Noah: in your eyes

35 — Noah Foster

“And I will miss the time when

It was just the three of us

I don't want to leave it behind

Everything I love”

A beautiful life — Christopher

This negotiation to acquire a hotel chain in Canada is keeping me up at night. Today will be the last attempt, I've barely been able to appreciate my wife in the last few days and, I must point out, she's getting more fiery every day. I don't know what happened, maybe the boiling hormones or those things that women have, but the case is that I am literally being used by her. I can't complain, after all, what was already hot between us is now explosive.

Damn, just remembering how she woke me up today makes me horny. I opened my eyes to see her tasting and swallowing my cock, as if it were her favorite meal.

Fuck! Focus, Noah!

Tomorrow, we will embark on our trip and finally be able to enjoy Greece. Nina is excited and anxious, as she will be able to see in person the place where she herself designed the changes, since her first day at the company.

I am finishing passing the information to legal, demanding full attention to each clause of the contract they sent us. We need to find a loophole so that man will sign the damn contract we want.

I see the door opening and my angel enters, I signal him to wait a moment. She approaches, wrapping her arms around my waist, as if I were her base. This makes my ego inflate, I'm fucking lucky! I end the call, put our bodies together, I don't want to let go. I can't get tired of kissing that full mouth, it's my eternal addiction.

— I miss my wife — I growl between our lips.

— Me too darling. But I needed to go out, so I agreed to meet Lynn. What do you think about having dinner with just the two of us tonight? — He caresses my face, his eyes overflowing with emotion.

— Something to celebrate?

— Not really, but I want to tell you... — his speech is interrupted by the ringing of my cell phone.

— I need to answer, life. Wait a minute? — Just now, Thomaz called me and I couldn't refuse. Not when we're after that piece of shit.

— See you at home. Answer and resolve everything, okay?

— I love you, life. Take care and, if anything, call me and I'll come running to you. OK? — I see her eyes water, that was another thing I noticed in the last few days. She was very emotional, maybe it was missing her mother, which she was already catching up on.

— I love you. — Give me a brief kiss, say goodbye and I'll answer.

— Speak, Thomaz.

— Noah, your father mentioned to me that he's having problems with the hotel chain in Canada, right?

— That. That son of a bitch has been stringing me along for days now, I can't understand what he wants with this little game.

— Look, from what I understand, the negotiation began after a proposal came to Foster and, coincidentally, this happened a few days after that piece of shit disappeared. — Okay, now I'm intrigued. — I'll get straight to the point, I raised the hypothesis that this was a move by Otávio.

— In what way, if that henchman died. The guy owes two shits, there. I couldn't understand your reasoning.

— Easy. It was no secret that you wanted to expand your business in Canada, however, I found it too coincidental, also due to the fact that the man delayed the negotiation, creating useless obstacles, preventing a final decision, as your offer went beyond what it should have. I asked the boys to track that man's life, I believe that they will still be able to give me the complete report today. However, a few hours ago, he received a call, but it came from one of those disposable numbers and the area code was Manhattan.

— Hell! Is there any possibility that Steve survived? For that was all that was missing, the being having risen from the world of the dead.

— No, I checked it myself. That one went to keep the devil company. Now, I'm worried about your safety. — Sigh. — As soon as I receive the report, I'll call you and ask you to come here, so we can put the pieces of this puzzle together. I'm sure something isn't adding up in this story, it was all too easy.

— I really hope Nina is safe. There cannot be even the slightest chance that he will get close. Her team has proven to be very efficient, and I completely trust Adam and Travis, the guy who is undercover here, in her sector.

— I hope so. Well, I'll get back to you as soon as I get the report, in the meantime, keep an eye on the guy from Canada. It's a precaution.

— Okay, I'll wait. — I ended the call.

What the hell! I can't have a moment's peace in this place!

If Otávio crosses, or rather dares to cross, my path, I will make a point of sending him to keep company with that piece of shit Steve, who I hope is burning in hell.

I tried to concentrate on all the reports possible, however, restlessness dominated my mind these last few hours, making me feel tight in my chest, with thoughts about my wife always running through my mind.

I took out my cell phone and sent her a message, after all, she had made me uneasy with that conversation about dinner.

____________________________

Noah: I'm curious,

my blue angel...

