it was supposed to be dinner. It was at least what Raymond could hope for. And what he hated most was lack of control. He was not always in control of everything that happened around him.
He was furiously listening to the news from his lawyers.
-I do not believe this. Shit. The damn man is the cowardly type. He has a criminal record. He's not even a first-time defendant. He has a conviction for bodily harm to women. I know there's a fucking protective order for him not to approach Elisabeth. Of course, I know. But still..
He grumbled angrily and frustrated. A breathtaking face. A woman of unusual beauty there lost in that city among its inhabitants. A woman who had managed to pique his interest. It was rare. And then there were the problems that were not lacking. An ex-boyfriend on the police record. Accused of domestic violence. Reports and accusations of assault against women.
He had discovered the case with amazement.
-Don't talk to me about posture, clothes, alcohol intake, or the victim's behavior. I call it rape culture. It's just a damn male belief that justifies aggression of women by asshole men like that. know as well as I do. Violent men practice behaviors of control, isolation, and debasement that undermine women's resistance. I know that his name is on the National Register of Persons Convicted of the Crime of Femicide, Rape, and Domestic and Family Violence against Women.
Raymond's irritation and frustration were even greater.
He had business to attend to and all that would have to wait. There was a conference for the launch of the new line of processed foods that would be launched at a cheaper price for the majority of the population, guaranteeing a balanced diet with nutritional indices to avoid child malnutrition.
And this was a cause of deficiency or excess, relative or absolute, of one or more essential nutrients. Children with low weight and short stature. He had signed incentive programs to help an international NGO.
There was still the Ukrainian war. No more hope of peace negotiations. intensification of climate issues, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The damn pandemic was still in its fifth year. He had a meeting with businessmen to discuss the dissemination of technologies aimed at sustainable agricultural production and represents a central pillar for us to increase the supply of food.
They were talking about millions of jobs, improving the climate and the environment, in addition to strengthening the economies of countries. He has lectured at universities on combining insect cultivation and hydroponic agriculture, using little water and no topsoil.
A war of years. Ukraine and Russia. the risks to the global economy were intensifying. It was of high interest throughout the financial market. There was an increase in energy prices. The insect food market was pushing to keep food prices for the population affordable with support from the World Bank. Higher inflation combined with low economic growth was a world disaster.
It was the catastrophic scenario of global stagflation. Inflation in the supply of products and services, and not in demand... Interest rates were high and harmful to the economy. The phase of economic slowdown with more expensive credit and geopolitical tensions was not promising. Once again the barrel of Brent oil was out of bounds. Everything got complicated. The Russians were the third largest producer and exporter of oil in the world and the largest exporter of natural gas. The damage in the grain and fertilizer sector had not had such negative effects as in the oil and gas sector.
It was too fast. The world was not yet ready for a cleaner energy matrix. Solar energy as the second largest renewable source in the world's electricity matrix was a great alternative. And it cost billions.
- Hell, Will. It was already a fight against these people. Scarce government incentives, lack of access to information, and the predominant presence of electricity distributors. They are always a problem. Solar radiation for energy use in the world has high values, especially in Asia and Africa. What the fuck. Development in photovoltaic solar energy has policies to encourage technology. I can't miss this meeting and...
There was Elisabeth. Raymond was worried. He didn't quite know what her reaction would be when she found out that justice had released that bastard. It wasn't amazing. She was in danger of life. He was in love. And there was a rival who was probably an assassin.
-You can then kidnap your beautiful lady. - Will joked amused.
Ray cursed at the edge of patience.
-It took months of work to get close to her without raising suspicion.
And it had been months of waiting and anxiety. I wanted to do it slowly.
Everything gets out of control.
He'd walked out of the meeting after she'd declined the dinner invitation. And the news that her ex was out on the streets again...
"Ten years is a long time. She never saw him again. But he still sends people after her... Always subtle pressure, the tramp."
And the scenario changed radically. Elisabeth was there in front of her. Beautiful. Her hair was unkempt from her hairstyle, falling a few strands over her shoulders. Her mouth was a silent invitation that had always attracted him but now it was starting to make him worried with the bluish hue.
Clinical evaluation and functional tests. mentally he reviewed his mental notes. Symptoms such as dyspnea, chronic cough,
wheezing, and great chest discomfort. Symptoms tend to occur mainly at night or in the early hours of the morning (he was well aware of her non-stop sneezing attacks) and can be triggered by specific irritants: strong odors and dust. Allergic cough was treated with antihistamines.
"I think I can put you on your ass and give your fucking cigarette a good spanking."
-More than shit, Elisabeth. Raymond cursed a string of curses as she leaned her head on his shoulder and accepted the inhaler, sniffing loudly. Cursing, even more, Ray picked up the iPhone again. Falcone activated the speakerphone. Will. I want LordKing ready. I think the wedding invitations will be advanced at the printer. I'm taking my beautiful lady to our house.
-That's called kidnapping...- And Will emphasized the word a lot.
-I call it more aggressive negotiations. Have you seen the idiot bailiff with the license..?
-What was harassing the future Mrs Clayton? I'm rescuing a madam in trouble. Until I manage to put that worm back behind bars, one belongs to her.