The Seeker Infinity

Chapter 40: If You Only Knew

It was night at the hospital. Chris had just been discharged, his wounds healing faster than expected. As he and Joy walked towards the exit, Chris couldn’t shake a lingering sense of sluggishness.

"Are you sure you're okay, Chris? You seem a little off," Joy said, concern etched on her face.

Chris attempted a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, really. You should be looking for an apartment; it’s already late."

Joy shook her head, resolute. "Your health comes first. I’m not leaving you like this. Let me help you get home."

Chris sighed, realizing he had no choice but to agree. "Alright, but I don’t want to be a bother."

Meanwhile, across town, Agent Beetle and Agent Hedgehog sat in a building with a clear view of Malcolm's temporary residence. Beetle adjusted his binoculars, watching the constant flow of women and well-armed guards.

"Man, look at this creep," Beetle muttered. "He’s got more women around him than a music video shoot. If only Agent Bunny was here, she could blend right in and gather intel."

Hedgehog, his French accent carrying a hint of sarcasm, replied, "It’s not that simple, mon ami. Look how heavily armed his men are. Even Bunny would find it dangerous."

Beetle nodded reluctantly. "Yeah, you're right. This isn’t gonna be easy."

Joy and Chris climbed into a tuk-tuk, heading towards Chris's neighborhood. Joy marveled at the peaceful surroundings, the warm glow from the streetlights casting a serene ambiance.

"This place is beautiful, Chris," Joy said, looking around with fascination. "Tell me about it."

Chris smiled. "It's a quiet area. My mom lives here, and the neighbors are all close-knit. My mom is always looking out for everyone."

As they reached Chris's house, Joy helped him out of the tuk-tuk and up to the front door. She knocked, and the door swung open to reveal Chris's mother, Letty Manco Alcantara. She immediately enveloped Chris in a hug before turning to Joy.

"Oh, thank you so much for bringing my son home," Letty said warmly, pulling Joy into a hug as well. "I was so worried when he called from the hospital. I love my handsome cub so much."

Chris blushed deeply.

When Letty mention called, Joy catching on, felt a pang of jealousy as she remembered that moment. Who had Chris been talking to on the phone, saying "I love you"? She brushed the thought aside, focusing on the moment.

Letty introduced herself with a firm handshake. "I'm Letty Manco Alcantara."

Joy smiled. "Hello, Mrs. Alcantara. I'm Joy Dela Cruz."

Letty's eyes twinkled. "A Dela Cruz, huh? You must be quite popular."

Joy chuckled. "Not at all, Mrs. Alcantara"

Letty invited them both in for dinner.

Meanwhile, in a high-end restaurant, Stefan sat with a stunning red-haired woman. He took her hand, looking into her eyes.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Lily," he said softly.

Lily smiled. "Don't worry about it, babe. The important thing is you’re here now."

Back in the surveillance building, Beetle and Hedgehog’s eyes widened in shock. Through their binoculars, they watched as Malcolm’s henchmen dragged three injured SAC agents into the building, including their own Agent Bunny.

"Mon Dieu," Hedgehog whispered, reaching for his phone. "We need to call the captain."

Beetle nodded grimly as Hedgehog dialed. "Hello, sir, we have a problem."

Inside Chris’s house, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. They sat around the dinner table, sharing stories. Letty looked at Joy with a playful glint in her eye.

"So, my son’s girlfriend is quite beautiful," she teased.

Chris choked on his food. Chris cleared his throat and replied. "Mom, Joy isn’t my girlfriend."

Joy blushed, quickly clarifying, "We’re not together, Mrs. Alcantara."

Letty laughed. "I’m just joking. I know my cub doesn’t date because he’s always working. But hey, she’s a keeper, I can tell."

Chris blushed even more. "Ummm... "

Letty continued, her tone turning serious. "I didn’t even know why Chris came back home. Considering he's such a workaholic."

Chris sighed. "Well, Mom, Joy here is my client. She paid me to be her personal guide in finding Mayari's temple."

Letty’s eyes widened. "Mayari's temple? Why do you want to go there, dear?"

Joy took a deep breath. "Well—"

Cut to Malcolm’s lair, where masked henchmen dragged the weak and injured SAC agents before Malcolm. He lounged in a night robe, observing them with a predatory gaze.

"Are these the annoying SAC agents you all talking about?" Malcolm asked, his voice cold.

"Yes, boss," one of the henchmen confirmed.

Malcolm stood, removing his night robe. "Leave the girl, cage the rest."

The henchmen dragged the other agents away, while one ripped off Agent Bunny's clothes and stood guard at the door. Agent Bunny, weak and terrified, pleaded, "No, please."

Malcolm approached her with a syringe, his face twisted with lust. "Now, now. This won’t hurt... much."

To be continued...