In the heart of the police station, Freddie dashed into Rafael's chamber, his breath ragged and anticipation in his eyes. He clutched something that seemed to be a treasure, and with a sense of urgency, he presented it to his superior.

"Sir, we located this nearby," Freddie explained, a hint of excitement in his voice.

Rafael, the seasoned detective, raised an eyebrow and accepted the item Freddie handed him. His eyes narrowed as he inspected the image or document presented before him, searching for clues or context that might explain its significance. The atmosphere in the room crackled with tension as the unknown secret within the document loomed large.

Freddie leaned closer to Rafael, his voice lowering in a conspiratorial tone. "But, sir, there is top-secret information," he emphasized.

Rafael, his curiosity piqued, wiggled his eyebrows, and asked, "What is this top-secret information?"

Freddie hesitated for a moment, building the suspense, before finally revealing the revelation that had come to light. "I learned last night that Mr. James's secretary had been admitted to the hospital," he disclosed, his voice laced with intrigue. "But his health was in a rather precarious state."

Rafael feigned surprise, arching his brows and hiding his true thoughts. "Oh really!"

The information Freddie had brought forth was intriguing and potentially significant. The sudden hospitalization of Mr. James's secretary raised questions about what might have transpired and the potential connections it held to their ongoing investigations.

Freddie nodded in agreement, "Yes."

Rafael, ever the strategic thinker, considered their next course of action. "It's definitely headline news," he confirmed. "So, should we not go there to meet him?"

The revelation about Mr. James's secretary being hospitalized was undeniably headline news, and the implications of the secretary's condition intrigued both of them.

Freddie, however, was quick to offer a counterpoint. He shook his head and explained, "I don't think it will work, sir. He has been unconscious since last night." The situation was more dire than they had initially thought, adding an element of urgency to their investigations.

Rafael pondered the information and decided on a new approach. "In that case, I think we may need to speak with his boss," he suggested. "And we need to meet his boss as well because it was his port where we rescued those girls."

Rafael, determined and focused, stood up and signaled his intention to proceed with their plan. He was ready to take the next step in their quest for answers. However, just as he was about to leave the room, Freddie halted him, a thoughtful expression on his face.

Rafael turned to Freddie, curious about the sudden pause. "What is it?" he inquired.

"Sir, do we not need to inform the sheriff about it?" Freddie said, voicing his concern.

Rafael was filled with a moment of contemplation as Freddie's suggestion to inform the sheriff about their findings hung in the air.

But Rafael hesitated, well aware of the complexities and secrets that surrounded their work.

With a measured tone, he responded, "Oh, come on, Freddie. Not everything needs to be disclosed to everyone. We also have some abilities, right?"

His words were a reflection of the layers of secrecy that shrouded their operations. Rafael understood that their investigations touched on dangerous territories and involved individuals who might have a stake in keeping their activities concealed.

Freddie gave him a nod. Rafael smiled at him and said, "Then?"

He patted Freddie on the shoulder, and then they walked away.

**

Tension lingered in the air as everyone in the room, including Max, waited for Francisco's arrival. The interview for the Chief Information Officer (CIO) position was scheduled to begin, but Francisco was notably absent.

Liam, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Hilton company, leaned forward, his expression a mix of impatience and concern. He directed his inquiry at Max, asking, "Mr. Max, where is Mr. Hilton? The interview must start now."

Max, aware of the gravity of the situation, strained his eyes as he looked around the room. The delay was unexpected and uncharacteristic of Francisco. He contemplated the time and couldn't help but wonder, 'He always comes on time, but today, why is he taking so long?'

Growing unease settled in Max's mind as he dialed Francisco's number, hoping for a swift response that would alleviate their concerns.

But as he was about to dial Francisco's number, the room fell into a moment of stunned silence as the door was pushed open with an unexpected abruptness. Everyone in attendance, including Max, stood up, his eyes widening in concern.

They were even more taken aback when they laid eyes on Francisco. He was usually disrupted by the sight of his wounded and bleeding hand. The handkerchief he clutched around his injury was stained with the crimson evidence of his ordeal.

Max, whose voice was laced with shock and immediate concern, was the first to break the silence. "Are you alright?" he asked, his eyes locked onto Francisco's injured hand. The possibility of their partner being involved in a fight or facing harm sent ripples of worry through the room.

Francisco, his face giving away little emotion, replied with a calm and resolute tone, "We will discuss it after going back. Start the interview." He waved off the immediate concern, making it clear that the interview could not wait.

Liam was unable to contain his frazzled manner as he addressed Francisco. "But, sir, your hand?" he questioned, the distress in his voice reflecting the shock of the unexpected turn of events.

Francisco's sharp look met Liam's frazzled expression.

"It's not your hand; it's mine. So why are you so concerned?" Francisco's response was curt, revealing his trademark stoicism. He dismissed the immediate worry with his words, not offering any more insight into the nature of his injury or what had transpired.

Liam, taken aback and unnerved by Francisco's stern response, lowered his eyes, unable to meet Francisco's gaze.

Max shrugged in response to Francisco's words.

"At least put some antiseptic lotion on the wound. The candidates can wait for two minutes," he suggested, showing a pragmatic concern for Francisco.

Francisco, however, remained resolute in his decision, his demeanor unwavering. "No need. I'm a one-word guy," he stated calmly, reaffirming his intention to proceed with the interview without delay.