Alas, Maximillian Grant seemed to be immune to his charm.
--------------------------------
"In that case, thank you for your cooperation. I wish you a speedy recovery."
Julian smiled.
"Thank you, Agent Grant."
Upon his exit, he came across the same nurse, whose arms were laden with another pile of gifts for Julian.
Having only spent two hours in the hospital including waiting time, Maximillian pushed open the bureau door that afternoon and marched toward his office. Sandra Warwick and Julia Schindler were already ensconced in his office, their impatience a tangible presence.
"Well?" they chorused, eyes locked on his.
Maximillian shrugged out of his coat, the movement echoing the weight of his findings. Loosening his tie, he offered, "He cooperated. Answered everything I threw at him." A beat of silence hung heavy in the air. "But his alibi checks out clean."
Disappointment flickered across both women's faces. "Oh," Sandra breathed.
Julia, ever the pragmatist, recovered quickly. "We were hoping for more, of course. Still, at least you secured the information. Good work, Agent Grant."
"Hmm, thanks."
The office door clicked shut behind the two women. Maximillian lingered a moment, then strode towards the expansive window that dominated the wall behind his chair.
Yes, he conceded silently. Julian Haas' alibi was watertight. Yet, a prickle of unease crawled up Maximillian's spine. Julian wasn't the impeccably pure and innocent angel he portrayed.
The way Julian gazed at him when their eyes locked left a lingering impression in Maximilian's heart. Those who strived to prove his innocence often had hidden agendas of their own.
Propped against the raised bedframe in his solitary ward, Julian watched the day's headline news scrolled across the flat-screen television mounted on the wall.
The news anchor reported, "Prof. Dr. Atticus Bates, the 2034 Nobel Laureate in Medicine, remains in a coma after being involved in a massive explosion at Eichwald Center for Neurology and Psyche. The prominent scientist is currently being treated under tight hospital security. Officials refuse to comment and have barred further inquiries."
A video footage showed Augustin Haberkorn, Deputy General of the National Bureau of Security, who raised a hand to silence the barrage of questions from reporters.
"Mr. Haberkorn, please tell us more about the explosion."
"Is it an act of terrorism???"
"Deputy General Haberkorn, is it true that only two people survived the explosion? What about the other person?"
Julian narrowed his eyes at the screen.
Two gunshots and the old man was still alive. Worse, the failed assassination had put him squarely in the National Bureau of Security's sights. Another attempt on Atticus Bates' life just got a whole lot trickier.
On the other hand, they were both being treated in the same hospital. Being comatose, Atticus could hardly escape, could he?
Julian's train of thought was interrupted by three knocks at his door.
"Mr. Haas, are you still awake?"
"Yes," Julian answered.
The door swung open, revealing a nurse with a breathtaking bouquet. Luscious red roses, their velvety petals hinting at the promise of new beginnings, fanned out gracefully. Intertwined were elegant purple orchids, their delicate folds like exotic butterflies frozen in mid-flight. And peeking out playfully, a cluster of cheerful yellow daffodils, their sunny faces promising brighter days ahead. The entire display was bound with a striking red ribbon, tying it all together like a festive gift.
"I know that you already have plenty, but this one is very special. It came from the National Bureau of Security, presumably a thank-you bouquet for your kind cooperation these past few days!"
Julian put on his usual charming smile, the one that never failed to disarm anyone, save for most omegas who despised him at first sight.
"Thank you, Nurse Greene."
From the nightstand, he retrieved a glass jar of crumbly peanut cookies, holding it aloft in front of Nurse Greene.
"I am allergic to peanuts. Would you mind taking these cookies off my hands?"
"B-but we are not supposed to..." Nurse Greene stammered, but she was clearly taken with the peanut cookies. Julian saw her eyeing the cookies several times during her visit.
"Please," Julian pleaded. "I won't be able to finish all of them anyway."
"Oh, you... Alright!"
Nurse Greene lay the bouquet on Julian's lap before she happily took a cookie out of the jar.
National Bureau of Security?
Propped against the pillows, Julian scanned the card tucked amongst the vibrant bouquet.
"Get well soon, Julian! I hope we can go for tea sometime after your release.
-Stefan Wildner-"
Stefan Wildner.
Recognition flickered across his face.
Ah, it was the first person from the bureau who came to interrogate him, presumably Maximillian Grant's direct subordinate.
A thoughtful smile played on his lips as he traced the delicate petals.
Seeing how easy it was to capture the young agents, he became greedy and tried to approach a senior agent in a similar way.
Alas, Maximillian Grant seemed to be immune to his charm.
What a shame.
"Mr. Haas, it is already quite late," Nurse Greene flashed Julian a regretful look. "I need to ask you to turn off the television and go to sleep now."
"Oh."
Julian turned off the television and Nurse Greene helped to lower his bed and tucked him in for the night.
"Nurse Greene?"
"Yes?"
"That man they mentioned on the television... Atticus Bates, I think I met him before," Julian slowly said.
Nurse Greene's eyes widened in light of the revelation.
"Really? Can you remember anything about him? The bureau has been trying to find out why he was even in that building!"
"I am not sure," Julian slowly spoke. "I need to see him in person before I can be a hundred percent sure."
"Oh."
Nurse Greene's shoulders slumped forward in disappointment.
"I fear that that's not an option."
"Why not?" Julian asked, trying his best not to appear too eager and trigger the nurse's suspicion.
Nurse Greene's voice dropped to a hushed murmur. "He's already gone, Mr. Haas. Flown back to the States on a hospital helicopter about an hour ago."