The agitated exhalations being heard through the streets on a sunny morning was what could be seen by the people walking in those places. Two young men of similar age, about 14 or 15 years old, were running without stopping and being chased by a group of officers.
- What did you do now? - asked one of the boys who had a patch over one of his eyes.
- I didn't do anything wrong...I was just trying to help! - exclaimed the other young man next to him.
- Then why do you have that wallet in your hands?!
- It's a misunderstanding!
The officers' voices ordered them to stop, but the agility and speed of those young men allowed them to escape without being caught.
About twenty minutes had passed and, under a bridge, the pair were hiding.
- Are you sure they came this way! - asked the senior officer.
- Yes, sir! Even the people around told us that!
Suddenly, another officer approached saying that they had seen the pair near a boardwalk. That group of officers went to that place.
- What's the matter with you, Valentin ... don't you know I have a reputation to uphold? - commented the young man with the eye patch somewhat exhausted.
- Sorry ... I told you it was a misunderstanding.
- So, explain yourself... What happened?
The morning had been uneventful, that young man with straight hair combed in the form of a book or as others would call it, aesthetic, walked with light clothes: a white polo shirt, a light jacket and a shorts. That young man named Valentin seemed to be wandering around the place aimlessly.
- Hahh... I still have to wait half an hour... What do I do now? I already went all around, but I can't go any further ... I'll have to wait for Li ... ... I can't be complaining though, the fact that he brought me along as a tourist is enough.
While the young man was leaning against a tree on that street, he was watching the people walking by, especially a group of elderly ladies who looked a bit presumptuous as they had designer clothes and branded purses.
- Yes ... those are people I wouldn't even want to see them with.
However, the young man did not look away, but noticed two young men wearing hooded jackets walking near that group of ladies.
- It may not be what I think it is ... but it's broad daylight.
One of the young men grabbed one of the women's purses when they were distracted.
The scream did not take long to appear.
- A THIEF!
Only the young man who took the purse ran away, while the other one feigned ignorance.
- Oh ... it seems that this is planned, will they go for the other wallets?
Some men near the place went after that thief, leaving the place a bit deserted; on the other hand, those who stayed behind called the police; however, the other hooded man was still near those ladies as if he was inspecting the area.
- Well, it's not my problem... those women asked for it. - said Valentin.
At that moment, that hooded man grabbed the other bags of two other women simultaneously and started to run away.
- But I reaffirm my passion for justice by preventing this robbery anyway! - exclaimed the young man when he saw the other thief.
The women noticed that their bags had been taken and, as they turned around, they saw two men running. Yes, one of them was Valentin; however, the shout these women gave was an accusation to those two as accomplices.
- Yes, I saw the other guy leaning against a tree watching everyone. - It was the commentary given by those people that increased the misunderstanding.
After about five minutes, Valentin was able to catch the thief lying on the ground near a passageway where there were not many people.
- Who the fuck are you? - exclaimed the thief trying to get away.
- Someone like you... he doesn't need to know.
Suddenly, there was the sound of police alarms and some voices.
- It's about time they showed up... you've already gone. - commented Valentin confidently.
- There they are, catch the two thieves! - was what the young man heard them say.
- What?
Both young men saw each other's faces and the thief smiled, for he knew that they considered the boy in front of him as their accomplice.
- Damn it! - exclaimed Valentin and ran away without realizing that he had taken one of the wallets.
Unconsciously, the young man was going back the way he knew which led him to a large building where a young man with an eye patch was coming out and behind him a couple of men in black suits.
- Good job," said one of the men. - said one of the men.
- Yes, likewise... on the other hand, where is Valentin? - asked the boy.
- Well, he said he didn't want bodyguards and would be around.
- I see...
In a moment, that young man heard a familiar voice.
- Liiiiiiii, runnnnn!
The patched young man looked to his left and noticed the presence of his acquaintance; however, behind him was a group of policemen; suddenly, he heard the sound of sirens of patrol cars.
- ¿? Hay no, now what did you do? - muttered the boy.
Taking him with him, Valentin and Li ran together, passersby quickly thought they were both thieves.
- Well, the rest is history. - Valentin commented after he had explained what had happened.
- I see, so that's what happened. - Another voice was heard.
