Sydney

"Can't you explain why you need the money, Mike? The very least you could do is tell me of your situation?" I explained, hoping to persuade Mike. I had brought the money to his house. He dodged my queries as usual.

"I am sorry, Syd. I swear, if you give me a few days, I'll tell you. Please don't say anything to anybody in the meantime... Leah included." He begged.

"I'm not going to tell anyone, but I hope you're aware of what you're doing. I am always willing to help you in any way I can," I stated.

"Sydney, I appreciate your help; you are a lifesaver. I hope you didn't have any issues because of this." He glanced at the bag.

"No, it was simpler than I had anticipated. Just then, I bumped into Will at the bank. Wonder what he was doing there...."

Mike's face had become as white as a sheet.

"Will? William Reiner ? Did he see you at the bank? Did he....did he ask anything?" Mike anxiously stood up.

I frowned, "no, I brushed him off and even if he saw me withdrawing the money, it was none of his business. Why are you so worried?" I was surprised by his concern.

"Nothing...I really don't want you to get into any difficulty as a result of my actions." He said quietly.

He was lying. I could feel it. Why would Mike worry about Will? I wonder if they had even met each other.

"Relax, Mike; I didn't say anything to Will or anybody else, but I'm worried about you. You're not in any danger?" I inquired once more.

He stared at me with a calm expression on his face.

"I'm not using the money to do anything illegal. Let's just say I am trying to save some lives."
It was pointless to enquire more. He refused to say anything about it.

"So, I suppose I should go now. Mike, take care." I exhaled deeply.

"You too, Sydney, you have been a great friend. It was good knowing you," he said.

"You act as if we'll never meet again," I mocked.

He chuckled, but he didn't look too pleased.

"Sydney, let's hope it doesn't come to that. I am really indebted to you."

"Don't worry, you'll be able to repay me after you've made it big in Hollywood." I smiled.

He laughed again, and for a while, he seemed to like that old happy Mike. I left his home and pondered over the events of today. I decided to inform Aiden about borrowing the money and lending it to Mike. Maybe not right now. But after a few days, I felt guilty over it and it was his money after all. God forbid if Mike was really in some trouble, Aiden would be the best person to help him. They didn't get along, but Aiden would never refuse me if I asked him to help. Feeling more relaxed, I drove to the charity event I was supposed to attend.

**************

- Mike

After Sydney had gone, I shut the door and tucked the money bag into my wardrobe. I needed to be at the theatre since the rehearsals would run all day. Otherwise, Eric or Marilyn might get suspicious, so I had to keep things as they were. This torment will be over tonight. I'd previously warned Leah to keep her phone always near her. My strategy was in place. My aim was to leave my flat at about 9 p.m.
Then take a taxi to the airport to meet Rob and his family. Give them a chunk of the money and send them on their way right away. Then wait for Leah to arrive, who would arrive later. I was planning on telling her she was going on a surprise vacation. Her passport was already in my possession. I would depart the country after Leah, to an unknown place.
That psycho Eric had not suspected a thing until now. Everything would be OK if I kept up my act of being with him. All I had to do was wait. But I was concerned about William, who had seen Sydney with the money and could have suspected something was wrong.
I lay down on the couch and closed my eyes. I couldn't do anything about it; I had no choice but to let the plot unfold.

*************

-Aiden

"Mrs Reiner collected the money from the bank, she was seen walking out with Mr William. They parted ways in the parking lot. She then drove to her old apartment, but she didn't visit her flat. She went to Mike Scott's flat. When she emerged, she didn't have the bag with her. We are positive that it was left at Mr Scott's place." Clifton finished narrating.

I closed my eyes and leant back in my chair. My thoughts had gone blank...

"Did she remain at his residence for a long time?"

"Sir, around 30 minutes. She departed after that to attend a charity function."

"Hmm, where is she now?" I inquired.

Clifton stated monotonely, "She returned to the Manor sometime back Sir." He was one of the best in business. Just delivered what was asked. He never questioned or gave his opinion about anything.

"Thank you, Clifton; you may now leave," I replied. He smiled and walked away softly. The room suddenly seemed stuffy. Despite the fact that it was large and airy, I was out of breath with rage. I untied my tie and strolled over to my office's glass-paneled wall. San Francisco's sparkling skyline stretched out before me, teasing me. That's exactly how I felt! I'd been a complete moron. I was under the assumption that I had conquered Sydney all along. She was bound to me now. But I was mistaken. Everything was a conspiracy, Sydney had trapped me. I can slowly connect the dots now, except for one missing link. Who was running this show?
I went back to my seat and called Micheal.

"Did you learn anything about Javier Munoz?"

"I was ready to contact you when I came upon something intriguing. We are unable to locate Javier Munoz's death certificate. After four years in a coma, he awoke. Then he just vanished."

"What do you mean vanished?"

"There is just no record of him anywhere. He could have slipped through the system. Another important fact is that Munoz clothing is one of the shareholders of the Emerald theatre. Where Miss Marilyn works. I have been investigating their investments for the last 10 years. If they invested in other US-based companies. They are the co-owners of the Emerald theatre. They bought their shares about 4-5 months back."

Then it occurred to me: the new owner whom I had met at the party. I searched my mind for his name. Eric Randall, to be precise. Couldn't he possibly be? Javier's middle name was Eric. This can't possibly be a coincidence.
Like pieces of puzzles, things started to fall in place. Anger coursed through me.