Chapter 14: Investigation

Two days later, I gathered all the papers provided by Alison to me. I was disappointed to know that it was only a fifty-page document. Reading the first pages, I saw a lot of information. Well recorded, the records and the classified information I needed were here. I knew I could count on Alison, who gave me a huge smile on my face with satisfaction. 

These were detailed information. The dates, the time, and location were spot on to what I was looking for. Despite it being only a fifty-page summary, I found it easy to understand and not lacking any important information.

I was in the study room, looking at the organizer on the wall. I tried to connect the dots. But as I looked closely, something seemed amiss. I thought that I had successfully connected the dots. The stress and frustration gave me a headache and made me take a break.

Opening the fridge, I saw a lot of cans of beer. I didn't like to drink beer, it was there for show or my guests. There was also a partially consumed wine bottle and some juices that I grew tired of. I was looking for the cranberry, which I named as blood juice but it was not there. Disappointed, I closed the fridge and left.

I went to the messy living room I hadn't cleaned yet. Scattered on the floor were some crumpled papers and empty cans of beverages, on the tables and the floor. The smell was not strong enough but I can tell that deodorant was needed. The sofa and the furniture around the room were covered in dust.

Ignoring the scene, I decided to entertain myself and sat on the sofa. I turned the television on and surfed through the channels. Nothing piqued my interest as most shows were tasteless, and soap operas ruined my mood. Discouraged in watching, I turned the television off.

I let out a loud yawn, stretched my legs, and closed my eyes, "A little nap would relieve some stress." I muttered. The cold air from the A/C helped me drift to sleep.

The temperature suddenly dropped further, and my body also felt lighter. It was surreal and outwardly like my soul was pulled out from my body. Resisting wouldn't even help when a relaxing sensation calmed my senses. I can only surrender myself to the phenomenon that was happening.

It felt like a strong breeze flowed through me. It was like I was moving fast that was taking me somewhere. I could see only darkness, my other senses were the ones telling me otherwise of what was happening. Moments later, the strange phenomenon stopped and I felt that I was standing on my two feet. I slowly regained my bodily functions the same with my eyesight. My heavy eyelids slowly started to open and vague light entered my pupils.

The place looked vague, it was misty and cold. There was no particular smell and I can tell it was empty. The silence was also deafening as I could not hear anything even my footsteps. It felt strange even for me as I saw figures of people before me. There's not a lot, but I barely recognized there were four of them. One of the figures spoke to me whose voice was familiar, and I immediately identified him.

"It has been long since I had summoned you here!" The All-Father said, in a loud voice.

In the discomfort of his presence, I scratched the back of my head, "Indeed it is!" 

The All-Father was displeased with my demeanor and the tone of my voice spoke, "I see that you were doing things that both please and displease me. Remember, I gave you powers and a purpose to live in this world!"

I honestly replied, "I am sorry, but I cannot help myself!"

The All-Father cleared his throat and warned me, "I can punish you anytime if you displease me. Disobey and sow discord in my realm, I will make sure you'll regret it!" He paused and warned me, "What I want in my realm is order and obedience as long as you don't cause trouble or imbalance I will try to ignore your misgivings!" 

"I understand!" Feeling my obedience, I genuflected as I tried to resist the inner demon inside of me. If I answer him negatively, it may be bad for me. After a moment of contemplation. I stood up and asked the All-Father, "I have some questions to ask!" 

The All-Father ignored my inquiry and replied, "Whatever your questions are, the answers will find their way. I have no time to talk right now, I have things to do!" 

"What a disappointing response!" I said in disappointment.

The All-Father seemed to like his riddles, and forcing my way would not do any good. Darkness suddenly engulfed my sight, and again I felt my body float in the nothingness. I felt my head become light and my consciousness faded.

A sudden flash of light opened my eyes and my senses returned to me. It suddenly felt humid and I was sweating like a pig. My face was covered with sweat and wiped it off with my face towel. The A/C unit turned off and I forgot I timed it for two hours. I rose from my sofa, stretching my body. The discomfort I felt with my soaked clothes made me change to a simple shirt. I turned on the A/C unit and proceeded to the study room.

The study room was more organized than the living room, still, I can tell that it needed cleaning. The dust covered most of the unused furniture, bookshelves, and tables. I can smell the dust that entered my nose as I wiped off the table. A dim light from the study lamp illuminated the room. Seeing it, I decided to turn on the lights which revealed the table and the organizer.

Looking at the organizer, I continued with the investigation. I connected the dots and something was off. Maybe I used the wrong information, making my findings unclear and confusing. I referred to Alison and studied it once more.

My eyes opened wide in realization and hurried back to the organizer. I connected the dots again this time and finally, everything made sense! From my findings, I could not believe that the CEO of ATMOS Corps. had dealings with the Triton PMC. Some things may not make sense, like the abduction of the CEO's daughter and the set-up they did to me.

Surprised by the discovery. Even though some things made no sense, the innocent daughter's involvement and abduction was not a trivial move. A further investigation needed to be done further with the incident. Looking at the papers provided to me by Alison, I found information that related to both companies for several months.

This meant that there was a deal these two companies made and what happened was already premeditated. Whatever their purpose was, it was made in secret under the nose of the authorities. If it were a feud between companies, there's no need to kidnap and frame people. 

However, I was the convenient scapegoat and I find them petty for that.

The need for vengeance swelled inside of me. The CEO's daughter may not concern me anything or her family. What concerned me was why I was involved with the plot. It was not something I could forget, or forgive! They crossed the line and will pay it in blood!