Divisions

Part 3- Chapter 13

Natalia

I didn't know what to believe at that point. Tobias was alive? 

"Please do take a seat," Mr. Sheldon was saying, as Jarred and I silently stared at him.

We sat down, wordlessly.

I did not even know where to begin.

"I know what you're thinking," he continued, taking a seat. "I'm not actually dead,"

 Well no shit, Sherlock, I wanted to say.

"Sir..." I began.

"Mr. Sheldon..." Jarred said, his eyes on the man sitting in front of us.

"I think this warrants an explanation," Mr. Sheldon said, clearing his throat.

At his signal, one of the bodyguards promptly left the room and came back with a water bottle.

"So, it is what it looks like, I've faked my own death. I did this for two reasons, namely, that both the NIF and IDA have wanted me dead for a while, and that I needed to see what would happen in my absence,"

He took a sip of the water.

"I managed to set up the evidence in such a way that there wouldn't be a body and that was why you couldn't investigate a body. Secondly, I ordered the three initial suspects who were identified to flee from their homes to prevent them being unfairly accused.

"A few high profile agents were aware of this, and thus we managed to keep this under wraps. At the moment, however, only a few select people, such as Ms. Sullivan, are aware that I'm not actually dead, and the people who need to think I'm dead, like Mr. Jeffries and Mr. Patterson, still are under the illusion that I'm not alive,"

"But your family...." I began.

"I haven't let them know," he said. "And I know, it seems cruel to put them through this, but I have my men watching over them."

He paused, "The only regret about this plan I've had is the impact this could have on my family, but honestly, I feel that my supposed passing has made them stronger and more united."

"Why tell us, Mr. Sheldon?" Jarred asked.

"I have a plan, Mr. Dunn," said Mr. Sheldon. "To expose the truth,"

"What truth?" I asked.

"Well, firstly," he began,  "There are massive rouge divisions in both the NIF and IDA agencies, and there has been corruption within these companies for years. When I discovered this, last year, this angered both organizations to the point that I became aware of possible assassination attempts that could be made to kill me, so I figured it would be best if I let myself out of the picture to see how this would play out,"

"And how has it played out, exactly?" Jarred asked.

"My informants have made me aware that the mishandling of the agencies' funds and cases is more rampant now that the JSAA is temporary out of service. The thing is, the JSAA was more than an alliance agency. 

"We played a role in the enforcement and regulation of the NIF and IDA's practices. It's obvious, however, that these two companies would rather have one of their heads run the JSAA in order to gain control of their own enterprises."

He paused there for questions, and neither Jarred nor I could even think to interrupt him.

"Also," he continued. "I know that you are aware of the fact that you two, along with Agents Marcus George and Ricardo Dominic, are the four agents who will, as it stands, be "responsible" for my death, and I apologize that this is so. However, as I am sure you will agree, this highlights the need for action to be taken.