The two young men looked up at the bridge where a man dressed as an officer was smiling.
- It's you, Ralph... come on man... Don't scare me like that. - commented Valentin.
- Well, someone had to throw them off, didn't they? ... Well, the car is waiting for us, so let's get going. - commented that man named Ralph.
That day was coming to an end for the two young men, but in one of the rooms of the hotel where they were staying, there was the young man who was mistaken for a thief and, in his hands, there was the wallet he had taken by accident.
The young man, unlike before, was somewhat serious.
- I won't keep this... I'll go return it and clear up the misunderstanding personally. - commented the young man.
- Don't do it ... didn't you yourself say that those women were being conceited ... that's the consequence of their actions. - commented the patched young man who had suddenly entered the room.
Valentin smiled.
- Even so, I won't take the blame for having their belongings ... besides I don't want them to involve you in any way ... I wouldn't be able to sleep peacefully knowing this.
- ...don't worry about it.
- Don't say that ... I know there are cameras that could have recorded us ... look, I have several cards that indicate the same place, some kind of factory, I guess they work there or something like that. I'll go there tonight and give them to them.
- If you want to return it so badly, why don't you wait until tomorrow morning and go to a police station to return that wallet?
- Nope ... knowing them they will surely put me in a cell and I'm not going to ask for your help to get me out of there ... I'll do this on my own.
The boy sighed.
- Listen, Valentine; it's not necessary - ...
- Enough, Liam! You know I'm not going to change my mind. - exclaimed the young man.
The young man quickly got ready at that moment and left, but not before saying goodbye.
- Listen, Liam ... having already brought me to visit this country is too much for me; I don't plan to bring you any more trouble. - Valentin commented kindly.
Liam smiled.
- Okay, but hold this. - Liam said as he tossed him some kind of small black device.
- What is this?
- It's a little help, since I won't be accompanying you. Just keep it with you.
- ... It's okay. - was the last thing the young man said before walking away.
Having said goodbye to the others, the last one he spoke to that day was Ralph.
- Tell Liam not to worry, I'll be back and forth. The place is not far either. - Valentin commented before leaving that hotel.
- So that's what he said ... well, it's not like I don't know him ... after all we are friends since we were born. - commented Liam who was looking out the window of his room and behind him was that man named Ralph.
- He's right, he's always been a bit reckless, but kind-hearted... let's just wait patiently... besides we have the GPS, don't we?
- Ha ha ha... don't tell him.
That night, Valentin didn't return, but Liam wasn't too worried, as it wasn't the first time something like this had happened; however, the next day, there was no report from the young man. His cell phone was turned off.
The afternoon of that day arrived and there was still no sign of the young man, so Liam set out to see where the GPS location of Valentin was.
Gathered in a small room, Liam, Ralph and two more trusted servants watched on the television in front of them a red dot located on the virtual map. That dot had not moved for hours.
- Do you think ... he noticed it? - commented the young maid.
- I don't think so... that device doesn't show anywhere to be a GPS. - said the other servant who was an older man.
- I think he might have dropped it... Valentin has always been careless. In any case, what do we do, young master? - Ralph asked.
Liam was a bit annoyed about the matter and decided to go to where the GPS indicated along with his three servants.
Entering the car, Liam gave explicit orders.
- Valeria, Johan, Ralph... you gave orders to the rest if Valentin comes back, right?
- Yes, sir ... no one will let him escape.
- Well ... then, let's go.
That small group went first, then, behind them, went another group as backup.
It was about half an hour before they arrived; certainly, it was not very far from where they were, but what surprised them was that it was a factory, just as Valentin had said, but it was abandoned.
The place where they were was an industrial zone.
Little by little it began to get dark, but that group did not hesitate to enter that place until they reached where the GPS indicated.
They walked through several places, trying to enter.
- What we are doing ... is it legal? - commented Valeria.
- Of course not. - they all answered.
"Hahh ... what this guy makes me do." thought Liam regarding Valentin as he walked.
They continued walking around the place seeing how to get in, since they didn't know the routes of that factory.
Having arrived after an hour a few meters from where the location indicated, there was a large iron gate in front of them that was closed.
