Detecting Love (ENEMIES TO LOVERS-DETECTIVES)

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝟏𝟒: 𝓜𝓮𝓮𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓭𝓪𝓭 (𝓐𝓭𝓻𝓲𝓪𝓷)

Nov 11-12 days left

Eleanor and I found ourselves entangled with James, navigating the intricacies of our department's strategies. Discussions on contingencies and scenario planning filled our days. Our focus was sharp, mapping out exits, securing passages, and fortifying areas crucial for Charles's safety. The Cobras' perception of an easy heist was far from reality; we had meticulously plotted every conceivable move, there's nowhere for them to go.

As the days edged closer to the date, the Cobras seemed to be gearing up, honing their tactics. The risk of engaging them heightened, and with every step they took along the way, we have to be ahead. Memories of encountering James flooded my thoughts, recalling his drastic transformation since our last encounter. I vividly remember packing in the dead of night, only to find him silently observing me. His unspoken understanding of my intentions lingered in the air as I gathered my most cherished belongings. His quiet plea— "Don't forget me." A reminder of a person I thought I knew.
James transformed from a trembling figure of love to a man consumed by a tempest of anger and despair. His once-familiar soul now veiled in fear, he navigated the world with a hardened resolve, driven by instincts and clouded by a haunting reasoning that echoed persistently in my mind.

His belief that erasing our father's existence would absolve years of torment was etched upon his face as he spoke those chilling words. In that moment, I glimpsed a reflection of myself in his anguish. I, too, had been trapped in certainty, believing every emotion and action justified by my past. The case unearthed truths I never fathomed, altering my feelings that I hung onto towards my father. But this case, with my father's fate in my hands, changed those convictions. As I grappled with this newfound reality, of James' intentions, plotting our father's demise.

I attempted to sway James, to show him a different path, I understood his reluctance. The idea that one's entire existence could shift seemed implausible in the heat of the moment. However, his stance remained resolute.

The looming confrontation with James, torn between conviction and doubt, was imminent. The truth about my father—all converged into uncertain crossroads. 

In the midst of swirling confusion, I remembered the conversation i had with Eleanor in the car. Where I told her about me wanting to talk to my dad. I sought her perspective, and her surprise mirrored my own. Lately, I've felt lost, the path forward unclear, with no one left to confide in—Mom is no longer an option. Yet, opening up to Eleanor proved unexpectedly comforting, even if it doesn't alter our current situation. Her empathy and encouragement were exactly what I needed.

Rummaging through a tumult of documents, I sought the elusive piece from my desk drawer.

Without hesitation, I grab my phone, with a deep breathe my fingers speeding over the key pad of digits. The dial tone reverberates as my heart pounds in anticipation. 

A velvety, feminine voice answers, "Hello, this is King Diamonds headquarters. How may I help you today?" 

"Hi, this is Adrian King. I'd like to arrange a meeting with your CEO, Charles King."

Once the phone call is over I go and alert Eleanor of my meeting with my father. She remains in her office talking to the department and going her portion of work. 

*****

I stood before the majestic grand entrance, a relic from another era. Amidst the sleek, modern structures nearby, this ancient baroque edifice held court with its opulence. Its pristine white façade rose tall, embellished with towering pillars and a grand oval entry, a canvas for intricate sculptures and carvings. Elaborate columns, balconies with wrought iron railings, and ornate pediments adorned every corner, while above the arched doors, a symphony of sweeping curves and gilded accents. The sheer beauty took my breath away.