C440 The Proposition

It was almost noon when Alicia and I arrived at Lucia Goods. Faith followed closely behind us in her car. The moment we entered the company premises, several employees noticed us through the windows. Within seconds, the news spread through the building. The employees stopped what they were doing and rushed toward the entrance. Some looked surprised, while others simply stared at us as though they were afraid we might disappear again. Then Adam came forward. “Director! Vice Director! You are all back?” His voice immediately attracted the attention of everyone nearby. Alicia smiled. “Yes, Adam. We are back.” The employees gathered around us, asking questions and welcoming us with excitement. For months, Lucia Goods had continued operating without Alicia and me. Even though Adam and Leon had managed the company well, everyone had felt the uncertainty caused by our disappearance.

Colen stepped forward. “Director, our enemy has been eliminated. Does this mean we are safe now?” Before Alicia could answer, another employee asked a question. “What will happen to our regular training?” Alicia looked toward the employee. “The training?” “Yes, Director. The coaches have stopped coming. They told us we were ready, but do we have to stop training now?” Several employees nodded. It was clear that they had become attached to the discipline and confidence the training had given them. Alicia looked at me briefly before turning back to the group. “Our enemy is gone, but that does not mean danger no longer exists.” Everyone became quiet. “The training hall will remain exactly where it is. It will always be available to you.” A few employees exchanged relieved smiles. “You do not have to stop training,” Alicia continued. “We never know what might happen in the future. Being prepared is always better than being caught off guard.”

The employees listened carefully. Alicia's voice softened. “My husband and I will discuss whether we will continue as Directors of Lucia Goods or whether Adam and Leon should remain in charge of the company.” Adam and Leon exchanged surprised looks. Alicia continued before anyone could interrupt. “However, whatever decision we make, it will never mean that we forget about any of you.” She looked around at the gathered employees. “Lucia Goods is very special to us. And so are all of you. This company is not only about business. It has become part of our lives.” The employees smiled. “We will continue coming here to visit you all, no matter what happens.” Cheers immediately filled the entrance. Some employees clapped, while others laughed with relief. Lucia Goods felt alive again. Then Leon hesitated before asking. “Director, there is something we have been wondering about.” Alicia looked at him. “What is it?” “Miss Capsey resigned without giving us a clear reason. How come you arrived with her today?” Everyone immediately turned toward Faith. Faith, who had been standing quietly beside Alicia, looked uncomfortable.

Alicia smiled. “Oh, Faith? She was with us all along. You do not have to worry about her.” The employees stared at Faith. Then several of them moved closer. “Faith, tell us what happened!” “Where did you all disappear to?” “Why did you resign without saying anything?” “Were you in trouble?” Faith rolled her eyes. “Director, why did you tell them?” Alicia laughed. “Because they were going to ask eventually.” Faith shook her head. “You are enjoying this too much.” The employees continued asking questions, but Faith refused to reveal anything. She simply smiled and told them that everything was fine. I watched the scene quietly. It felt good to see everyone together again. We had been separated from the ordinary lives we once knew. Standing among the employees of Lucia Goods reminded me that not everything had changed.

After spending some time with the employees, I looked toward Adam and Leon. They immediately understood what I wanted. “Adam, Leon, come with me for a moment.” The two men followed me toward the directors' office. Once inside, I closed the door behind us. I looked around the familiar room. It had been a long time since I had sat there as Vice Director. “How is Lucia Goods doing?” I asked. “Have there been any setbacks or delays while we were gone?” Adam and Leon exchanged smiles. “No, Vice Director,” Adam answered. “Everything has been going well.” Leon nodded. “We have managed to keep the company running according to the original schedule.” Adam reached for a folder and placed several financial records on the desk. “Despite working one hour less every day, nothing has changed financially. Everyone has continued working hard, and productivity has remained stable.” I looked through the documents. The figures were encouraging. There were no major losses, no unexpected delays, and no serious operational problems.

I nodded. “That is good to hear.” Adam smiled. “We did what we could to keep everything stable.” “And you succeeded,” I replied. “Keep up the good work. Whatever happens next, Lucia Goods must continue moving forward.” “Yes, Vice Director,” Leon said. We left the office shortly afterward. Alicia and Faith were already waiting for me near the entrance. Faith raised an eyebrow. “That did not take long.” I smiled. “We were only checking on the business.” Alicia looked at me curiously. “What did you find?” “Everything is fine. No setbacks, no delays, and the company is operating well.” Alicia smiled proudly. “My husband is smart.” Faith laughed. I shook my head.n“Let us go before you both start making fun of me.” We walked toward our vehicles. For a brief moment, everything felt normal. But none of us knew that our return home would bring a problem far more serious than anything waiting for us at Lucia Goods.

When we arrived at the Mooney residence, the atmosphere immediately felt different. The house was unusually quiet. I noticed Mark pacing across the room. He looked deeply troubled. Alicia noticed him at the same time. Her expression changed. She immediately assumed that her father was still angry about everything that had happened. “Dad!” She rushed toward him and wrapped her arms around him. “I am sorry. It is my fault.” Mark stopped pacing. Everyone in the room turned toward us. For a moment, he said nothing. Then he cleared his throat. “Mike. Alicia. We have a big problem.” Alicia slowly released him. “What problem?” I exchanged a look with her. We both knew that something serious had happened. “Father, Willy is dead,” Alicia said carefully. “Everything should be fine now.” Mark shook his head. “No.” His voice was heavy. “The Mayor connected everything.” Alicia's face immediately changed. “What do you mean?” Mark looked at both of us. “He knows that you killed Willy Harris.” Silence filled the room. Alicia froze. Mark continued. “He also knows that I helped you with the boat.”

Alicia and I exchanged a worried look.Mark walked toward the sofa and sat down heavily. “My position as Minister of Police is now at risk. If the investigation proceeds, I could lose my job.” He paused. “My reputation. My honour. Everything I have worked for.” Alicia immediately shook her head. “What? How can they do that? I killed Willy, so I should be the one facing the consequences.” Mark looked at her sadly. “The law does not work like that.” “But Dad...” “Alicia,” Mark interrupted gently, “you cannot simply take responsibility for everything and expect the people around you to be unaffected.” She fell silent. I looked at Mark. “Father-in-law, what do we do?” Mark looked at me. “Do we run away?” I asked. Nobody answered. The idea of running had crossed my mind, but I knew it would not solve everything. We had families, businesses, and people who depended on us. Mark slowly shook his head. “Running may only make things worse.” Alicia looked frightened. “Then what happens?” Mark took a deep breath. “The Mayor came up with a proposition.”

A small amount of relief appeared on Alicia's face. “A proposition?” Mark nodded. “He is offering a way for you and your team to remain free.” Alicia's expression softened slightly. “What about your position as Minister of Police?” Mark nodded again. “Yes.” For a moment, nobody spoke. Alicia looked at me. I could see the questions forming in her mind. “What proposition?” she finally asked. Mark looked at her with a mixture of exhaustion and concern. “That is what we need to discuss.”