The Tabloid Snake The next day, as soon as he woke up, Ashton knew exactly what to do. Elijah was so well connected that Ashton knew he couldn't keep him locked up for too long. Sooner or later, someone would certainly fish him out. What he had to do was act fast and let the law deal with him. Right now, all he needed was more evidence and to expose him to the media. And that's when Ashron decided to reach out to one of the most controversial journalists in the city. Ashton steered his black sedan onto the granite yard. The world needed to know the story of Elijah Voss, the efficient killer whose conscience awakened only when the bodies piled too high to ignore and he was finally caught. He parked outside a modest brick building with a large signpost, The Inkwell Gazette. It was an independent blog known for fearlessly exposing politicians and institutions. Inside, Ashton had already set up a meeting with a woman named Marisol “Mari” Vega, the Gazette’s most sought after inves

The Diamond FarceThe living room of the Green Estate was pretty quiet that evening. There was yet another announcement to be made and everyone was on their toes. A thief had been caught and it turned out to be the head of security. This left everyone flustered and upset. Many believed he must have taken the Green diamond too. But no one was certain and so far, Marcus hadn't confessed anything to the police. Marcel Green had once more invited his entire house forward to witness another big day. The day the missing diamond was allegedly found. Ashton leaned against a wall, his arms crossed, watching the scene with little or no interest. Veronica was with a glass of wine and she looked casual too and Augustine lingered near the doorway, glancing at Ashton and Veronica in a silent exchange of apprehension. They all knew what this was and they couldn't help but wonder if Marcel had caught them and was now here to dramatically announce what they'd done. They all knew too well that

Mothering Insanity “Your mother isn't herself. He has played with her memories." “What?!" Ashton asked as Lily said those words. Lily shrugged, “I'm sorry, but I heard what I heard and I know that Marcel has played with your mother's memories." “Are you saying my mother is mad?" He asked. Lily looked down but she shrugged, “It's pleasant but it's the truth. He played with her mind, that's what he does.” Ashton hissed under his breath. “This is absurd! She came to the mansion and said she is still married to him, she said it herself." Veronica scoffed, “He made her day it. Don't you get it? He is manipulating her.” Lily cleared her throat, "I don't just mean manipulation, I mean he had her memories wiped off and she's not herself.” "That's unbelievable,” Ashton replied. He refused to believe that his mother was suffering. “Why?" Veronica asked him, “what's so hard to believe? Frederick was his friend. They all know how to erase minds.” "I know you don't like Marcel but I don

Green snakes. Green Grasses Augustine stood tall at the podium, looking very handsome in a crisp navy-blue suit. He had just grabbed the microphone from the host of the show and he looked like a had a ton to say. Ashton knew he had to stop him at once before he muttered a word. Right beside him was Frederick, forlorn and with a frown on his hard face. He also was flanked by security guards.“My friends,” Augustine said, voice smooth like oil. “It is with a heavy heart that I speak about the great fall of this once-mighty company. A fall engineered by our worst enemies. People we once loved and called family.” Ashton knew he had to get to him before this spun out of control. He was right. His suspicions were true. He pushed past the guards at the front door and thankfully no one recognized him. At least not yet. All the men at the door seemed to be new. Possibly because they needed extra security on such a big day. Ashton kept his head low and slowly weaved his way into the cro

The Line in the SandAs soon as Ashton saw the next, he knew all hell was about to break loose. But he wasn't going to flee like a coward, no. That was not his style. If indeed, Marcel had discovered what they did, he was going to face him like the man he was. Going back into the hospital, he simply smiled as Veronica asked him who he was on the phone with. “Lancaster, I'm getting him to bring the guards over real soon," he replied with a nod. She didn't seem to doubt him because she exhaled in relief. “I think we should head back to the estate before Marcel asks questions." Right. He'd already asked. More than questions actually, he had found them out. But Ashton didn't want to say that. Veronica needed some rest. She'd been too involved in everything and despite wanting to help, he knew it was taking a toll on her. “Hey, how about you stay with mother until Lancaster and his men arrive, huh?” Veronica looked at the frail woman on the bed and she seemed like she really needed