Chaug 16:
The moment Felicia stepped outside earlier, he had the perfect shot lined up. He could have completed the job instantly. But that overly attentive young agent hovered around her so persistently he couldn't get a clear shot.
Three days. He gave himself three more days. Baldy cleaned his rifle and muttered to himself.
Meanwhile, at the Russell Estate, Stephan had been in his study for over ten hours since receiving a new investigative lead the previous afternoon. He hadn't left since. The maids had tried delivering food multiple times, but dared not disturb him. By morning, the study door remained unopened.
Johanna tried to knock but was stopped by a subordinate guarding the door. "Ms. Johanna, Stephan instructed us that no one is allowed to disturb him," the subordinate said.
Johanna frowned, worried. "But he hasn't come out for so long! I'm concerned... Just let me check on him, please. Just a quick look!"
Despite her pleas, the subordinate remained impassive. Finally, in frustration, he said, "Ms. Johanna, this is the second floor, and you shouldn't be here."
Johanna froze. The study was on the second floor, Stephan's private quarters. On her first day, she'd been explicitly forbidden from going there. She initially followed the rules but grew bolder over time, constantly seeking attention. If no one had called her out, things might have remained unchanged. But when confronted, her façade crumbled. Johanna felt utterly embarrassed and stomped away.
In the study, Stephan sat calmly, his expression unreadable. His long fingers tapped rhythmically on the desk. A thick stack of documents lay before him: the latest investigation lead on Jacob's death and the subsequent sinking of the ship. All evidence pointed toward the formerly wealthiest family of Khogend, the Fullers.
The hitmen had worn masks, leaving few clues. However, a button was found in an inconspicuous corner of the ship—likely dropped by a hitman. It was a common material, but Stephan's subordinates painstakingly traced its origins. From factory to distribution, their exhaustive investigation uncovered a significant clue: a year ago, the Fuller family had discreetly assembled an elite group of battle-hardened mercenaries. Dexter had hidden them well, training them in secret. But no secret lasts forever.
Stephan's subordinates discovered Dexter's men wore uniforms with buttons of the same material and design. Coincidentally, on the day of Jacob's death, Dexter was at sea, attending an event. He left early, claiming he was drunk. The banquet was only an hour from Jacob's incident—dangerously close. If Dexter orchestrated the attack, the timing and location were perfect. Jacob had died, and the items he carried disappeared. If those items ended up in Dexter's hands, he would have hidden them securely. Otherwise, the Fuller family would be threatened. Not only would Dexter be doomed, but the entire family would be in danger. No one could withstand Stephan Russell's rage. Worse, if the items were discovered, countless people would descend like sharks, plunging the Fuller family into chaos.
Normally, Stephan would act immediately, regardless of Dexter's involvement. But this time, he hesitated. When his subordinates asked about taking action, Stephan's first thought wasn't the missing item or Jacob's death—it was Felicia Fuller, Dexter's daughter. Even though she'd been disowned, Stephan knew some bonds are unbreakable. If he acted against Dexter and the Fullers, how would Felicia react? She might believe his intentions were manipulative, just like at the storeroom. He'd rushed to Khogend from Seldvale because of her, abandoning everything to ensure her safety. But now... she might never believe him again.
Stephan closed the file, tossed it into the drawer, and summoned a subordinate. "Close this investigation. These findings must never be leaked."
Stunned, the subordinate hesitated. "But Mr. Russell... what about the item we discarded?"