the urgency in his tone else he would have never called me at this hour.

"Sure, will be there in twenty."

It had been almost fifteen years that Augustin had been serving my parents. He was my most trusted, my confidante, and like a guardian in my life.

I had the fondest memories with dad and Augustin together, right from our all-boys fishing trips to the days when he kept me company while dad travelled for months due to work.

Augustin used to listen to my endless high school stories, took me out for a drink or celebrated every small and big achievement of my career.

Soon I reached Richmond's mansion, my parent's home. The place where I grew up.

I took quick brisk steps to my dad's study, the usual spot where I held confidential meetings with my security team. Every passing second felt like a lifetime. My heart raced in anticipation. I had a bad feeling about this meeting.

"I came as soon as I could. I got worried. What happened?" I gushed the moment I entered the room.

"It's worrying. I have bad news." He stated sternly.

"What is it?" I impatiently walked towards him and looked at him with inquisitive eyes.

"Our doubts were right, Jacob. The report from the Forensic team had arrived earlier in the evening today. Just to be sure, I cross-confirmed with our private investigators too. It's authentic."

"Are you saying...." My mouth went dry. I could feel every pulsing nerve vibrate under my skin.

Augustin handed me a bunch of papers, and after a lingering silence, finally said the most unfortunate words, that could definitely cause some irreversible damage.

"Yes. After investigating all the possible threads. I am positive." He heaved a deep sigh as his head weighed down, probably with regret, or guilt.

"No... it can't be. How could this be true? Damn it." I threw the papers in the air and channeling all my strength, I punched the desk in front of me

"How the fuck did this happen? We had the best security systems!" My voice echoed and bounced back through every corner of the room.

"It has to be an insider's job. Some kind of help or access." He whispered.

My words were now choking in my throat. I was feeling suffocated. I could not believe my ears. Until now, it was a mere speculation, but after it got confirmed, my soul broke into pieces.

I threw everything around, grunting in pain. I felt as if I was hit by a bus.

"I feel I failed Sir. I failed all of you. I am sorry son." Augustin said as deep pain reflected in his voice.

We all failed him, not just you.

Unruly tears escaped my eyes. We both sat in pin drop silence for the longest time. After a while, I tried to calm myself and regain composure before turning to him again.

"Don't blame yourself, Augustin. You couldn't have known."

"That's the problem, Jacob. I should have known. It was my job to protect you all, and I couldn't do justice to it".

I was at a loss of words, but the regret burning inside me helped me channelize my energy.

"We have to find answers Augustin, no matter how painful or dangerous this may be, I am not going to back down."

"I am with you son; you have my word. I will do all in my power to find the truth. But at first, we need to increase the security for you and Madam."

I just nodded at his suggestion. Protecting mom and my house was my topmost priority.

"Have you validated all the possible professional and personal rivalries? What about Ben Murial?" I asked, pacing up and down the room, I didn't know where to start from. Anxiety was eating me up inside.

"Ben Murial is still under our radar. You should continue to keep close ties with him until we complete our investigation."

"I took over BLK Enterprises, one of his prime subsidiaries. I am sure he will retaliate."

"Let him. That will buy us time. What about his daughter? Keep a close watch on her too." Augustin suggested.

"Erica is under control. However, she looks harmless. She is just a spoilt kid, wasting her father's money."

"If you say so, Jacob. Just be alert. I assure you I will get to the bottom of this." Augustin finally looked in my eyes. I could see the pain and regret was now replaced by determination.

I gave him an approving look, however deep inside, I was losing hope. Every shred of peace and belief that I had was tearing down. I felt lost, but I didn't show him that. I had to keep it together, for the sake of my family; for the sake of justice.

Meanwhile, Augustin requested my leave and turned around to exit the room. Before he could, I called him from behind.

"Augustin? Does mom know?"

"Not yet. I didn't have the courage to break it to Madam. She would be devastated. I would leave this up to you." He muttered without turning back and soon after, he left the room.

The moment he left; my body just slumped on the couch.

I was breathing revenge. I pledged to myself, I wouldn't stop until I find my father's culprit.

Glimpses of our family moments; dinners, outings, treks, birthdays, festivities, and happy faces of mom and dad played like a reel of flashbacks in front of my eyes. I walked down the memory lane, and my heart ached to recall how beautiful life used to be.

Everything was finished; everything was destroyed. And now I had the most painful task in hand.

How was I supposed to tell a wife that her husband's death was not an accident, but a brutal murder, planned and executed seamlessly?

How was I supposed to inform a mother that there were high chances that her son's life might be at risk too?

How

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