food every 4 hours but you have to promise me you will remain quiet at all times."

He showered her with pieces of advice that she did not need. He unloaded his worrisome burdens onto her shoulder that she was not aware of carrying. For all she care, she would only resume carrying on with her life like usual.

But Frederick Mortcombe preferred he did not have to utter such words. Even more so if he could, he would choose not to leave the house. Maybe if it was for a few hours, he would not mind. But for three days minimum? And to top that by having Rafael lurking around in the house. Oh, how he shuddered at the very thought, he was almost sulking.

However, he could not bring her with him. After all, he was going on an important task and as much as he could vouch for her safety with him around, it would be selfish of him. Particularly when parading a pregnant woman into his world, exposing her to all the negativities he enjoyed when she should stay at home and relax.

He sighed out loud and with regrets. Maybe he should come clean with his men and tell Rafael nothing but the whole truth. But no! That man can make a woman fall for him with a blink of his eyes and he did not want to take the risk. The thought of his best friend sullies the innocence of a poor woman. No!

"Be good now. Eat well. Get plenty of rest, you understand. Whatever happens, whatever danger may come, just stay inside. This room is the safest place in the whole world," he emphasised, perturbed the woman looked quite calm and unbothered.

With a heavy heart, Frederick walked out of the door, urging her to follow him so she could listen to his command. And just as the door was about to shut, he handed her a small gadget with a white plug and wire.

"Here, call me if anything. And answer this if it rang."

"I will. Be safe, sir." Her soft voice resonated in his ear, pleasing his senses and earning a naughty smirk on his face.

Once the door was latched from the inside, Frederick too, bolted it from the outside while shaking his head in joy. He loved how innocent her thoughts are to wish him safe when he is a literal walking killer machine. If anything, she should wish him to refrain from killing anyone.

He walked out with a happy gait as his black and orange jeep waited for him at the main entrance. Just before he climbed onto the driver's seat, he gave his final word to the Head Butler.

"Gerard, please make sure she is well taken care of. And no funny business, please. If you can kick Rafael out of the house, even better!"

* * * * *

Frederick drove off, escorted by at least five other bullet-proof vehicles at the front and back, to one of the Ministries' houses to discuss business.

Ever since Rafael brought him the rumour, he had always wanted to find a way to send someone he could trust into Country G without a hitch. Someone that could guarantee the safety of his men and their identities. Fortunately, he had something he could offer after weeks of investigations.

Upon arrival at the massive gated mansion, his men were given first-class treatment as they escorted the entourage to the Ministry of Foreign Affair's place of residence, the Robertsons.

There were two rows of people waiting for his arrival at the foyer of the main entrance, with a carpet laid out to welcome him.

"Hi, Mister Mortcombe. It's a pleasure to have you here!" A wide toothy grin appeared on the fifty-five years old Mister Robertson as his hands extended for a firm handshake.

"Pleasure's mine, Mister Robertson. A lovely place you have here. Top of the hill with such an excellent view of the nightscape. If I did not know any better, I would have bought this place sooner," Frederick exchanged pleasantries as he returned the gesture while ensuring he had put on his business air.

The two important figures entered deep into the house and there, they were met with an ambassador of Country G. It was then he knew he had already won a deal and a satisfactory pleasing smile plastered on his face. To have corrupted people was his method of networking, after all.

With that, his muscles were no longer tense as it proved these people were kissing his ass, rather than the other way around. Otherwise, there would be no representatives from Country G. And if the ball is in his court, soon they would be joined by one of the ministers from said country. So he decided to wait.

"Gentlemen, what say we have a drink and discuss our terms?" Frederick led the conversation, pulling out a cigar from his chest pocket and lit it without a fucking care.

With a big puff from the luxurious stick, Frederick estimated he will seal the deal in half an hour. And the sooner he is done with this, the sooner he will be able to find that Auburn rat hiding. Who knows? Maybe that cousin of hers will know who is the father of the child?

But without a doubt, once that bloody Bloodsworth is caught, the villain intended to make that man pay for his crime.