_____________________________

However, I remember the conversation with Thomaz and send one more.

____________________________

Noah: I love you life.

Take care, whatever

something calls me.

____________________________

After submitting, I see my office door open.

get

— Hey dude? — he says, sitting down in the armchair. — All very well?

— I hope so. — I have decided not to comment on Thomaz's suspicions yet. — Any contracts for us to review? I thought I wouldn't be at the company today.

—Actually, I arrived now. Remember that your father asked me for help to look for his “lost” son? — I nod my head in agreement. — Well, we're back to square one. I had some clues, but they didn't lead anywhere. I tried to obtain some data at the hospital, where the birth took place, to look for information and characteristics of the child, as they record everything, however, there was a fire in the administrative part, more than twenty years ago, and most of the documents were lost. Furthermore, at that time, technology was not that advanced. However, I'm going to find out about any nursery staff from that period or, in fact, anyone who was there that day, to see if they remember anything that could be useful to us, but to be honest, almost non—existent.

— Crap! But is there any other way? Orphanages, who knows? I have no idea where I would start looking.

— Don't worry about it, Thomaz made one of the company's employees available to help me access some data... In a non—legal way, if you understand me.

At these times, I would like to know more about Gael's life, my friend doesn't seem like a simple lawyer, he has different contacts in the “underworld”, so to speak.

— Okay. Hopefully this will be resolved soon. It will be one less problem for us to worry about. I feel like a bomb is about to explode on top of us.

— Something related to Otávio? I haven't updated myself on the case, that's one of the questions I was going to discuss with you today.

— Thomaz called me, he was suspicious that our negotiation in Canada was an ambush, — I decided to come clean — and that the bastard was behind it. However, there are missing pieces to this puzzle... What would he gain from this?

— Payment of the debt you owe?

I don't answer right away, because I feel like shit for not realizing that that unfortunate man could reappear. My life took a long time, with the arrival of Catarina. I became complete with my wife and, simply, even taking great care of her safety, I left that shit aside, to finally enjoy every second.

I believed that the famous “happily ever after” was already there, just like the clichés that Nina reads. However, fate doesn't seem to make it easy for my side. I get up, heading towards the office bar, mentally berating myself, since my carelessness could have put my blue angel in the eye of the storm.

And the damn feeling remains here...

—Noah. Gael exclaimed. — Nina ta in the company? Call her and calm down. I can feel your concern from here.

— No, she left earlier, but since she left this room, a tightness has taken over me. — Right now, I don't mind looking like a sissy. — You know when you feel like it's a goodbye? — he agrees. — So, just like that.

— Dude, look at the jealousy. If she wanted to run away with someone else, she would have called me, as I would probably be the best choice for a lover — she mocks.

— Fuck you, asshole! This is no time for cutesy.

— Have you thought about calling her? — Negative. — What are you waiting for? Surely she must be fine and you will see that she worried for nothing.

At that moment, I pick up my cell phone and make the call, which is not answered, going straight to voicemail. I try again and again and get the same result. So I choose to send one more message, however, I feel like something is wrong.

_________________________

Noah: Life, where are you?

Answer the phone, please...

__________________________

— Damn it, Gael! Call until it goes to voicemail. Something's wrong, I'm going to call Adam!

Just as I'm about to start the call, the office door opens abruptly, catching our attention and causing my body to freeze instantly.

For the love of God, no!

— Sir, I... — I observe Adam in front of me, showing fear and, I dare say, the same panic that is consuming me.

— Adam, what the hell happened? Have you been making trouble out there? What happened, man? — Gael asks exactly the question that runs through my mind, but my throat is completely closed and my legs feel heavy. I can't leave the place.

— I... Mr. Foster, forgive me. I couldn't protect her. Please forgive me. — And it is with that line that I collapse to my knees on the floor.

No! No! No!

— But what the hell! Noah, get up from there now! Stop being lax and, Adam, sit here and breathe. Explain exactly what happened. — I listen to my friend, but all I can think about is my sweet girl. — Norah! — he screams.

— Here, Gael. I already provided a first aid kit to clean these wounds and I took the initiative to call Jack and Thomaz, as soon as I saw Adam coming in here, like that. They will arrive in ten minutes, they are already on their way, in the meantime, let's try to calm down and understand what happened — she tries to reassure everyone.

