58

After almost three hours of conversation, Richard said goodbye to his daughter-in-law, with the promise to return the next day, after giving her a kiss on the cheek, he left the room to go in search of Alex, because he had to deal with a subject that had him quite worried. Just as he was leaving the room, when he let out a tired sigh, just when he was about to look for an employee to give him the whereabouts of his good friend Alexander, he had the good fortune to meet Steven, his friend's personal assistant, this gentleman with dark hair and a grey Oxford suit, came walking down the wide corridor, in his right hand he was carrying a briefcase, while his face, had an expression not only serious, but one of concern. Steven, seeing the Duke of Hamilton leaning against the door of the yellow drawing room, was quick to greet him with a slight bow.

Your Excellency, what a pleasant surprise to see you here,’ mused the black-haired man, who for a few minutes stopped his gait.

I have come to visit my daughter-in-law, I am concerned about her welfare and that of my grandson,’ replied the gentleman.

We are all concerned about the welfare of the young lady, Juliet,’ assured the black-haired man. It is for that very reason that we have ten men guarding the surroundings of the mansion, as well as young Thomas, Patrick and Robert, who take turns to keep the young lady company, and she is strictly forbidden to go out alone. Until this delinquent is caught, we cannot rest assured.

That's precisely what I want to talk to Alex about, have you heard anything about her whereabouts? For my part, I have two investigators on her trail, but that woman is very elusive.

I know, Your Excellency,’ Steven assured me. I've had a hard time tracking her down myself, however, what I have discovered, I'm afraid, is not to Mr. Alexander's absolute liking, I report.

What are you talking about, my boy?

In this briefcase, I carry the evidence, I report, raising the object. Well, I didn't want to say anything until I was really sure, for to make a simple accusation without foundation and evidence would not be sufficient and even counterproductive.

Well, my boy, then let's not waste time, take me to Alex, demanded the duke, who was now impatient, wanting to see the evidence that Steven had managed to obtain.

This way, please, your excellency,’ mused Steven, pointing the way. Both gentlemen set off, and stopped outside Alex's office, Steven, after knocking on the door, received the authorisation from his boss to enter.

Meanwhile, Alexander, who was in his office talking on the phone, was upset, as it seemed that he was not receiving good news, because immediately afterwards, he slammed his fist on the desk and again demanded that this person do everything possible to find the whereabouts of this person. Steven offered the duke a seat in one of the armchairs, while Alex continued to answer the call. After a few more minutes, the annoyed blond ended the call with an ‘I hope for encouraging news very soon’.

God! exclaimed the blond, throwing down the phone and holding his hands to his head.

Is everything all right, Alex? Is business going badly? If that's the case, I can help you, all you have to do is ask,’ assured the duke.

Sorry, Richard, apologised the blond. Fortunately, business is going quite well, it's just that the detective I hired hasn't been able to find Amber, he said regretfully.

I can imagine, I'm the same as you.

It's like the earth swallowed her up, he said wryly. Forgive my manners, would you like something to drink? he offered, standing up, and walking over to his small minibar.

I'm fine, thank you, he hastened to say. I've had too much tea, he confessed with a chuckle.

Tea?’ the blond asked quizzically.

That's right, I've been here for a while, but I decided to greet my daughter-in-law first, it's good to see her better, my grandson seems to be doing well.

That's right,’ nodded the blond, smiling. Since you don't like anything to drink, with your permission, I do,’ he answered, pouring himself some whisky Steven, do you have something for me? he asked, turning to his assistant.

That's right, sir, but I'm afraid you won't like what I'm going to tell you, since it's very delicate,’ informed the black-haired man.

You're scaring me, Steven...just tell me.

We've already tracked down young Amber's whereabouts, but I'm afraid her accomplice is young Alexei Thompson,’ he finally said.

What, are you sure? I asked incredulously.

That's right, even I couldn't believe it, so I investigated further to make sure and if it was false, I did something about it. However, the detective I hired provided me with the evidence,’ he reported, placing the briefcase on the desk.

Alex was hesitant to open the briefcase, it was true that Alexei had never liked him, but he had never imagined him capable of committing such a despicable act, much less against his own family. Finally, plucking up the courage, he decided to open the briefcase in front of him, and as he did so, he began to take some photos, which he looked at incredulously and furiously. There was no doubt, it was the two of them, Amber and Alexei. After going through the photos one by one, he took out other documents that the detective himself had drawn up. That bastard was going to pay dearly for having messed with the wrong person.

Damn him, how could he,’ I exclaimed indignantly. I don't care if he's a member of this family, he must pay for what he and that harpy did,’ he said angrily, slamming his fists on the desk.

What's going on, Alex? asked the duke incredulously at his friend's aggressive reaction.

We have found Amber's whereabouts, but the worst thing is that a member of my family is also involved.

What a thing to say, he mumbled in surprise. Who is the accomplice? he demanded to know, on the verge of losing his patience.

It turns out to be none other than a cousin of mine, he said with some regret. I thought him capable of anything but wanting to hurt Juliet. According to him, he loved her.

It can't be, you understand how complicated the matter is, don't you?

I'm very clear about it and believe me I'm not going to care, I'm going to make him pay dearly for what he did. That couple, they deserve to pay for the crime they committed.

He felt the same way. They don't deserve any consideration at all, Richard expressed angrily.

I will feel sorry for my aunt and uncle, because they are not to blame for having such a miserable son as Alexei. He is a disgrace to my family.

I understand perfectly what you feel, but we can't overlook this. If we let him go free, it won't be long before he's up to his old tricks, and maybe by the next attempt, he'll achieve his goal. My daughter-in-law has not even been able to go out freely, because of that pair. And to tell you the truth, I don't even feel at ease knowing that they are still free and very much at ease in life. We have to p