The thought flashed across Jacob's mind, but he did not think about it too much.
"I won't let it bother me," he murmured as he walked out of the building's main lobby.
"Something's bothering you, Jacob. What's wrong?" James asked Jacob as soon as he stepped into the car. James could see that the younger man was troubled.
"I'm fine, uncle. I just feel that something might be off. Don't you find it strange that Jonathan is here?" Jacob caught his reflection in the rearview mirror and saw how serious his expression was.
"That is strange. But I don't think it was him who did all this. After all, damaging the company's name will not do him any good. But I do think that you may be his main target." James patted Jacob's leg as he said this. He was trying to both warn and comfort his nephew.
"I think so too. I'm anxious about it. I feel like I have enemies in every direction." Jacob sighed. Now he had to pay close attention to everything around him, especially when it comes to the company's future.
He took out his phone and called his assistant, Cindy. But there was no answer.
"What is it?" James asked. His tone was soft and serious.
"She's not answering. It's unlike her to miss a call. It seems like there's something wrong." Jacob felt cold. He should have asked Cindy who she was dating before she left the meeting room. She looked a little frightened. She was not her usual calm self.
"What should we do then?" James asked. He was worried now. The situation seemed much worse than they had previously imagined.
"Let me think it through." Jacob looked straight ahead, lost in his thoughts.
"You call the police. I'll call the office and ask my assistant which ones among the younger senior managers were absent from work today," James said methodically.
"Okay," Jacob agreed.
He called his friend at the nearest district police station. He formed a bond with this police officer because of the recent explosion incident in their company, which required police assistance. This particular officer had a mole on his face.
The officer advised Jacob to visit Cindy's residence and checked her whereabouts before they made further action.
Jacob followed his friend's advice.
Meanwhile, James sighed beside him. He just called their office. His assistant confirmed that several people were not present. This made him worry more.
Both men looked at each other, their brows were knotted.
"We'd better go straight to Cindy's place, uncle. We might find answers there. We could figure out the office situation later on." Jacob's frown was deeper now.
"Okay." James nodded.
The car sped up a little as the driver sensed the tension in the back seat. The two passengers glanced at each other again, but said nothing.
Jacob closed his eyes and tried to relax. But his mind was racing. He was sure something was wrong when Cindy did not pick up his call.
He tried to quell his raging thoughts. As he looked out the window, he hoped everything would turn out fine in the end.
Their speeding car left a cloud of dust along the road. The dust seemed to dance before it disappeared into the sky, dispersed by the wind.
Their luxury car would attract stares from pedestrians as they passed by. The on-lookers could not help but notice their vehicle. By now Jacob was already numb at such attention. He already made peace with his position.
Cindy lived in a two-floor, duplex apartment in the suburbs. Her place may be small but the rent was surprisingly high.
Jacob spoke to the landlord who said that Cindy went out this morning and was yet to come back.
Jacob's apprehension worsened. He called Cindy again. This time, she finally picked up. Jacob was relieved.
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