Midnight Secrets

Chapter 23

I took a deep breath and felt the cool evening air fill my lungs as I stepped into the park. The sun was just starting to dip below the horizon, casting a warm, golden light over the world. I felt a sense of peace wash over me as I took in the beauty of my surroundings.

The grass beneath my feet was soft and lush, and the trees around me were tall and majestic. As I walked, I heard the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chatter of birds settling in for the night. The park was quiet and serene, and I was grateful for the chance to be there, in that moment.

Yet, as much as I appreciated the natural beauty around me, I also felt a yearning for something more. There was a part of me that wanted to escape, to be transported to another world entirely. The real world, with all its problems and challenges, felt too heavy to bear at times.

So I continued to walk, lost in my thoughts and the beauty of the sunset. For a few moments, I allowed myself to dream of another world, one where I could be free from the burdens of reality.

But as the sun sank lower and lower, my thoughts drifted back to the reality of my situation. I was stuck in a role that I despised, working for a father who was as corrupt as they come. I had been swept up in his schemes and lies, and I was beginning to wonder if there was any way out.

I looked around at the few people strolling n the path in the park, wondering what sort of mundane life they were leading? Could they just go back home, drop their stuff on the floor and then watch TV? Could they just go home and have someone prepared dinner on the table?

I couldn't do any of that. I began to think about what it would take to end this all, to break free from the cycle of corruption and deceit. It was a daunting thought that had been creeping in my mind for the past week. I had that manila folder stashed somewhere in my room, with all sorts of notes that were coded so only I could understand. I had ways of storing data that everyone thought was destroyed. I wanted to end them all now. It was a daunting thought, but the more I considered it, the more determined I became.

I needed to find a way to cut ties with my father, to find a way to make a living without relying on his ill-gotten gains. It wouldn't be easy, but I knew it was the right thing to do.

I allowed my legs to carry me, lost in thought, but with a newfound sense of purpose. I knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but I was ready to take the first step towards a better future.

My eyes narrowed on a pair that looked very close. I veered off to the side and began to dip my head down, wanting nothing to do with this and hoping I could pass them without noticing me. But as I got closer, I saw something that made me stop in my tracks. Claud and Nate were deep in conversation, and they seemed to be arguing. I couldn't make out the words, but the tension was palpable.

They always seemed to be lurking in the shadows. Why was my father wary of Claud? What did they have over him that made him so tense? The questions swirled in my head, and I couldn't help but wonder if there was a way to find out more.

My curiosity was piqued, and I felt a newfound sense of determination to get to the bottom of things. Claud and Nate were key players in my father's corrupt world, and if there was any chance of breaking free, I needed to understand their role in all of it. They had appeared out of nowhere as a force that somehow seemed to be above everyone.

I looked down at my outfit, feeling suddenly self-conscious. I had chosen a smart, professional look for my walk in the park, wearing a fitted jacket and a pair of trousers. But now, as I considered the prospect of approaching Claud and Nate, I wondered if I looked too buttoned-up.

I chewed on my bottom lip, weighing my options. On the one hand, I knew that approaching them could be dangerous. If they were indeed involved in my father's corruption, they wouldn't take kindly to me meddling in their affairs. On the other hand, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was getting closer to the truth, and that if I didn't act soon, I might miss my chance. I just did not know what side of the coin they were on. And I was not ashamed to admit that they both swam through my thoughts the past week as well.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come. I adjusted my jacket, straightened my posture, and began to walk towards Claud and Nate, my heart pounding in my chest.

As I approached Claud and Nate, my nerves began to get the better of me. I hadn't seen them since the dinner party my father had hosted that tine, and I didn't know how they would react to seeing me now.

I took a deep breath and tried to steady my nerves as I got closer. But as I neared them, I realized that I wasn't sure how to approach Nate. We did not leave on a good note.

My hesitation must have been visible because Claud turned towards me with a raised eyebrow. "Ellie," he said, his voice low and cautious. "What brings you here?"

I took a deep breath and tried to gather my thoughts. "I...I just wanted to see how you were both doing," I stammered, feeling suddenly foolish.

Nate gave me a cool nod, his expression guarded. "We're doing just fine," he said, his voice flat.

I could feel the tension mounting between us, and I knew that I needed to tread carefully if I was going to get any answers. But I was determined to see this through, no matter what.

"Can we talk about something?" I asked abruptly,

Claude smirked at me. "Whatever is it?"

"About my dad and his bullshit work. About what the hell you guys are doing with him?"

I could feel Nate's eyes on me, his expression unreadable. The silence stretched between us, and I wondered if I had made a mistake in coming here.

But then Claud spoke up, his voice low and measured. "Ellie," he said, "I think it's best if we don't discuss this here."

I swallowed hard, my heart sinking. I had been hoping that I could get some answers from them, but it seemed like they weren't willing to talk about it just yet. I don't know what I expected from them now. For them to suddenly open up?

Still, I couldn't help but feel a sense of determination. If there was something going on with my father and his associates, I needed to know about it. "Please," I said, my voice firm. "I need to know what's really going on."

Nate's gaze flickered towards me, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. But before he could say anything, Claud spoke up again. "It's not that simple, Ellie," he said, his voice heavy with regret. "There are things going on that you don't understand, things that we can't just tell you about."

I felt a surge of frustration, but I knew that I couldn't push them any further. If they weren't willing to talk, then there was nothing I could do. I nodded and for some reason, I felt my face go red. For the first time, in a very long time, I felt so pathetic and foolish. Did I really think storming towards what seemed to be like two powerful men in this pawn game, would really help my case?

I nodded again and turned on my heel. I did not want to even say bye.

Top of FormAs I walked away from Claud and Nate, my thoughts were racing. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more going on than they were willing to tell me. But I also knew that I couldn't force them to reveal their secrets.

I wondered if they could trust me enough to confide in me. After all, I had been working for my father for years, and if he was involved in something shady, they might see me as a potential threat.

But I also knew that I had never been one to turn a blind eye to corruption. If there was something going on, I needed to know about it, even if it meant going against my own family.

As I continued my walk through the park, I couldn't help but wonder what I would do if I found out that my father was involved in something illegal. Would I turn him in to the authorities, or would I keep his secrets?

The thought made me feel sick to my stomach, but I knew that I needed to be prepared for anything. And if I was going to get to the bottom of this, I needed to find a way to earn Claud and Nate's trust .