Douglas's Triumph and Their Regret

Chapter 5

Douglas met Nelson’s gaze without flinching.

“I was brought in on accusations of corruption, bribery, and solicitation,” he said casually, as though discussing the weather.

Nelson’s face twisted in shock.

“What?!”

He nearly jumped out of his skin, his reaction so abrupt that even the officers flinched.

Nelson couldn’t believe his ears.

The man before him was none other than the same Douglas Garnett who, over the past four years, had revolutionized PortVarter State.

Under Douglas’s leadership, schools had been built, child trafficking rings dismantled, infrastructure modernized, and healthcare for ordinary citizens drastically improved.

Prices had stabilized, production increased, crime fought relentlessly, and social welfare programs enhanced to benefit everyone.

Even the mayor of Grena, a notoriously tough and critical figure, had treated Douglas with the utmost respect, often speaking to him with the politeness reserved for dignitaries.

“Impossible!”

Nelson blurted out, his disbelief spilling into his voice.

“Someone like you accused of such crimes? You’ve done nothing but work for the betterment of PortVarter. Who in their right mind would—”

Before Nelson could finish, Douglas interrupted him with a wave of his hand.

“Chief Nelson,” he said, with a firm but calm tone, “I didn’t come here to discuss what I’ve done or haven’t done. I came to let you know something.”

Nelson straightened, his confusion mounting.

“What is it?” Douglas leaned forward slightly.

“I plan to visit Maccano Mountain before I’m jailed.”

Nelson froze, his eyes widening in surprise.

“Maccano Mountain? But why?”

Maccano Mountain was a towering, snow-capped peak at the southern edge of PortVarter, famed for its breathtaking beauty and treacherous terrain.

It was more than just a natural wonder—it was the state’s final barrier before the lawless, chaotic regions to the south, known as the eternal abyss.

The mountain was notorious for the countless lives it had claimed, with many deaths going unnoticed due to the remoteness and danger of the area.

Douglas leaned back, his expression inscrutable.

“That’s not something you need to know. I’m just informing you because, at the moment, I’m technically a man with a criminal record.”

Nelson frowned, clearly uneasy.

“If that’s your decision… I can’t stop you. But Maccano Mountain is dangerous, and the area around it even more so.

"Why don't you let me accompany you, Mr. Garnett, to ensure your safety?”

Douglas gave a small, almost imperceptible smile, then stood without another word.

The two uninformed officers, pale and drenched in cold sweat, stood to the side, too scared to even meet Douglas’s gaze.

As Douglas walked toward the exit, Nelson fell in step beside him.

It was only then that realization began to dawn on the seasoned station chief.

The accusations against Douglas weren’t mere coincidence—they were part of a larger scheme.

Someone powerful, likely connected to Governor Clarke, had orchestrated this!

Nelson’s heart sank.

He knew that if Douglas was taken out of the equation, PortVarter State would crumble under the weight of its unresolved problems.

Gangs would return, corruption would flourish, and the fragile peace Douglas had painstakingly built would shatter.

Nelson shuddered, unwilling to imagine the chaos that would follow.

Without hesitation, he immediately called Lieutenant Governor Mason to report the situation.

Mason was stunned upon hearing the news.

How could Douglas, of all people, be arrested as a criminal?

He struggled to comprehend the shocking news, fully aware of who Douglas was and what he represented in PortVarter State.

After a brief pause, he assured Nelson that he would contact the Governor to check if he was aware of the arrest.

As soon as Mason hung up, a nagging feeling lingered—something didn’t add up.

If the Governor was indeed behind the arrest, it was a serious misstep.

Mason couldn't shake the thought of how Douglas's arrest might negatively impact PortVarter.

After ending the call, the station Chief, Nelson directed one of the officers, "Prepare a vehicle."

Within minutes, a sleek black SUV pulled up, driven by Don, one of Nelson’s most reliable officers.

Don stepped out and saluted sharply, his expression one of respectful curiosity.

“Chief Nelson,” he said. “The vehicle is ready.”

Nelson gestured for Douglas to enter first, then followed him inside.

He took his place in the driver’s seat, and the vehicle roared to life.