"Oh my gosh! I just can't believe this! It's too much just too much information to process in one day!" exclaimed Nicole, throwing her hands in the air as she shot up from her chair. She began pacing back and forth, her steps quick and agitated.
It was the evening of the same day Patricia had returned from her lunch date with Congressman Saccoth. The trio, Patricia, Nicole, and Isaac, had gathered in Patricia's office, its warm lighting contrasting the tense atmosphere as they discussed the shocking revelations Patricia had uncovered.
"I know, right?" Patricia muttered, leaning back in her chair and pressing her palms to her temples. "I feel like my brain is going to explode. Not only was I dating a lead, but I was also unknowingly involved with the 'key' to Montenegra's so-called evolution. And for years, the answer to unraveling this entire mess was staring me in the face, and I didn't even see it." She let out a frustrated huff, her voice tinged with both anger and disbelief.
"How could you have known, my friend?" Nicole said, pausing to place a comforting hand on Patricia's shoulder. Her voice softened, though worry still laced her tone. "This whole situation just keeps getting messier by the minute. I thought once you got into the club, our plans would be smooth sailing from here on out, but now it feels like we've bitten off more than we can chew. And honestly, I'm wondering how we're going to shoulder all of this."
Patricia straightened in her chair, determination flashing in her eyes. "Don't worry, Nicky. We've come too far to back down now. We can't afford to give up. We still have Dad's hard drives, and I need to find the rest of them. Maybe they're the key to ending this, once and for all. And we have allies now, people who can help us. Dad entrusted me to Saccoth for a reason. I'm sure he has resources, people with the skills we'll need. So let's not falter. Let's stay strong and keep moving forward. We'll get through this, I'm sure of it."
Nicole's shoulders relaxed as Patricia's words reignited her resolve. "You're right, girl. I can't believe I let my resolve falter for even a second. You're right, we've got this. We'll tear down these walls, one brick at a time, until we expose the vulnerable king inside and bring him down once and for all."
"That's the spirit," Patricia said, her tone brightening with a hint of a smile. "We'll face the storm, no matter what comes our way. We'll make it through, together. Right, Isaac?"
Isaac nodded firmly, a confident glint in his eyes. "That's right, Sweeches. Together, we can achieve anything. I've already deployed agents to investigate the 'Black Tulip'. And speaking of which, I think it's time we take Alisha and Zach off Jonathan's case. It's gotten too dangerous, and this is no longer a job for them. It's time for the professionals to step in."
Nicole frowned slightly but nodded in agreement. "Another issue we need to consider is Jethro Morales. With him being Mr. X's brother, it complicates things for us. If he catches wind of what we're doing, it'll be hard to pin the blame for Montenegra's downfall on him, assuming we make it that far without his brother skewering us alive."
Patricia placed a hand on Nicole's arm, offering a reassuring squeeze. "Don't worry, Nicole. Everything will work out."
"Yes. And right now, we need a solid plan to split up our efforts. That way, we can cover more ground." said Isaac
"Wait," Patricia said, her brows knitting together as she turned toward Isaac. "Split up? What do you mean?"
"It's obvious, Patricia," Isaac explained. "Things have gotten too complex for us to handle as a single unit. If we want to stay ahead, we need to divide and conquer. Patricia, you should focus on your role as a derby racer and on finding the remaining hard drives. Nicole, your role will be to uncover the secrets of the club members, which will help Patricia climb into the big leagues. The more influence she gains, the better positioned she'll be to dismantle Montenegra's network from the inside. Meanwhile, I'll lead the investigation into Mr. X, the 'Black Tulip', and Montenegra's so-called evolution. This way, we'll be able to tackle everything strategically."
Nicole and Patricia exchanged glances before nodding in unison. Isaac's plan made sense, and it was clear they would need to adapt to the growing complexities of the game they were playing.
"This is a great idea," Nicole said, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "This way, we can kill three birds with one stone, and it's all thanks to teamwork. It's brilliant. Let's do it."
"But what about us?"
All three heads snapped toward the doorway, where Zach and Alisha stood, their expressions a mixture of indignation and determination.
