Chapter 2 Uncovering Secrets

**Chapter Two*

The next morning, David and Juliana arrived at the office, both of them carrying the weight of the investigation on their shoulders. The flicker of the overhead lights seemed to mirror the uncertainty in their minds. As they set their things down, Juliana flipped open a new set of files.

"David, we've got to stop getting distracted. We need to focus on this investigation. The sooner we catch this mole, the sooner we can put an end to this nightmare."

David dropped his jacket over his chair and ran a hand through his hair. "I hear you, but it's hard not to wonder... what if we're looking in the wrong direction? We've been checking the wrong files, trusting the wrong people."

"Like who?" Juliana asked, her eyes narrowing.

"I don't know," David muttered. "Maybe we're too close to the problem. We've been focusing so much on the military and the president that we might have missed something, or someone..."

Juliana leaned forward, looking closely at David. "What are you trying to say, exactly?"

David stared at the file in front of him. "I'm just thinking out loud. What if the mole's not in the military? What if it's someone outside the military? Someone with real power."

"You mean like the president?" Juliana's voice was quiet, almost as if she was afraid to say it out loud.

David didn't respond immediately. He just looked at her, letting the question hang in the air. Neither of them had dared to voice the possibility before, but now it was out in the open. The president, the man who led the country, could be involved. The thought was almost too much to bear.

"You know what's strange?" David finally said. "The president hasn't seemed phased by any of this. The whole country is at war, people are dying, and yet... he seems so calm. Almost too calm."

Juliana nodded slowly, her eyes scanning the room. "It's like he knows something we don't. Something that makes all of this just... a little too easy."

David stood up and started pacing the room. "What if this whole thing-the terrorism, the deaths, the ransom-is part of a bigger plan? What if he's been pulling the strings from the start?"

Juliana shook her head. "David, you're getting ahead of yourself. We can't jump to conclusions. We don't know that he's involved. We don't even know if there's a leak inside the government. We just need to keep our focus on finding out who it is."

David stopped pacing and looked at Juliana, his expression conflicted. "You're right. But something about all of this feels wrong. There's got to be more than we're seeing on the surface."

Hours passed as they worked in silence, their minds racing with the possibilities. They were so focused on their investigation that they barely noticed when their phones rang. David glanced at his screen-an unknown number.

"I'll take it," he muttered, stepping out of the office. When he answered, a voice on the other end was all too familiar.

"Inspector David," the voice said, its tone smooth and unnervingly calm. "I hope you're enjoying your little investigation."

David froze. He recognized the voice. It was the terrorist leader, **Sa_kuk**.

"How did you-"

"Know? It's simple, Inspector. I've been watching you. You and your partner have been poking around in places where you don't belong. You're getting too close. Too close to finding out things that will make your heads spin."

David's heart raced, but he kept his voice steady. "What do you want?"

"Oh, nothing... yet," Sa_kuk chuckled darkly. "But I think it's time you realize something important. Not everyone you trust is on your side. You'll find that out soon enough."

The line went dead before David could respond. He stood there, his mind spinning. **Sa_kuk** knew who they were. He knew they were onto something. And that could only mean one thing-there was a leak within their ranks.

---

David walked back into the office, his face grim. "We've got a problem."

Juliana looked up, concern in her eyes. "What happened?"

David sat down heavily, rubbing his temples. "The terrorists... they know we're getting close. Sa_kuk just called me. He's been watching us."

Juliana's eyes widened. "How? We haven't told anyone about our plans."

"That's the thing," David muttered. "Someone's feeding him information. It's either someone in the military... or someone in the government."

Juliana stared at him. "Do you think the president's involved?"

David didn't want to say it, but he had to. "I don't know. But we can't ignore the possibility anymore. We need to meet with him again, see what he says. But we have to be careful. This time, we need to go in prepared."

Juliana clenched her fists. "I'm ready. We need answers, David. We're not going to let this slide."

David nodded. "But we need to be smart about it. The last thing we want is to walk right into a trap."

---

The next day, they headed to the **presidential office**. The tension between them was palpable. They were walking into dangerous territory, and neither of them knew what they would find.

When they entered the office, President **Juma** was waiting, his usual calm demeanor in place. He stood up as they walked in, giving them a respectful nod.

"Inspectors," he greeted them. "What can I do for you?"

David stepped forward, trying to hide the unease in his voice. "Mr. President, we've been looking into the leaks. We think there's someone inside the government who's been passing information to the terrorists. We need your help."

President Juma's face remained unchanged, but there was something in his eyes-a flicker of something hidden.

"I've already told you," he said smoothly. "The military is working hard to catch the criminals. I'm doing everything I can to support you."

David and Juliana exchanged a quick glance, but didn't say anything. They needed to stay focused.

"Can we access the communication logs again?" Juliana asked, her voice firm.

The president paused, as if thinking it over. "I'm not sure that's a good idea," he said slowly. "I can't give you access to sensitive materials like that without a clear reason."

David stepped in. "Mr. President, with all due respect, this is about national security. We need to follow every lead, no matter how small. If we don't act now, we risk losing everything."

There was a long silence. Then the president finally spoke. "Very well. But be careful with what you uncover. Some truths are better left untouched."

Juliana didn't like the way he said it. Something about the president's words didn't sit right. She looked at David, who gave her a subtle nod.

"Thank you, sir," David said, standing up. "We'll be on our way."

As they left the office, Juliana whispered to David, "Did you hear that? His tone... it was almost like a warning."

David's jaw clenched. "I heard it. And I don't think it was a warning for us. I think he's warning himself."