"Damn you, Ferdi!" Ferdi exclaimed irritably but then laughed satisfactorily. "I'll definitely get suspended from the central office for getting involved with the Twin Dragons again."
"Uh... Eland, there should be news that will cause a stir in the Southern and Northern Departments, right? Besides Alfred suddenly getting treated," Ferdi added, confused by Sam's mysterious and cryptic tone. Eland exchanged puzzled looks with Ferdi, equally uncertain about the direction of Sam's words. Just then, Anne arrived, half-running while carrying her usual work tablet.
"Boss, you have to see this," she said, handing over the tablet to Sam. Sam briefly glanced at the flat screen Anne had given him, quickly reading the contents. A thin smile formed on his face. "Congratulations, Fer. I'll be waiting for a box of vodka at the Twin Dragons' headquarters."
Ferdi was taken aback. He then took the tablet that Sam had just used and quickly scanned its contents. "Crazy!" he exclaimed, unable to believe it.
"I told you they got away, but your rank got promoted," Sam patted Ferdi's shoulder. "So... help my men tidy up this place. And one thing I ask of you, Fer."
Ferdi returned the tablet to its owner. His eyes immediately focused on his friend, who was walking in a different direction. Despite that, Ferdi greatly valued their friendship. To him, Sam was not just a leader but also a friend who supported each other and knew when to use his power to validate himself, someone not to be underestimated.
"Don't let there be any news about Alfred. You have much more access to the media. I'll coordinate with David so that no one speculates too much. The police know best how to deceive the public, right?"
"Damn you!"
No, Ferdi wasn't angry at Sam's sarcastic remark. It was the truth. He let Sam and his men leave the mansion. He also had leftover work that needed immediate attention, including news that would undoubtedly cause a commotion in the Southern Department tomorrow. Or... today?
The Southern Police managed to arrest the mastermind behind the chaos that struck the Twin Dragons' hideout and Flwon Discotheque. It was suspected to be a revenge attack involving several parties. Several casualties had been given the best treatment for their injuries. They swiftly apprehended and seized Joseph Quassano's assets, including his shares in Quassano, Ltd.
As known to all, Jimmy Lee, Alfred Quassano's replacement, was involved in a money laundering case that harmed the Quassano faction in various sectors. It turned out to be orchestrated by Joseph Quassano himself. The total wealth of Joseph that would be examined in the near future amounted to thirty trillion, along with several monitored assets under the National Finance Committee.
Ferdi, a police officer, was overseeing all the processes regarding the case involving one of Alfred Quassano's closest associates.
Watching Sam's figure recede further and disappear behind the door of his jeep, Ferdi couldn't do anything. He sighed deeply, shaking his head in disbelief. "Sam, you've really gone too far."
***[]***
Sam winced slightly. The alcohol-soaked cotton that Beatrice applied to his cheek caused him to grimace. Not because of the alcohol touching the wound, but because of how gentle Beatrice was in treating it. It was too tender, and... Sam almost wanted to put an end to it. However, he didn't want to disrupt their closeness, something he yearned for.
Ah... where did these sentimental feelings come from just because he was near Beatrice and receiving care from her?
Sam himself didn't have the answer. All he knew was that when he entered the room where Alfred was being treated, Beatrice threw herself at him. She hugged him tightly and didn't let go easily. Although Sam hadn't changed his clothes yet, only covering his body with a shirt from the car, he still allowed some of his wounds to dry.
"Hold on, Big Brother," Beatrice said, her eyes continuously focused on the wounds Sam had sustained. There was still much left for her to clean. The basin of water used to cleanse Sam's wounds was no longer clear but tinged with red. Beatrice was actually horrified, but she wouldn't let Sam ignore the injuries on his body.
"Can you speed it up?" Sam asked, his gaze filled with intimidation. It wasn't to make Beatrice afraid, but rather to contain himself. Especially since Beatrice's eyes had been teary since earlier, full of questions and words that sounded so chatty, but Sam liked it.
The only thing Sam wanted now was to embrace Beatrice.
But he couldn't do it because they were in Alfred's hospital room. The old man had managed to get through his critical condition. Truly, Sam was overwhelmed with relief by the news he received when they were heading to the hospital a few hours ago. The doctor said, "There's nothing to worry excessively about, we just have to wait for Mr. Alfred to regain consciousness."
If Sam were to hug Beatrice here, Alfred might catch them, right?
Sam still had plenty of time to be alone with Beatrice. There would be no disturbances.
"Be patient, Sam," Beatrice smiled faintly. "Not here." Her fingers gently stroked the right side of Sam's face. There was a deep scratch there. Beatrice looked at it with concern. "Who caused this wound?"
"Forgot," Sam immediately replied.
"It must hurt, right?" Beatrice wet the cotton again to clean the dried blood that had already clotted. When she felt it was enough, she applied antiseptic to help the wound heal faster. "Hold on."
Sam grinned. His eyes kept watching how Beatrice's face got closer to him. The scent of the perfume she wore made Sam lose himself. In one swift movement, he sat Beatrice on his lap, making her wide-eyed in disbelief.
