The male voice on the phone crackled with excitement. "Mr. Chavez, you'll never guess Yvette's background."
Clifford was momentarily stunned. He thought, Background? I know Yvette is the internationally famous painter, Cyanbird. I know her family is from Seacrity. What else could be so exciting? Yusef, too, was intensely curious.
Clifford asked, "What kind of guessing game is this? What's going on?"
The man on the phone, deterred from further gamesmanship, hurried on. "Mr. Chavez, Ms. Zeller is an Interpol officerโa first-class agent. Even the arrogant Chief Jack at the Betrico branch treats her with immense respect. Darnell says Ms. Zeller shot both Robin and Kyle's secretary, Malcolm, hitting Malcolm's scapula. The injury is reportedly severe."
Jeremiah, his fingers resting on the armrest, his military boots gleaming, merely paused in his text message: "What do you want to eat tonight? You've worked hard."
Jase, taking a satisfied sip of coffee, mused, Yvette shot Malcolm too? Two birds with one stone... or rather, two shots are better than one.
Clifford, his grip tightening on the phone, stared in disbelief. Did I hear that right? Yvette is a top-level Interpol officer? This is unbelievable. Yvette from Seacrity is an Interpol officer? Is this April Fool's Day?
His eyes widened as he fought to regain composure. He then recalled the calm demeanor of Jeremiah and the caller. So they already knew Yvette's identity. Only I was clueless. He glared at Jeremiah. I'll settle this with him later.
Yusef, equally astonished, thought, A first-class Interpol officer in her twenties? She's dazzling.
Clifford maintained a steady voice. "Continue. How did Yvette end up shooting Malcolm? What's the story?"
The man's voice, now laced with admiration, became even more animated. "Mr. Chavez, Ms. Zeller is formidable. Darnell said Malcolm barely spoke before she acted. One shotโquick, precise, and ruthless."
Clifford's eyes twitched. Yvette is incredible. Jeremiah won't have much say in their relationship now.
He paused. "Tell me everything. What happened next?" His impatience was palpable. He needed to know what actions Yvette, this newly revealed Interpol officer, had taken.
The man continued, "Mr. Chavez, it gets even more surprising. When Chief Jack arrived, he was incredibly polite, almost fawning. As a first-class detective, Ms. Zeller holds considerable power... She fired on Malcolm and Robin, suspecting them of terrorism. Jack has taken them back to the Betrico branch."
Clifford's jaw dropped. His phone slipped from his grasp as he slumped onto the sofa.
Jase observed him silently. If he knew Yvette's wealth could shake a nation, in addition to her Interpol identity, he'd be even more shocked. Better to take it slow.
The reason for the shooting was utterly unexpectedโbut entirely justified and legal. Interpol officers are tasked with maintaining world peace. Association with terrorism is a devastating label.
Clifford wanted to shout, Well done!
The man continued, "Mr. Chavez, Prime Minister Kyle of Ybaulla is requesting their release from Interpol headquarters, but Jack is firm. He won't release them until the matter is resolved. He also mentioned headquarters is aware, and this is the Chairman's decision."
Jase, his hand momentarily still on his coffee cup, smiled gently. Yvette is even more remarkable than I imagined! Jeremiah's incredibly lucky.
Clifford was ready to applaud. The matter is handled perfectly! Those Ybaulla representatives are here for trade, pulling contract tricks we repeatedly reject. Now, a terrorist incident orchestrated by their own Prime Minister, within Clusia. Regardless of truth, let's see if they still dare demand anything or explain themselves!
The initiative had shifted decisively to Clusia. Yvette had unknowingly given the country a tremendous gift. Clifford, energized, was about to leave without a word. There was much to be done.
Jase stopped him. "Yvette paved the way. Negotiate and secure the best possible outcome. Don't let her efforts go to waste."
Clifford was startled. "Dad, you mean Yvette did this on purpose? For..."
Jeremiah, looking up from his phone, a knowing smile playing on his lips, stated firmly, "Yvette did it on purpose. She deliberately shot Robin and Malcolm." Heโd anticipated her actions. Heโd obeyed his grandfatherโs summons and arrived simply to enjoy his coffee. Yvette always has a plan. She has a temper, but never acts rashly.
Yusef silently concluded, Having a temper without ability is conceit. Having both ability, temper, and a unique personalityโฆ that makes a true powerhouse!
Jase, calmly addressing Clifford, said, "Yvette planned this. Do you think sheโd fire a gun impulsively? She had a purpose. You should understand her intentions."
Suddenly, it clicked for Clifford. Yvette must have planned the entire sequence from the beginning, anticipating Ybaulla's plea to Interpol. What a meticulous mind. Not a single step was wrong.
Clifford now knew his son couldn't compete with such a woman. Artistic talent, an Interpol officer, intelligence and combat skillsโshe was one in a million.
After Clifford left, Jeremiah rose to depart. Jase, leaning on his cane, stood. "Your wife is quite thoughtful." Yusef pondered this, What does that mean?