The aftermath

While things at the hospital had finally calmed down and turned for the better, Noah had returned to the garage to look at the damage and hear what the bodyguard and the shadow had report to him on what they had discovered so far. He also wanted to see how his staff was holding up as they must have gotten quite the scare as well and might have many questions that needed to be dealt with.

When Noah arrived at the headquarters and entered the building, he noticed that the entrance to the garage had been closed off with tape. Though it caught him a bit off guard, he was quick to let out a a deep breath and remind himself that this was to be expected. Not only was it currently an active crime scene, it was also dangerous as they didn't know how much damage the explosion had caused to the structural integrity of the building. But it still didn't feel right to see police tape on a door of a highly recognized security company like Infinity Enterprises.

Fortunately the parking garage was located underneath the surface of the terrace of their company cafeteria. This meant that although the garage was closed off for the time being, the office building was still accessible. Something he should feel lucky about, which he did. Because of this architectural decision and very big break, Noah didn't have to shut the office down until an inspection could take place, like he had to do with the garage. Though most of that had been taken care of with the people that were at the office, all he did was sign off on it over the phone while he was waiting for Steve to get out of surgery. No, when it came to this part of the ordeal, there wasn't much aftermath to deal with for him. All he had to do was park on one of the visitor parking spots.

These spots were not located near the parking garage but just around the office building, near the main entrance. It had been a conscious choice to not have visitors park in the parking garage. Considering they are a security company, their own building had been secured from top to bottom. Which meant that not just anyone could enter their parking garage nor could they enter the building if they did manage to enter the garage.

These measures had been taken because the garage had been secured against the entrance of foreign cars, not necessarily foreign people. A person who had come by foot could probably find a way to enter the garage. But they couldn't have an unauthorized person enter the building so 'easily'. So, there were extra security measures to keep people outside should they get past their first layer of defence. Because of these layers upon layers of security, guest weren't able to park in the garage and had their own designated parking spots. That way the only way for them to enter the building, would be through the main entrance which had its own layers of security. Making the whole building and their operation more secure.

Aside from it providing good security for them and their company secrets, it also posed as a great business card and demonstration to potential new clients and gave existing clients reaffirmation of their decision to sign with them. They got to see and experience first hand what security at their company could look like.

But for now, how well matters looked, was far from important. Noah had much bigger things to deal with and he doubted that any planned client-visits had not been cancelled yet. So, with strong strides he walked ahead and that is when he was noticed by the two women that were stationed behind the front desk. When they saw Noah, their eyes lit up and their faces brightened. Almost simultaneously they rose from their seats and said, "Mr. Stephens!"

Although Noah was quite busy, he wanted to be the type of employer who was never too busy for his staff. So, he diverted his path and walked to two of them see how they were doing. "Hello Nora and Nina. How are you two holding up? Was there any trouble for you two after the madness from this morning?"

They quickly shook their heads no and said, "Nothing we can't handle." After that Nora said, "More importantly, how are you and Mr. Branson doing? It as so scary what happened this morning. I can't believe something like that can happen at I.E.. I came down to see what had happened after I heard a loud bang but to think it was an explosion directed at you two. I never imagined there would be someone that would do something that disgusting. Even now, seeing the state you are in, I get shivers all over. To think we could have lost you both today."

Noah smiled briefly. Hearing his employees be so worried over his and Steve's wellbeing, caring so much to actual feel shivers and such strong dislike for the person responsible, it showed him that he and Steve were doing something right. But although his quick smile had gone unnoticed by Noah, it certainly had been noticed by Nora and Nina. Both of them were speechless for a moment, their mouths agape as they tried to process what they had witnessed.

Though Steve was usually the one to indulge in some small talk with them and flash them a warm smile each morning, Noah had showed them very few different expressions. They had always been content with him being the cold, quiet, handsome type. Today they had gotten a glimpse at a different side of him and they were very pleased with what they had been showed. A smile truly can make any person look better, especially someone who was already handsome to begin with.

By now others had noticed Noah and had gathered around him with the same questions, while Nora and Nina were still in their own bubble of bliss. Somehow Noah had remained aloof to their strong reaction and he calmly answered their questions to them and the group of people surrounding him. Telling them all that both he and Steve were just fine and that they need not worry anymore. That he would increase the security even more and that he would go after those responsible. But this information was barely registered by the two of them when Noah excused himself to see how the other floors were doing.