Chapter 104: Something's Not Right
"As the military liaison for Stark Industries, I've had the privilege of working with this true patriot, who is both a mentor and a friend. Ladies and gentlemen, I'm honored to present this year's 'Pinnacle Award' to Mr. Tony Stark," said a Black military officer on the award podium on television.
"The Pinnacle Award this year indeed goes to Mr. Stark. However, I doubt he would attend such an award ceremony," commented the butler.
"Do you know the famous Stark?" Frank asked curiously.
"Mr. Joseph has met Mr. Stark a few times, but he doesn't like him much personally," the butler replied.
Joseph, being a billionaire, mingles in a small circle where knowing Stark isn't surprising.
In line with the butler's words, Tony Stark did not take the stage on TV; instead, Obadiah Stane, another key figure at Stark Industries, accepted the trophy.
"A very beautiful trophy. Thank you, Colonel, and thank you, everyone. Of course, I'm not Tony Stark, but if I were, I'd say I'm honored and thrilled to accept such recognition. As everyone knows, Tony's greatest strength and flaw is his relentless dedication to work."
"I heard Tony Stark is quite the playboy; is it true that he's been with all twelve cover girls from the magazines?" Frank asked out of curiosity.
Stark is a favorite of magazine media, with stories of his escapades fueling dozens of publications.
"I can't comment on Mr. Stark's private life, but Mr. Joseph once said that the media covers less than a tenth of it," the butler responded.
"Are you interested in Mr. Stark, Mr. Frank?" the butler inquired.
"Not particularly, but he's my son's idol. My son really likes him," Frank said.
Ian idolizes Captain America to the extreme, while Lip idolizes Stark, whether for his talents or his flamboyance.
After chatting with the butler for a while, Frank turned off the TV and went to the study to find a book.
"Frank, come have a drink! I've never tasted such good wine." Others, swaying, called out to Frank, the stench of alcohol filling the air.
Frank suppressed the urge to join in drinking, avoiding the crowd and heading into the study.
In the study, Frank wandered around, unsure of what book to read, seeking merely to distract himself from drinking.
While browsing, Frank felt something was off but couldn't quite pinpoint what.
Eventually, he picked up a novel and returned to his room.
"Seems like I haven't seen Jorah!" The next morning, while having breakfast, Frank noticed someone was missing again.
"Jorah? Haven't seen him, maybe he's not up yet."
"The butler said Jorah went home."
"When did he leave?"
"Last night, I guess."
"That idiot, leaving such a good life early. Does the Southside have such fine wine?"
"Who knows? Maybe he caught his wife cheating, hahaha."
Despite another absence, everyone laughed it off, but Frank couldn't help frowning.
From an original group of over ten, less than ten now remained.
Though they claimed to have gone home, Frank had his doubts.
Given what Frank knows about these drinkers, with Joseph's estate offering such a good environment, food, drink, and even plenty of substances, why would they choose to leave?
They should be clinging here like parasites until Joseph could no longer tolerate them and kicked them out, just like the old 'Frank.'
So, the claim that they voluntarily went home made Frank highly suspicious. One or two leaving might have reasons, but this many raised questions.
"Mr. Frank, are you heading out today?" After breakfast, while others were drinking and indulging, Frank was the only one putting on a coat, prompting the butler to inquire.
"Yes." Frank nodded.
Leaving Joseph's estate, Frank took out his phone but, after glancing at the driver in the front seat, tucked it back in his pocket.
The driver glanced at the rearview mirror without a word and continued driving.
Arriving at a bustling street, Frank, observing the tailing driver/bodyguard, walked into a women's lingerie store.
"Welcome. May I help you?" The clerk hesitated upon seeing Frank.
"I'm picking out some lingerie for my wife," Frank said.
"Oh, please, come this way," the clerk introduced the lingerie.
The driver frowned but stayed outside, buying a hotdog and standing a short distance from the store.
"Hello, Kevin," Frank said, glancing through the store window at the driver, and stealthily called the Elibar Pub.
"Frank, heard you went to New York with Joseph," Kevin remarked.
Before Kevin could finish, Tommy, the fat guy, snatched the phone, expressing envy. Tommy regretted leaving early that day and not joining Frank and others to New York, which he envied greatly.
"It's alright. I wanted to ask if Jorah and the others returned?" Frank cut to the chase.
"Jorah? No," Tommy replied.
"What about Obal?" Frank pressed on.
"Why do you ask? Didn't they go to New York with you?" Tommy questioned, puzzled.
Outside, the driver seemed to realize something and awkwardly attempted to enter the store, prompting Frank to hang up the phone.
"This place lacks charm. I'll check out another store," Frank said, feigning dissatisfaction as he left.
The driver remained silent, following Frank closely.
After wandering outside for a while, Frank returned to Joseph's estate, with the driver remaining silent, only occasionally glancing at Frank through the rearview mirror.
"Welcome back, Mr. Frank." The butler took Frank's coat without any indication of suspicion.
"Ah, yes," Frank nodded and headed straight to his room.
Watching Frank's back as he ascended the stairs, the butler squinted his eyes.
"Damn it! Damn it!!" Retreating to his room, Frank stripped off his clothes, finding his shirt soaked in cold sweat, his heart racing with anxiety.