Wistcoástia (On Hiatus)

Chapter 22: Surrounded

Ralph: I have my orders to meet with our private investigators (well they’re actually spies) from Lance. Anyway, I am already on my way to meet them. I received word earlier that they managed to get hold of a spy of Keithton making his way out of the country.

“My lord?” my driver asks.

“What is it?” I ask him. “Is there something wrong?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. I just want to inform you that we will arrive there in ten minutes…” he says but I can tell that something is bothering him.

“I know very well that that is not the only thing that you wanted to say to me, Daryll.” I say. “Spill it out.”

“…I’m just worried about your health because you seem pale, sir.” Daryll says.

I sigh. One thing about Daryll is he’s a worrywart. I know that it’s a part of his job to take care of me as well as being my personal secretary, but sometime he’s…well…

I sigh again and cross my arms. I know that Bridgette told him several times to call her right away if anything happens to me. It’s understandable since I was very sickly before that I always give in to them but there are times that I feel annoyed about it.

“Sir?”

“I’m just tired, Daryll. There’s nothing to worry about…”

“If you say so, my lord.” He says and goes back in concentrating behind the wheel. “But if you feel that—“

“Daryll.” I say coolly as I cut him off. “I said I’m fine.”

He immediately goes silent as my tone changes.

We continue driving along the highway. I check my watch: it’s almost midnight. I wonder what time will I be able to get back. But I can’t rush this one out since this is very important.

I need to find answers about Keithton Corporation and its president.

We come to a stop in front of an abandoned warehouse. Daryll comes out first and opens my door.

As I step out, cold midnight air whips to my whole body. It’s a good thing that I’m wearing a thick coat tonight.

We hear a pair of footsteps coming towards us. The two men are both dressed in black suits under a brown and black coat.

“Welcome, Lord Xaltaire…” the taller one says as they give me both a bow. “It’s been a while since we last met.”

“Yes…it seems so.” I answer. “The last time was when we sent you to Veriandien.”

“Let me lead you inside, my lord.”

We start walking towards it. Daryll keeps looking sideways.

“Have you already secured the area?” he asks them.

“Of course. We have men around the perimeter.” He says to Daryll. He turns to me. “How is the duke by the way?”

“He’s doing well, thank you…Bronto.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

Bronto has been our private investigator long enough for us to trust him. He was recommended but a friend of ours. He is in his forties but is still capable in undercover activities.

“So what news do you have about ‘that’?” I ask.

“The weapon is not in Veriandien, sir. The previous lead that we had was false.” He says.

“Are you sure about that?”

“Yes, sir. I have checked the possibilities regarding that one and talked to several people but still…”