This was the only obstacle to get there; however, they were able to notice a window with the moon broken that would allow them to enter.
- Hey, don't look up. - commented Valeria as she was carried through the window by one of the men.
Later it was Liam who entered and once inside the place they only noticed dusty machinery and large cloths on the floor.
- Did Valentin really come all the way here? Why? - commented Valeria.
As they walked carefully, the place was dark and they could not see well what was in their way; therefore, the servants turned on their cell phones' flashlights and, before they could check where the GPS was, they saw in the distance something like a clearing in the middle of the place.
They immediately observed that this place was where the GPS indicated; therefore, they went to check it out.
The surprise was shocking, that clearing was actually the body of a woman.
- Why is there a body here?! - exclaimed Valeria.
- I don't know ... she may have ventured to this place. - commented Johan.
They each made their own hypotheses, but one statement left them disturbed.
- This woman ... is dead. - said Ralph.
Everyone was shocked to hear him.
- W-Why do you say that? ... She may just be passed out. - said Valeria.
- Take her pulse, but don't turn her over.
When they did this, they certainly realized that she was dead, and not only because of her vital signs, but also because her body was totally cold.
- W-What happened here? ... And, moreover, where is Valentin? - Johan commented with great concern.
"I'm not liking this ... I hope it's not what ..." thought Ralph before a noise and a groan disturbed his thoughts.
- J-Young master... please come back. - commented one of the backup men standing next to Liam, while another was lying on the floor watching all of these at the entrance which was sealed.
- What are they talking about? - Ralph asked.
It was at that moment that he saw the place where Liam had shone the flashlight on his phone; it was the big iron door, but the disturbing thing was what hung on it.
The body of a dismembered and naked young man tied to iron ropes hanging from the ceiling and the iron door as he bled out was the sight they could all see. Upon closer inspection, they all realized that yes, it was Valentin. Behind him were strange blood marks covering the door.
- W-Why? ... T-This is ... - commented those present.
Ralph, Johan and Valeria were totally disturbed, but then their thoughts turned to wanting to know how Liam had reacted.
- Lower the body. - was the order Liam gave, the tone of his voice was monotone and indifferent. He did not turn or show any feeling.
The men did as he had ordered, but the three trusted servants were worried.
Valeria wanted to go and hug Liam, but before she could do anything, the young man, with a cold but tearful look, spoke.
- We will also take that woman's body ... treat her with care.
Another group went as ordered.
- L-Liam ... a-are you ...? - Johan commented in dismay, but was interrupted by the boy.
- Look, Johan ... you can see there is writing on the door ... the ink was his blood. - commented the boy indifferently.
Everyone paid attention to what Liam was referring to, then the last thing that left their hearts in despair was the written message.
Next time, don't play the hero.
Upon taking the bodies, the men reported that there were strange markings on the faces of both corpses. It was a symbol that joined the letter L and F. No one knew what this referred to.
As Liam approached to see where the woman had been, there was a small piece of paper on the ground. Reading it, there was writing.
We found them operating in an abandoned factory in Madrid. The address is this ...
It appears to be ... ... ... known as Le Front.
Be careful.
The Observer.
This message was read by the others and then understanding the initials of that name, they could understand that those marks on the face of the two bodies.
At that moment, as if it was a voice that came suddenly to his thoughts, Liam remembered those words: Tell Liam not to worry, I come and go. The place is not far away either.
The boy's tears welled up even more and, falling to the ground, he began to cry while laughing.
Everyone present was worried about the child and the only maid went to hug him without anyone stopping her.
- Don't worry ... everything will be all right. - Valeria was trying to comfort him.
- Ha ha... I come and go, huh? - was the only thing that could be heard the boy said repeatedly.
Everyone hurried to leave the place without any delay.
- Hey, Liam ... are you listening to us? - heard the boy who seemed to wake up from hypnosis.
The young man who was on a bus heading to Madrid turned his eyes to see who was calling him.
- Hey, it's your turn... tell us something about your life. - Glen commented.
The boy realized that the eyes of the rest were on him.
Liam smiled.
- If you guys tell me what you're hiding first, then I'll talk.
- Oh, come on... don't be like that...
