Chapter 40 The Money Trail
Adrian's POV
Hazel drools over my face as she pulls my hair, but thankfully not too tight to uproot my hair.
"Easy," I wince, absentmindedly.
Over the last few days, Hazel's temperament has gotten a bit better and I'm just trying, doing my best to keep living and not mess up the little progress with Hazel.
Are there times when it seems like we are going back to square one? Definitely, but it's not as bad as it used to be.
I still want Darcy back. Not because of Hazel or because of our sanity, but because I need to make things right.
The incident at the hospital made me realize that whatever I do, mine and Hazel's happiness should be my priority.
My phone buzzes and it's the guy I paid for months to find one woman.
I click on the answer icon and his voice comes on.
"You don't call me unless you have something meaningful to say," I say with my gaze focused on my little fireball.
"I apologize, sir, for the delay. It's been a little difficult locating her," he pleads in a low voice.
"Do you need me to remind you that she didn't just run away? She doesn't want to be found. That's why I pay you well, not to keep bombarding me with a series of unending excuses," I grit as the veins in my neck pop.
I did not give him the chance to say another word before I hang up angrily. I groan and brush my hair backward.
"You're really a hard nut to crack, Darcy. You didn't just leave... your plan to hide is seamless," I murmur to myself.
If I really want to find her, I can't depend on one source. I need to explore other means.
I pick up my phone and search through lists of security agencies. Lots of them have high ratings but I don't want to go with what other people think.
My eyes catch a name. It's at the bottom of the list with a very low rating. I click on it and check out the services they provide.
'Data tracking?' that's pretty rare. The corners of my lips tug into a small smirk and my eyes light up.
I dial the mobile number provided on the website.
It rings for a while before a male voice booms.
"Weston Security Agency, what can I do for you?" he asks in a deep baritone voice.
"I need you to find, or rather track, someone for me," I reply.
It feels weird asking someone to stalk Darcy but if there's ever going to be a possibility of me seeing her again, I will have to go out of my way.
"Send the details of the person to the email address provided at the bottom of the website. After we go over the complexity of the case and the type of service you want, we can then discuss the pricing," he explains.
I nod. "Alright. Thank you."
I hang up and just as he said, the email address is right where he said it would be.
My breath hitches as my finger lingers, an inch away from clicking it.
Hazel tugs on my shirt. I look at her and she bats her lashes.
"Do you also think I shouldn't do this? Your nanny will not like it," I pause and sigh. "But we miss her."
She smiles and my heart melts. Hazel agrees with me that we miss and need her.
I take a deep breath and click on the email. I input Darcy's name, race, identity, last location, and add a clear picture of her that I have, then click the send button.
A message notification pops up on my screen almost immediately, confirming the message has been received.
A few minutes later, a loud sigh escapes my lips and I lean back into the couch. Everything is finalized.
Their services are way more expensive, but deep down I believe they can get the work done.
I ruffle my hair and bite my inner cheek, frustrated, and after thirty minutes of hesitating, I make the first payment.
Three hundred thousand dollars for a woman who doesn't want to be found, but I don't regret it.
Darcy doesn't hate us and even if she does, I'll work to regain her love and trust. It's fine if she won't come to us, we will go to her.
My phone starts ringing. It's the number of the agency I just hired.
I answer immediately.
"Hello."
"According to the information you provided, there's no phone contact," the same man says.
"I did not think it was important to add it since the number is no longer active. It's more like she dropped off completely," I explain.
There's silence for a second.
"I understand, sir, but we want you to provide it regardless. Do send it to the email address."
"I'll send it right away. Thank you."
It's confusing how they intend to make use of an invalid number, but whatever they ask of me, I'm willing to do as long as they get me a good result.
Hazel starts to cry. I stand up and rock her but she doesn't stop.
It's probably time to eat. I walk into the kitchen with her in my arm as I fix her something to eat.
Then I decide to prepare scrambled eggs, avocado, and a bottle of full-fat yogurt. Hazel doesn't want me to feed her, so I let her feed herself.
Hazel's silence contrasts with the chaos in my head.
My mother's words ring through my ears. She thinks it's impossible for me to find Darcy without her help.
Funnily enough, she doesn't know that I know she's lying. She's a very blunt person who doesn't see the need to impress people, so lying is not really her thing.
I place a call to a hacker that I've known for a while.
"Mr. Ashford? It's been a long time," Jim says, excitement lacing his voice.
"I want you to do something for me," I pause before continuing. "I need you to track the financial records of Darcy Ife. She uses Citi Finance," I add.
"Hmm, Darcy Ife sounds familiar," I hear him chuckle.
I roll my eyes and clench my hands. "I'm not joking, so be serious!" I hiss.
He clears his throat and replies, "I'm sorry. Give me a few minutes."
He goes silent but the clicking of keyboards fills my ears. My gaze shifts to Hazel to make sure she's okay.
Seconds stretch into minutes but I continue to pace back and forth. My heart is racing and my palms are now sweaty.
What's taking him so long?
"It isn't easy but I did get something. I've sent the information I have to your email. But let me say something, the locations seem fishy. Be careful," he warns.
My lips part and I nod in response. "Sure. I'll send your money." I hang up and rush to take my laptop from the center table in the living room.
With shaky hands, I click on the mail. I don't know if I'll get anything relevant out of her financial records, but I hope I do.
My eyes scan each line, reading every word carefully. My eyebrows furrow in confusion.
There are small withdrawals, scattered locations. No patterns. No central point.
She avoids using one location twice.
"Well done, Darcy. You really planned meticulously, but something is a bit off."
A transaction doesn't seem right. Five hundred thousand dollars was deposited into her account.
Aside from the ruckus my mother created, did Darcy take money to disappear from me?