In another city called Willow Springs, about 500 km by road away from where Aliana and her daughter live is.
Mrs Cody, she was staring intently at the other buildings opposite her skyscrapers office.
She was talking to her PA Mr Anderson.
Mr Anderson is a man in his forties who has worked with Mrs Cody for more than a decade, he understands her moods better than another, and right now she isnt in the best of her moods. She turned around with eyes blazing with fire, in a low angry voice, and her words simmering with intensity,each syllable edged with frustration. The tone conveys a deep-seated displeasure, making her disappointment palpable in the air.
You mean to say you haven't heard from those guys in the past 4 months,
Yes ma'am,
infacts none of their numbers are reachable anymore.
In a hushed and serious tone,she said
"i need a private investigator",
the words delivered with a sense of urgency,
Ma'am, what did you say?
A private investigator Anderson,
her tone a little higher.
His brows furrowed as he absorbed her request,his eyes narrow with a mix of curiosity and concern. He asked, why do you need a private investigator ma'am?
We can send another of our guys to track down the other ones we sent before, to know what is going on?
John is too smart for those street thugs, she replied.
He will do anything to stay under the radar.
So I need someone who will think like him.
A very good one at that.
The best money can find.
Ok ma'am.
He disappeared from Crestwood 5 years ago, and they haven't heard or seen any trace of him since then….she said.
I cannot send a bunch of fools again to expose themselves to John,
no she said shaking her head while walking to the sofa, John can't stand me he still blames me, for the divorce and also for his father's death.
This is why I need a private investigator to find out everything that John is doing.
I need to know, he shunned my help right from high school, anything related to me he doesn't want it,I remember when he was in crestwood, I recommended him for a project here and I warned them not to let him. He found out anyway and he ended up paying all the penalty for breach of contract.
I will make some calls right away ma'am.
Good Anderson!
She waved her hands for him to go.
Mr Anderson left.
Mrs Cody has been a very tough woman, who has ruled Willow Springs business world for the past two decades. She plays behind the curtains in politics, and controls many affairs within the city. She paced around in her office. Her son has always been a constant reminder of her failed ambitions.
Yes she likes to be in control of everything including her marriage, her late husband couldn't bear her controlling and her dirty games, that was why he asked for a divorce. As she has failed to control him she ruined him instead. And vowed that as long as she is alive and in Willow Spring he will never be able to rise again. And that was it, she did everything humanly possible to make sure no one did business with him. If anyone goes behind her back she could make the person's company to go bankrupt then she would buy you out.
Eventually Mr Johnson couldn't take it,after he lost everything he ever worked for, he started drinking and fell into depression he passed on without a fight.
This made John hate his mother, he couldn't believe it,his mother could be that cold and heartless. He saw what his father went through, he could hide and hear all the conversations of his mother and her cohorts every time he visited. He saw how it broke his father, he vowed never to have his own family near his mom.
As long as she lacks control of you, and you do not yield to every whim and caprices of hers, you'll be safe a little from her destructive tendencies. This is why he stayed far from her and kept his family away.
She stood up from the sofa and walked to sit on the chair. Her office exudes power with its sleek, modern design and expensive cityscape views. The polished mahogany desk sits at the center with a picture of John on golf wears from five years ago,beside the table is adorned with a minimalist yet imposing executive chair. The walls feature a tasteful mix of abstract art and framed accolades, showcasing her achievements.
A large, high-definition screen dominates one wall, displaying real-time market data. Behind her desk, a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf houses a collection of leadership and business strategy books,revealing her commitment to continuous learning.The room is bathed in soft,strategic lighting,emphasizing the meticulous organization of her workspace. A well-placed plant adds a touch of sophistication,symbolizing growth and resilience. The air carries a faint scent of a high-quality, subtle perfume, leaving an indelible impression of authority and confidence.
She picked up her phone and dialed a number, she hasn't called for years, after two rings the person picked up.
Hello general,
Hello Mrs Cody, to what do I owe this call?
It's been awhile, hope you are doing well?
Remember the old days?
I have retired from that life, I can't help you with anything like that anymore.
No I just need help, I need someone who is detailed like a PI
Hmmm I know someone who can help but he charges very high and doesn't like to be ordered around his is brats, you can't control but he will definitely get the work done.
Ok I trust you, send the number.
She ended the call.
At the same time Anderson walks into the office,
Yes?
Got someone, he replied
She received a text on her phone. She raised her finger and replied I also got someone too.
Then who should we call first?
Mine will do.
Anderson dialed the number,
After a few rings
A strong muscular voice answered
Hello?
Hello, I got your number from someone. I heard you are excellent at what you do, we need help locating someone...…
I work on my terms
Fair enough…
Let us meet at Cody's HQ. Let's finalize if you don't mind.
Ok then, how about tomorrow?
That is fine…..he replied
10am then
Anderson hung up the phone.
Ok ma'am he said he will be here.
She shook her head, anxiously waiting for tomorrow to come.