Twenty-Nine - Contraband

Bordeaux, France

Cunningham Fortress, High Order France Headquarters

"Convoy one, you are clear for entry," The operator motioned to the gatekeeper. "Gate two, open for De Lutherbergh convoy and inform Lord Francis immediately."

Francis went to the command center. As the host to the Drax trial, everything needs to be in order. Iñigo was worried about their performance. The council may be civil but they were all hostile. The radio blared.

"This is starlight one, Astor chopper, requesting for landing, over."

"Copy, starlight one. Please proceed to LZ two," The operator looked at Francis. "Head prosecutor Astor's chopper has arrived, sir."

"Keep your eyes open people," Francis instructed. He breathed hard. "Why are they all arriving at the same time?"

***

Paris, France

The Alderige arrived at their French mansion. Initial procedures will begin soon but they need to check for a possible ambush. Mr. Smith handled Romeo and Aberdeen's transport. The staff was personally picked by the old man to accompany them to France. Hector Exconde is powerless but he has a lot of influential friends.

"Is the plane ready, Mr. Smith?" Aberdeen was already irritated with the delay.

"We are still securing our entry." He answered.

"How long will it take? The rest of the council has arrived," She stomped her way to the plane.

Words reached the council about the skepticism of the main jury. Iñigo was bothered with it and sent the Vipers to secure the Alderige to Cunningham Fortress. Security details were given by the Hellfires but knowing their recent warden is on trial, Arthur Smith declined. The Zion was the main escort of the Alderige. Arthur had no choice but to make some understanding. Alderige's assassins and elite team, Oracle, were already stretched out from securing their travel. They were posted on different locations in France in case an escape is needed.

The vipers arrived at the airport. Aberdeen and Romeo were transported in separate planes. Arthur put Romeo under the Zion and Oracle security details while Aberdeen was with the Vipers. She knew the importance of succession. Blood, above all things.

It's almost sunset when they arrived in Bordeaux. Again, the two Alderige heirs were moved to two different choppers. Iñigo and Francis were in the command center, checking every possible lapse in their accommodation.

"Oracle sterling, requesting for landing, over." The pilot transmitted.

"This is control, Oracle sterling. Message received. Proceed to LZ 5, over. Welcome to Cunningham Fortress Lord Alderige."

The two Constantine rushed to the main lobby after the safe landing. They are opted to receive their visitors personally, especially if the said visitor is the oldest family in the council. The staff was already in position. The rest of the council were already settled in their suites but each high family had sent their respective people to welcome the newest Clement-Alderige council member in Cunningham Fortress.

Romeo was appalled when he witnessed their welcome. From the window, he watched how Aberdeen felt the unparalleled power cast by their family. He chuckled as Aberdeen transferred from one person to another like a celebrity. Hypocrisy was one of her best qualities.

"Sir," Arthur pointed to the chopper door. "Coast is clear."

***

For the third time, Richard Nelson explained to the guard that Romeo Alderige invited him. He passed the two security clearances but the third was hard. His effects were confiscated, even his identity was questioned. The guards were determined that he needs to undergo a full background check.

"I told you, sir. I'm with the Alderige!" He blurted in anger.

"Then why did you not arrive with the Alderige staff?" The French guard mocked.

Nelson licked his lips in frustration. He moved away from the main door and dialed Romeo's number. Arthur Smith answered the call. He was put on hold and was instructed to wait outside. Staff from the Alderige house fetched him. Nelson snickered playfully to the two guards leaving a dirty finger on his way inside. The man explained to him the dos and don'ts. The entire tower near the grounds was occupied by the Alderige house. The west wing was intended for the prosecution, Astor, De Lutherbergh, and Hawthorne. Constantine and Samira were separated to the annex of the palace.

"Beyond this hall, Alderige house has no jurisdiction," Cornelius Blaine was referring to the end of the hallway where they were currently standing. "The other houses have their own security protocols which we all respect and follow. You can venture anywhere if you are walking with Aberdeen or Romeo, until then, keep your nose to your own business. Am I clear?"

Nelson nodded nervously, "Of course. By the way, I'm Richard. I'm friends with Romeo."

"Pleasure," Cornelius looked at him from head to foot. "Cornelius Blaine, a close affiliate of the Clement family."

"Blaine? Like the Blaine foundation?" Nelson gawked over his face.

He was ignored by Cornelius and was pushed to the hallway instead. Nelson was still star-struck. The Blaine were famous for their philanthropy. The old Blaine was also known for his firm voice and management. The Bureau was once threatened with a series of lawsuits by the family after they were involved in a conspiracy.

"I still can't believe I'm face to face with a Blaine. Your grandfather was an amazing man."

"You bet." Cornelius cackled then elbowed Nelson to the Master's bedroom. "Have fun, loser."

Arthur Smith eyed him suspiciously. Cornelius greeted the old man, explained who their visitor was then left. Richard Nelson followed the intimidating butler to the lobby of the chamber. Alienated from the luxury around him. The room was sparkling, an indication of its prices. Timeless furniture lying around and expensive ornaments hanging freely. Two gentlemen were walking around, casually speaking to their radio. Mr. Smith opened the double door to the bedroom.

"Lord Romeo Clement Alderige." The old man announced, then receded to the hallway with the two other men.

"Does he always do that? The introduction thing?" Nelson laughed.

"I can't talk him out of it," Romeo gave his former colleague a short but warm hug. "I heard you had a hard time passing the security?"

"You have no idea." Nelson rolled his eyes and sat across Romeo. "I really thought I can have easy access to the other high families, but apparently, your jurisdiction ends at the hallways, according to that young man. I can't believe Blaine is one of your staff. How rich are you?"

"The Blaines have been one of the family's affiliates even before my grandmother was born," Romeo waved his hand. "Anyway, I want you to investigate here, at the heart of the story."

"You say it like it's that easy. It took your connections to get me inside. I wonder how I can even sneak into one of the chambers. I might get shot for God's sake."

"I already asked Mr. Smith to give you our special house badge so you can wander all you want. Who are you planning to investigate first?"

Both of them went quiet when a maid came with their refreshments. Alderige thanked the young lady. They waited until the door was closed to continue their conversation.

"Of course, your family. They were the main suspect in the murder," Nelson picked up some bread and butter.

"Are you serious? I didn't vouch for your entry for us to be implicated in a murder." Alderige reacted angrily.

"Relax! That's exactly the reason why I am telling you this. If your family was really behind the murder, you can cover it up and I can look away." Nelson smirked.

"In exchange for what?" Alderige stared at his former partner intensely.

"I know you can make some phone calls. A promotion?" Nelson clicked his tongue. Then finally tasted the bread he was holding.

"For a second I thought you will start blubbering some digits," Alderige snatched the silver wine glass. "It's not like we can't afford it."

"I can still change my mind." Nelson grinned.

Romeo laughed with Nelson and offered the rest of the food on the tray. He leaned back then peaked at the door. "Hello, auntie."