Chapter 57
“No, it’s alright. You’ve contributed immensely to our bureau and all we can do is to help out now you need us the most. We would put out an APB on the target and procure your family heirloom as soon as we can,” the chief promised him.
“Oh, thank you, Sir,” Marcel shook his hand humbly, “And to appreciate you for your hard work, please receive this,” He gestured and one of the men stepped forward to drop a briefcase in front of him.
The Chief of police appeared to be shocked, however, the greed in his eyes could not be hidden as he stared down at the case that obviously contained money. He calculated mentally how much was in there before turning to Marcel with a hesitant look.
“Seriously, you shouldn’t have bothered. You have done enough for us already and yet, here you are spending more. It’s really unnecessary,” The man said, yet looked at the briefcase with longing. What a good pretender.
But of course, Marcel knew this yet he didn’t say anything. It was expected and he was only putting on a show.
“No, it’s alright, ” Marcel smiled kindly, then said,” You should eat and drink and take care of your drink now, after all, you don’t know when you would die, ”
At once, a weird silence settled in the office. Although that was meant to be a joke, the Chief of police’s countenance still changed slightly.
That joke was kind of ominous yet he didn’t say anything, laughing it off instead. Although he had quite a high position in the police department, he was not a fool to go up against Marcel.
.....
Moreover, the reason he was in this position today was all thanks to Marcel. He had been an ordinary police lieutenant for years and even when he was due for promotion, the others would secure the spot with their connections and power and he would be left with nothing because he had nobody on his side.
However, all of that ended when Marcel approached him one day and told him he would grant his wishes. Truthfully, he resented Marcel at first because he was amongst the few who truly knew what the Luciano family does beneath the false fa?ade of a corporation. They were a huge underbelly of corruption.
But there was no evidence and the Luciano family was too powerful. Not to mention the fact that promotion was around the corner again and he still had no backer. The man named David knew he couldn’t do this any longer. It was time for a change and if it meant joining hands with the devil, then so be it.
So he accepted Marcel’s proposal and to his surprise, instead of being promoted as a police captain, he became the Chief of police instead, to everyone’s shock. How had Marcel been able to do that? He didn’t know nor did he care to know. He has suffered five years of neglect – others occupying the position where he should be.
Just as a virgin who tasted how good sex was the first time would go back for more, David became addicted to his position that he would do anything to keep it. And that meant sulking up to Marcel and covering up the gang’s mess where necessary.
He kept Marcel’s crime hidden from the law while Marcel funded his programs and wants. Yes, he was Marcel’s puppet, both of them had a symbiotic relationship.
“Yeah, I really should. After all, no one knows when he or she takes their last breath on earth,” laughed David, the Chief of police. He took the joke in good part.
“Alright,” Marcel finally stood up, it was time to leave.”I’ll see you after it’s done,” He said to David while working on the buttons of his suit.
Even though Marcel sat down for a while, there was not a trace of wrinkle on his clothing, and the material was of high quality and tailor-made for him.
“Of course, see you later,” The chief of police stood up with him as well, seeing that it was rude to sit while Marcel stood even though the latter didn’t seem to mind.
As soon as Marcel left his office and the door was closed, David slumped on the sofa in the middle of his office. He began to loosen the tie that made him feel suffocated.
“That rascal!” He cursed, getting rid of the tie entirely. How dare he order him like that? He was older than him for Christ’s sake! He was tired of being used. However, his gaze fell on the briefcase and he quickly grabbed it only to pull out bundles of cash.
“Wow!” David exclaimed, eyes lighting up.
He must have been talking nonsense! David changed his mind immediately after seeing the cash. He would continue to work for Marcel if it meant he would receive benefits like this one.
At once, David picked up the telephone by his side and dialed a number. As soon as it was answered, he ordered,
“I need you to put out an APB.”
Meanwhile.....
The instant Marcel was out of the station, Macy was quick to ask.
“You’re even going as far as putting an APB on her?” Marcel was making that girl feel too important and she didn’t like it.
“His idea, not mine,” Marcel waived her off.
“Yet, you allowed him,” There was an accusation in her tone and that made Marcel halt in his step.
With a frown in between his brows, Marcel turned to her quizzically, ” I really don’t understand your intentions nowadays,”
“What?” Macy was taken aback by his question nor did she like the tick in his jaw. He was annoyed.
“You know I’m trying my best to catch Ariaana and you’re supposed to be helping think of a plan. However, you didn’t even try at all and what you do now is to question the plan I have in motion?” the annoyance was now evident in his tone. His jaw was clenched and his gaze was cold and narrowed down on her.
Macy swallowed nervously, her heart pounding in her throat. This was the second time in a week Marcel was scolding her. Marcel never scolds her – because she was always perfect.
“I’m sorry,” Was all Macy could say with her head lowered.
Marcel stared at her intensely before stepping forward and made her stand up straight, staring deep into her eyes.
He then placed both hands on her shoulder and Macy looked down at that gesture, her heart missing a beat. That was a first.
Marcel squeezed her shoulder gently before looking her straight in the eyes asking, “I just realized that you’re bowing your head and apologizing more than usual lately and that is not like you, Macy. What is going on with you?”
“You’re so obsessed with that girl, it’s beginning to bother me,” Macy was tempted to say however she knew that would only complicate issues.
Marcel was trained to be the heir of the Luciano clan and he doesn’t work with sentiments. Showing Marcel her vulnerable side would not gain his pity or affection, rather he would look down on her.
The only reason Marcel took her as his assistant in the first place was because of her capability – there were a lot of other gang members veering for this position – she can’t fail him now. Also, Macy knew what she was getting into by letting herself develop feelings for him. Now, she had to dance to the tune of the music she played.
“I think I’m just stressed, that’s all,” Macy replied to Marcel without breaking eye contact with him.
“You need rest then and that you would get,” Marcel said to her, massaging her shoulder a bit as if it would alleviate the stress before letting go.
“No!” Macy shouted upon realizing what Marcel meant by that. This was not the time for a break, especially not when that girl was going to be captured soon.
However, before Macy could protest that she was fine, Marcel’s phone rang and he glanced across the screen only for his expression to change.
“Hello dear father,” That was all Macy needed to hear to know the grim reaper of hell had called.
“Sure,” Marcel said, ending the call that didn’t even last a minute.
“What does he want?” Macy asked, concern written over her expression.
“He wants me at his place,” Marcel said with a tone that didn’t seem excited at the prospect of visiting his father.
“I should come with -”
“No, return to the base and get a rest,” Marcel dismissed her before flagging down a taxi, leaving his car to her so she would drive it back.
Macy had no choice but to obey his order, so she drove back to the base. She hardly parked the car when her phone rang and saw it was one of the boys.
“Hello?” she picked up the call.
“I think we found the girl,”
“What?” Macy was stunned by the news and it took her a few minutes to recover from the surprise. When she finally did, an idea hit her and her lips curled to the side in a smirk.
She said, “When you get your hands on her, bring her to me,”