PERFECT BODYGUARD 2 CHAPTER TEN :TANGLED THREADS

Linda immersed in her office tasks, diligently sorting through documents, receives an unexpected visitor when her secretary interrupts, mentioning the presence of someone for her. Inquisitive, Linda questions the identity of the visitor, to which the secretary remains uncertain.

Deciding to welcome the person, Linda instructs her secretary to allow them entry. Moments later, Richard walks into Linda's office, catching her off guard. Despite her surprise, Linda maintains her composure, ready to address the unexpected encounter.

Still engrossed in her documents, Linda addresses Richard, asking, "What can I do for you? If you're here to apologize or something, don't bother; it's already useless."

Richard, maintaining his composure, responds, "Actually, I'm here to ask you something." Linda, intrigued, inquires, "What's that?"

Richard then brings up the name Gideon, and Linda, not entirely familiar, responds, "Not really. Is that why you're here?" Richard explains Cynthia's encounter with Gideon and the potential threat to the company and his family, urging Linda to cooperate for their safety. The revelation adds a layer of urgency to their conversation.

"I find it perplexing, Richard. We barely interacted in over a year, you ignored my letters, and then you drove me away when I tried to offer help at the hospital. Now you appear without explaining anything, asking about someone named Gideon. Do you think I'm a pushover? What exactly do you take me for?" Linda questioned, her frustration evident.

Richard, looking at her warmly, reassured, "You're not a pushover; you never were." Linda, unyielding, commanded him to leave her office. Despite the confusion, Richard pleaded, "I know things might be confusing, but please hear me out." Linda called for guards, and two hefty men entered the office. "I'm asking you nicely to leave," Linda reiterated, and Richard, respecting her command, stood up and exited.

Exiting the company, Richard joined Nina and Emmanuel in the waiting car. Emma guessed they had a disagreement, and Richard confirmed, "Well, I guess you're right," as he settled into the back seat.

Curious about the plan, Emma asked, and Richard explained that he had placed a bug in Linda's phone while discussing Gideon. Nina, teasingly, questioned the choice, suggesting, "What if she's watching porn? Imagine listening to that too."

Acknowledging the potential fallout with Linda, Richard expressed, "She probably hates me now." However, he revealed Gideon's intention to win Linda's heart and emphasized the need to keep an eye on her.

Optimistically, Richard proposed looking at the brighter side, outlining a plan. He suggested securing his mom and Cynthia in a hidden location where Gideon would struggle to find them. With that in place, they could initiate their operation. As they drove off, the team began strategizing for the challenges ahead.

Heading back to the hospital, Maria and Cynthia were ready for discharge, equipped with their bags, waiting in the hospital's waiting room. Richard, Nina, and Emma emerged, and Richard apologized for the delay, saying, "I'm sorry for keeping you guys late."

Deciding it was time to leave, Richard took the necessary paperwork, signed it, and they all headed out. Once inside the car, they drove off to their next destination.

Cynthia questioned, "Where are we heading if not home?" Richard explained, "We are taking you off Gideon's radar. We are going somewhere he can't find you."

Concerned, Cynthia asked if Richard was coming with them. Richard hesitated, stating, "Actually, I'm not. I need to stay around and stop him. Hiding won't do us any good."

Cynthia inquired if he must take that risk. Maria suggested, "Let's hide first, then we can call the police and inform them about this." The group discussed their options and the best course of action to ensure their safety.

"Mom, believe me when I tell you this. This guy is feared by the CIA, FBI, in fact, the entire world security apparatus. He's not someone you can just call the police on. That's why we are taking things into our hands. If I don't stop him, he's going to kill you too, and I can't just stand by and watch that happen," Richard earnestly explained to his mom, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Upon reaching their destination, they arrived at Truto village, where Richard ones came there to sought to uncover his memories. Nina expressed, "Wow, this place is so primitive."

Richard explained, "Yeah, that's why it's the least place Gideon would come looking. I have friends here who will take care of you." They arranged for a boat to cross over, leaving the car parked at the riverbanks. The rustic setting provided a strategic hideaway from Gideon's pursuit.

Once they reached the river banks on the other side, they headed straight to Doris's house. As they approached, Doris, holding a gallon of water, spotted Richard and raced to him. Overwhelmed with joy, she jumped into him with a hug, exclaiming, "Wow, Richard, look at you!"

"Where is your mom?" Richard asked. Doris replied, "She traveled to the next village weeks ago to treat a patient. I really missed you," she added.

Upon Richard's introduction, Doris agreed to help look after his mom and Cynthia. After spending some hours, Richard, Nina, and Emmanuel decided to leave. During their last exchanges, Cynthia approached Richard, hugging him with tears in her eyes, conveying a mix of emotions.

"You have suffered a lot, and I feel so sorry that I'm too weak to help you. You have to carry the burden of looking after us all when we can't do the same for you," Cynthia said, tears streaming down her face. "I'm so sorry."

"It's okay, little sis. Your being alive has saved me more than you ever imagined. So, if you want to save me, just stay alive," Richard reassured, holding onto his sister more tightly, emphasizing the profound impact of her existence on his life.

After the warm embrace with Richard, Cynthia approached Emma. "Hey, make sure you look after him for me," she requested.

"Of course, I will," Emma responded, extending his hand for a shake. Cynthia hugged him as well, followed by a similar gesture with Nina. With these heartfelt farewells, they left for the city, leaving Cynthia in the care of Doris and the tranquil surroundings of Truto village.