NERVES OF STEEL

CHAPTER 44- HIS SHIT ACT

               Diane waited a long while after the collection of the file but Russo was yet to return since he left the building that afternoon. It was getting late as she watched the other comrades leave one after the other till it was only a few left but Russo hadn't gotten back yet and it was already 8pm.

                    She doubted if he would be back till the next day. She would have just handed the files back to Felix if he hadn't also left a couple of hours ago. "Intelligence summaries. They're very important. I need them today. Just ask Felix." Diane stared down at the papers in her hand. If they were as important as he said they were, then maybe it would be wise if she dropped them off at his house.

                 She called for a taxi and drove off to the private residence where the Fedorcenko Mansion was built. As she stepped out of the crisp night air and onto the winding driveway, the grandeur of the mansion unfolded before her like a majestic canvas. Approaching the gate, she was interrupted by two Soldiers.

"What business do you have here, miss?"
Diane took out her ID and showed it to them.
"Major Alvarin. I've come to drop these off."

               After carefully accessing the card, the men let her in. As she walked towards the entrance, the massive wooden doors adorned with polished brass fixtures, swung open with a soft creak, revealing a warm, golden light that spilled out into onto the driveway. Just then she was met with the butler.

"Good evening, ma'am."
"Evening."
"Take her to the General's office." The Soldier behind her said.
"Right this way, ma'am."

           Diane's eyes adjusted to the opulent interior, where crystal chandeliers refracted rainbow hues across the marble floors as they walked passed. She had heard tales about the majesty of the Fedorcenko Mansion but seeing it in person, beats her imagination by a thousand times.

                 The foyer's high ceiling, adorned with a frescoed mural, seemed to stretch up to the heavens, while the walls, lined with rich, dark wood paneling. The large portrait photographs that adorned the walls whispered tales of generations past. One high ranking official to the other. On and on till it got to Russo's turn. The framed portrait of the day he was sworn in as General. Framed in gold. The day after the funeral. The same day, her life was framed in tears. And her father's innocent blood.

               She followed the butler up the majestic staircase that led upstairs, it's balustrades crafted from gleaming mahogany that curved upward like a ribbon, inviting her to explore the secrets hidden within the mansion's labyrinthine corridors. After passing the series of ornate doors, the butler finally stopped at the one she immediately presumed to be the General's study.

"Wait for him in here, ma'am."
"Wait for him?" She asked, surprised. "He's not in?"
"Not at the moment. The General should be done in a short while." He said, bowed and left her alone.
Done? Done with what exactly?
Nevertheless, she opened the door and walked into the luxury of the refined space.

"Freaking wow!"

                  His office was just like him and how was Russo's personality? He effortlessly exuded masculinity and power just like his office was designed to be. Rich, dark wood paneling lined the walls, adorned with framed military accolades, several awards decorating the shelfs and a world map and well as several other.

              Diane couldn't stop staring at the paintings, ancient tapestries and modern art pieces, all carefully curated to reflect the General's refined taste. A stately mahogany desk polished to a high sheen, dominated the room with several documents here and there, behind which stood a high backed leather chair. The space was simply a sanctuary, one where strategy and supremacy reigned.