Tearing Paper

Marion

It did not take twenty minutes for Lucio to reach his destination.

He stared at the building in front of him, silently admiring its elegance and grandness. Marion had always been Franc's biggest rivals, but he had to admit that this place was much more organized and inviting than his dad's place. In his dad's place, it was as if all the workers did their jobs under pressure and fear. Everything resonated a much more vibrant, lively vibe here. He stepped down his car and tried his best to blend in.

"What can I help you with?" As he expected, the receptionist was much friendlier than Michelle.

"Umm, I've made my appointment by phone a few minutes ago. My name is Lucio Franc," Lucio explained fluently. Pretending was such a well-nourished talent of his.

The receptionist went through her notes and nodded. "You are very welcome here, Mister Franc. Please take the elevator to the fifth floor. There, my colleague Finda will bring you to Sir Xavier."

"Sir Xavier," Lucio nodded to himself. "He's the-the director of Nova, isn't he?"

"Yes Sir, you requested to speak to him in your call," the receptionist looked confused.

"Aah-just making sure my PA did it right," Lucio shrugged as he swiftly walked towards the elevator.

-

The woman named Finda led Lucio into what seemed to be the largest room in the fifth floor. A serious-looking man who looked older, but much fresher, than his father greeted him and soon they were left alone.

"What can I help you with, Mr Franc? It's not everyday you see one of the Franc's successors stepping in your office!" The man cracked at his own words. Lucio decided to get to his point immediately, relieved because it seemed that nobody here knew what kind of Franc he was.

"I-I sort of need your help. This article right here, in your latest issue? About Namiri Island. I need to speak to the journalist," Lucio showed the page on the tabloid that he marked. The man in front of him frowned. "What is it? Nathan is a very reliable man. Young, but so filled with-passion-and determination... This was his first success."

"I know. I mean, actually I don't," Lucio cleared his throat. "I'll be honest with you, Mr Xavier. Your journalist Nathan took what he mentioned as a trustworthy guide during his trip to the island. I-I've been on a search for a certain girl for weeks, to no avail. I really think that this guide Nathan talks about-I really think it's her."

The air was silent for a minute or two that Lucio could hear his own rapid breathing. For some reason, Xavier's face was blank. He just stared at the younger man in front of him without saying a word, and when he finally collected himself, he closed the tabloid Lucio showed him and leaned back on his seat.

Laughing like there was no foolisher thing he'd seen in his entire life.