Chapter 52: What's That?
Santiago
As I approached a cave, I saw Orely's camera on the ground. I noticed that she must have struggled to escape, given the state of the dry leaves around. I picked up the camera and, by luck, it was in video mode. While watching it, I saw that she had tried to call for me, but her voice was muffled. It is probably that her kidnapper had drugged her.
A dull rage takes hold of me, enveloping me in dark smoke, casting a shadow over my usually impassive face. I now stand outside my property, my mind ablaze with anger.The sky begins to darken and a cold wind suddenly blows, as if synchronized with my aura. My eyes settle on the ground and I see tire tracks marking the damp earth, like scars left by an unacceptable affront. I clench my fists, each print a reminder of the despicable act committed against Orely. With a jerk, I pull out my phone and dial Alvaro's number. His voice echoes on the other end, calm and attentive. I don't even give him time to greet me.
"Come immediately to Cascadas Potosina and tell Luis to gather our men. Find out about Ignacio, the one who was banished from my father's cartel. We're running out of time, we have got a lot of work to do and I am in a very bad mood, so hurry up," I order with authority and hang up.
"All right, boss."
By the time Alvaro arrives at the bungalow, I am studying the situation in minute detail and drawing up a plan in my head as I pace back and forth with a glass of whisky neat in my hand. I am so pissed off that after taking a sip, I swing my glass onto the porch.
Thirty minutes later, Alvaro and Luis finally arrive, followed by our men. The first thing is to find out who Ignacio has become now that he's been removed from the cartel.
We make our way to my office, and I take a seat, hands folded and a thoughtful look on my face. I beckon my two allies to sit down.
"So Alvaro? Did you find anything?"
"Ignacio thinks he is in cahoots with La Domina, while you are actually the godfather. The network knows that he wants to harm you and has decided to play along with him to trap him. They have been watching him for a while, and Ignacio believes he is among the most powerful and can bring you down."
It makes me laugh, this idiot, but my face remains neutral to show my seriousness in front of my men.
"Hmm so he is convinced I don't stand a chance. What a jerk! He really got it in for me," I emit, sitting back in my armchair.
"That is correct, boss."
"Well, the network has played its part well. This Ignacio has always worked in the shadows, sticking his nose into things that don't concern him," I shout, banging my fist on the table, which startles my two loyal followers.
Suddenly Alvaro raises his hand to speak.
"As for Orely, she is in very good hands. She is safe with La Domina and, above all, well looked after. The men with her aren't bullies, they protect her. Ignacio kidnapped her to blackmail you, it is the money he is interested in."
I breathe a sigh of relief that she is safe and sound. In this ruthless world, I don't trust anyone and decide to leave immediately to bring her back, but Alvaro advises me to play along without arousing any suspicions.
He has got a point and he is absolutely right. In my haste I acted like a child.
"Well, that is how we will do it. He will soon know my true identity, and then I won't be merciful."
In less than an hour, Alvaro has not been idle, and he has always been efficient in everything I ask him to do. I was able to find out Ignacio's intentions, and what he was up to, whereas he doesn't know a thing about me. The meeting ends and I ask Alvaro to let me know if he learns anything. After they have left, I head for the kitchen. The meal is already in the oven. Cécilia has cooked some pasta, but with everything that has happened, I am not hungry and decided to put it in the fridge.
One thing is for sure: Orely is neither a prisoner nor a hostage.
"My pretty, soon you will be with me and Ignacio will be history," I murmured as I made my way to the living room.
I can't help but be captivated by the magnificent view stretching out before me through the large bay window. The faint rays of sunlight filtering through the sofa show that it will soon be dark.
Suddenly, the memory of dinner outside with Orely resurfaces in my mind. I open the door and step out onto the porch, leaving the soft warmth of the interior behind to welcome the fresh air of dusk. A gentle breeze caresses my face, bringing with it the sweet scents of nature. I let myself be absorbed by the spectacle of the birds busy in the garden. They are very noisy, mingling with the rustling of the leaves. Nothing like their melodious morning songs. In groups, they gather, preparing to join the trees for the night.
I smile, thinking that this is some kind of signal, a kind of alarm bell for nature's curfew, announcing the end of the day and the beginning of the night's rest. I admire this simple but beautiful scene, a moment of serenity that soothes me to forget the unforeseen events of the day. Every day seems to be a new opportunity to discover something beautiful, because usually at this time of day I am busy with the company accounts. It changes from this routine life of always running from left to right.
Twilight gradually darkens, the shadows lengthen and the stars begin to shine timidly in the sky. I am content to admire nature.