Chapter 5 A seccret Mission

Charlie POV

Sitting on my apartment balcony, I pondered why Benedict had the nerve to confront me and demand the rent money. Why was she still at home for so long? She hadn't mentioned an extended stay, and she had been furious during our last conversation. I needed to find out what was going on.

As I was deep in thought, Percival arrived.

"Hi, Charlie," she said.

"Hi," I replied, my mood clearly downcast.

"Did she recognize my voice?" Percival asked.

"I don't think so," I answered.

"Or maybe she did," I added.

"I'm curious about why she's staying at home longer this time," I continued. "She demanded the rent money and threatened me on the phone."

"Should I contact her?" Percival asked, uncertainty in her voice.

"Take the chance," I advised, encouraging her to reach out. With determination, she headed towards the entrance, phone in hand. As she dialed, the tension was palpable.

"Hello," she greeted warmly, starting the conversation on a positive note. I couldn't hear the details of the call, but the seriousness of the discussion was evident. When Percival returned, she was visibly shaken.

"Charlie, we have a problem," she said, concern evident in her voice. Benedict's involvement in a business-related contractual marriage left us both shocked. Additionally, the plan to move to her father's recently sold London estate complicated matters further. The implications were significant, both personally and professionally, and the weight of the situation was heavy on her.

"Mr. Ress has moved into the apartment," I revealed. "What's more troubling is that he has the original property documents."

"Charlie, we're in a bind," Percival admitted, her worry palpable. The business contract in London had led to the acquisition of the apartment by Mr. Ress, a Chinese tycoon, whose family lives in China, making his disappearance hard to trace quickly.

"What should we do now?" she asked.

"Eliminate him," I suggested.

"Really?" she responded, surprised.

"Mr. Ress acquired the apartment through a successful bid. His connections and family are based in China, which complicates things," I explained.

"How do we handle this?" she asked.

"I'll brief my associates," I assured her.

I gathered with my team to formulate a strategic plan. Percilva was assigned the task of executing the mission at Mr. Ress's residence. After some reflection, she expressed her concerns about the feasibility of the plan, particularly given Mr. Ress's reputed integrity. I reassured her that I would accompany her if necessary but proposed an alternative strategy, which the group received positively.

The plan was meticulously scheduled, and the following day, Percilva and I set out for the residence. Upon arrival, anticipation was high. I discreetly took up a concealed position while Percilva rang the doorbell, initiating contact with the occupant. The door opened, revealing Mr. Ress, who greeted Percilva with a curious inquiry about her visit.

"May I ask the purpose of your visit, young lady?" Mr. Ress inquired.

Percilva responded with grace, "I have come seeking your assistance, sir."

Mr. Ress, showing wisdom and a genuine interest, asked for specifics. "What exactly do you need?" he questioned.

Percilva, with determination, explained her situation as a student in need of a job. "I am a student and need a job," she said urgently. Mr. Ress, recognizing the value of education, advised her to complete her studies and return once she had her certification.

However, Percilva revealed her immediate need for financial support. "Sir, I need financial help to continue my studies," she pleaded. Mr. Ress, showing empathy, granted her entry into his home, indicating his compassion.

As they entered and the door closed behind them, I moved to the backyard and used a makeshift rope to climb to a discreet vantage point. From there, I listened to their conversation through the window.

"I have no job to offer at the moment, but I will contact a friend," Mr. Ress said.

"Thank you, sir," Percilva replied gratefully.

"Don't leave yet; let me give you something," Mr. Ress said, moving to his room. I quietly followed him, slipping inside through the window. As he opened his wardrobe, I prepared to act. Just as he was about to close it, I struck him with a basketball handle. He collapsed, and thinking he was dead, I quickly prepared to leave. But suddenly, he grabbed me, kicked me in the back, and unmasked my face.

"Charlie?" he said in shock.

I stood frozen in place, just as I heard gunshots from an unknown source.