"Sam!"
"Hurry up, you." Sam chose to close his eyes and restrain his desires. Beatrice was truly a test for him.
"I can't move like this." Beatrice really wanted to get off Sam's lap, but when she saw him with closed eyes, she abandoned her previous intention. Letting out a sigh, she continued with her task. Occasionally blowing gently on the wounded area. She slightly straightened her back to examine other parts. Beatrice couldn't fathom the battles Sam had faced.
In addition to the scratch, there was also a torn wound on his temple, although not too big. But still, Beatrice shuddered at the sight of it.
"Sam, I can't move." Beatrice was surprised when Sam suddenly hugged her tightly. She could even feel his breath on her chest. Goosebumps ran uncontrollably down Beatrice's spine. "Let me finish treating you wounds first," she said while trying to free herself.
"Just a moment, Beatrice." Sam tightened his embrace. Comfortably leaning against Beatrice's chest. For now, he would simply enjoy the embrace while listening to the strong heartbeat inside.
Unable to resist, Beatrice eventually surrendered. Every second she spent was exhilarating. Every horrifying image flashed back into her mind. Not a single moment was forgotten.
She couldn't imagine what would have happened to her if Sam had been late to protect her. She couldn't fathom a world where she couldn't see Sam again. That's why Beatrice returned Sam's embrace. She sobbed softly, releasing all the worries she had been holding back.
"You're scared," she whispered.
"I know," Sam closed his eyes. The fear of losing Beatrice drove him crazy. He was racing against time. Although he maintained a calm demeanor in issuing commands, his heart couldn't be still. He couldn't afford to make any small mistakes, as the consequences could be fatal. And he might not be able to hold this girl in his arms anymore.
Sam buried his face in the curve of Beatrice's neck. Greedily inhaling the scent of the girl who had driven him mad. It was further intensified by her soft moans and the gentle strokes he received on his head. Beatrice's pampering was driving Sam to lose his sanity even more. And Beatrice didn't resist his touch, did she?
In fact, when Sam used the tip of his tongue to explore, Beatrice tilted her head slightly, granting Sam more access to wander. As if not satisfied, Beatrice cupped Sam's face, gazing into his eyes, and then planted a meaningful and tender kiss.
Full of tenderness and a desire to prolong the moment that Beatrice initiated. The injured corner of Sam's lips was gently kissed by Beatrice. She didn't want the wound to widen and cause pain to the man.
Sam smiled faintly in response. He reciprocated the kiss, just as gently. Through that kiss, Sam released all his worries and fears. They exchanged kisses for quite a while.
"There won't be anything like earlier, right, Sam?" Beatrice slightly distanced herself. She examined the wet trace she had just created on Sam's lips. Her eyes then delved into the depths of Sam's dark gaze. She gently brushed his quite thick eyebrows.
That question left Sam speechless. "No one can guarantee whether that will happen again or not."
Beatrice smiled faintly. "But I believe you won't stay silent."
Her smile infected Sam without him realizing it. "Are you scared?"
With firm determination, Beatrice shook her head. "My fear is just not being able to meet you again. The rest... not at all."
"This is the first time someone has spoken so sweetly to me, Sam."
Beatrice frowned. "That's honesty."
"Yes," Sam slightly unraveled their closeness. "The wound on my shoulder doesn't seem trivial."
"Why didn't you mention it earlier?" Beatrice immediately got off Sam's lap. "Where is it? Open your shirt. Are there any other injuries besides the shoulder? Your hands?"
"Your personal nurse should know how to open your clothes."
Beatrice grumbled but couldn't hide everything on her face. "But don't complain it hurts, okay?"
Sam laughed. "Can you speed it up? I need to see how Jack is doing."
Beatrice quickly nodded, but as soon as she managed to unbutton one button, her attention immediately shifted to the figure lying in the middle of the room. The sound of a soft groan made Beatrice hurriedly approach the middle-aged man who was now stirring slightly. And Sam followed Beatrice's steps to find out Alfred's condition this time.
The VVIP room that Alfred occupied is spacious. There is another bed and a large sofa in the corner of the room. Several people are guarding in front of the door, and access to enter the room is very limited.
"Are you... awake?" Sam asked immediately. He was sure that Beatrice still needed time to digest what she had just learned, related to Quassano.
"I'm not dead, it seems," Alfred whispered. His eyes tried to adjust to the bright light around him. "How about Leora, Sam? No one got hurt, right?"
"I'm here, Grandpa," Beatrice said softly. Her hand instinctively reached out to touch Alfred's hand, free from the IV. She held it tightly. "I've been waiting for you to wake up." Her smile was full of sincerity. "I'm glad you're okay and that we're able to meet again."
"My granddaughter," Alfred choked up. "Oh God! My granddaughter."
"I'll call the doctor first." Sam was about to get up, but Alfred stopped him. The old man's words annoyed Sam. If only he hadn't been hooked up to several tubes and just gone through a terrifying ordeal, Sam would have debated with him.
"Can you stop touching Leora so casually? You have no shame, Sam!"