"Alisha! Zach! How long have you been standing there?" Patricia asked, her voice tinged with bewilderment at her siblings' sudden appearance.
"Long enough to hear that you're kicking us out of the game!" Alisha huffed as she strode into the room, her arms crossed. "Come on, Patricia! Just because Jonathan is some 'important key' doesn't mean we can't help you wrap him around our fingers."
Patricia sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Alisha… the situation has changed. Let me remind you that you barely escaped with your life just four days ago when Mr. X's men came after you because of Jonathan. And now, knowing why both Mr. X and Ricardo are safeguarding him so fiercely, I think it's time for you to step back and let us handle this. It's too dangerous."
"But Patricia, we want justice too! For Dad, for our family!" Alisha pleaded, her voice rising with emotion. "We just want to help. You can't toss us aside like this. I know things, useful things, that could help the investigation. Zach and I can be valuable if you'd only let us be part of the team."
Patricia rose from her chair, crossing the room to stand directly in front of her sister. Her voice softened but remained firm. "Oh, Alisha… I love that you want to help. I really do. But this situation has spiraled out of control. It's become too dangerous and too complex for me to involve you any further. The last thing I want is for either of you to get hurt. And honestly, you two have a more pressing mission to focus on right now."
"What mission?" Alisha asked, her tone dripping with defiance.
"Your college entrance exams," Patricia replied pointedly, her hands on her hips. "They're just a week away, or did you forget? I need you to focus on that right now. I promise, if we need your help with anything, we'll ask. But for now, please concentrate on your studies."
"But—" Alisha began, but Patricia cut her off with a sharp look.
"End of discussion, Alisha," Patricia said, her tone brooking no argument. She took a deep breath, her expression softening. "You're still part of the team, Alisha. That's why I said we'll come to you if we need help. But right now, I'm begging you to focus on school. I want you to work hard, become the amazing detective I know you're destined to be, and help us bring justice to this crude world. Please, lay low for now. If not for me, then… do it for Mom and Dad. They sacrificed everything for us, and I know they'd be devastated if anything happened to you before you achieved your dreams. So please… for their sakes, and for mine."
Alisha hesitated, the weight of Patricia's words settling over her. Her defiance wavered as she bit her lip, unsure of how to respond.
Isaac stepped in, his voice calm and measured. "Look, Ms. Alisha. Your sister means well. I know you've got potential and some incredible ideas to help us, which is why we're assigning you as part of our backup team. If we need your input, we'll call you, and you'll be ready to provide the support we need. But for now, we need to take this one step at a time, and we need to keep you safe. I hope you understand."
Zach spoke up, his voice steady. "I understand. I promise we'll lay low until you need us, right, Alisha?"
Alisha looked at Isaac for a long moment before heaving a resigned sigh. "Alright, fine! We'll stay out of sight. But don't keep us out for too long, or we'll find a way to get involved, whether you like it or not."
Patricia smiled at them both, her gratitude evident. "Thank you. Thank you so much for understanding. I hope we can keep working together to bring justice to our family."
"Yeah, whatever," Alisha muttered, waving a dismissive hand as she turned to leave. "Come on, Zach. Let's leave this 'A-Team' to their 'Mission Impossible.' I'd rather watch some soap operas than sit here being bored."
Zach trailed after her with a faint chuckle, leaving the room.
Isaac laughed as he watched them go. "Wow. Your siblings are a lot of work."
"They sure are," Patricia replied with a fond smile. "But I still love them."
"Do you have siblings, Isaac?" Nicole asked curiously.
"Yes," Isaac said, his expression softening. "I have a little brother and sister, Ian and Isabella. Ian is about two years older than Alisha and Zach, and Isabella is thirteen. She's a handful, believe me."
"That's beautiful, Isaac. I can't wait to meet them someday," Patricia said warmly.
Nicole chimed in. "I only have one sibling, an older brother, Simeon. He's serving in the army. Last time we talked, he'd just been appointed the rank of lieutenant, so it's gotten even harder to see him. But he never forgets to send me a postcard every Christmas and Easter. I miss him, though."
