"I informed the President, we are leaving, Jonathan," Poul said, his voice laced with a hint of weariness as he carried his and Sara's luggage.
Jonathan looked up from his desk, surprise evident on his face. "Is that so? Have a safe journey back to Pittsburgh then," he said casually, but his eyes betrayed a mixture of concern and uncertainty. "Let's see each other once our time here is done. And also, I have told Mr. Morgan about your sudden leave."
Poul's brows furrowed in curiosity. "What did he say?" he asked, eager to know Mr. Morgan's reaction to their departure.
Jonathan let out a sigh, leaning back in his chair. "Nothing in particular, he simply nodded and asked me to leave," he replied, his tone tinged with a hint of disappointment. "I can't help but feel that there's more to it, though. Mr. Morgan has always been a shrewd man, and he's not one to let things slip by unnoticed."
A flicker of concern passed through Poul's eyes. Mr. Morgan was a powerful figure, the backbone of their company, and any suspicion or unease from him could have dire consequences. After all, he is the man who would put his interest above everything else.
"Let's not assume the worst this time, Jonathan, we have a lot on our plate," Poul said, his voice tinged with a hint of optimism. He refused to let the fear of Mr. Morgan's reaction consume him.
Jonathan nodded, his expression softening. "You're right, Poul. And if I was you, I would have probably done the same, though I already said that to you before. Caroline extends her best wishes for both of you as well."
Poul smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Jonathan. Please convey our gratitude to Caroline. We'll keep in touch and update you once we've settled back in Pittsburgh."
As Poul and Jonathan exchanged a firm handshake, Poul couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the unwavering loyalty of his friend. They had been through so much together, and Jonathan had always been there, standing by his side. Now, as they faced an uncertain future, Poul knew he could rely on their bond to withstand any storm that came their way.
Leaving Jonathan's office, Poul and Sara walked down the bustling streets of Paris, their luggage in tow. The city's charm and vibrancy seemed bittersweet now, knowing that their time there was coming to an end.
Arriving at the train station, Poul and Sara checked their luggage and made their way to the platform. The grandeur of the station filled the air, bustling with travelers and the rhythmic sounds of departing and arriving trains.
As they waited for their train, Poul and Sara found a secluded spot on the platform, away from prying eyes.
Just then, the sound of a train whistle pierced through the air, signaling the arrival of their departure. Poul and Sara exchanged a final, lingering look, drawing strength from each other. With a shared understanding, they gathered their belongings and boarded the train.
As the train pulled away from the station, Poul and Sara found their seats by the window, watching as the familiar landscapes of France gradually gave way to new surroundings.
Five hours later, they arrived at the port city of Brest. Stepping off the train, Poul and Sara were greeted by the salty breeze of the Atlantic Ocean, a reminder that they were now one step closer to their journey back home.
The streets of Brest were bustling with activity, sailors, and merchants going about their daily routines. Poul hailed a horse-drawn carriage, and they climbed aboard, their luggage neatly stowed away. The carriage rattled along the cobblestone streets, taking them to the harbor where their ship awaited.
As they approached the harbor, the sight of the massive vessel brought a mix of excitement and trepidation. This was its, last step, and they are out of the country.
Poul and Sara made their way up the gangway, their steps guided by a mixture of hope and uncertainty. However, just as they were about to fully cross the gangway, someone called from behind.
"Leaving so soon?"
A man's voice sent shivers down Poul's spine.
Poul and Sara turned around, their eyes widening with surprise and a hint of trepidation. Standing there, with a sly smile on his face, was Alexander. His presence sent a wave of unease through them as if he had caught them in the act of some forbidden endeavor.
"I thought you were going to stay in Paris for one or two weeks? Why the rush?" Alexander asked.
"What are you doing here, Your Highness?" Poul asked as he moved out of the way as they were holding up the line. He signaled Sara to go into the ship without him which she did.
"I came here looking for you, Mr. Nielsen," Alexander said, stepping forward and gazing deeply into his eyes. "You know, ever since I first met you, there is this thing that bothers me, about your presence. And I was right, there was really something off of you. I'm going to give you a chance, to tell the truth right here and now, Mr. Axelsen."
"What are you talking about?" Poul asked, his heart racing, he probably had found out.
"How dare you, do something like that to me, you dirty Albian," Alexander growled.
"I don't know what you are talking about, Your Highness."
"Don't address me as 'Your Highness,' you filthy, uncultured swine! How dare you trick me, fool me, forcing me to believe that she was dead!" Alexander shouted. "You think I wouldn't know, one of your conspirators confessed to me. you are already caught." Did you really think that we stopped the investigation? You must have fooled us at first, where you led us to believe that it was Penelope's body that was in the River Thames."
"Wha…"
And thus his worst nightmare came to reality. Poul was completely speechless, and his face turned pale.
Suddenly, the royal guards of the Crown Prince appeared from all directions, pointing their rifles at Poul.
"I want to hear it from you, Poul. Did you take Penelope away from me? Poisoned her mind into following you?"
Poul took a deep breath, trying to keep his composure despite the overwhelming fear that consumed him. He knew that denying Alexander's accusations would be futile. He had to come clean.
"So what if I did? It's not like it's your problem, isn't it? It's her choice to be with me after all."
"That's one thing that troubles me. Why did she go with you? I don't understand, you two are unrelated until she first visited America. I don't understand, I don't understand!"
"You wouldn't understand even if you try to make sense of what's happening, Crown Prince…"
Sara, who noticed the scene on the other side of the gangway, couldn't bear to leave Poul alone in this dangerous situation. She rushed back towards them, her heart pounding with worry.
