Chapter 23%
“Bobby is currently being pursued by the police,” Uncle Jack said with a serious expression. I switched the video call as he had requested. “I’ve reported all of his crimes to the authorities. And it tums out, I just found out that both Bobby and Grace are already on the wanted list for a major corruption case in their company.”
“What?!” I gasped, barely able to believe what I had just heard.”
“Yes, Irish… Maybe that’s why he’s been so desperate to come after you,” Uncle Jack continued in a grave tone. “He might be looking for a scapegoat… or someone he can use as a shield. Protection.”
I swallowed hard. My throat felt dry. “This is really serious, Uncle. How did he get this bad?” I murmured, more to myself than to him.” Uncle Jack shook his head slowly. “I don’t know… but what’s important now is that you need to be extra careful. If possible, talk to the Mitchell family about this. They might have the connections or power to help speed up Bobby’s arrest.“}
I nodded slowly, though my thoughts and chest felt tight. “Alright, Uncle… Thank you for the information.“}
-0
The next morning, when all the Mitchell family members had gathered for breakfast, I gathered my courage and told them everything Uncle Jack had shared with me. The once warm atmosphere of the morning instantly turned tense and serious.
Uncle Mitchell immediately grabbed his phone and called one of his acquaintances who worked as a police chief. We all held our breath, listening to the one–sided conversation filled with legal terms and procedural jargon.”
After ending the call, he looked at us. “The police will follow up. However, there will be some procedures that need to be completed first, such as clarifying the charges and aligning jurisdictions, since this case involves two countries.“>
The following day, Uncle Mitchell updated us again. “The police have gathered supporting evidence and have already received authorization from Bobby’s home country to begin tracking and arrest operations.”
“There’s one more thing,” the police chief said during a video call with us. “They need bait… to lure Bobby out of hiding.“}
“I… I’ll do it,” I said firmly, even though my heart was racing wildly.
“Bella, that’s too dangerous!” Aunt Caroline exclaimed spontaneously. Her face went pale, showing a deep worry she couldn’t hide.”
I sighed and gently held her hand. “Auntie, he’s hurt too many people already. I can’t just stay silent and let him roam free. This is our chance to stop him.”
Worry filled the entire room. But eventually, after I swore to keep myself safe, they agreed.”
I tried several locations that Bobby might have tracked before. The first was the university. I attended classes as usual. For a few days, nothing happened.”
A week later, just as I walked out of the lecture hall, a friend approached and handed me a small piece of paper.}
It contained a handwritten note that made my blood run cold:2
“Come meet me. Don’t let anyone follow you.“}
My hands trembled as I read the message. It was Bobby’s handwriting.
I informed the police about the message. They asked me to keep following the instructions in the note so they could trap him. But this time, I had to go alone, without an escort. The police would monitor from a distance so as not to raise suspicion.}
Following the address in the note, I arrived at an abandoned place on the outskirts of the city. The building was old, like an unused factory, its walls covered in graffiti. The atmosphere was eerily quiet, with only the sound of the wind howling through.>
I looked around. My heart pounded faster when someone emerged from the shadows. He wore a loose black jacket, a cap that covered part of his face, and a black mask hiding the rest.
I pretended to be confused. “Who are you?” I asked, trying to sound calm.
He remained silent for a moment, then slowly removed his mask.
I held my breath.”
It was Bobby.
In an instant, he grabbed my hand tightly, perhaps afraid I would scream. His eyes were wild, his body thinner than the last time I had seen him. His face was pale, and there were dark circles under his eyes.”
“Irish… you want to be free from me, don’t you?” His voice was hoarse. “I can give you that. But you have to do one thing for me.“”
I looked at him, my heart pounding erratically. “What do you want?”
“Give me three billion dollars,” he said without hesitation.”
My jaw dropped. “What?!”
“That’s something you can easily get now, just by asking the Mitchell family. They’ll definitely give it to you. And I promise, I’ll never bother you again.“%
I stared at him, trying to read his eyes. There was desperation there. Fear. But also a threat.”
“What if I refuse?” I asked defiantly, clenching my fists. I tried not to show the fear gnawing at my chest.
