Invisible String | Mako

Chapter 12

-Mako-

The president's residence was huge. It was a stone building that sat in the middle of a sprawling green yard. Flowers were sprinkled around the front as guards were posted at every entrance of the property.

I stood with my hands in my pockets as Elena talked to one of the guards, her face showing a sad expression as the guard shook his head. Her shoulders slumped in obvious defeat.

I could feel the warmth in my body grow in anger as she turned and walked toward me, a frown gracing her beautiful face.

"They won't let me see the president," She said, stopping a few steps in front of me.

"Why?" I quipped, my patience quickly running thin. "This is nonsense. First the Chief and now the president won't see you?"

Elena shrugs, opening her mouth to say something only to close it a moment later. It was clear she was at a loss for words.

I huff, hands on my hips as I look at the guards.

"Let me try talking to them" I announce, taking a step forward.

"Mako" Elena warned, "Please be careful"

I know she doesnt mean for me to actually be careful. She wants me to watch my temper. We both knew I could have a short fuse... literally.

"Hey" I say, my voice firm. "Officer Mako, I'm with the Republic City Police"

"Sorry kid" the guard says, one hand lazily sitting in his pocket. "I got strict orders to not let anyone in"

"This is regarding the Shen case" I say, "That's Elena Shen"

The man follows my outstretched finger, his eyes landing on Elena who stood nervously nearby. He shrugs, in disinterest.

"Orders are orders, kid"

That's it.

I feel the temperature in my palms spike as the blood begins to pump in my veins.

"You have no idea who you are talking to," I growl. "That is Elena Shen and she needs to talk to the president now. With or without your permission."

A small hand wraps around my upper arm, causing me to turn away from the now terrified guard.

"Mako" Elena says softly, eyes wide. "Let's go. We can try something else"

I sigh, balling my fingers into a tight fist.

"Fine" I grumble, turning away sharply to walk back to my police kart.

I get in and slam the door, hands gripping the steering wheel tightly.

"There has to be a way inside" Elena says, shutting the door.

"This is all bullshit" I say, "Something is going on. Aiko did something"

"We don't know that" Elena points, turning to look at me. "This is probably a huge misunderstanding"

I huff, turning the ignition and pulling out onto the road.

Silence wraps around us as we drive. I know I lost my temper back there, but what was I supposed to do?

Aiko is clearly the one behind this. Why would Raiko sign over all the commanding rights to Aiko? Why won't the president see Elena?

I pull up in front of my building and park, turning the kart off and turn to Elena.

"I'm sorry if I freaked you out" I say, reaching up to mindlessly rub the back of my neck. "I didn't mean to"

Elena smiles gently, her perfectly lined teeth a bright white.