Chapter 82: The Man Behind the Scar
Dawn brought with it the hurried sound of Martin’s footsteps echoing down the stone hallway. He carried a briefcase in his right hand, his tense expression a testament to long hours of work and troubling discoveries. When he reached Vincent’s office, he knocked twice before entering.
Vincent was seated by the window, gazing at the horizon with a furrowed brow. His dark eyes reflected the internal battle he was fighting: anger at Daniel, guilt for failing to protect Elena before, and the determination to save her now.
“What do you have for me?” he asked without turning, his cold tone leaving no room for delay.
Martin placed the briefcase on the desk and opened it, revealing a thick dossier and several photographs.
“The man Elena mentioned, Daniel, has a complicated history. His real name is Ignacio Córdova, but he’s currently operating under the alias Daniel Ruiz. He’s one of the closest men to Marcos Estevez, the leader of the cartel that controlled the area where Elena was operating.”
Vincent’s frown deepened at the mention of the name. Marcos Estevez was a figure he knew well, a dangerous man with a history of cruelty.
“Ignacio was sent as a ‘liaison’ to monitor Elena, to ensure she met her objectives. What’s more concerning, sir, is that he recently began suspecting her. His behavior has become erratic, and according to my sources, he’s questioning her loyalty.”
Vincent clenched his fists, the urgency within him growing.
“What else?” he pressed.
“We know where they are,” Martin continued. “Ignacio is using an old port warehouse as a base. After Elena came to leave the letter, she and other members of her group were detained there under constant surveillance.”
“Sir, there’s something else...” Martin hesitated before continuing. “According to the records we found, Daniel has orders to eliminate Elena if he suspects her loyalty. They don’t need her alive if they believe she’s a risk.”
The silence that followed was like the calm before a storm. Vincent closed his eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply to calm the fury threatening to consume him.
“Then we can’t fail,” he finally said, his voice firm. “If we’re discovered too early, it will be her death sentence.”
Before Vincent could say more, Samuel, Anthony’s brother, who Vincent had called for help, entered the office. His expression was a mix of concern and determination.
“Vincent, you can’t go alone.”
Vincent looked at him with a mixture of surprise and impatience.
“What do you mean?”
Samuel crossed his arms, facing him seriously.
“I’ve heard enough. I know you’re going after Elena, and I’m not saying you shouldn’t, but this isn’t something you can handle alone. Estevez is a ruthless man, and if Ignacio is with him, things could escalate quickly.”
“I don’t have time to gather a large team, Samuel. Every second that passes, Elena is in danger.”
“That’s why you need reinforcements who are ready to act immediately,” Samuel insisted. “Call Anthony. He has the contacts and resources to face a cartel like this.”
Vincent hesitated for a moment. Anthony, his daughter Shopia’s husband, feared his daughters finding out about the operation and its potentially unfavorable outcome.
“Fine, I’ll call him,” Vincent finally agreed. “But under one condition.”
Samuel raised an eyebrow.
“What is it?”
“Clara and Shopia must not find out anything. I don’t want them to worry or feel involved in this.”
Samuel nodded, fully understanding Vincent’s concern.
“Agreed. I’ll make sure no one tells them anything.”
Vincent took a deep breath and picked up the phone to call Anthony. As he waited for him to answer, his mind was already calculating every step necessary to execute the rescue.
“Anthony,” he said as soon as he heard the voice on the other end of the line. “I need your help.”
Anthony, always direct, responded without hesitation:
“Tell me where and when.”
Vincent gave a faint smile. Despite their differences, his son-in-law had always been willing to support him when it truly mattered.
“I’ll send you the details. Be ready for a confrontation.”
“I always am,” Anthony replied with a slight laugh before hanging up.
Vincent looked at Samuel and Martin.
“Prepare everything. No matter what it takes, we’re getting Elena out of that place tonight.”
Samuel placed a hand on Vincent’s shoulder.
“Don’t worry. We’ll get her back.”
As the men left the office to organize the operation, Vincent stayed alone for a moment. He looked out the window, where the sun was slowly setting, painting the sky a deep red.
