58

Monday morning. I entered the office and my motivation was way down. The day yesterday with Thiago was so beautiful, almost like it was just a dream. But this office brings me back to reality.

With a loud sigh, I started my computer and set up my work documents. I hope this nightmare ends soon. I keep getting reminded of Matt and the incident.

It's 9 a.m. and the office is now full. The police are also back on site and are securing vast amounts of folders and other documents. I ran to the coffee machine when suddenly a hand rested on my shoulder. luce

Without saying anything, I took two steps back. "Alea please listen to me one last time" luce asks me calmly. I agreed and followed him into the only office with a door, Matt's office.

Luce closed the door behind us and sat down in the office chair.

"We'll soon be done with the hearing of evidence here and will withdraw. That means that if we don't find any further evidence, the case will be closed anakta. And I won't bother you anymore either. So you can whistle at your little mutt," explained he calm me down

I looked at him confused: "Mr. Silva is not my dog and what do you mean by that?" I asked him cluelessly. "You do not know?" Delugo stated with amusement and shook his head. "He and his lawyers have made sure that I'm not allowed to get any closer to you. I'm only allowed to speak to you in the presence of one of his lawyers," Luce replied.

I knew Thiago was angry on Saturday morning and said he would take care of it, but not what that meant. Well now I know. It seems he would have a great deal of power or a good legal team if he could even keep an agent away from me. At least officially.

"And what are we going to do here alone without the lawyers?" I asked dryly.

"I wanted to talk to you one last time, alone, then we'll retire anyway and it doesn't matter anymore," he answered me. "Alea, I swear on my badge, I believe you. I believe you didn't have a relationship with your supervisor, Matt Barnes, and knew nothing about his family. I also believe you know nothing about his disappearance. It does I'm sorry that I was so bold on Friday. It comes from my job. Sometimes I have to be so insistent. I really didn't mean to hurt you," he protested. He seemed sincere and I almost felt sorry for him. Because he trusted me, I was the one hiding what was really going on with Matt.

"It's okay Luce. Can you tell me how things are going with the company? With us employees?" I asked further.

"I want to be honest with you. We don't have a body. No evidence of a crime. It could be years before he's officially declared dead. And that's how long this company can't be transferred to the heirs. So the company is leaderless and "Every important decision needs the approval of the CEO. So the company will go under. You should look for something new. And quickly," he answered me honestly.

"Thank you for your honesty Luce. I don't feel comfortable here anymore, to be honest." I smiled at him briefly and lowered my gaze. I turned my back on luce to exit the office but was stopped by the agent.

"Wait Alea". Then he stepped in front of me. His body brushed mine and I could smell his aftershave. His breath was warm and left goosebumps on my skin. He gently stroked my upper arm with his hand. The touch was delicate but intense. I lifted my head and looked into his dark green, shining eyes.

"I want you to know that no matter what, you can always reach out to me. Even if it's just a shoulder to lean on. I know there's another man in your life, but I'm still here. You hear me "You have my number, call me okay?" He whispered to me and touched my forehead with his mouth while giving a short kiss. I nodded and smiled politely.

"I'm sorry that I can't give you more Luce" I apologized and distanced myself.

"I know I wish I had met you earlier. Then I could have protected you from that idiot too," he replies.

I looked at him in surprise because I didn't understand what he meant. He noticed my confusion and gave me the solution: "Thiago Silva. Alea his family is very dangerous. He himself is also to be treated with extreme caution. He will tear you down Alea."

I closed my eyes and shook my head. "Stop it Luce. Don't do that. I can take care of myself okay?"

"I hope so for you".

Then I finally left the office. I ran to the desk, typed my resignation and this time sent it to HR. There was no longer a CEO. Then I packed up my personal belongings, said goodbye to my work colleagues and left.

Finally. Finally I was able to leave these premises and didn't have to go back and that without any suspicion being drawn. I was glad that the nightmare was finally over. I could start to close the Matt Barnes chapter. Even if what happened that night will always remain in my memories.

When I got home, I put the box with my things in a corner and took a hot shower. Tonight was dinner with Andy. I was happy to see him again.

When I was done showering, I got dressed and got ready. Then I took my phone and typed a message to Thiago. I hadn't heard from him today.

Alea: "Hi Babe"

Thiago: "Du nennst mich Babe?"

Alea: "What else should I call you? Honey? Darling? Master? Boss"

Thiago: "I would like the master XD or the boss, I'm that too"

Alea: "All right, my cuddly bear"

Thiago: "hahaha Alea you know what happens when you provoke me"

Alea: " I 'm not sure. Tell me again?"

Thiago: " Where are you ?"

Alea: " At home . Will you come and show me?"

Thiago: " You have no idea how much I would like to . Lay you over my desk and show you who the boss is "

Alea: "Aber?"

Thiago: "We're about to have an extended board meeting. It 's going to be late tonight . I'm sorry, little one."

Alea: "No problem . I'm going to meet Andy for dinner anyway and then I have to write applications . I resigned today . "

... instead of answering, Thiago called directly. I picked up after the second ring. "Yes?" "We don't see each other for eight hours and suddenly you're banging out one thing after the other. First of all, why are you seeing this idiot?" Thiago growled into the phone. I sighed into the phone "Andy isn't a dork. He's my best friend and he's also gay in case you still haven't noticed. Don't worry okay? He wanted to meet me and I'm honestly glad I got him as friend missing". I explained briefly. "I still don't like it, Alea. I don't like knowing that you're alone with a man," he replied. Wow how possessive could you be? I rolled my eyes which luckily he couldn't see.

"Thiago, please, he is important to me. I don't have many people in my life who are important to me. Don't do that," I begged into the phone. "Am I part of that?" If he asked me the question "Yes, you belong. You're actually pretty high up on my list of all the people who are important to me and I like," I smiled into the phone. "All the same. And how did the termination come about?" Thiago now wanted to know. "The case will be dropped anakta. The company will not function until Matt has been pronounced dead. And that could take years since there is no evidence of a crime let alone a body. I had to resign and I'm glad I did finally could without raising suspicions" I explained to him.

"Sounds logical and now you're looking for a new job?" He continued to tease me. "Yes, I intend to," I answered succinctly.

"It's a waste of time. You're going back to your old position at Bank of America." It wasn't a question from him, but rather a decision already made. Are you fucking serious?

"Thiago, that's a joke, isn't it?" I asked slightly annoyed.

"No, seriously. And there is nothing to discuss here either. You are damn good at your job. We have never filled your position. It is the best for you and your career. I will address it directly in the board meeting. I have to go now," he said dryly.

"Thiago stop, no, may I also say something about that? I don't want to go back" but I already heard the signal that no one was on the line. Now he's completely lost his mind.