I see her coming towards me, but it's as if I'm watching the scene from the outside, as a mere spectator, because I can't react, only feel a deep pain.

She positions herself on her knees, facing me, placing her hands on my face.

— My boy, calm down. We will now understand what happened. If you continue in a trance, you won't be able to help anything. She would certainly like you to be strong and acting with reason, so as not to get carried away by the moment. Come, get up, you are not weak, Noah Foster and I will not let you act like one, just when Catarina needs us all. It's time to react. Or I'll talk to your father… I can't stay like this. — she speaks in a cold, precise way that I never thought there was a side to her personality, as if emotions were left aside.

Weak?! No, I can't be a shit while my girl needs me.

Again the room is invaded, but this time by Lynn.

What the hell is she doing here?!

— Okay, since you're all here, tell me you're already sorting out this shit that happened! For God's sake! — she says, overcome with nervousness.

— Lynn, calm down! Adam will tell us, we're just waiting for Jack and Thomaz to arrive, so we don't need to go over everything again. — Gael appears to be the most sensible one in this room.

— I know what happened, I mean, I'm not sure, but I think I know. I was immobilized and felt a sting on my neck, my vision became blurred and I believe I blacked out. When I managed to regain consciousness, she was no longer with me. She is pregnant! — No, I must be hallucinating... — We can't waste time. It won't even be possible to track her on her cell phone, I found it lying next to the door.

— Repeat... — That's the only thing I can say.

— Noah Foster, you asshole. Get off this fucking floor now and listen to what I'm going to tell you. — Get closer. — YOUR WIFE IS WAITING FOR YOUR SON AND SOMEONE MISSED HER, SO SHE WAKES UP AND REACTS! — she screams in my ears.

And, really, that's what I needed to come back to myself.

My son, my son...

I get up, helping my assistant to get up too, and look at everyone.

— Damn Noah, I'm sorry, I just can't rationalize it properly, I shouldn't have spoken to you like that, especially as a professional who cares about people's mental health. — she says, with tears in her eyes.

— Lynn, here you are her friend and not a therapist, it's understandable after what you went through just a few moments ago. We all have some upheavals in life. — Norah answers her.

— Hallelujah! Thanks girl. That asshole, there, needed this. — Gael comments.

— Why didn't she tell me? — I run my hands through my hair. Nervous. — Shit! We need to know something. — I walk to my security guard, but I am stopped by my friend. — Get out of the way, I demand to know why, damn it, he didn't take care of my wife!

—Noah, calm down. Your father…

— We're here. What is this confusion? — My father says, finding us in a real mess.

— It's just Nina's disappearance, dad! My wife disappeared due to the incompetence of that idiot Adam! Damn it!

—Son, don't judge him, let's listen and understand what happened. Thomaz, get someone to track her cell phone.

— Jack, it won't work, the device is here, with me. I found him on the floor. — Lynn shows the phone.

— Ok, everyone sit down so we can try to understand this story, and after that we'll put our men to take care of the rest — Thomaz instructs, as if we were a bunch of disobedient children. — Lynn, you were with her, right? — She nods. — So, tell us what you did until the moment everything happened.

— Well, I'll go back in time a little, but it's important. A few days ago, Nina realized that she was, how can I say... — She takes a breath. — Strangely, it was then that I asked her about the possibility of pregnancy and convinced her to go to the appointments and carry out the necessary tests. Anyway, today we got the results and, as you can see, Noah already knows, she is pregnant. I would tell them at a special dinner to share the news.

My heart squeezes, at the same moment I feel a tear escape.

I'm going to be a daddy, damn it!

And I can't even celebrate. The silence that dominates the room is piercing, everyone paying attention to the smallest details. Norah hugged my father, certainly controlling herself not to collapse, just like me. The difference is that the person I wanted to hug and not let go of is precisely the one who needs help, once again.

Hell!

— Anyway, we would go out to buy a gift and then each one would go to their destination. Adam was with us, but he told us that another security guard would be waiting for us, I believe something must have happened. We went to the bathroom after the appointment, and while she was in private, I was waiting and touching up my makeup, when I felt someone immobilize me, probably injecting some substance into me, and I passed out. I woke up some time later and she was no longer there, nor was the security guard who had stayed with us. It was then that Adam found me, came here while I was attended to there, by the paramedics, to check if I was ok. When I was released, one of the security guards brought me in. — I see your teary eyes as you narrate the misfortune. — I believe that, now, Adam has to tell what happened. We need to find her, my godson needs us. — He releases the tears he was holding back, resting his head in his hands, with his elbows on his legs.

