Secrets of the Cactus Men
18| Fort Black Joe

Flores just wants to keep his household. As if he no longer approved of the universe, he had lost a lot of happiness. Life with Philip as his wife no longer feels easy and fun to live by a Flores Lottie. At some point he wanted to give up, give up everything. However, at the same time, Flores' sincere love for Philip made her choose to try once again.

“Flo.”

Flores. Marc was not far from him. The man waved and walked over to him.

“What are you doing here?” Marc looked around. Marc knows Flores pretty well. Flo is not the type of woman who likes to spend time in this crowded city playground.

Flores smiled wryly. “Just sightseeing.”

Marc looked at Flores' performance. Very simple, tends alakadarnya— does not reflect the figure of Flores Lottie—and seems sad.

“There's a problem?” ask Marc. “Your face is a little pale.” Marc approached Flores, extended his hand and rubbed Flores' cheek.

Flores turned his face away, avoiding Marc's touch.

Marc was silent for a moment, Flores changed a lot. Of course, he held his loyalty.

“Sorry, Flo.” Marc was trying to understand Flores. “I just want to check maybe you have a fever.”

Flores shook his head. “I have to go,” Flores said with a ketus. He turned to leave Marc.

“Flo.” Marc stopped Flores from leaving. “I've heard the news.”

Flores looked at the look on the man's face. Marc was sad, whether it was real or just pretending.

“I won't mention what I've heard from Mrs Myah.” Marc is approaching Flores. “I just want to keep you company.”

Flores looked at Marc. He didn't speak a word. Flores got out of his house, aloof and away from Philip because he wanted to clear his mind.

Throughout his life with Philip, this was Flores' most serious quarrel. She had never seen her husband cry like that. Flores also never felt any doubt in his heart towards Philip.

“How about drinking a bottle of wine together?” Marc offers. He looked around him. “It just so happens to be not far from here, my friend opened a new bar. We can calm your mind there.”

Flores did not give an answer.

“The place is nice and quiet.” Marc tried to persuade. A smile accompanied his words. “According to the taste of the place you like,” Marc said.

Flores did not speak, he turned and stepped away from Marc.

Marc let out a disappointed sigh when Flores left just like that. He could only look at Flores' back.

However, Flores suddenly stopped and turned to Marc.

“Where's your car park?” flores asked with a flat face expression.

Smiling like a cherry blossom in the spring, Marc ran straight to Flores and led the woman to where she parked her car.

...ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...

Located in the western corner of the city street, Flores finds comfort in this place. As Marc promised, this place can definitely make Flores calmer. Accompanied by two medium-sized cocktails, Flores and Marc sat facing each other. Flores never looked at Marc's face. The existence of the man seemed to never exist for Flores.

“For a moment your problem, Flo.” Marc grabbed Flores' hand and grabbed it. “Household relationships do not always run like the scenario we want.”

Flores shook his head. “I don't want to believe, if Philip ..” He couldn't even continue his sentence.

“Philip said it was just my mother's plan, but I ...” Flores sighed. “I can't just accuse my mother, without proof, Marc.”

Marc mangosteen. His smile was trying to make Flores feel understood.

“I even forgot Elisa today.” Flores frowned. “I can't face Elisa in this situation.”

“Actually I've asked my men to pick up Elisa.” Marc made a confession. “He's being watched by my men now, Flo.”

Flores was silent for a moment. Then he continued. “You did all that?”

Marc mangosteen. “I was worried about your daughter after hearing the bad news, Flo.”

Flores looked down while rubbing her face. “Thanks, Marc.”

“Flo,” call Marc. He again grabbed Flores' hand and clasped it. “I'll always be by your side, Flo.”

Flores let go of Marc's hand. “You don't have to do that, Marc.”

“I am Philip's wife, not your ex-lover anymore, Marc.” Flores gave an affirmation. “I don't want anyone to misunderstand us.”

Marc laughed instead. “Can an ex-lover not be a friend?” He brought the atmosphere to be more relaxed. “We can be friends, Flo.”

Flores could only sigh. He took a cocktail and drank it. “As far as I am,” murmured Flores.

...ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...

Philip walked down the streets of the city, aimlessly. Like Flores, he was just trying to calm his mind. The nighttime atmosphere of the City of Los Angeles might make him feel comfortable.

In the middle of the journey, from the direction beside him, a car drove quite fast towards him. The surprised Philip did not escape until the car hit his motorbike. Philip bounced into the streets, his body rolling quite far from his broken motorbike.

“Argh!” Philip groaned as he felt his bones crumbling all over his body. He could only lie weakly as he watched the empty night ceiling.

Unfortunately, the streets are not crowded. Philip refused to expect anyone to come to his rescue, knowing he had no power to scream.

“You hit him too hard.” The whisper was faintly heard by Philip.

When Philip turned his head, he only saw two pairs of footsteps hurriedly walking towards him.

“He was not seriously injured.” Someone replied.

Philip's eyes began to blur. However, Philip was still trying to speak, asking them for help.

“We have to take him to headquarters.”

Philip began to lose consciousness. When the two people were already standing beside him, Philip fell unconscious.

...ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...

The atmosphere is silent, quiet is not gripping. Philip opened his eyes. He looked at the whole corner of the room, where Philip was beginning to feel alien.

“I where?” philip muttered while trying to get up. Wounds on his forehead and some parts of his body have been treated well. In fact, the torn wound on his calf had been sewn neatly and professionally. However, Philip was sure this was not a hospital room.

Philip got off his bed, walked limping. He looked at the atmosphere of the room. One chandelier in the middle of the room, the light is not enough to reach from corner to corner.

“You're up?”

Philip was surprised when someone—noise— suddenly stood behind him. He looked at Philip who was still confused.

She's a woman. His stature was huge, almost matching Philip's tall body.

“You who?” philip asked with a look at him full of vigilance.

The woman was unarmed. He just brought a note and put it on the table. The woman pulled a chair in front of the table and sat there. His gaze scrutinized Philip from top to bottom, then gestured for the man to sit in front of him.

“Sit. There's something I want to talk to you about,” he said.

Philip shook his head. “Tell me who you are and what's your purpose in kidnapping me?”

The woman laughed. “Abduct you?” He scrunched his forehead. “Isn't that too cruel to say when your family picks you up home, Philip Sherburne?”

Philip frowned. Said ‘family’ had pulled his footsteps to approach the woman. “You said we're family?”

The woman nodded. “I said sit down. I'll explain it.”

Philip sat in front of the woman. Look at it carefully. “Tell me.”

He smiled at Philip. “Before I explain, let me say this sentence, Philip.”

“Honestly, I would love to say this.”

Philip gave a long sigh. “Do not pleasantries and ...”

“The storm from the east, you're finally back at your fortress! Welcome, Philip!” He smiled at Philip. “Welcome to your home, Philip.”

Next.