Chapter 538: The Capital (2) Meet Him

At 8 PM on the second night, Hannah, Theodore, and Jimmy departed from Kensbury in a new car bearing Capital license plates. Jimmy drove, Theodore sat beside him, and Hannah occupied the back seat.

"Once we reach the capital, we'll stay at the Marriott Deluxe Club. It's family," Theodore explained. "No check-in needed, minimizing exposure. My people obtained Melvin Balderston's schedule; we'll determine when and how to meet him."

Hannah nodded in agreement. Theodore's thoroughness was consistently reassuring. Despite his rough exterior, he possessed a thoughtful nature. Their progress on Oscar's case would have been significantly slower without him. Oscar's birthday comment had been a crucial clue – his cell phone.

Hannah watched the highway blur, the night sky inky black, her thoughts consumed by Oscar's slender frame. A pang of heartache resonated within her. She would save Oscar at any cost and bring Charles down.

Silence filled the car. Theodore seemed as sleep-deprived as she was. Hannah remained motionless, observing the passing landscape. Thanks to Theodore’s preparations, their journey proceeded smoothly.

They arrived at the Marriott before 9 AM the following morning and were escorted to a deluxe suite.

"Rest or food first?" Theodore asked, acknowledging the exhaustion of their overnight drive.

"Sleep, then food," Hannah replied, bone-tired.

Theodore said nothing more. They retired to their respective rooms and slept soundly.

Hannah awoke at 3 PM, hunger stirring her from slumber. Emerging from her room, she found her teammates already working. Men possessed remarkable resilience, recovering from exhaustion far quicker than women, she mused.

"We've eaten. Room service is arranged for you," Theodore informed her.

"Thank you," she replied.

After a satisfying meal, Hannah settled on the living room lounge. Theodore handed her a document. "Melvin Balderston's profile: preferences, habits, daily routine. Find a suitable time to meet him."

Hannah immersed herself in the papers. Melvin Balderston, 31 and unmarried, had a girlfriend, Wendy, a diplomat and former classmate. Their relationship was serious, with marriage likely in the coming year.

Hannah continued reading. Besides managing family affairs, Balderston worked at City Hall, heading the Investigation Department—making his involvement in Oscar's case plausible.

Her meticulous planning consumed considerable time. Theodore’s patience finally wore thin. "Any plan? When do we meet Balderston?"

"The day after tomorrow," Hannah announced. "Wendy's birthday."

"Will he meet us on his girlfriend's birthday?" he questioned.

"It's the most opportune time," Hannah stated confidently. "Can you ascertain how he usually celebrates—party or romantic dinner? Then we’ll decide how to approach him naturally."

"Okay," Theodore replied, immediately beginning his task. He trusted Hannah's judgment implicitly.

While Theodore directed his informants, Hannah continued her review. The Balderstons were far more influential than they appeared; a quietly powerful upper-class family. Melvin was far more capable than any Collins. It was unlikely the Balderstons would tolerate a Collins monopoly in Northfield. Their seeming reticence was a calculated strategy, a prelude to a decisive countermove. If she was correct, they would welcome her cooperation—a mutually beneficial arrangement.

"An update," Theodore announced.

Hannah lifted her gaze from the documents.

"The Balderstons are understated, unlike the Collins. Melvin maintains a low profile. In previous years, he'd have a private dinner with Wendy at a restaurant," Theodore reported, a grin spreading across his face. "Coincidentally, it's at the Marriott."

A slight frown furrowed Hannah's brow.

"Yes, right here," Theodore chuckled. "Well, bless our luck!"

Hannah laughed. Fortune, it seemed, had smiled upon them.

"Our plan?" she asked.

"Wait," he replied simply. Wait for the fish to swim into the net.

…

The day arrived. Hannah and Theodore, disguised as Marriott servers in uniform, waited in a small private dining room Melvin had reserved. Consistent with his preference for discretion, he'd chosen a small, unassuming restaurant with only five tables. A quiet dinner wouldn't attract undue attention. Unlike the Collins, the Balderstons prioritized reputation.

At 7 PM, Melvin and Wendy arrived. Melvin, a well-built man with glasses that lent him an air of sophistication, looked even friendlier in person, perhaps due to Wendy's presence.

Hannah maintained her composure, her gaze lowered, playing the part of an attentive waitress. Theodore stood beside her, along with other servers.

Melvin seated Wendy, then ordered, "One server remains; the rest may leave."

Theodore glanced at Hannah, who subtly nodded her assent. As planned, she stayed; her familiarity with Melvin's preferences made her the ideal choice. Moreover, she'd diligently trained for this role, practicing waitressing techniques for two days, often to Theodore's amusement. This was a far cry from the role she played in Oscar's life.

Theodore waited at the doorway, his mind filled with images of Oscar in prison, hoping Hannah could persuade Melvin to help them.