Chapter 3 III

"Why can't I go by myself? Can I leave? You won't be able to leave the scene for a while. Also, what is her name?" Ella asked.

John rose to his feet and addressed Ella with a firm tone. "Amanda Lee and the fifteenth floor of Murphy House are on your left after the next block," he stated, before adding, "Ella, I'll really owe you if we get this."

"If all else fails, dazzle them with your Italian!" John advised her, before Ella stepped out of the car, chuckling at his comment.

Ella arrived at Murphy House and was greeted by Amanda Lee, Henry Murphy, and Mr. Cassano, an Italian man. She was a bit disheveled and out of breath from running the final block to get there.

As Ella stepped into Henry Murphy's office, Amanda Lee greeted her with a warm smile. She was dressed in a striking olive-green suit that accentuated her figure, and her perfectly styled hair cascaded down her shoulders in loose waves.

The room itself was impressive, with a stunning view of the Cork River from the wall of windows that stretched across one side of the space. The plush royal blue carpet underfoot was a luxurious touch, and the walls were adorned with fascinating gold-framed etchings of Cork from its early days, showcasing the rich history of the city.

At one end of the room stood a massive desk made of gleaming mahogany, with piles of papers and books neatly arranged on its surface. The chair behind it was large and imposing, hinting at the power and authority that Henry Murphy wielded in his role.

On the other side of the room, a three-piece lounge suite made of buttoned-brown leather was arranged around a low coffee table, inviting visitors to sit and relax in comfort. The richness of the leather was evident in the way it gleamed under the soft lighting of the room, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to the space. Overall, the office exuded an air of power, luxury, and refinement that was befitting of a man of Henry Murphy's stature.

Henry Murphy was not what Ella had anticipated; she expected a tough and rugged individual, possibly even leathery. However, he was a finely sculpted man in his middle thirties with an excellent physique and deep blue eyes that had an eagle-like intensity.

After the formal introductions and an intense scrutiny of Ella by Henry Murphy, he rubbed his jaw in annoyance and exclaimed, "Oh, for crying out loud!"