Rodriguez's jaw clenched, a muscle ticking in his temple.
"Get your house in order. Anything she does now won't just bring me down, it'll take you with me. I'll make sure of that," the voice snarled, each word a hammer blow.
"I have it under control. I'll talk to her," Rodriguez rasped, his breath shallow, a knot tightening in his gut.
"You better. She's causing too much trouble. If you fail to silence her, I'll do it myself. And trust me, you won't want that," the caller scoffed, a chilling laugh in his tone. "I'm not Delgado. She either drops Fabian's case or we all go down together."
The line went dead.
"Damn it!" Richard roared, kicking his chair with a force that sent it skittering across the room. His body was simmering with a rage that bordered on desperation.
He had to do something. He needed to. Before everything exploded.

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A week later.
"Someone has to do this, Collins, and if it must be me, then fine... Just look more into his relationship with Governor Delagado... yes... Thanks, Collins."
"Just send those files to me. I'll handle the rest with Nelson," Arianna said to someone over the phone as she slipped off her shoes. She was back from work.
"And yes... Collins, I'd like you to meet Samantha tomorrow. I have something for you to investigate... okay, bye... thanks," she added before ending the call.
She tossed her phone onto the bed, removing her jacket.
"Love?"
"Richard, are you home already?" she asked, her words rushed, her eyes widening in surprise. She thought she was alone.
Richard wore a hard expression, but he forced a smile. "Yes, I was home. Came home early."
"Ohhhhh..." she drawled, standing up from the bed and walking towards her dressing mirror.
"Who were you talking to earlier?" Richard asked suddenly after a short silence.
"Oh, that... That was Collins," she answered, not looking at him.
For the first time in her life, she felt nervous to meet her husband's gaze. She knew when he disapproved of something and didn't want her involved.
"The prosecutor? Why?" he asked again, stepping closer to her.
"Uhmnm, I had to say something to him," she shrugged, moving away from her wardrobe. Now clad in a short grey gown that fell just above her knee, a gift from Richard the previous year. He'd seen it on display during an outing and thought it would suit her. He was right.
She tried to walk past him, but he caught her wrist.
"What was it all about?" he asked, his intense and questioning gaze fixed on her eyes.
"Richard, why all these questions? This isn't like you," she said, wriggling out of his firm hold.
"Arianna, don't tell me you're going to get involved with Senator Fabian's case?" he asked, his voice calm yet demanding.
Arianna sighed frustratingly. "What are you even talking about?" she said, feigning ignorance, but he saw through her pretense.
"You are lying," he stated flatly.
"Why would I..." she trailed off, seeing her husband's unwavering expression. He wasn't buying her act
.
She sighed in surrender. "Fine," she admitted, looking everywhere but at him.
Richard waited for her to continue, but she remained silent.
"Must you do it?" he began, seeing her reluctance to speak.
Arianna's brows arched upwards, her gaze now fixed on him.
"What?"
Richard sighed. "I just don't understand why you can't look away. You can't be involved with... him," he stressed the last word.
She scoffed in disbelief. "Richard!" she exclaimed.
He swallowed hard. "It's all just based on assumptions and nothing more. In politics, there will always be people who want to bring down those in power. Senator Fabian is a man with enormous authority here in our country. What do you think all of this means? They are going to kill two birds with one stone!" Richard whispered the last part intensely, as if trying to etch it into her mind.
Arianna's face remained expressionless, but suddenly, she chuckled loudly.
"I don't know what everyone is saying about me being used, but mind you, Richard, I have done this before, and I will definitely do it again and again," she said, her voice hard and stern.
"Why are you so stubborn, Arianna? This isn't the time to be purely just and righteous. You have to prioritize your own safety first... ours," Richard yelled in frustration, causing Arianna to flinch backward in surprise.
For the first time in their marriage, Richard had raised his voice at her. Just great.
"Oh, please! You don't expect me to just stand by and watch innocent people suffer?" she yelled back.
"Innocent people? What if you get hurt in the process?"
"I won't. I can take care of myself."
"How sure are you? What if something bad happens to you all in the name of fighting for innocent people? We have to save you first... us."
Arianna bit her lower lip in annoyance.
"I'm sorry then. The people need me more than you need me."
"Arianna, don't do it," he said, his voice calmer and softer this time.
"Arianna, please, just this once, huh? Just look away, please," he pleaded desperately.
She shook her head sideways, tears glistening in her eyes.
"I can't. I have to do it. Please, Richard, don't ask me to stop," she replied, her voice resolute.
Without a second glance, she picked up her purse from the bed and walked out of the room, leaving him standing in the middle of the room, looking lost.
"Goddamnit!" Richard cursed angrily, throwing the small handkerchief in his hands away roughly.
© Adira H
Writer's Note:
I apologize for the delayed chapter. I was very busy with school. However, I will ensure to post chapters thrice a week or more. Thank you for your patience.