Ernest remained in the vehicle, his nerves stretched to their breaking point. Each day since the catastrophe had left him balanced on a knife’s edge of anxiety.
Within moments, the assistant returned, speaking with obvious urgency. “Mr. Flynn, the rescue team has just declared that today marks their final day of search operations!” Ernest’s eyes flared wide at this revelation, a bitter and sardonic smile creeping across his features.
This announcement certainly explained the massive crowd blocking the entrance. He felt absolutely certain that the families affected by the air disaster would never accept such a decision.
Beyond himself, numerous families of the victims had journeyed here. Moreover, among the victims, there remained many missing individuals whose fate stayed undetermined.
“The families are organizing a protest,” the assistant continued. “But the search has persisted for such an extended duration. Even if the families voice their opposition, it probably won’t alter anything.”
Ernest’s expression darkened, remaining silent for several moments before he spoke with unwavering resolve. “Maintain close contact with them and apply maximum pressure to the rescue team.”
He was absolutely committed to extending the search, regardless of the financial burden.
“Yes, sir.” The assistant acknowledged with understanding.
At that precise moment, his phone began ringing insistently.
He glanced toward Ernest and announced, “Mr. Flynn, it’s Black Water on the line!”
“Hand it over,” Ernest demanded, accepting the phone with a stern, uncompromising expression. “This is Ernest speaking.”
The voice on the other end delivered news that caused Ernest’s face to grow significantly darker, his gaze transforming into something fierce and threatening.
He spoke with icy precision. “You accepted the payment and now claim you cannot complete the assignment? Thinking of withdrawing now? Is this your organization’s standard practice?”
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“No, absolutely not!” The voice on the other end apologized with obvious panic. “We’re terribly sorry! But after such an extensive period with no developments, we’re simply suggesting there’s probably no hope remaining. Continuing might just squander your money…”
After all, their professional services weren’t inexpensive by any measure.
“That’s my concern to manage!” Ernest bellowed, becoming extremely agitated. “I won’t shortchange you a single penny! Just execute your job! Don’t concern yourself with anything else!”
After terminating the call abruptly, Ernest hurled the phone aside and closed his eyes, massaging his temples, which pulsed with excruciating intensity. For a brief moment, he genuinely didn’t know what course of action he should pursue.
Both the rescue team and Black Water were informing him that Elissa and Locke were nowhere to be found.
Ernest comprehended the harsh reality, but he refused to acknowledge it and lacked the courage to confront such a devastating truth.
He stubbornly maintained his belief, clinging to hope against all logical odds, that as long as he didn’t admit defeat, Elissa and Locke were somewhere waiting for him—waiting for him to escort them safely home.
.
.
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