— Okay, okay, that makes our time even shorter. Adam, please tell us what happened, because the fight was really good. — Thomaz arches his eyebrow, while I control myself not to punch the idiot, but as my father said, I need to listen before judging.

— An ambush, I received an alert from one of the security guards, saying that there was something suspicious in the parking lot and I decided to go check it out myself, assigning Aideen to stay close to the room, waiting for the ladies, in case I didn't return soon. When I arrived at the parking lot, I didn't notice anything suspicious, until two hooded men came at me. They were good and I realized they were there to divert the focus from something, but as you can see, I couldn't do anything at the time, nor ask for help... — Lower your head. — Sorry, gentlemen, I truly believed that they would be safe as long as I kept them under control, however, a third party called them a few minutes later and they sped off in the car. I couldn't fully see the license plate, but it was a black sedan, tinted windows.

What the fuck! I can see here how sorry he is for not being able to contain the damage. Shit!

—Continue, please —I ask, calmly.

— I went back to the floor and found Aideen unconscious. Miss Lynn was already waking up. In addition to the blow he must have received, he had a cut on his abdomen, all very well calculated. Well, I left them both under observation and asked J. to send someone to the clinic to bring you here. He was sent to the hospital by one of our people and I came immediately to inform them. Now, if I may say so, a few days ago, I noticed one of our men was a little uneasy. I hope I'm wrong, however, we must work with the possibility of an infiltrator, or even threats. Again, I'm sorry I didn't protect you as expected.

— Adam, you did what you could. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough and now we're here, having to figure out how we're going to manage this situation and bring my daughter—in—law and grandson home safe and sound. — My father calms him down.

— I understand, sir. I'm ready for whatever it is, I requested the camera images from the clinic, however, if your team, Thomaz, manages to follow up, I believe we will have answers sooner, as they asked me for a deadline of 48 hours.

— Okay, Adam, go home, take a shower and take care of those wounds. Later, meet us at Jack's house and bring the file of everyone who was responsible for her safety over the last few months.

— Okay, excuse me.

— Lynn, go home and rest. We'll call you, anything. A team of ours will accompany you, as a precaution and will remain with you until everything is resolved.

— No! I'll go with you now! It's my friend and my godson who are in danger, I want and will help — she responds, a little upset, but I don't judge, because she knows everything Catarina went through, she must be internally blaming herself too.

— Okay. Noah, cancel everything you have this week. — my father determines.

— Leave it to me, Thomaz. I'll do it from home — Norah answers for me. — Let's all go now and, Noah, think about how you're going to tell Nina's mother and how you're going to tell Sarah and Benício. You know, she's practically your family too.

— Yes everyone fucked up and screwed, and I'm going to be an uncle! Damn, I can't even stuff my face and light a cigar for celebrate! — Gael opens his mouth to irritate me. — What's up, guys? Bowl trying to relax. Let's go as soon as we have a mother and a baby Foster to save! — I try hard not to get stressed with him, I know it's his way of disguising his nervousness.

Baby Foster! God, please don't let anything happen to them —I pray mentally.

When we get home, I still try to assimilate all the information.

I intend to fight to bring them to safety, wherever they are.

— Norah, tell Iolanda to bring us coffee at the office, please, love — my father requests.

— Yes. I take the opportunity and talk to her, it's not fair to leave her out. Lynn, will you come with me?

— Yes, let's go. And, you — he points to us men, standing in the room — waiting for us.

And so, they head to the kitchen, where Iaiá is probably located, while we head to the office. Thomaz is still on his cell phone, making a call, and Gael remains by my side, in absolute silence, as if trying to comfort me. I know that inside he suffers, because he has acquired a huge affection for her, just like all the guys.

— Next, I asked J. to go to the company and bring some equipment, and also Kenny. Did anyone notify the police? — my father questions.

— We need to check with Adam if he registered what happened. — Gael says.

