A017's POV
The past few days had been increasingly unsettling. Martina's absence from the company was glaringly obvious. She hadn't shown up for work in three days, and there were no updates from her or her secretary. Liezel's instincts were on high alert.
After a brief conversation with Martina's secretary, Liezel learned Martina's condo address. Driven by concern, she decided to check on her. The sight that greeted her at the condo was chilling—furniture was overturned, drawers were pulled out, and a general sense of chaos pervaded the apartment. It was clear that something had gone terribly wrong.
Liezel immediately contacted the CBI, reporting Martina as a missing person. She stressed the urgency of the situation, urging them to initiate a search. Once the CBI arrived, they began their investigation, focusing on any clues that might reveal Martina's whereabouts.
Liezel pulled out her phone and dialed Eric's number, her mind racing with the urgency of the situation.
Conversation with Eric:
Eric answered on the first ring, his voice filled with concern.
Eric: "Liezel? What's happening? I'm really worried."Liezel: "Eric, I just checked Martina's condo. It's a mess—clearly, she was taken by force. I've contacted the CBI, and they're on it. We have a lead."
Eric: "A lead? What's the situation?"
Liezel: "The CCTV footage shows Rafaela and some of her men dragging Martina away. We've got a partial plate number from the car they used. The CBI is tracking it now, and we're preparing for a raid."
Eric: "A raid? Are you going with them?"
Liezel: "Yes, I need to be there to make sure we get to Martina before it's too late."
Eric: "Liezel, I'm really worried about you. I know how dangerous this is. Please be careful. I don't want you to get hurt."
Liezel: "I appreciate your concern, Eric. But we need to act fast to save Martina. I'm prepared for this, and the CBI team will be with me."
Eric: "I understand that, but it doesn't make it any less terrifying. Just promise me you'll be as safe as possible."
Liezel: "I promise I'll be cautious. We're doing everything we can to ensure a successful rescue. I'll keep you updated as soon as I can."
Eric: "Alright. I'll be waiting here, hoping for good news. Just let me know if there's anything I can do."
Liezel: "I will. Thanks for understanding. Stay alert, and keep your phone close. We might need you for coordination once we get closer."
Eric: After a brief pause, his voice softens. "Liezel, before you go, I need you to know something. I... I love you. I've been holding onto these feelings, and I needed you to hear it. Please stay safe."
Liezel felt a rush of emotion at Eric's words, her heart aching with a mix of love and worry.
Liezel: "Eric, I love you too. I promise I'll be careful. I'll call you as soon as I can."Eric: "Okay. Be careful, Liezel. I'll be here, waiting for you."
Liezel: "I will. Hang in there, Eric. We're going to get through this."
They ended the call, both feeling the weight of the situation and the depth of their feelings. Liezel focused on the mission, knowing that every second counted in the race to save Martina.