The Ultimate Return of Carlos

89

Carlos leaned back in his office chair, exhaling a deep breath as the quiet hum of the computer died down. The day had been long— too long, in fact— but now it was finally over. He rubbed his temples, still feeling the dull ache from the confrontation that morning. Cedric’s fists had done a number on him, but he had managed to get through the day without raising too much suspicion. The pile of work on his desk was neatly organized, and with a satisfying click, he shut his monitor off.

The office was eerily quiet at this hour. Most of his colleagues had left, and the familiar silence that followed after a busy workday descended upon the floor. Carlos stood up, stretched his stiff muscles, and moved toward the door. He needed to inform Jenna, his assistant, about his upcoming vacation— his first in months. A trip to his parents’ place in Mississippi seemed like the perfect escape. He could already feel the tension starting to ease just at the thought of leaving everything behind for a