— Thomaz, tell me, did you get anything related to the file you collected? I think it's a good idea to see if there really is any connection — a path from one side to the other, as I say. — We need to find her, and quickly! Otávio cannot touch her under any circumstances!!!

— If he's smart, he won't. I just sent a message to an acquaintance to find out how the payment of the supposed debt he owes to those men is going — Gael informs.

— We still have that. The team should arrive soon, as should Adam. I just contacted him, and once everyone's here, we'll set up our own tracking, regardless of what the police investigators decide. — Now it’s Thomaz’s turn to take a stand. — And, yes, Kenny will bring the information along. We were on our way to Foster to talk to you about this when Norah called us and I ended up leaving the report on my desk.

— Gael, could you please call the women and see if Iolanda is okay? They must be waiting for us.

— Clear. — answers my father. — Noah. Come with me, let the two of you take the lead.

We left the office, heading towards the kitchen, but we didn't find them. They're not in the room either, so I decided to check the library. And there they are, sitting in the armchairs, next to the fireplace, the same one that was redecorated with photos of the entire Foster family, at Catarina's idea.

— Girls, come and keep me company, I don’t have to handle so much testosterone in a single environment.

— Gael, for God’s sake, boy!

— Relax, we need to relax, or everyone will go straight from here to the asylum. To be clear, I'm also worried, but we need to calm down, or we won't be able to help in any way. — He looks into my eyes as he approaches the photos and, at the same moment, I see him taking one of the frames in his hand and turning pale as paper. —Noah…

Holy shit! What the hell did he see just now!

I approach my friend and see that it is a photo of three generations of Foster, my great—grandfather, my grandfather and my father. However, I don't understand what made him like this.

— Who is this gentleman here at the end?

— My great—grandfather, why?

— Noah, do you have any photos of him younger? I need it, please.

— Here, Gael, I’ll get it for you. I helped Nina reorganize — Norah comes to us, handing her a small album that he starts leafing through.

Then, focus on a specific image, widening your eyes. In fact, I dare say that your eyes begin to moisten.

Cum! He won't cry here... What a fucking day!

Inhale and exhale, Noah! Don't go crazy.

— Let's go to the office. Adam arrived with the missing information. — Jack bursts into the library.

— Come on, we need to find that hottie — Gael responds, coming out of his trance as if nothing had happened.

It has to be crazy! Crazy!

I decide not to question anything now, as this is not the time. However, soon, he will have to talk to me, something has moved him in a way I've never seen before.

We all followed, in silence, to the office. Agony consumes my chest in a heartbreaking way. On the outside, I try to stay healthy and strong, but on the inside, I feel like a lion trapped in its cage. With no option, I feel like a failure for not being able to protect my family. The one I firmly believed wouldn't come so soon, but Catarina arrived like an explosion in my life, without the calm of meetings, conquests, dinners and I realize how careless I was with her. Acting on love that consumes me and clouded by burning desire.

My God, let her come back to me. I need to give her everything a princess deserves, besides my love!

— Thomaz, what are we going to do now? What did they discover? — I ask, upon entering and noticing that the office has been transformed into a real military base.

— Two investigators should appear here soon, and we will take care of them in the living room, no coming here. We'll pursue our own investigation, okay? — I agree. — Well, the report they made confirms what I suspected, Otávio has a connection. Apparently, it was just a trap to divert your focus and, thus, facilitate what happened today. Your contact is nothing more than an “orange”, the person really interested in the sale is traveling, Noah. Sorry to say this, but they plotted it so well that I believe Adam is correct in suspecting someone on our team. It's as if they knew every step we would take. That's why — he turns his finger indicating the office — we set this up here, and not in my company — Thomaz explains.

— Whatever! And what do we know about my wife so far? — I feel possessed at having been deceived, like a muggle.

— I know it sucks, but we need to calm down. My boys here,” he emphasizes, “are already trying to track down all the information we've gathered from what Lynn and Adam reported.

— Calm? More than I'm already trying to have? It's my fucking wife in danger, and not just her, but my son! Are you aware of this? — I explode, feeling like I'm in the middle of a third war, where bombs are detonated around me. — I don't care if they're going to make a pact with the devil, but I want them here as soon as possible, or I'll go after her myself.

—Son, please…

— No! I won't take it easy! — I scream, letting the despair in my chest spill out. — You, better than anyone, know the pain that is suffocating me, so, no... I'm not going to calm down!