“Soon, Elena,” he murmured to himself. “I’m closer to you than you think.”
The night promised to be long, but Vincent was ready.
Meanwhile, at Anthony’s mansion, an unsettling silence filled the air. The crackling of the fireplace was the only sound breaking the stillness of the main room, where Anthony was carefully studying a map spread out on the table. Samuel had sent it to him earlier.
“Vincent must already be planning something,” Marco said, crossing his arms. “Knowing him, he won’t wait long to act.”
Anthony nodded, but his gaze remained fixed on the map. He knew Vincent was impulsive when it came to protecting Elena and his daughters, and that could jeopardize everything.
“You’re right,” he finally said. “But we can’t afford mistakes. Not this time.”
Marco looked at him seriously and stepped forward.
“Anthony, listen to me carefully. If you’re going to join Vincent in this madness, you’ll need reinforcements. This isn’t a simple rescue, and they won’t let Elena go without a fight.”
Anthony closed his eyes for a moment, weighing Marco’s words. He knew he was right, but he also understood that Vincent didn’t want to involve more people, especially those close to his family.
“What do you suggest?” Anthony finally asked.
“Let’s call our contacts, the ones we know are loyal. And above all... don’t tell Shopia or Clara anything. I don’t want them getting caught up in this.”
Anthony frowned, considering the proposal. He hated keeping things from Shopia, but he understood the danger was too great. He also knew Vincent would agree with keeping them in the dark.
“Fine,” he agreed after a long silence. “But I’ll need you to stay here to make sure everything is under control while I’m away.”
Marco nodded, but his expression showed a mix of concern and determination.
“Don’t worry about that. I’ll take care of the house, the girls, and the kids. You focus on getting Elena out of that place.”
Anthony took a deep breath before getting up from the table. His mind was already calculating every move, every possibility. But before leaving, he needed to talk to Shopia.
Shopia was in the living room, cradling the baby in her arms while Dereck played on the floor. When Anthony entered, she looked up and gave him a soft smile.
“Is something wrong?” she asked, noticing the serious expression on his face.
Anthony walked over to her and sat down in the armchair across from her. His eyes, full of determination, softened when they met hers.
“I have to go,” he said, his voice firm but calm. “I can’t give you many details, but it’s important.”
Shopia’s smile faded, replaced by a worried expression.
“How important, Anthony?” she asked, adjusting the baby in her arms. “Why do I feel like you don’t want to tell me everything?”
Anthony sighed and reached out to take her hand gently.
“Because I don’t want to worry you more than necessary. But I need you to trust me. I’ll be gone for about three days, maybe less, and I want you to stay here with Dereck and the baby. Marco will be here to protect you, and if you want, you can ask Clara to come keep you company.”
Shopia looked at him intently, trying to find answers in his eyes.
“Where are you going?” she finally asked, her voice filled with concern.
Anthony looked away for a moment, knowing he couldn’t tell her the truth.
“It’s something I need to handle,” he said, choosing his words carefully. “Something that can’t wait.”
“Does it have to do with my mother?” Shopia pressed, clinging to the small hope that he would tell her more.
Anthony hesitated but shook his head.
“I can’t tell you more, Shopia. But I promise I’ll come back.”
She pressed her lips together, clearly frustrated, but slowly nodded. She knew Anthony was a man of his word, and while she didn’t like being left in the dark, she trusted him.
“Fine,” she finally said with a sigh. “But be careful, okay? I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
Anthony smiled faintly and leaned toward her, placing a hand on her cheek.
“I’m always careful, sweetheart. Take good care of the baby and Dereck. And if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask Marco.”
Shopia nodded, and Anthony stood up, giving her one last look before heading to the door. Before leaving, he stopped and looked back.
“I love you, Shopia. Don’t forget that.”
She gave him a sad smile, watching as he left. Once the door closed behind him, Shopia sighed deeply, holding the baby close to her chest.
Though she trusted Anthony, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something much bigger was happening.