Author's Note: This story is set in the fictional country of Nordland, a small island nation in the North Sea between the UK, Norway and Denmark.
This series is somewhat different to my usual storylines and is in response to a request from a reader. This series will explore the ethics of politics and personal gain and will have a number of darker themes than my usual stories.
This story is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places described in this narrative are products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
All comments and feedback is welcome.
HF
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Ingrid Magnusson, the formidable Head of Human Resources at Nordahl & BjΓΆrnsson, one of Nordland's most prestigious law firms, leaned back in her ergonomic office chair, her brown hair styled in a sleek bob that framing her determined expression. Green eyes scanned over the final report for the day, her attention to detail clearly evident in her review of every figure and line of text.
"Ms. Magnusson, your 5 o'clock appointment is here," Thea, her diligent assistant, announced as she entered the office.
Ingrid glanced at the clock on her desk, her lips pursing slightly. "Send them in," she commanded, her voice carrying the authority of someone accustomed to being in charge.
A moment later, a young associate entered, a folder clutched tightly in their hands. Ingrid listened intently as they presented their findings, nodding occasionally to indicate her approval.
"Thank you, that will be all," she stated firmly once the presentation was complete, dismissing the associate with a wave of her hand.
With a sense of satisfaction, Ingrid rose from her chair, smoothing out the tailored lines of her navy-blue pantsuit. The fabric hugged her curves in all the right places, exuding an air of sophistication and power. Paired with a crisp white blouse and polished heels, her corporate attire was the epitome of conservative professionalism.
As she made her way out of her office, Ingrid's thoughts turned to the evening ahead. She had a charity event to attend on behalf of Bjorn who was currently attending a finance ministers meeting in Paris. The event would be an opportunity to network with other influential figures in Nordland's conservative circles.
Descending the stairs to the underground garage, Ingrid's gaze fell upon her prized possession--a sleek Audi A8, the epitome of luxury and refinement. The car's sleek lines and polished exterior reflected her own sense of style and sophistication.
Unlocking the car with a press of a button, Ingrid slid into the driver's seat, the scent of leather and polish filling the air. Adjusting the mirrors and seat, she took a moment to admire her reflection in the rearview mirror--every strand of hair in place, every crease in her suit crisp and sharp.
With a sense of purpose, Ingrid started the engine and pulled out of the parking space, the car gliding smoothly along the underground garage. As she navigated the maze of concrete pillars and fluorescent lights, her mind buzzed with thoughts of the evening ahead--networking opportunities, potential political donation deals, and the chance to make a difference in the community of Nordland.
With Bjorn away at the ministers' meeting, Ingrid had been alone at home with her two daughters, Solveig and Linnea, for the past few days. Her brow furrowed for a moment as she turned onto the Nordhaven street outside the office building. She had seen Linnea that morning before she left for university, but she hadn't seen Solveig in a few days; it had been Saturday morning when she was last at home. Ingrid had assumed that she had just spent the weekend with her boyfriend, Leif.
Ingrid shook her head, not understanding what her daughter saw in him. To be honest, Ingrid couldn't understand a lot of things her elder daughter did. If only Solveig was more like Linnea, she thought to herself as she navigated the late afternoon traffic towards the function.
Pressing the buttons on the steering wheel, Ingrid pulled up the telephone directory on her phone and dialed Solveig's number. She frowned when the call went straight through to voicemail and for a moment a part of her worried that her daughter might be in trouble. She and Bjorn had been forced to bail their oldest daughter out of trouble on more than one occasion. It was only the regular allowance that they paid her that ensured her semblance of obedience to their wishes, particularly when it came to Bjorn's political activities.
Sighing, she looked at the clock; she would be at the charity event for a few hours and would then call her daughter again to see where she was.
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