DIVIDED ALLEGIANCE

A PLEA FOR CAUTION.

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Nestled together in the quiet early hour of the night, Arianna and Richard lay entwined, a comfortable silence weaving between them. The simple act of cuddling spoke volumes of their deep connection, a language of warmth and understanding that transcended words.

"I overheard you mentioning your new case with Barrister Rinderson earlier," Richard murmured, his hand gently stroking her arm. "What's it all about?"

Arianna nodded, her voice soft. "It's political, it seems."

Richard's brows furrowed in confusion. "Political?"

"Yes. The man involved is suspected of human and drug trafficking. It's significant, but the investigation is still in its early stages," she explained.

Richard's interest sharpened. "And the political angle?"

Arianna smiled faintly. Her husband wasn't always this inquisitive about her work, but his sudden interest intrigued and pleased her. She enjoyed sharing this part of her life with him.

"Well..." she began, clearing her throat softly. "The case centers around Senator Fabian. Our initial findings suggest he's deeply involved in some very dirty dealings. And it's all pointing back towards Governor Delagado."

Richard's hand stilled on her arm. "Governor Delagado? The one you put away for ten years?"

"The very same," Arianna confirmed. "We believe he still has powerful allies on the outside. We've received intel suggesting Senator Fabian has been in contact with him."

A thoughtful silence settled between them. Arianna took it as an invitation to continue.

"Richard, I have a strong feeling they're both entangled in something much bigger, something sinister," she added.

Richard's body seemed to stiffen. "Dirty dealings? What kind?" His brow was now deeply creased.

Arianna shifted, turning to face him fully. "It's just a gut feeling, but I think they're connected to the underworld—possibly even involved in the disappearances of children we've been seeing lately. What do you think?"

Shock registered on Richard's face, a flicker of something akin to fear in his eyes. He opened his mouth, but no words came. He seemed utterly speechless.

"Richard?" Arianna asked, her concern growing at his uncharacteristic reaction.

He swallowed hard, his voice slightly strained. "I... I... why would you think that? You can't make such accusations without concrete proof."

"I know," she conceded, "but my instincts are rarely wrong about these things."

Richard pressed, his tone urgent. "Arianna, you can't just assume things like this. These are powerful men. They practically own this city."

She sighed. "It's still under investigation, but I'm confident the evidence will lead us there." She shrugged, trying to sound more assured than she felt.

Richard's sigh was heavy, his eyes clouded with a worry Arianna couldn't quite decipher.

"You... Arianna... I..." He stammered, searching for the right words.

"What's wrong, honey?" she asked, her hand resting lightly on his shoulder, sensing his distress.

He rubbed his face wearily before speaking. "How have you gathered so much information so quickly?"

Arianna offered a nonchalant shrug. "Sometimes, these things just... surface."

Richard sighed again, his gaze intense. "Love, these are dangerous people, very desperate. You shouldn't get involved in something like this."