Getting Closer

A day later, in the opulent Winter Palace Office, Alexander and Christina sat in ornate chairs, listening intently to Sergei's report on the development of the Belgian Congo operation. The room was suffused with the glow of the late afternoon sun, which shone through the windows, casting long shadows across the marble floor.

Alexander's frustration was evident as he leaned forward in his chair and addressed Sergei with a tinge of anger in his voice. 

"So, are you saying that Ralf Hietela was not there?" he demanded. "How hard is it to nab this guy?"

Sergei's countenance was grave as he began to explain the situation. "Well, Your Majesty, our intel was right, but we got there too late," he said. "According to the local militias that the Special Forces captured in the region, it was said that Ralf Hietela and his associates had already fled Kananga."

Alexander's face darkened with anger. "And where are Ralf Hietela and his associates now?" he demanded.