Carl stared at the body lying in a pool of blood. Cold sweat drenched him, and fear shook his frame. "You're already under attack after just a few days back. What should our next move be? "Don't worry," Jameson replied. "Before I die, I'll drag these foolish, greedy idiots to hell with me." As the words left his lips, Jameson was startled. His eyes held an infinitely dark and cold intensity. He'd uttered "hell" without conscious thought, as if prophesying his own fate. Did he believe his hands were so stained with blood and evil that hell was his only destination? In the silence, Jameson's phone rang. He turned away from Carl and his subordinates, facing the desolate moon outside the window and answered the call. "Go ahead." "Mr. Schmidt, things look bad for you here," his informant said, his voice heavy with gloom. It was as if Jameson's reign had ended, and there was no chance of recovery.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"It is what it is. How bad can it get? Just get to the point." Jameson let out a few dry coughs, his pale face etched with loneliness.
"The prosecution has searched the entire Schmidt Group. Mr. Baird and the head of the Finance Department have been taken in for further interrogation.
"They're a bunch of opportunists and aren't trustworthy at all. Now that you've lost your power, it won't be long before they spill everything they know." "Like you said, they aren't trustworthy. Besides, they're just puppets. They've never been truly involved with the core of Schmidt Group. They won't be able to spill anything." Jameson's coughing worsened. Carl hurried over with a handkerchief.
Jameson covered his mouth, coughing violently. Returning the handkerchief, Carl glanced at it, and his pupils constricted in shock— fresh blood stained the creamy white fabric.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmCarl dared not say a thing. He forced himself to hold back his emotions, stuffing the handkerchief into his pocket with shaky hands. "There's more," the informant continued. "Solana City police force has issued a nationwide warrant for your arrest." "What did you say?" Jameson held his breath. There was a metallic taste at the back of his throat.
"I don't know why, but they linked you to Mr. Victor's death. They must have found crucial evidence to get an arrest warrant." The informant paused, then probed, "Mr. Schmidt, did Mr. Victor's death really have something to do with you?" Jameson closed his eyes, tears welling up. The memory of Victor's heart attack and subsequent death flashed before him. He chuckled bitterly "What if I was? Countless people have died by my hand One more doesn't matter." With Carl's help, Jameson sat back on the bed. "Our country has no extradition treaty with Kontina. This is my territory. They can't arrest me." "But don't et, two powerful people in Solana City want you dead. If they join forces with Kontina's police, you'll be in serious trouble." The mention of Alyssa caused a sharp pain in Jameson's heart. "I know. Thanks for the warning. Your services are no longer needed. Stop monitoring Solana City. Unless something unexpected happens, I won't return." "Mr. Schmidt..." "You've been loyal to me, so I'll make it worth your while. I'll have Carl transfer a large sum to your mother. It's enough to livefortably for the rest of your life." As Jameson prepared to hang up, the informant said, "Mr. Schmidt! Everyone says you're evil, that you killed your brothers and father. Even your childhood friend, Ms. Alyssa; turned against you. But I know you're not truly wicked. People will understand your actions if they know what you've been through." "You're wrong, Jameson replied, tears glistening in his eyes. He forced a laugh. "I am evil, sinister, and egotistical. I killed my brothers and father. I'm a gutter rat, a viper in the dark. I've always been alone and don't need anyone's understanding. Goodbye." With that, Jameson ended the call and turned off his phone.
"Mr. Schmidt," Carl said, "Kontina's president is Alyssa's brother-in-law. If they cooperate to apprehend you, you'll be in a dire situation.
"Don't et how we struck Jeremy in the past. He almost died in our hands. He's been waiting for revenge. Now that you're vulnerable, the president and First Lady will seize this chance to strike." Carl looked at Jameson, still sitting tall despite his serious illness. His heart was filled with a mix of emotions. "You should perhaps leave Kontina as soon as possible."