~Sunshine~

"Actually, we need to ask questions regarding..."

Freddie found himself on the verge of revealing the true reason for their visit. He began to speak, his words teetering on the edge of disclosing the incident they were there to discuss. But at that crucial moment, Rafael intervened with a firm command, "I am talking, Freddie."

Rafael's interruption was a calculated move, a recognition of the need to tread carefully in the presence of James, a man known for his cunning and astute nature. James, for his part, responded with a sidelong glance but remained silent, his eyes revealing nothing.

Rafael, taking control of the conversation, chose to unveil the true purpose of their visit.

"Actually, we are here to discuss a case of women's trafficking," he declared, his words direct and unambiguous. The room held its collective breath, the weight of the accusation hanging heavily in the air.

James responded with a mask of sadness. His expression was one of disbelief as he questioned the implications of the accusation. "Sheriff, what are you saying?" he inquired, his voice carrying a note of incredulity.

"You are trying to say that my secretary is involved?"

The room was shrouded in a heavy silence, the implications of the accusation hanging like a dark cloud over James. He gasped in shock, his voice reduced to a murmur as he grappled with the weight of Rafael's words.

"It is not possible," he protested, his disbelief evident in his tone.

Rafael, unyielding in his pursuit of the truth, provided further evidence to support their case. "But we also had access to your secretary's phone there, and that was your port," he stated.

James, his gaze lowered, found himself confronted with the reality of the situation. He took a moment to collect his thoughts before addressing the sheriff. "So tell me, sheriff, how could my secretary be in the hospital right now if he was actually involved?" he queried, a sense of confusion and concern in his words.

"Does it even make sense? Tell me now, who attacked him?"

Rafael, maintaining his unwavering composure, crossed his arms and posed another question. "But it is true, Mr. James, that trafficking used to happen at your port."

James with a resigned sigh.

"I know, sheriff, and maybe Bruce somehow got to know something was happening there," he conceded. "He might have gone there to stop them, and they attacked him as well. He remains unresponsive."

"I, therefore, hope you will let us know when he regains his senses," Rafael proposed.

"Of course, I would do everything for you guys," he affirmed. "Also, look for the people who attacked Bruce and tried to use our port," James said while giving a nod.

Rafael kept looking at James for a second; he knew he would not do anything to James without any proof.

But James's father!

Rafael's lips curled into a slight smile as he regarded James with a calculated expression.

James, taken aback by the unexpected change in Rafael's demeanor, was left bewildered by this new development.

With his tone taking on a more cordial note, Rafael concluded, "Okay, Mr. James. We need to leave now."

The abrupt transition in his approach left James in a state of disarray, struggling to comprehend the true nature of their interaction.

James offered a quick but strained smile in response. Rafael and Freddie rose from the couch, preparing to depart. However, before taking his leave, Rafael turned back to face James.

With a smile that seemed almost mocking, Rafael offered a parting statement that carried a deeper, unsettling weight. "Mr. James, you should be careful next time," he warned, his words carrying an implicit message that went beyond their superficial cordiality.

"I hope you don't become like your father."

The room bore witness to this chilling exchange as the implications of Rafael's words hung heavy in the air. James's jaw tightened in response to the unspoken threat.

As Rafael and Freddie exited the room, the facade of politeness that had concealed the true nature of their visit was replaced by palpable tension. James, left to his own devices, summoned his trusted men to address the unsettling encounter.

With a resolute tone, he issued his command, "Yes, boss."

James issued a calm but disquieting command. "Give the police department's senior brass a call," he instructed, his voice carrying an air of displeasure.

"Yes, boss," that man nodded.

**

Freddie cast a regretful look toward Rafael. He couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility for the unexpected turn of events during their visit.

"I am sorry, sir," Freddie admitted, his voice tinged with chagrin. "I was excited, so I was about to say everything."

Rafael let out a weary sigh. "Next time, remember not to do this," he advised, his tone carrying a sense of both understanding and instruction.

Freddie nodded in acknowledgment, a pledge to exercise more restraint in future encounters. "Yes, sir," he replied, his commitment to the lesson learned evident in his response. The car carried them away from the mansion, the tension of their visit gradually dissipating.

**

Inside the imposing Hilton Company's headquarters, the senior employees were deep into the arduous task of conducting interviews for potential candidates.

Francisco leaned back in his chair, his demeanor exuding an air of authority and composure. The room had witnessed the steady procession of fifteen interviews, yet there were still many candidates to assess.

Working for Hilton's enterprise was widely considered a dream opportunity—an entry into a world of power and influence. The allure of the position, however, was tempered by the immense competition and the formidable challenges that awaited those who aspired to join the organization.

Max, who had been scrutinizing the list of candidates, spoke up, voicing his assessment of the situation. "Mr. Liam," he began, "I think we can't take any more interviews right now. We've already conducted a sufficient number."

Liam, in agreement with Max's observation, responded, "Yes, sir. We can call the other half of the candidates tomorrow. It's been a long day, and they deserve our full attention."

However, it was Francisco who had the final say in the matter. In his characteristic calm and measured tone, he issued a decision. "No, today means today," he stated with unwavering resolve.

To be continued.