"Don't worry," Isaac reassured her. "You'll see him again soon."
Isaac glanced at the time and straightened. "Ladies, if you'll excuse me, I need to retire to my lodgings and work on our plans. Good night. We'll talk tomorrow." He turned to Patricia, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Good night, my princess. I'll see your beautiful face tomorrow."
"Good night," Patricia murmured, her cheeks flushing red as she smiled shyly. Isaac left the room, leaving a warm silence in his wake.
Nicole cleared her throat, breaking the quiet. "Well, Ms. Red Tomato Face, I guess it's time for me to bid you farewell too. I've got a case to close by tomorrow. Goodnight, Ms. Tomato Face. And just a friendly reminder...his room is only a few steps away from the kitchen. Feel free to sneak over for some cuddles." She teased before she quickly bolted out of the room to avoid a flying book hitting her face.
"Ugh! The nerve of that girl… humph!" Patricia exclaimed, her cheeks still burning. "She's so annoying!" Shaking her head, she left the office too, muttering under her breath.
....
As Isaac made his way to his room in the servants' sleeping quarters, he couldn't shake the eerie feeling that someone was shadowing him. The corridor was dimly lit, and his footsteps echoed faintly on the polished floor.
At first, he pretended not to notice, his strides steady and deliberate. But as he reached the door to his room, he sighed deeply, shook his head, and said without turning around, "I thought we agreed you'd stop playing detective games. And yet here you are, trailing me through the shadows like I'm some criminal."
He turned around, his sharp gaze landing on Alisha, who lingered in the dim light just a short distance away, her arms crossed and her stance unyielding.
"Detectives are not liars but lying detectors Ms Alisha." Isaac continued, his voice carrying an edge of amusement. "I guess this job is not suitable for you after all."
Alisha huffed, flicking her hair back with defiance. "Everyone's a liar, Mr. Isaac. Even the greatest detectives bend the truth to trap their criminals in their own web. Besides, I'm not following you to play games....I'm just curious."
"Then I'm sure you're familiar with the saying, 'Curiosity killed the cat,'" Isaac replied smoothly, unlocking his door. "But I suppose I don't need to remind you of that, do I?" He paused, tilting his head slightly. "Go to bed, Ms. Alisha, or watch your soap operas. This is dangerous territory you're treading, and I doubt your sister would be pleased with what you are doing."
Alisha's eyes narrowed, a sly smile tugging at her lips. "You mean… just like she won't like the fact that you've been lying to her, Mr. Isaac?"
Isaac froze, his hand hovering over the doorknob. Slowly, he turned to face her, his expression unreadable. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice low and cautious.
Alisha took a step closer, her gaze steady and piercing. "You should know something about my sister, Mr. Isaac. She hates liars. And she despises men who keep secrets."
Isaac's jaw tightened as he studied her. "What do you know?" he asked, his voice now sharper, carrying an undercurrent of concern.
Alisha smirked, her expression bold and unrelenting. "Oh, I know 'a lot'. Like the fact that you knew my sister long before you conveniently 'met' her two months ago. And other things...things that could easily put your little romance to the test."
She stepped even closer, her voice dropping to a near-whisper. "So, maybe you're the one treading on dangerous ground, Mr. Isaac. I suggest we don't cross lines with each other, or… well, let's just say it won't end well for either of us."
Alisha leaned in slightly, her eyes scanning him from head to toe. Then, with a slow, almost mocking smile, she stepped back and said, "Welcome to the Milton family's ranch, Mr. Isaac. I do hope we'll work together in perfect harmony from now on. I can't wait to see how you get our horses fit for the race. And just so we're clear...if even one of them fails… that's the end of your job."
She let her words hang in the air for a moment before turning and walking away, her footsteps echoing softly down the hall. As she reached the corner, she glanced back over her shoulder and said, "Good night, Mr. Isaac." Then, she disappeared into the shadows.
Isaac let out a long breath, leaning back against the doorframe as tension seeped out of his shoulders. Watching the space where Alisha had vanished, he muttered under his breath, "What did I get myself into?"