Chapter Six

Lorenzo's team ran the plate number and got a lead. The vehicle was registered to a shell company but they were able to track it to it's last location.

"This could be our cue," Lorenzo said his voice low and in a manner that signified urgency. "Let's get a team over there and see what we can dig up."

Alejandro's eyes narrowed as he watched the surveillance footage. He was at least glad they had gotten a lead. In very little time, they would be able to apprehend the master mind if they continued at this pace and if the universe decided to bless them with luck.

The team moved in conducting conducting surveillance on the location. They noticed suspicious activity and their instincts told them they were getting close.

..................

The day of the event had finally arrived and Gabriella was in a fine mixture of nervous and excitement. She had been working tirelessly to ensure that everything goes smoothly and she was determined to make this night a memorable one for the children.

She arrived the venue greeted by the sound of the children rehearsing their songs. Everywhere looked alarmingly beautiful with the smell of fresh flowers filling the hallway. She took a deep breath feeling a sense of pride and purpose.

She walked around with her best friend and assistant Rachel ensuring that proper finishing touches was done at every segment.

As Gabriella made her way to the backstage area, her eyes fell on Alejandro as he stood looking remarkably handsome in his black tuxedo, his eyes scanning the room. Their eyes met, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. It was as if time stopped, everyone disappeared and it was just the both of them in the world.

"Gab! Gabby! Gabrieeeellllllaaaaa!" Rachel screamed startling Gabriella as well as the other persons around. She chuckled lightly as she bowed apologising to the guests around.

"What on earth did you do that for?" Gabriella asked Rachel scoldingly.

"Getting your attention" Rachel rolled her eyes and replied

Rachel continued as she turned with her eyes scanning the room "Why on earth did you turn to stone in the middle of a conversation?"

By this time, Alejandro was already approaching them and Rachel viewed him gleefully.

"Uu....uhhhh! You really do have eyes Gab, my legs would have turned jelly as well if I locked eyes with this work of art" Rachel continued amusingly

"Get your act together Rachel and switch to professional" Gabriella chided Rachel.

"Professional indeed! You forgot just what that word meant a moment ago when you were ogling the man" Rachel snapped back

"Rachel!" Gabriella called out now visibly frustrated. "I really would have fired you already if you weren't my best friend" she concluded as she sighed

"Yes. .Yes boss. I'll behave now. I wouldn't want to be fired" Rachel replied amusingly

Alejandro came to a halt before them smiling warmly "We meet again Gabriella, I really wasn't expecting to see you here this evening" he lied smoothly as he extended his hands for a handshake

"Me neither, but it really is good to see you again Alejandro" She returned his warm smile as she received his hand. She drawed closer to his ear and whispered audibly "I guess this is fate."

Alejandro smiled widely now as he responded "Maybe, Maybe not, but I did receive an invitation but I didn't know you were the host"

Rachel cleared her throat loudly to draw their attention to herself. Gabriella now cautious turned to Rachel and back to Alejandro "Oh! Where are my manners?"

"They went on a mission to entice a man" Rachel responded in a quiet manner only she and Gabriella could hear or so they thought

Gabriella skillfully put her around Rachel and drew her ear lightly as she spoke "Meet my assistant and partner, Rachel"

Alejandro smiled as he shook Rachel and they exchanged greetings briefly and his gaze was directed back to Gabriella but trust Rachel to not pass the opportunity to steal the show

"Oh! Not to take credit but fate really had little role to play here, I sent out the invites" Rachel smiled happily and caused the three of them to burst into laughter.

Rachel continued "I heard her mention Alejandro so you must be Alejandro Hernandez, the one and only in the guest list

"Yes, I am" Alejandro responded

" You must be the CEO of the Hernandez Builders Inc. that came around the area a few weeks back" Rachel asked

"Yes, you're right. I was almost not attending this but I just thought it good manners to show up and mingle with persons in the neighborhood as the newbie that I am" Alejandro responded

Rachel chuckled and continued "You really are a businessman"

"That, I am" Alejandro replied

A staff approached and exchanged small talks with Rachel and Gabriella. Rachel bowed lightly as she took her leave but not before saying "Thank you for coming Mr Hernandez, I hope to see more of you"

"I hope so too" Alejandro responded

With Rachel's exit, it was just Gabriella and Alejandro left and they walked together as Gabriella led him to a table.

"Have I mentioned that I'm really glad to see you here?" Gabriella asked

"Yes you have and it's really glad to see you too but I'd be leaving soon. I really have something else planned for the evening but I thought it rude to not show up at all" Alejandro spoke

Gabriella acted in a mock pained manner like she was struggling to breathe for a few seconds before she smiled and responded "That's sad, you'd really be missing out on a lot of you left halfway"

"I know that but duty calls, I'm sorry" Alejandro responded

At this time the hall was getting crowded has people came trooping in one after the other and Gabriella had to leave

"It's alright. I have to greet the guests now, thank you for coming and do have a nice evening" Gabriella smiled as she spoke

"Thanks and you too" Alejandro responded

.....................

Victor's man monitoring Gabriella smiled as he watched her exchange with Gabriella. "We really do have you this time Hernandez" he said happily to himself as he touched the device in his ear and spoke "We have eyes on the target and an extra boss, Alejandro is here"

Victor smiled wholeheartedly "Damn, luck is really smiling at me this time. Indeed! Hernandez head would go in place of mine today"

"Boys, prepare yourselves, tonight we feast" Victor barked his orders as he blew out cigarettes fumes from his nostrils.