A few days later...
"So…you're telling me that expect for the money diversion, you've found nothing else?" Missio stated.
"Yes, everything else checks out..." The man replied.
"Okay, send me the file and I'll review it." Missio said.
"Yes, sir." The man nodded.
He then exited Missio's office. Missio pulled out his phone and dialed a number. The phone rang a few times before it was answered. Then, a clear voice came through.
"Yes?"
"Henry, I need the team in my office immediately." Missio answered.
"Be there in a moment." Henry cut the call.
Missio tucked his phone into his pocket, leaning back in his chair. He placed his hand on the forehead and stared at the ceiling for a while pondering this certain investigation.
***
After a few minutes, his team had arrived. They sat down on the soft chairs and waited for Missio to talk. Missio looked at each one of them, tapping the desk in rhythmic order. Then, he announced in a steady voice.
"After a few days of…investigation, the cyber bureau has found that there is only the money that had been diverted 17...17 years ago."
"And that means?" Krishna crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow.
"…It's your turn to investigate the man." Missio replied.
Henry pushed his glasses up. "When do we start?"
"Review the evidence first. Then, start the investigation." Missio answered.
"Will we have any more help?" Henry asked.
"No, you're all on your own." Missio replied.
"So…like are we supposed to just stalk him all the time or what?" Krishna inquired.
"First, it's not stalking. Second, you're going to be monitoring him. To see if he's doing anything suspicious, just…check anything."
"Yeah, right. 'Monitoring'." Krishna chuckled. "I'll have some fun scaring him."
"For god's sake, we're supposed to be elite agents. We live in the damn shadows, don't you understand that much." Henry blurted in an annoyed voice.
"'Supposed to' not 'have to'. Also cringe." Krishna countered.
Henry squinted his eyes and looked away. "Forget it."
Krishna let out a slight chuckle as Eira raised her hand.
Missio tilted his head. "Yes?"
"What are we supposed to do?" she asked.
"Oh, you're a part of the raid team." Missio replied. "The first will be deployed if Viscount Dick is found guilty."
"Are you sure? Do we need the first unit? why not the second or third?" Eira said in surprise.
"Well…" Missio said in a low voice. "It's an order directly from the prime minister."
"Okay, I understand. But do we have to really check it ourselves?" Eira inquired.
"Yes? We're the first unit. We cannot afford to ruin any mission." Missio leaned forward. "Henry, Krishna start reviewing the evidence, immediately."
"Okay, on it." Henry and Krishna replied, standing up.
They exited the office, heading down to the cyber bureau. Missio sat in his office with the two ladies. Mary turned to look at him and asked.
"May we also leave?"
Missio's eyes dampened. "…Sure."
Eira and Mary happily left the lieutenant general's office, holding each other's hands. Missio swiveled his chair around and gazed out into the bright blue sky. The sun's rays blasted through the glass wall, covering the floor with sunlight. He leaned back, drawing a deep breath.
***
A few hours later...
Henry and Krishna wore casual clothes, wearing face masks. They sat in the middle of a crowd of people in an auditorium. At the front was a massive stage, decorated with many flowers and a podium. Many men in white suits were lined up evenly across the podium. The crowd's chatter blended into one voice, echoing across the hall. Krishna adjusted his mask, whispering to Henry.
"When is he going to come?"
Henry was polishing his glasses with handkerchief. After polishing, he put them on.
"A few more minutes." He replied, whispering.
The duo waited in silence. The hall was filled with the smell of cigarettes and flowers. Seats creaked under the weight of spectators and voices began to bleed into one. Many people in white suits began walking onto the stage. The crowd cheered as a certain man stepped onto the stage. The man had short black hair which was turning grey, black eyes and a square face with heavy wrinkles.
He waved at the crowd with a bright smile. Henry and Krishna leaned forward, focusing on the individual on the podium. The man stepped onto the podium, gripping both sides. He took a deep breath, scanning the crowd with his eyes. Then, he adjusted the microphone. His mouth approached the microphone, and he said in a grumpy, old yet calm voice.
"Citizens of Romulus…I, Dick Quartel am honored to be upon this stage to deliver some news that might brighten up your day."
The crowd screamed and cheered. Henry and Krishna had to cover their ears, clenching their teeth in pain. Dick waved at the crowd and they died down. Henry and Krishna let go of their ears and continued to listen to the politician's speech.
"Today…in this beautiful sunny afternoon…I would like to share some exciting news with you all." Dick made many gestures with his hands, keeping eye contact with the crowd.
"I would like to announce that…we are initiating thirteen different alternative energy projects in the rural areas of the nation and some in Urban areas without enough energy."
The people exploded into a fit of cheers. Dick waved his hand, taking in their excitement and praise. Henry and Krishna stood silently in the crowd, their heads down. After the announcement, Dick continued to give his speech. He discussed the budget for the project, the location of the power plants, who would be helping in this project and others. All in all, three hours passed before he ended his speech.
"Anyways, citizens. I'm grateful that you all have come to listen to my speech and I hope you all have a good day. Thank you." Dick stepped away from the podium.
The crowd stood up, clapping in unison. Some people blew whistles and shouted positive remarks. Henry and Krishna stood up and locked onto the politician. Dick was walking out of the building, his bodyguards following him. They moved between the audience and rushed out of the building. After opening a few doors, they made it outside and quickly surveyed the surroundings.
They slowly paced towards the side of the building and poked their heads out. Beside the building was an alley and after a few minutes, multiple black cars drove away from the back. Henry frowned and turned around, heading for his car. Krishna tailed behind his friend. Eventually, they made it to the car. They entered it, slamming the doors shut. Henry turned it on with the press of a button and backed out of the parking lot.
He, then sped out towards Dick's car. The city lights streaked past them like veins of fire as Henry tailed the convoy, eyes flicking between mirrors, pulse synced to the engine's growl. He felt the politician's SUV fly through the night until a matte black sedan peeled into the lane ahead, sliding into place and sealing the convoy away. Henry slammed the wheel, swore under his breath, and flicked a glance at Krishna.
"He's being boxed in," he hissed. "Now it gets interesting."