When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 102: New leads

Chapter 102: New leads

Timmy left the office quietly, leaving Samuel alone with his thoughts. The silence settled heavily around him, amplifying the ticking of the clock on the wall. Each second that passed felt like another reminder of how delicate his situation had become.

Samuel knew Walter Cain was cunning, a master of discretion who only played his cards when absolutely necessary. Cain was someone who would exploit any vulnerability, whether it belonged to a business rival or a former ally. If he was truly connected to Marlo, Samuel had every reason to be cautious.

His thoughts drifted to James, that haunting resemblance Timmy had seen in Marlo’s face the night before. Was it really possible that James was out there, alive? Could he have somehow survived all those years without a trace? The thought unsettled him, not only because of what it might mean for Zinnia but also for everything Samuel had fought for.

Determined to keep his focus, Samuel opened his laptop and began reviewing Cain’s past dealings, hoping to spot a thread that might unravel this mystery. His mind kept drifting back to Zinnia, though. She had been resilient through everything, but he knew how the possibility of James’s return would shatter her. After all these years, she deserved stability, not more painful memories from the past.

His phone vibrated, breaking his train of thought. It was another message from Timmy.

"Sir, there’s been a complication. Cain has arranged a private meeting tonight at the Langston Hotel. We believe he’s meeting with Marlo."

Samuel’s eyes narrowed as he typed a response. "Is Marlo aware of who he’s meeting?"

"Uncertain. But Cain has brought his men — more than usual."

Samuel’s instincts sharpened. Cain was cautious, but bringing extra men indicated he might be expecting trouble. Or maybe he knew he was being watched.

Samuel typed another message, his jaw clenched. "Prepare a team. I’ll join you at the hotel."

It was risky, but he couldn’t pass up this chance. He needed to understand what was happening with Cain and Marlo — and more importantly, he needed answers about James.

---

An hour later, Samuel entered the Langston Hotel. His footsteps were muffled by the plush carpet as he made his way toward the lounge. Timmy, already there, caught his eye and nodded subtly. He was positioned by a row of potted plants near the bar, blending in with the evening crowd.

Samuel joined him, eyes scanning the room. "Where are they?"

Timmy nodded toward a private area tucked near the back. "Cain’s already inside. Marlo arrived a few minutes ago."

The two men exchanged a tense look. Samuel knew that entering that private area himself would draw too much attention. Instead, he decided to wait, listening intently, hoping to catch glimpses of their conversation or at least observe Cain’s behavior.

Minutes ticked by, and Samuel watched as Cain’s men positioned themselves strategically around the room, clearly guarding the area where their boss was meeting with Marlo.

Finally, the door to the private area opened. Marlo emerged, his expression one of mild confusion, but he looked composed. He nodded to Cain’s men, acknowledging them, and started toward the exit.

Samuel waited, glancing at Timmy. "Follow Marlo," he murmured. "See if he goes anywhere unusual."

Timmy nodded and slipped away, blending effortlessly into the departing crowd as he trailed Marlo out of the hotel.

Samuel stayed behind, his gaze fixed on Cain, who appeared in the doorway a moment later. Cain looked almost smug, as though he’d just secured a crucial piece of information. But his eyes were cold and calculating, and Samuel knew he had to tread carefully. He couldn’t afford to make any wrong moves in Cain’s presence.

As he slipped back into the shadows, Cain’s phone rang, his voice low but audible as he answered.

"Yes, everything’s in place. We’ll move on it soon."

Samuel felt a chill at those words. Whatever Cain was planning, it sounded like he was ready to act. And it was clear that Marlo, willingly or not, was now involved.

---

Later that night, Samuel found himself pacing in his office, waiting for Timmy to report back. His mind churned with questions. What had Cain told Marlo? What role did Marlo truly play in all this? And most disturbingly, how much did this have to do with James?

The phone rang, breaking the silence. Samuel picked it up, his voice sharp. "Timmy?"

"Yes, sir," Timmy’s voice came through, steady. "I followed Marlo to a small warehouse just outside the city. He met with someone there, a man we haven’t identified yet. They spoke briefly, then parted ways. I couldn’t get close enough to hear what they discussed, but it was clear that Marlo wasn’t comfortable."

Samuel clenched his jaw. "Did they exchange anything? Documents, perhaps?"

"Nothing obvious, but Marlo looked tense. Whatever’s happening, I’d bet he’s in over his head."

Samuel sighed, rubbing his temples. "Good work, Timmy. Keep an eye on the warehouse. If anything unusual happens, I want to know immediately."

"Yes, sir," Timmy replied, hanging up.

Samuel leaned back in his chair, trying to connect the dots. Cain, Marlo, the mysterious man at the warehouse... Each piece felt like part of a larger puzzle, one that somehow kept leading him back to James. The more he thought about it, the more certain he became that James’s reappearance wasn’t just coincidence.

Samuel knew one thing: he had to get to the bottom of this before anyone else did. Because if Cain had even the slightest connection to James’s disappearance, Samuel needed to know.

---

Later that evening, Samuel found himself driving through the city. He couldn’t sit still, couldn’t shake the restlessness that gnawed at him. His phone buzzed, and he glanced at the screen to see Zinnia’s name flashing.

He hesitated, then answered. "Zinnia."

"Samuel," her voice was soft, almost tentative. "Are you... are you okay?"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I’m fine. Just... handling a lot right now."

She paused, as if debating whether to push further. "If there’s anything I can help with, just let me know."

For a moment, he wished he could tell her everything, that he didn’t have to carry all of this alone. But he knew the risks; the last thing he wanted was to drag her into something so dangerous.

"Thanks, Zia," he replied, his voice softer. "I appreciate it."