MY SUGAR MUMMY IS A BEAUTIFUL VAMPIRE

As the minutes bled into early evening hours, Greg eventually rendezvoused back at the office with some disheartening initial updates.

"Carlos definitely works some kind of blue-collar job based on his coming and going hours," he reported after grabbing a quick cup of coffee. "But the real complication is he appears to be shacking up at that residence with his girlfriend and her two kids."

Paul's brow furrowed at the added variables. "Any indications whether she or the kids were present during that timeframe the night of the crime?"

Greg shook his head grimly. "None so far. But we'd need to know that minimum variable to ensure his version of events can't be colored by outside influences - even something as simple as kids distracting him or his girlfriend contesting that night's timeline."

"So we'll have to obtain the statement firsthand from Carlos then," Paul said with a decisive nod. "And it has to happen before any of those outside parties can get in his ear and blur the facts."

Yolanda glanced up from her terminal with a grave expression. "We may need to take a firmer hand than usual." She swiveled her monitor to show content detailing Carlos's spotty employment history and minor criminal record for possession charges. "This kid's not exactly batting a thousand as far as responsibility and forthrightness.

Based on his profile, going the nice guy routine probably won't compel full disclosure."

The weight of her words hung over the room for a few tense beats before Paul broke the silence. "Then let's not underestimate what it'll take to get the truth. One way or another, Carlos Jimenez is going to provide a verified statement regarding Blake Shelton's whereabouts the night of the crime." His steely gaze swept between Greg and Yolanda, gauging their resolve.

"Even if it requires exerting a bit more...persuasion than we typically employ."

Greg and Yolanda held Paul's stare for a lingering few seconds before Greg finally gave a terse nod. "You know I'm ready to do whatever's required to get this done right. We'll handle Jimenez by any means necessary."

"Agreed," Yolanda stated, her tone hardening to match her features. "This is too important to risk him waffling or going rogue on us. If leaning on him is what it takes..." She trailed off meaningfully.

Paul allowed himself a thin smile, appreciating his teammates' pragmatic zeal yet again. They all knew the stakes riding on Carlos Jimenez's cooperation - this was their best chance at definitively locking down Blake Shelton's airtight alibi for the night in question.

And if it required applying pressure, threats, or even unsavory intimidation tactics to ensure complete and honest compliance...then so be it. Paul had long ago abandoned any naive deference to arbitrary ethical constraints when pursuing bankable results for their clients' interests.

Especially when someone like Rose Shelley was undoubtedly prepared to endorse any methods required to liberate her lover from his legal crucible.

"Alright then," Paul announced, clapping his hands together decisively. "Let's get a solid ops plan together for extracting Jimenez tomorrow before he can link up with any insulating parties. I don't want to give this kid even a sliver of opportunity to lawyer up or contrive some excuse for dodging our inquiries."

As his investigators nodded and began mapping out infiltration vectors, entry points, and contingencies for resistance...Paul felt his determination harden into something more unyielding than mere resolution.

He knew beyond all shadow of doubt that they were now committed to this course, ethically dubious though it might appear on paper. Because Carlos Eduardo Jimenez held the coded key that could either exonerate or condemn Blake Shelton.

And obtaining that testimony through whatever means proved necessary was no longer a choice - it was an undeniable imperative. For the good of their client, their own professional integrity, and the sanctity of Justice itself...

Carlos Jimenez's full accounting would be wrestled into the light, one way or another. Whether he greeted them as friends or was compelled to submit as a foe remained his decision alone.

But in the end, after all towering ambitions and principles were stripped aside...

The investigators would leave that unassuming residence victoriously with the truth firmly in hand.

Or not at all.

**********

*Author's note and SPOILERS!!!*

Finally, we close the final chapter of volume 2, I'm filled with a mix of emotions—gratitude for your unwavering support, excitement for what lies ahead, and shock at how far we've come together. Your support and dedication have been the driving force behind this story.

This book got 2 magic castles!! Wow!! Just wow!! I'm in tears writing this but I must say I'm very grateful!

The mass release as promised for the castles will be scheduled and delivered as promised!!

However, throughout this volume, we've delved deeper into the complex lives of our characters , unraveling secrets, facing challenges, and forging new alliances. The road has been rocky, the obstacles daunting, but we scaled through!

And now, as we look to the future, I can promise you that the best is yet to come. Volume 2 may be drawing to a close, but the stage is set for even greater revelations and monumental moments in the arcs to come.

Get ready to delve deeper into the mysterious world of vampires in the upcoming arc, where we'll explore their culture, community, and hidden secrets. Brace yourselves for mind-blowing revelations, uncovering new powers, and unlocking the true essence of what it means to be immortal. It's going to be an adventure unlike any other!

But amidst the anticipation and excitement, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you. Your support, feedback, and enthusiasm have fueled my passion for storytelling, and I am honored to have you by my side as we embark on this journey together.

So, as we bid farewell to volume 2 and prepare to dive headfirst into the next chapter of our adventure, I invite you to buckle up and hold on tight.

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Here's to the next volume: THE DEVIL MAY CRY.

(P.S. Keep an eye out for some exciting developments in the next arc, including potential life- ALTERING CHANGES for our beloved main character, Blake Shelton!)

The journey ahead promises to be nothing short of extraordinary!!