Chapter 122
RAVEL
PRESENT TIME
Hazel, with her unwavering determination, remains resolute in her insistence on personally overseeing the DNA test for David and Monica. Despite my relentless attempts to sway her from this path, her stubbornness shines through. It’s a quality of hers that I’m well acquainted with, and given the difficulty of changing her mind, I’ve instead opted to provide her with my wholehearted support and encouragement, all the while being vigilant in protecting her from potential troubles.
Indeed, it’s the least I can do for her during this trying time: The realization that the person in question was in close proximity to my woman and our daughter sends shivers down my spine. It’s disconcerting to think that Hazel had placed enough trust in him to leave our precious Daisy under his care. Under such circumstances, it wouldn’t be entirely shocking if we were to uncover a connection between him and the harrowing disappearance and kidnapping of our dear Daisy.
Carrying out Sabestine’s instructions had become a solemn obligation for me. The breakfast I shared with Hazel yesterday, while it might seem like a gesture of happiness, was anything but that. After all, how could one revel in joy when the shadow of my missing daughter loomed over every moment? My primary objective in close proximity to Hazel was not just to provide moral support but also to ignite a reaction from the individual responsible for those chilling, threatening messages.
The only hope I held was that by being close to Hazel, holding her hand, planting soft kisses on her cheek and her hand, it might somehow provoke the person responsible for sending those ominous messages to send more information.
As the day unfolded, Hazel’s presence at the office became imperative. Several essential documents necessitated her signature, a task that had to be attended to in person, as Agatha, our usual courier of these documents, was preoccupied with other commitments. I saw it as a golden opportunity to encourage Hazel to step out of the house, if only temporarily, to temporarily shift her focus away from the distressing situation involving David. Regrettably, David wasn’t available as an option to collect the documents because his return to work was still pending.
Hazel’s decision to instruct David to stay away was accompanied by a veil of concern that went beyond the excuse of his -healing gunshot wound. It was crystal clear to me that trust, even in the slightest degree, was a scarce commodity in her
dealings with him.
The weight of culpability weighs heavily on my conscience as I contemplate how my own actions played a part in David’s presence in Hazel’s life. Regret gnaws at me as I mull over the notion that, had I not driven her away with my past hurtful behavior, New York would remain her residence, and the very possibility of her crossing paths with David or establishing any form of relationship with him would be a remote concept.
A cup of coffee grasped firmly in my hand, I shifted my gaze towards the outside world through the kitchen window, all the while trying to maintain focus on Raymond’s words resonating from the other end of the telephone line. “I appreciate your optimism and the sense of hope, Ravel, but have you pondered the path we’ll tread after we eventually apprehend this individual?”
As I contemplated Raymond’s words, I realized that our course of action needed more consideration than just capturing the wrongdoer. The potential consequences of that bastard turning to the police were profound, and the exposure of the incriminating video was a risk I couldn’t overlook. It had the potential to unravel everything we had worked tirelessly to safeguard.
A heavy sigh escaped my lips as I mulled over the complexities of our predicament. “Negotiating with this person or instilling fear might indeed be the more prudent approach,” I admitted, acknowledging the need for a solution that could halt the ongoing turmoil and offer protection to both Hazel and myself.
The weight of responsibility bore down on me as I realized that the road ahead was fraught with uncertainty and peril. We were now confronted with a daunting task of devising a plan that not only brought the malefactor to justice but also ensured the safety and security of our loved ones.
“If Sabestine is right about the mysterious sender being obsessed with Hazel, then know that no level of negogiation or compromise will make him change his mind about letting you and Hazel live happily forever after. If you plan on catching him, then you have to come up with a plan.” Raymond explained.
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Taking a deep breath, I resolved to confide in Hazel, knowing that transparency and unity were our best weapons against this threat. “I believe it’s time I had a heartfelt conversation with Hazel about all of this,” I divulged, a sense of responsibility guiding my decision. “For us to confront this ordeal together, she must be fully aware of the circumstances.”
Raymond nodded in agreement, reaffirming his longstanding advice. “I’ve been urging you to take this step for a while now,” he acknowledged. “Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the entire situation, particularly the details of how Hazel came into possession of that butter knife, is pivotal. Subsequently, we should engage a detective or law enforcement officer to preemptively investigate the case. Having solid evidence of her innocence in hand before the malefactor can exploit this in a court of law is paramount.”
“That’s the plan,” I affirmed, appreciating Raymond’s guidance. “I’ll have this conversation with her when she returns from the office.”
“Tell me what?” Hazel’s voice suddenly sounded from the doorway, catching me off guard. Her arrival had been so discreet that I hadn’t even heard her car pull in or sensed her approach.
I redirected my focus to Raymond, offering a quick explanation. “I’ll have to call you back later, Raymond. Hazel has just walked in, and I think it’s the perfect time to talk to her about everything.”
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