The youngsters were somewhat frustrated by that answer. That being the case, it was less than two hours until they reached their destination.
he One Who Disappeared
More than half a year had passed since the funeral of the head of the Marquis of Gutierrez. The occasional mass that took place in the lands of Zaragoza mentioned with great sorrow the departure of that man who had earned the respect and affection of the citizens. While some were talking about the passing of the man known as José Marcelo Lizárraga de Gutiérrez, there was a young woman who was expressionless as she left the place.
That young woman with wavy blonde hair and blue eyes went with two male bodyguards and two maids to a car large enough to hold more than six people.
The whole group got into the car and immediately drove off leaving the church grounds.
- Miss, on the subject of the inheritance, there have been no problems in accepting you as the successor on behalf of the king as the only descendant; however, reviewing the clauses left by the previous head, you must have reached the age of majority, and possess the studies, knowledge and practices corresponding to the position. - explained one of the bodyguards who looked a little older.
- I understand, but I don't see what the problem is... don't I already meet the requirements? - replied the woman who was wearing dark clothes as if in mourning.
- Yes, what I wanted to mention next was about the clause of your marriage ... in order for you to inherit both the title and the total fortune of the marquisate, you must at least be engaged. - added the guardian.
- ... Explain to me all that is mentioned in that point. - ordered the woman.
- The requirements of your future partner are threefold: first, he must be a male of a similar age to you, it can vary at most from three to four years, no more. Second, he must have adequate and relevant knowledge to be your support in the government of the marquisate. Third, he must not present vices, nor customs that pervert the marital union, nor jeopardize the optimal government of the citizens.
- I understand ... Who will approve that this is fulfilled?
- It is mentioned that the couple will be presented before the royal family and this will make the decision, but, in case they do not have the opportunity, it will be necessary to present two fundamental witnesses, one being the current Duke of Zaragoza and the other the Count of Barrantes, brother of his late father. Both will judge and approve the union before the council.
The young orphan remained for some time thinking about those clauses for the inheritance left by her father.
- Are there any exceptions if someone suitable could not be found? - asked the woman somewhat interested.
The bodyguard, who appeared to be a butler, began to review the document in his hands until he found something.
- W-Well ... in section 5 clause "b", it mentions that, if no ideal candidate is found for the position, the title of marquise may be granted temporarily, but she will not have access to 70% of the fortune left behind.
This worried the young woman greatly.
- S-However, in the event that a man is presented who may have fulfilled two of the three requirements above, and having been approved by at least one of the two witnesses, the heiress may have access to up to 60% of the inheritance left. It is worth mentioning that the male must receive the title of sworn brother of the Gutierrez house and be trained as soon as possible until he reaches the appropriate standards, after which the marriage will take place.
- I see. - replied with indifference that young woman who appeared to be a little over 20 years old.
- T-The last thing written was the following: with all this, the decision to marry or not will depend solely on my daughter, no one will be able to force her to marry without her consent.
A slight smile came to the young woman's face.
- Well, let's leave this topic for tomorrow; I would like to relax for the rest of the day, besides I am waiting to see how the rest of them are doing. By the way, how are Marcelo's studies going? - asked the young woman who was stretching delicately inside the car.
- He is doing quite well... I would say...
The two maids began to converse with the young woman during the rest of the trip until they arrived at a large mansion.
The next day, being in a large room of that mansion, the woman who was sitting on an elegant sofa was reading printed documents even though she had a Tablet and her cell phone at her side; those documents were reports of candidates, men from different families of high political and economic status, among others who were presenting themselves with the objective of being the future head of the marquisate.
The number of pages was not insignificant, even the young lady was stunned by the amount of records she had to read.
- Lady Emily, I bring you some tea and some snacks to give you energy for your work. - commented one of the maids who had traveled in the car with her yesterday, entering the room.
- Oh, thank you... leave it on the table, please.
- ... Are those the ones who have presented themselves as candidates?
- Yes ... and there are a lot of them; I haven't even sent the official announcement, but it seems that this news flies pretty fast. - commented the young woman a little tired.
- And what do you think, is there anyone you are interested in? - asked the young maid a little excited.
- If you only knew, Rita ... on investigating more about them, I only find judicial, political and violent antecedents. Nothing that is not known ... this is quite discouraging ...