—My friend is right, Jack. Let's get down to business, anyone who fits the informant's profile, Adam?

— Yes sir. — I divert my attention to him. — Boss, I took the liberty of seeking information about this, but I believe there is something behind this help, the person in question has been with us for a long time and shows exemplary conduct.

— Who is the shit? Who is it? Call here, and I'll take care of finding out myself.

— Logan and J. are already on their way with him. I just ask that you listen to what he will tell us, we don't know what's behind it all. — Adam pleads, as if his suspicions were certainties.

My rational side says that I must agree with him, however, I sent my reason to the whore that gave birth from the moment they invaded my room, and there is no one who will control me. Every minute that passes only worsens my condition, which went from lethargic to desperate at a frightening speed.

— Gentlemen, excuse me. — I look at the door, when I hear J. — We brought Travis so he can explain some things to us. We had a brief conversation, Logan is already confirming what he confided in us.

I take a step towards him, but I'm held back by my father, who now has a hard look in his eyes, stopping me from breaking the guy in half.

Inferno!

— Sit down and start spilling the shit that made you betray us and put my wife and son's lives at risk! — vociferous.

He sits in the available armchair, with a tired expression.

Cum! Tired of what? Are you sorry for the shit you did?

I run my hands through my hair, waiting, impatient to know what he has to say.

— First of all, I apologize, even though I know it's not enough, however, I want you to believe me when I say that I didn't intend to let him complete this plan. — He looks fixedly at me, as if asking for permission to continue. — A year ago, my sister disappeared, evaporated... To this day, the police have no clue as to what could have happened to her. We don't know if it was a kidnapping or if she decided to disappear of her own free will.

— Travis, I don't want to be insensitive to you, but tell me what this has to do with Catarina's kidnapping?

— Allow me to continue, it's important for you to understand my side — he sighs, while I just nod. — As I have experience, I decided to investigate on my own and, a few months ago, without having anything concrete, I received a message from an unknown number, saying that I could help find my sister, if it helped with anything. Of course, at first, I doubted it, but I decided to take the risk. I'll do anything to find her, because I only have her. Anyway, in short, I arranged a meeting and it was Otávio, asking me to communicate your steps. I agreed, however, I swore to myself to protect Miss Catarina, in the meantime, I gathered evidence and got closer. The problem was that he acted before the agreed time, which meant I couldn't stop him.

— Okay, Travis. Now tell me, why didn't you request the team's help in finding your sister? — Thomaz asks.

— I don't know. Maybe because I thought I could solve it alone. — I understand your frustration. — And I only passed on the information to him after making sure that we would always be close by. I couldn't understand what made him act outside of what was agreed this time, the desperation or the suspicion that I was going to get in the way. I really don't know what he intends with this.

He continues narrating what he discovered about his sister, about having discovered that they traffic women to serve in brothels, including selling them to executives and sheiks , all with the support of powerful people. Corrupt. Worms. We listen carefully to each piece of information he reports, I see Kenny recording everything, focused on his search.

Damn it! I want to send him to the whore, far away from here, but the guy is more fucked up than me.

I may be angry with him, but I can't imagine his despair when he found out that he had the slimmest chance of knowing anything about his sister.

— And now that the shit is done, what do you suggest to help us? — I ask. — If it were up to me, I wouldn't be being benevolent, Travis, but given your situation, I can even try to understand your attitude, even if I don't agree. I don't know what Thomaz will decide about this, however, I am giving you the opportunity to correct the serious mistake you made.

— Mr. Foster, I already told you and I reiterate, I would never have let that happen, Miss Catarina is a wonderful person who I admire. So, to answer your question, I will do everything I can. Count on me to go to hell.

— Well, guys, Kenny is going to put together a script for us to retrace all the steps and put the pieces together, until we get to where she needs to be. Now, Adam, Lynn and Noah need to meet the investigators. They just arrived — my father informs. — Norah, call Sarah and ask her to come here with Victória. She's the mother, we need to tell her.

— Yes, I will do that — she replies. — We'll talk to her first, to calm her down.

— Thank you, I don't know if I could talk to her calmly — I thank you.

With that resolved, we leave the boys and head to the room, to find the two investigators who are waiting for us.