Mike quickly caught up, curious about Rhea's secrets. He entered a short, narrow passage, seemingly an addition to the main building. At its end lay a small room, surprisingly spacious for its purpose. Inside, a blindfolded, bound man sat alone. Mike recognized him instantly. "He's…"
Rhea silenced him with a finger to her lips.
Mike stared at her, flabbergasted. He marveled at her audacity in bringing the man there.
Rhea observed the captive for a moment before leaving. Mike hesitated, glancing between the bound man and Rhea's retreating figure, before finally following.
They returned to the garage. Rhea pressed something; the wall seamlessly closed, concealing the secret chamber. Mike would never have believed it existed had he not witnessed it.
"Is that Cameron Rollins?!" Mike exclaimed, pointing incredulously.
Rhea smiled. "Do you know him?"
"Of course!" Mike's shock was palpable. He wondered how she'd managed to kidnap such a prominent figure and hide him in such a place. He considered how long she’d been holding him, wondering if her secrecy had prevented discovery.
"Do you think he's enough to be my bargaining chip?" Rhea asked, squinting expectantly, as if anticipating praise for her daring deed.
"You're using him as a bargaining chip? Are you insane?!" Mike exploded. "Don't you know the capital will send troops to destroy your house if they find out you've kidnapped him?"
Rhea shrugged. "I know."
"Then why—"
"So what?" she retorted arrogantly. "Even if they destroy my house, they must have the opportunity! Perhaps before that happens, we'll have taken over the entire capital—no, the entire country!"
"What are you talking about? Do you even know what you're saying?" Mike felt he was facing a madwoman. Her actions seemed utterly irrational.
"I know exactly what I'm saying. I've always been firm in my beliefs. The organization simply doesn't believe in me. But if they see what I've done, they'll realize I'm on their side."
"Well, I'm sorry, but we're not on the same side!" Mike turned away, disbelieving. He questioned her sanity and the potential consequences of kidnapping Cameron Rollins, questioning the organization's motives and Rhea's next move. He couldn't comprehend her actions.