- Well, apparently, people of high status tend to be more overbearing, don't they? - another maid who had entered the room was heard to say.
- Certainly, Noria ... I don't know if I'll find someone suitable among these, but, without the fortune left by my father, I won't be able to continue maintaining the family business ... So I must find someone soon.
- Miss, remember that the main thing is your happiness; all of us want you to marry someone you love. Even Duchess Sophia will support you in every way she can if you really want to marry.
The saddened look on the young woman's face suggested that the two maidservants speak no more, and so they both took their leave, leaving Emily alone in the parlor.
Late in the afternoon, the young woman took a break from her work, while looking through the screens she could see the arrival of a car that had entered the mansion.
Emily's stressed look was a little content, as she seemed to be somewhat happy about whoever was coming in that vehicle.
A few minutes passed and, suddenly, a boy of about 10 years of age appeared in the living room and greeted and hugged the young woman.
The boy's appearance seemed quite clean, although his clothes were somewhat disheveled.
- How are you, Miss Emily? - the boy greeted.
- Come on, I told you not to call me that...just call me Emily.
The child looked a little embarrassed, but soon changed it to a smile.
- So, how was school? - asked the young woman as if she were an older sister or a mother.
- ... Well ... I was able to learn a lot ...
- I see ... were you able to make some friends?
The boy was silent for a while as if trying not to answer.
- What's the matter, don't you get along with your classmates?
The boy still didn't want to answer, but, seeing the young girl's face showing some concern, he spoke.
- Yes ... but I think ... maybe I'm not good at making friends. - the boy answered somewhat sadly.
- ... Why do you say that?
- Well ... I think it's because I'm a bastard beggar and a freeloader. - replied the boy ignorant of that meaning with a forced smile.
Emily was stunned by that answer and was indignant to have heard that.
- Who told you that?! Was it the teachers or perhaps the children?!
- No... it was...
The saddened boy ran out of that place.
- Marcelo, wait! - exclaimed Emily in sorrow.
After the boy ran out of the room, one of the butlers came in immediately, he seemed to have been listening to everything from the beginning.
- Did you hear what he said?
- Yes, my lady.
- By tomorrow I don't want this problem to happen anymore, understand?
- Clearly. - answered the butler who left her presence.
The day passed and the young lady did not wait; in the morning the young heiress said goodbye to her two maids who had obtained scholarships to study in Germany; together with the support of her mistress, both said goodbye at the airport.
It being close to noon, the young woman prepared for her appointments with the only two candidates she had carefully selected the night before.
Emily was certainly not enthusiastic about the idea, but she could not waste any time. So around one o'clock in the afternoon the first candidate showed up for lunch.
That man was equally blond, but of an overbearing and somewhat narcissistic character; probably, although his studies and academic level had fed his ego, in the work field he had no experience whatsoever. Along with him came two bodyguards and a maid who wore somewhat suggestive clothes.
- A-a pleasure to meet you, young Vistold. Surely there is no need for me to introduce myself, is there.
- Of course not; like not hearing from you. On the other hand, the Vistold family thanks you for accepting our proposal. Now I would like to know when you plan to perform the ceremony. - the man commented somewhat haughtily as they ate lunch.
- I beg your pardon? Before we talk about that, I would like to know a little more about you.
Unfortunately, that suggestion gave the man free reign to go on and on about his supposed exploits and accomplishments, making him tiring to listen to.
After about an hour had passed, the young woman interrupted.
- I-I see that you have been very successful in your life ... but I would like to know, how could you employ your skills in marquisate matters? - this question was certainly a filter.
- As I told him ...
Seeming not to have understood the trick question that meant to know if that man knew the situation of the government of the Marquisate Gutierrez, he failed the interview and went back to talking about his life.
In the end, the young woman said goodbye to the guest somewhat annoyed and, seeing the faces of the men who came with him, she also realized that they thought the same as she did.
- Is she serious? First, he shows up all cool, bringing with him this woman dressed as if she were a prostitute, then he goes ahead to agree on a date for the wedding without knowing us beforehand, and finally he keeps talking about his life... didn't his parents teach him the basics?
