Trouble III

SHAWN

“What do you mean that the patient has been discharged?” 

I asked the nurse I saw strolling out of the private ward that I had been guarded against. The nurse shrugged, looking between me and the three policemen that the Police Chief had let me have so I could get access to my wife. 

“Exactly what I said. She has been discharged.” 

And then, without another word, she walked away with her nose in the air. I wondered what else she knew. Or was she among our customer base? 

“We will be returning to the police station then…” 

I frowned at the police officers, who looked far too relieved at that notion. But of course, the Vikings would inspire that in them. Nevertheless, I needed my wife. 

“You are not going anywhere until I get my wife, unless you three want to lose your jobs.” That shut them up quickly. “We are going to the Viking Estate, and you all will make sure my wife follows me home. Am I clear?” 

The police officers nodded, though their hesitation was palpable. I scoffed and started out of the hospital. While driving to the Viking Estate, I received a call from Miranda. 

“Where are you?” she asked, her voice tight with a worry that grated on my nerves. “I’m seeing the news. What is happening to the company? Do you think the Vikings have come after you?” 

“Of course not. Elara wouldn’t be that wicked. I’m sure it’s just one of those silly hackers that need some money. My men are on it, getting the contact information of these fellows. Don't worry, my love, I have it handled. Nothing will happen to the company.” 

“Okay, Shawny. But where are you? Are you in your office? I can bring you soup?” 

“Don’t stress yourself, Mira… just rest up. I will be back home soon.” I ended the call with a sigh. 

Then, I called the head of my tech team as an afterthought. “What do you have for me?” 

There was a stutter on the other end, one that caused my stomach to sink. “They are untraceable on the dark web, sir. We have even hired some freelancers, and yet… to no avail…” 

I shut my eyes. What did he mean by to no avail? Did it mean our company would just keep deteriorating? 

“Kade, we have to do something. Is there no one you know who can turn this around in our favor? Someone who can possibly explain how our top shareholder took back his support without us knowing, despite it being recorded in the system?” 

A slight pause, then his gruff voice came over the phone. “There is one. The best in the field. Name is Nuxia. But it’s hard to get to the fellow—just as untraceable as the people who have hacked into the company. But if there is anyone who can get this done for us, it will be her.” 

“Her?” 

“Well, honestly, we don't know if it is male or female, but considering the meaning of Nuxia, we think of her as a badass female.” 

“I see. How do I contact her then?” 

“Leave that to me,” Kade said. “Since I’m already on the dark web, I just have to bid for her services on her page. But the lowest bid price is 100,000 dollars…” 

My eyes widened at that. “What? The least?” 

“Yes,” Kade confirmed. “I’m on her page currently, and you have to actually scale up to 2 million dollars if you want her attention… There are a lot of bids on her page, people wanting her help. Should I go ahead and bid?” 

God, what was happening? 2 million dollars? Could Kade be lying? But of course not. Kade was a trusted fellow. Still… 

“Yes. And send me a screenshot and a link to her page when you are done…” 

“Okay, sir.” 

When the call ended, I felt like screaming. 2 million dollars, when we had just lost a shareholder? The hell!

“We have gotten to the estate, sir…” I heard my driver say. 

I looked out the window, aware of the car of the police officers following behind. It was a serene and beautiful neighborhood, I admitted. 

The drive was lined with towering, ancient oaks that created a natural canopy over the perfectly paved road. Manicured hedges and expensive floral arrangements bordered the path, leading deeper into a sanctuary of wealth that made my own neighborhood look like the slums. 

The car came to a halt before a massive, intimidating gate right at the end of the drive. The wrought iron was intricate, bearing the Viking crest in polished gold. 

“I think this is the place, sir…”

I pretended I didn't hear the quiver in my driver's voice as I stepped out of the car. 

Nothing will stop me from getting Elara back today. 

I waited until the police officers emerged from their car, looking remarkably small against the backdrop of the estate, before strolling to the gate. I pressed the bell right in the middle of the smaller entrance. I rang twice before I heard the muffled shuffling of feet toward the door. 

Then I heard a voice over the intercom. That’s when I noticed the electronic device, shaped like an ATM, built into the pillar of the gate. I walked closer to it, watching as a blue light flickered and scanned my face. 

“Who are you?” I heard a rough voice. Probably a guard. 

“I am Shawn Lindays. And I am here for my wife, Elara Lindays.”