Episode Eight
A month later,
Footsteps echoed down the pavement, leading to the dining room, where Mrs. Calotte opened the briefcase. Her countenance transformed, radiant with a mix of relief and serenity.
"Ah, at least that's my favorite," she murmured, her eyes scanning the contents. "At least that's my rodeo. He won't give me a hard time."
As Ethan approached, Mrs. Calotte's gaze shifted, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Mum," Ethan said, embracing her warmly.
Mrs. Calotte's expression turned somber, she taught of letting Ethan know something that's been tormenting her for years. Her voice barely above a whisper. "Ethan, I'm sorry I haven't been entirely truthful with you. Seven years ago, your father...he killed Rose, our eldest daughter, with his bare hands."
Ethan's eyes widened, his face pale. Mrs. Calotte's hands trembled as she arranged her luggage.
"Why are you telling me this now?" Ethan asked, his voice laced with a mix of emotions.
Mrs. Calotte's eyes brimmed with tears. "I thought you should know. I've carried this burden for far too long."
As the first tears dropped from her cheek, Ethan's gaze locked onto hers. "I already know, Mother," he said, his voice low and measured.
Mrs. Calotte's footsteps halted, her eyes frozen in shock. "You were there, weren't you?" she whispered.
Ethan's eyes clouded, memories flooding his mind. "I was hiding outside the room. I saw...I saw everything."
A chill ran down Mrs. Calotte's spine as Ethan's words painted a vivid picture.
"'Ouch! Dad, please, don't! Don't do this, noooo!' Rose's screams still echoed in my mind. I watched through the keyhole as Father...as he used the axe."
Mrs. Calotte's face contorted in anguish, her hands covering her mouth.
Mrs Calotte's voice dropped to a whisper. "I was terrified. When my husband came out, he was panting heavily. He rushed to the restricted room on the top floor and locked the door."
Ethan's eyes snapped toward Mrs Calotte. "The restricted room? What do you mean?"
Mrs Calotte 's voice raised emotionally. "He had forbidden us from entering that room. I suspect that's where...where Rose's fate was sealed."
Mrs. Ethan's face paled. "I still can't understand why he did that. Is something going on here?"
Ethan's eyes narrowed. "I need to know, Mother. What secrets are you hiding?"
Mrs. Calotte's voice trembled. "I must leave, Ethan. I'm going to Abidjan."
Ethan's grip on her arm tightened. "Why are you not telling me. What is going on? I'd rather know."
Mrs. Calotte's eyes locked onto Ethan's. "You still don't understand, Ethan. I'm trying to protect you. I may not return. I've been an insider, anyway."
Ethan's face set in determination. "I promise, Mother. I'll keep your secret."
As Mrs. Calotte's car drove away, Ethan watched, his mind reeling with the weight of his family's dark past.
***************
Edward's Mansion
The TV screen flickered to life, broadcasting the latest news. "Josean's hitmen have denied involvement in the Eric's Hotel fire this morning, following the FBI's raid on Ramsey's Hotel yesterday evening."
Edward's voice cut through the air, his concern etched on his face. "What are you going to do now, Cindy? This situation is spiraling out of control."
Cindy's eyes welled up with tears. "I have to leave the country. I just can't take it anymore. It's becoming too dangerous for me."
Edward's grip on her palms tightened. "Why? What's going on, Cindy?"
Cindy's voice cracked. "My dad abandoned me, and now I'm all alone. If I get involved in this mess, I'll be doomed."
Edward's expression softened. "I understand what you're going through. I'll wait for you to return. Just stay away for now, until the chaos dies down."
Cindy's face set in determination. "Thanks, Edward. I'll be back."
As Cindy packed her luggage, Edward's eyes lingered on her. "After I escort you to the airport, promise me you'll stay safe."
Cindy nodded, a faint smile on her lips. "Okay, let's go."
The taxi ride to the airport was filled with an uncomfortable silence. As they reached the airport, Edward's lips brushed against Cindy's in a gentle kiss.
Cindy's eyes widened in surprise. "Edward."
Edward's voice was barely above a whisper. "I love you, Cindy."
Cindy's face lit up with a warm smile. "Alright, bye."
As Cindy disappeared into the waiting room, Edward's heart felt heavy. He pulled out his phone and dialed Cindy's number.
"Hello?" Cindy's voice echoed thorough the line.
"Edward speaking," he replied, a hint of longing in his voice. "I just wanted to hear your voice again. I don't think I can sleep without you."
Cindy's laughter was music to his ears. "Don't worry, grab hold of my picture. That should help. I love you."
The phone call ended, and Cindy's flight was announced. As she boarded the plane, a sense of relief washed over her.
The flight attendants' voices were a gentle hum as they demonstrated the safety procedures. "Please kindly put your seatbelts on. The plane is about to take off."
As the plane soared into the clouds, Cindy's eyelids grew heavy, and she drifted off to sleep.
A loud bang jolted her awake. "What was that?" whispers echoed through the cabin.
The door behind the pilot's room swung open, and a tall, menacing figure emerged, gun in hand. Cindy's eyes locked onto the man, her heart racing.
"No way," she breathed, recognizing the man as one of Josean's henchmen.
The man's eyes locked onto Cindy, a sinister grin spreading across his face. "We'll crash this plane if you do anything stupid."
Cindy's eyes narrowed, her grip on the nearby club tightening. "You followed me all the way here."
With a fierce cry, Cindy swung the club, knocking the gun out of the man's hand. A fierce battle ensued, with Cindy fighting for her life against the two henchmen.
As the plane careened out of control, Cindy's clothes were torn, leaving her nearly naked. In a desperate bid to escape, she fought back with every ounce of strength she possessed.
Just as she thought she had the upper hand, one of the men pushed her away, sending her tumbling out of the plane.