Francisco entered the waiting room. He cast a sharp gaze upon the two men who had inconspicuously dressed in normal attire, not in police uniform.
"For what reason," he inquired, "are you guys here?"
The two police officers were clearly unimpressed by Francisco's attitude. One of them responded, "Mr. Francisco, we are here for some official matters."
"Official matters? Are you gentlemen planning to work for my company now?"
"Mr. Francisco, we are not here for employment. We are here to conduct an investigation."
Before the exchange could escalate further, another one entered the waiting room.
"Don't worry," that person reassured, "this time, we have evidence."
Francisco turned to face and spotted Rafael. Rafael bore a mischievous smirk.
Francisco's eyes rolled in exasperation as he tried to maintain his composure in the face of Rafael's smug demeanor.
"What do you have, Sheriff?" Francisco asked with thinly veiled impatience.
"We've identified some of your men around Mr. James's port."
Francisco's eyebrows arched in mock surprise.
"Oh, really!" Francisco replied with a hint of sarcasm. "I must have been out of the loop."
Rafael maintained his smirk.
"I know, Mr. Francisco. It's easy to overlook such details."
"I believe...," he murmured, "you may have forgotten how to communicate with a business tycoon."
Rafael grinned and fired back, "Yes, especially when the tycoon is, shall we say, a criminal."
Francisco and Rafael had a longstanding history of conflict, each harboring a deep-seated animosity toward the other.
As Rafael continued to make his statements, his intentions were clear, but Francisco opted for silence. He simply fixed his gaze on Rafael with a piercing intensity.
Finally, Francisco rose from his seat, his patience waning.
"I was attending an interview, and you guys came here to chit-chat."
"Be calm, Mr. Francisco," Rafael said.
"I am calm," he retorted. "After all, it's just a port, and my men have every right to move around as they please."
Rafael, however, had a card up his sleeve.
"Mr. Bruce... you've heard that name before, haven't you?"
"Who doesn't know him?" Francisco replied.
"Mr. James claims that you kidnapped and tortured his personal assistant," Rafael stated firmly.
"Sheriff, tell me, how much cash did you accept from James to make such accusations against me?" Francisco asked.
"If you were in his place," Rafael inquired, "how much would you be willing to offer?"
"Come to the point. I don't have time like you guys," he demanded.
As Rafael presented a photo and placed it on the table, a sly smirk crossed his face. Francisco, however, remained unperturbed by the photo.
"This guy is one of your men," Rafael declared.
Francisco's response was marked by nonchalance.
"A lot of guys work under me," he retorted, "so I can't be expected to remember every one of them."
"We spotted him at that port," Rafael stated.
Francisco's reaction was swift.
"But that doesn't necessarily make him a criminal," he countered.
"Then find him," Francisco challenged, his smirk reflecting a calculated confidence. "Find him, Mr. Officer."
In the midst of the escalating confrontation between Francisco and Rafael, a sudden interruption disrupted the tense atmosphere in the room. Max entered with a stern and authoritative tone.
"Officer, are you serious?"
"You are harassing our CEO. Are you aware that I may take legal action against you? Do you have any concrete proof to support these allegations?"
Rafael's gaze remained locked on him.
"Do you want me to call someone in a higher position about you?"
Rafael's jaw remained firmly clenched.
"We are sorry, sir," one of the officers said. "Actually, we came here to ask about this man."
But Francisco walked close to Rafael, ignoring the other police officer, and he said while looking at him.
"You know what," Francisco uttered, his eyes locked onto Rafael's, "you are simply powerless to destroy me anyway."
The room seemed to hold its breath for a moment.
Francisco turned and exited the room, leaving Rafael behind.
Max wore a wry smile as he extended an offer of hospitality to Rafael.
"Please have a seat," Max said in a conciliatory tone. "Please don't leave without having coffee."
Rafael arched his brows.
"I will see how many times your CEO escapes from me," Rafael declared.
***
Hazel was reading a book, attempting to dispel the boredom. Flipping through the pages, she immersed herself in the world of words.
Unbeknownst to her, someone else had entered the room. It was only when she felt a warm breath grazing her ear, tangled in her hair, that she snapped out of her literary trance.
Turning to her left, she found herself mere inches away from Francisco. Their faces were so close that a slight movement could have bridged the gap, making their lips meet.
A sudden rush of nerves coursed through Hazel as she quickly shifted to the side, putting some distance between them.
"Sir!"
She stammered.
Francisco chuckled softly at Hazel's reaction. He casually rested his elbow on the sofa.
"Didn't mean to startle you, Ms. Hazel."
"It's okay, sir. I just didn't expect someone to be so close."
Francisco leaned in a bit, his playful grin persisting.
"Well, it's a good thing you're always on your toes. Keeps things interesting."
Hazel nodded again, still feeling a bit flustered. She decided to close the book she was holding and placed it on the table before her.
"I am sorry without your permission I took your book. It's just I could not stop myself from learning."
With a nervous undertone in her voice, she apologized.