Best Defense

The Mission's

...Sean Danial Warner POV's....

Every year, my company holds a massive celebration in the Interfellar ballroom, one of the grandest skyscrapers in downtown Jakarta. My uncle loves a festive party, so we always invite almost everyone we connect with, as well as every partner company to come, plus the media crew. Pretty much numbers. Festive, like I said.

And the theme is always white. White decorations, white roses, chandeliers and furniture, everything. It's like attending a wedding with a futuristic twist. Very quaint.

Usually this is not the event I look forward to or the thing that would make me nervous just by thinking about it. It's like the feeling of adrenaline racing when you're going to do something you like or something. In previous years, it was usually my uncle or Dave who filled the podium to make a speech, while I only welcomed a few important guests. The most influential business associates, as well as local government officials. But now I have to replace them because both are trapped in unfavorable circumstances. My uncle's sick, while Dave's on the run.

All these things make me uncomfortable. Especially after Rudi exposed me to Interpol's plan at tonight's party. Actually what I have to do is pretty easy. I just need to mention a little about Dave during the interview session, see the reaction that might arise on the information I give.

If he is the one we are looking for,

he will definitely act. That's clue.

"You certainly didn't come to comment on the theme of the party, did you?" dean's voice pulled my mind back.

He gestured for the people around us to leave, then waited until they left the corner of the room before he himself came forward to approach me.

"By the side, you know very well his philosophy."

I shrugged my shoulders. "certain. White, symbol of prosperity, first part of the Warner family handbook..."

"Don't be cynical, you know I can't be here tonight. And since you're here, it'll be your job to talk to them later. That's why you shouldn't have come alone, where's sister-in-law?"

I honestly haven't seen him since yesterday when he came back to Jakarta. She sulked because I ignored her for the past two weeks and she chose to stay at her brother's house. I let her go, tried to give her the time she asked for. But after today, if he still doesn't want to talk to me, I might have to think of another alternative to persuade him.

"Franda has to go to WE Fashion's Style today to check out some things about Paris Fashion Week next week. Maybe he didn't come." Look, now I'm starting to make up excuses for him.

"Do you realize what that means? He'd rather ignore you." Obviously Dean used it to pump me up. I don't know why he's so persistent when it comes to making my mood worse.

But right now I don't want to respond to it.

"What am I going to say in front of those people? I'm not used to performing in front of them, you're the one who's doing it."

I knew this was gonna happen. My uncle had told me before, that I should take his place to speak in front of the guests and the media before the party began. In fact, this is also part of Interpol's plan. But at least I have to play my part well in front of Dean, so he doesn't get suspicious.

"Father is no longer tattooed since two years ago, this is the time for regeneration. I could have replaced him anyway, but my abilities aren't as good as Dave's or yours. And among you, you're the only one standing here, so you have to do it, brother. You're more adept, I'm sure this kind of thing isn't hard on you, is it?"

I glanced at. "What is sarcasm?"

"No, it's a compliment. You better get ready now, the show's about to start."

***

"... so our company will implement a more up-to-date security system for the launch of the latest digital program to be conducted later this month, we hope this can be a better solution in the future."

"Thank you for coming, and may you enjoy the party."

I closed my speech, then put on my best smile for the thousands of pairs of eyes that were now looking at me with a cynical look. The flash of the camera lights intensified with a series of questions from reporters who were mutually unpretentious. There are only boring questions, which have absolutely nothing to do with our plans, one of which is about the Mia case.

"Your uncle hinted at an acquisition with Sheen Co., a newly established startup company, is that true?"

"We. I think the shareholders are still discussing it."

Cold sweat started flowing down my temples. It's not going according to plan. They should have asked about the case. I circulated my gaze towards the large crowd of people who were filling the ballroom room. And that's when I saw him.

Frandas. Standing among the crowd. It was impossible to miss him, even if he was in the middle of such a large crowd. He smiled when he realized I had seen him. And just like that, all the feelings that were bothering me seemed to overflow just like that. My heart was filled with warmth just by looking at it.

"What about the contract lawsuit case from The Great Holdings?" I heard one of the local newspaper reporters ask a question.

Finally, here it is.

"Okay, the more it encounters bright spots. Even the director of finance who disappeared, David Boseman, he was found. And he's given a lot of very useful evidence for this case."

"What kind of evidence?"

"Something is very important, and I can't spread it to the media, you have to wait for the press release." I gestured for the MC to close the interview session, before getting off the podium and taking a detour to walk off the stage. Ignoring the sound of sound in my ears.

"You here?" I pulled Franda away from the crowd, as soon as the furor with the reporters began to subside. There is a small artificial garden close to the veranda. That's where I brought him.

"I thought you were the one who asked me to come over," He said, a line of smiles expanding on his lips.

"Right," I returned her smile. "So, have you forgiven me?"

He gave me a flat look but let me draw him closer, spontaneously he grabbed himself to me, then wrapped his hands around my shoulders. I love how he reacts to each of us being close together like this, like we were made for each other.

"Maybe." he muttered, then sighed. "I realized that the way you ignored me was indeed a big mistake" He paused for a moment, looking in the distance.

"But that doesn't mean I'll be angry with you forever. At least, after today you'll know what to do if we're apart again."

I swept my index finger along his face line, and stopped on his chin and then I put my watch on to make him look up at me. As usual, he trembled with eyes full of supplication. "I'm sorry, I just don't want you to come think about things here, because you're gonna worry if I tell you everything."

"What's the big deal?" He whispered, his two brown eyes taking turns observing my expression.

I didn't answer. Instead, follow his face with my eyes. It permeated the overflow of loving feelings that flowed profusely within me at this moment. And realize, he might never understand, how important he is to me.

"Share with me, Sean" he said again, his tone sounding impatient. "Aren't you supposed to be like a couple? Sharing each other? You won't know how I've been through these two weeks without thinking about you. You're so selfish, do you know that?"

"I can still finish it myself, Franda." I said, barely growling. "I just don't want to worry you. Why can't you see it?"

His two brown eyes seemed shaken at my words. I greeted her as she began to immerse her face in my chest. Close my arms as I felt her body tremble, and she cried.

"Please promise.you won't do it again." he muttered intermittently between sobs.

I looked down and said the top of his head. "I promise."