Chapter 3: Threading their Destiny
"The person had the same M.O. as Talisman and Spooky Boogie. He was clean and very discreet. Kougami is right with the way he spread a plastic sheet over the floor." Hermia said over the video call to Inspector Ginoza.
She noticed his bandaged hand."What happened?"
"They rigged a bomb on the apartment."
"Are you alright?" She asked concerned.
"Yeah, Kagari triggered the bomb but he came out without any injuries." He said a bit annoyed.
Hermia chuckled. "At least you're okay. I'll see you later at H.Q." Ginoza nodded and ended the call.
It's been months since she finally controlled her obsession because she got to see a lot of blood with her line of work. It was always a wonder how her Crime Coefficient never went over the limit. One thing she and Akane had in common.
She craned her neck and went back to work. She doesn't mind the cold inside the laboratory knowing she was so close with the one she loves.
She brought out a chocolate bar from her lab gown. Tore it off and bit into it. Chocolate is like a gum when one gives up smoking. It helps control her urges in some unexplainable way.
A few hours later after getting off from work Hermia breathed in the cold afternoon air. She'd escape from the hustle and bustle of city life by driving to the outskirts of town. There's a small park hidden behind trees where she'd read or lie on the grass and take a nap.
She slipped off her black boots and wiggled her toes beneath the grass. She passed by the two tall trees which was a sign she was near and sprinted towards the bench a huge smile on her lips.
"What the..." She whispered.
The familiar white haired man was sitting on the bench. He wore a white polo with his back turned to her. Silently she advanced towards him. He held a familiar green book by George Orwell.
"War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength." He said.
Hermia sat on the opposite end of the bench. "Hello again Mr. Shogo. You know? That slogan from the book is really catchy."
"Please, call me Makishima." He was focused on the book.
"I thought I was the only one who came here." She rested her back on the chair and looked up to the clear blue sky.
"Many people used to come here and enjoy picnics. My family and I would spend Sunday afternoons here." He closed the book and placed his shoulders on the chair. "It's been a long time since then. I stopped coming because I detest those fond memories of mine."
She looked at him with a sidelong glance. "You view society in a different level. A level I cannot even grasp. I feel like all those Psychology classes I took up to understand human behavior is useless when I'm talking to you."
He laughed. "Is that so? I guess you can say I just have a different behavior than what you usually study." He looked down to her bare feet. "Feeling the grass gives you a sense of freedom."
Makishima did not need to ask so he just says them in a statement because it's true, Hermia thought. "And also a nice break from wearing high heels."
They talked about Shakespeare and he made comments of how Hermia from the play looks different from her. She was short and tanned in the play whilst Hermia is a bit taller and fairer. They exchanged literary views where Makishima was more into dystopian novels she deduced and she was more into any book she could get her hands on. Talking to him made Hermia realize how much people needed more people like him, but she also has a feeling that only one of him is enough.
"Why does a guy like you, who loves literature end up…" She trailed off.
"The only antidote to mental suffering is physical pain." He said in a solemn voice.
"Karl Marx? What do you mean?" One thing is for sure, he was confusing at times.
He stood up. "It was nice talking to someone who can look at society the same way as me. Until we meet again, Hermia." He bows lightly and leaves her contemplating what he'd just said.