บท 24: (The Other Man)
Two months had passed since Mariana Rodriguez's abduction, and her fiancé, Alton Morant, was still consumed by worry. His faith and hope were dwindling, but his love for her fueled an unwavering belief that she would one day return to his arms. The agonizing reality of her absence, the knowledge that she was in the hands of ruthless criminals, gnawed at him relentlessly.
He sat slumped in his office chair, his shoulders heavy with despair. The arrival of the FBI Director, whom he had been anxiously awaiting, brought a flicker of hope. Alton straightened his black blazer and adjusted his white necktie, attempting to maintain a semblance of composure.
"Good morning, Mr. Morant," the Director greeted him, entering the office.
Alton forced a smile, gesturing to the chair opposite him. "Good morning, sir. Please, have a seat."
The Director sat down, his own attire mirroring Alton's formality: a white long-sleeved shirt, a red tie, a blue blazer, and blue formal pants. Despite a few strands of gray hair, he still exuded an air of authority.
"We're making progress, Mr. Morant," the Director said, his voice measured. "We've identified the suspect, Calum Bryant. He's a highly skilled operative, a ghost in the criminal underworld. He's amassed a significant fortune, and the syndicate he leads is ruthless and well-connected. We've also learned that the bounty on his head, the one billion dollars, was your idea."
Alton leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the Director. "Yes, sir. It was. I wanted to make sure that every resource, every law enforcement agency, was focused on finding Calum Bryant and bringing him to justice. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to bring Mariana home."
The Director nodded, his respect for Alton growing. "You're a man of action, Mr. Morant. I admire your determination. We'll do everything in our power to bring your fiancée back safely. We're working tirelessly to track down Calum Bryant and dismantle his operation. We're making progress, but we need to be patient."
Alton's eyes filled with a mixture of hope and fear. "I just want her back," he whispered, his voice cracking. "I need her back."
The Director nodded, his expression somber. "We're working on it," he promised. "We'll find her. She will be safe."
The Director walked out, leaving Alton alone with his gnawing worry. The Director's reassurances, though sincere, offered no solace. The thought of Mariana, her absence, her vulnerability, was a constant, heavy presence in his mind.
He sank back into his chair, closing his eyes, trying to find a moment of peace. But the pain was too deep, the despair too overwhelming. He was drowning in a sea of sorrow, a feeling no one could truly comprehend.
His thoughts were interrupted by the soft click of the door opening. Serena, his secretary, entered, a steaming cup of coffee in her hand.
"You might need this," she said gently, placing the cup on the table.
Alton opened his eyes, meeting Serena's gaze. Her presence, always a beacon of warmth and support, brought a flicker of comfort. Serena had been a constant in his life, a true friend, always looking out for him, especially in these dark times.
Serena Robinson, with her cascading blonde waves and bright blue eyes, was a vision of beauty. Her charm and grace had always drawn admiring glances, yet she remained single. The truth was, she was deeply in love, hopelessly in love with the man who was consumed by another. She was, in her own quiet way, dying for Alton Morant.
"Thank you, Serena," Alton said, his voice hoarse. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Don't say that," Serena replied, her voice soft. "You're strong, Alton. You'll get through this."
She sat down beside him, her hand reaching out to gently touch his arm. He looked at her, his heart ached with a bittersweet mixture of gratitude and longing. He saw the love in her eyes, a love that mirrored his own, but directed towards a woman who was lost, a woman who might never return.
"I just want her back, Serena," he whispered, his voice breaking. "I just want her back."
Serena squeezed his hand, offering silent comfort. She knew there were no words that could truly ease his pain, no promises that could guarantee Mariana's return. But she was there, a steadfast presence in his life, a beacon of hope in the darkness.
"I know," she said softly. "And I'll be here, every step of the way."
Alton's heart swelled with gratitude. He knew he could always rely on Serena, her unwavering support a lifeline in this storm of despair.
"I've been invited to a party tonight," she said, her voice soft. "Why don't you come with me? Maybe it'll help you take your mind off things, even for a little while."
Alton stared at her, his eyes reflecting a deep-seated reluctance. His heart screamed "no," but his lips, betraying his true feelings, formed the words, "Yeah, I'll try."
Serena smiled gently, sensing his hesitation. "Drink your coffee, Alton. It'll get cold." She paused, her gaze lingering on him. "I'll be working on some paperwork in my office. I'll see you later."
She turned to leave, but Alton's voice stopped her. "Serena," he said, his voice rough with emotion. "I appreciate this, truly. But..." He hesitated, the words catching in his throat.
"But what, Alton?" Serena asked, turning back to face him. Her blue eyes held a depth of understanding that touched him deeply.
"I just... I don't know if I can face a party right now. It all feels so... hollow without her."
Serena walked back to him, her hand reaching out to gently touch his arm. "I understand, Alton. I do. But maybe, just maybe, a little distraction, a little bit of laughter, might help. You don't have to stay long. Just come with me, for a little while."
Alton looked at her, his heart aching with a mixture of gratitude and guilt. He knew she was right, that a distraction might be what he needed. But the thought of leaving his office, of stepping into a world where laughter and joy existed, felt like a betrayal of Mariana's absence.
"Okay," he finally said, his voice barely a whisper. "I'll try."
Serena smiled, the warmth in her eyes erasing the shadow of his despair. "Thank you, for trying " she said, her voice filled with a quiet strength that he admired.
She turned and walked out of the office, leaving Alton alone with his coffee and his swirling thoughts. He took a sip, the bitterness of the coffee mirroring the bitterness of his heart. He knew he needed to try, to step out of his self-imposed isolation, but the thought of facing the world without Mariana felt impossible.
***
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