In the afternoon, that woman was waiting for her second visitor; this time it was a young man younger than her who came with his bodyguards, but with a certain unexpected guest.
Next to that boy was his mother.
"This ... does not bode well for me." thought Emily as she conversed with that pair.
Actually, the conversation was between the young girl and the mother.
- I see, it's good to see that the Bartholomew household has a rather competent son.
- Of course, as I was saying, my son can be of service to your house in everything you need, we have all his academic certificates and the certificates of the competitions he has won. I hope you can have a good impression of him ... so leaving that aside, could you tell me how the situation with EmiRos SAC is going ... from what I have heard it has been losing market this last couple of month.
- Oh, don't worry about that, we have already talked to the board of directors and the marketing department to launch our next product. We are confident that sales will increase by 35% for the next quarter.
- Oh, I see, is that so? - commented the older woman with a feigned smile as did Emily.
Evening came and the guests having retired, the young woman fell into bed in her room exhausted.
- What's the matter with that woman, can't she hide her interest and ambition? All the time she was talking about how good her son was and then she wanted to interfere in private matters... What an annoying woman!
- Come on lady, don't say that. Besides, didn't you think young Gian Pier looked good?
- Yes, but what does it matter, if at that age he is accompanied by his mother ... in the whole meeting he said nothing but a greeting and a farewell. Does his mother does not think that I will not realize that by marrying her son she will have the whole marquisate with his companies in the palm of her hand?
- Well, she has her goals in marrying her young son; but, that aside, we have received about forty more applications from potential candidates. I'll drop them off at her office tomorrow for her to review.
The young woman on hearing that became more exhausted making it clear that her day was over.
- Ah, right, before I go to sleep I would like to know if you have settled the matter of Marcelo's school.
- Yes, my lady, it has been settled.
- Well, that's all then. Until tomorrow, have a good rest.
The butler said goodbye and left with the other maid who had come with him.
- Tomorrow ... will be another day full of work ...
This was the last thing Emily said before she fell asleep.
The next morning was not long in coming, the young woman awoke early and having eaten breakfast, retired to her garden for a walk before beginning her labors.
Suddenly, the sound of her phone began to ring.
- Hello, Sofia, how are you feeling? - greeted Emily as she answered the call.
- Well, I thought I'd come to visit you, but I'm currently swamped with work. - A young woman's voice was heard on the other end of the call.
- Don't worry, I'm the same way. On the other hand, how are things going with the Duchy of Híjar?
- Well, I will soon be engaged to his eldest son, Ian.
- Really? Isn't he younger than you?
- Yes, but that doesn't matter nowadays; besides, his family was one of those who helped me the most when my parents passed away.
- Yes, I understand. I think we're in the same situation now.
- Speaking of which, I heard that you are looking for a husband, is that true?
- Yes, rumors are flying, I just made this matter public today.
- Well, you should keep in mind to find a man who respects you; that's the main thing ... on the other hand ... ... ... or it seems that someone has come ... excuse me, but I'll have to leave you here.
- Oh, that's all right; don't worry, I'll talk to you later.
The call ended.
The morning breeze made Emily's hair stand up in the winds and, although for a moment, the young woman felt like just an ordinary girl, her rest was disturbed.
Out of nowhere, Emily felt her body unresponsive and she collapsed on the gras. Chills began to run through her body and she felt as if she was going to faint.
Her consciousness became more and more blurred.
It was at that moment that she could hear a familiar voice speaking contemptuously over her.
- Hurry! ... Tell them she's ready; yes, she ate it all without realizing it, the stupid fool. Hurry! The bodyguards will appear at any moment. - It was a childish voice speaking.
Emily, trying to raise her eyes, was stunned, trying not to believe her eyes.
The figure of a child whom she cared for as if he were her own little brother was the one she saw betraying her without knowing the reason.
She could not scream, she only murmured a few things to the collapsed woman.
- W-Why are you doing... this... Marcelo?
- Huh? Are you an idiot, for money of course ... I'm tired of this farce of being a good boy ... come on, don't look at me like that, you know well that's the way the world works ... goodbye, I hope I never see you again. - spoke the boy who showed a totally different personality from what he was before.
Emily closed her eyes.
After a few minutes, none of her servants and guardians could find her.
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