Hi again! Many, many thanks to Samstar1990, FlamingIce94 and Bokmal14.
Here's my next chapter…
("Talking in Chinese")
Chapter 14
The sun hovered just above the horizon, painting the shimmering water of the lake in crimson. Golden eyes stared unfocusedly at the huge glowing orb, as it drowned into the sparkling ripples. He had no idea why the sunset on that particular day seemed to attract him so much. Maybe it was because his life seemed so much similar to the sun. Just like the sun, he had once been radiant, glorious and powerful—the center of his society. Now, once again like the setting sun, his spirit was approaching its end. The only difference was that, unlike the peaceful and gentle sunset, his end would be marked by grief, gloom and obscurity.
End?
Ray closed his eyes. Was this really the end? A few months ago, he would've laughed at such a thought, but now… it seems to be the only option left. The end… His end. But… would it end his ordeal? Would he really find peace even in his after life? Was there any peace for someone like him? Someone who had gone against the laws of God… someone who had committed a sin, being fully aware of it… someone who was going to commit to more sins… someone like him… someone, who was a sinner…
"Ray! Ray!"
Ray opened his eyes. 'What? Where am I?'
He stood up and looked around. He was standing atop a small hill, all alone. Below him, a huge mob of villagers had gathered around a house. He could here their angry shouts and curses, as they pummeled the house with bricks, stones and bottles.
Ray's body froze. 'I-I know…' He knew what was about to happen…
"He's here!" Someone called out. An elderly man stepped up. The villagers moved aside to clear a path for him. The old man walked towards the house, eyes closed and mouth moving in silent incantations. He held a small candle in his hands.
Ray breath caught as the man stopped in front of the house. He did not want to see it… not again… But his eyes wouldn't shift. 'No…'
The man's wrinkled forehead creased even more as he frowned in concentration.
'No… not again…'
His lips began to move more rapidly.
'No! No… Please God, please…'
The man opened his eyes, and lifted the candle over his head…
'No! O God! No…'
With a wild cry, the candle was flung towards the house…
"No! Noooo…"
A woman screamed just behind Ray… In front of his horrified eyes, the house burst into flames.
"NOOOO! FATHER! NOOOO…!"
"No!" Ray's eyes snapped open. His entire body was shaking, cold sweat running down his back. He clamped his hand over his mouth, and swallowed hard. He could still see the house bursting into flames… a woman… his mother… screaming…
Finally, his breathing went back to normal, although not completely. He gulped again, before lowering his hand, and looked around. A surprised couple stood a few feet away, staring at him as though he might explode any second. They looked away quickly, and walked off in a hurry. The sun was down completely. A nearby street lamp cast a dim glow around the lake.
Ray let out a shaky breath, his shoulder sagging. It wasn't the first time he'd had that same nightmare, but every time, his reaction was just as worse. He jumped as something brushed his ear. 'A grasshopper?'
He finally realized that he was lying on the grassy bank of the lake. Slowly, he pushed himself up onto his feet. He staggered a bit as legs trembled. 'What time is it?' He looked at his wristwatch, only to find it gone.
'Must've left it back at home.'
He took out his cell, from his pocket and realized that it was not his. 'What's wrong with me, today?! I brought Tyson's phone!'
Then suddenly, a loud but familiar voice roared behind him:
"RAY!"
Before Ray could've turned, a huge figure crashed into him, knocking him off his feet. Ray landed forcefully on the ground, as hand gripped his neck in a chokehold.
"G-Gary?" Ray gasped, as he desperately tried to loosen the hand around his neck, before he blacked out.
("You killed Mariah!") Gary roared. ("You took her away!)
("G-G-Gary… P-please…")
("You betrayed her! She loved you! How could you betray her?!")
("J-just… li-listen to m-me…)
("I'll kill you, you murderer! I'll kill you! You don't deserve to live! I'll kill you! For Mariah!)
("G-Gary! No… Th-think… M-Ma-r-riah… Sh-she… w-wouldn't… wa-want y-you… t-to… to ki-kill…")
Gary froze. Then, slowly removed his hand. Ray rolled over, coughing and gasping for breath.
"G-Gary!" he spluttered. "What were you thinking? (What were you thinking?!)"
("Why?") Gary looked up, his eyes filled with remorse and anger. ("Why did you do it? How could you do it, Ray?")
Ray remained silent, his eyes focused on the ground.
("She loved you! She loved you so much… And you… Why? Why, Ray? Why? I want an answer! WHY?")
("You want an answer?") Ray's voice was barely above a whisper, but there was something in his tone that surprised the other.
("Yea…") Gary's voice was suddenly a bit unsure.
("You really want to know? Do you really want to hear what happened that night? Do you, Gary?!") Ray's voice was quivering, but not with fear… He jumped up, and fixed the huge neko-jin with such a determined glare, that later had to take a step back.
("Er…Ray…?")
("Then listen!")
'This case is getting weirder every second! Who would've thought…? Man! Just when you think you're onto something, a completely unexpected discovery throws you off! I'm sure we're way ahead of lizard-boy. But the recent developments just make my head spin! I know we've just come across a really vital piece of information, but the only problem is… I have no idea where it fits! I don't think anyone in our group does! Well, except…'
Tyson cast the figure beside him a desperate glance, before turning his attention to the road before.
'It's really strange how things happen. At first, I thought that finding Mariah's killer would be our only goal. But now… so many things have joined in to increase our burden—the attack on Mariam, Johnny's interference, the hostility between Lee and Ozuma, the killer's motive and now… that jacket.'
Tyson once again peeked at Kai.
'I really don't know what's on his mind and why he is doing this. All I know is that, he knows what he is doing; and whatever he does, I'll support him. He was the one who found the jacket. And if he thinks it's best to leave it there and not disclose the owner, then so be it. I have a good feeling that he's got some kind of strategy; and that it's going to work—McGregor or no McGregor! And, speaking of lizard-boy, I'm ready to bet my car, that it'll take him ages to figure out what Kai did in seconds… especially since Kai had—'
"HEY!" Tyson yelled in surprise, when his Chevrolet suddenly took a sharp right turn on its own. "Wh-what happened? My car…"
It was then that Tyson noticed a pale hand pulling away from his steering. "Huh? Kai? What did you turn us for?"
Behind him, Max chuckled. "Ty, you really ought to pay more attention towards the road. You nearly drove past the BBA! By the way… Nice left-handed driving, Kai. I didn't realize you were looking."
"Probably because he wasn't." Tyson muttered to himself, as he properly focused on the road ahead.
The silver car finally pulled off the road into the basement car parking of the BBA, Michael's Honda close behind it.
"Hey! Mr. D's here!" Tyson said in surprise as he drove past a black limousine. "Wonder what he's got."
Once they had all got out, Michael thumped Tyson on the back.
"Yo, Tyson!" he grinned. "Nice turning, back there! For a moment, I thought you'd drive past here!"
Tyson groaned, as he heard Max cough behind him.
As they headed towards the elevator, Tyson looked back. Kai, as usual was bringing up the rear. Sharing a meaningful look with Hiro and Max, the lawyer dropped back until he was at level with the Phoenix.
"Kai," he spoke softly, so that only the two of them could here. "Do think we should tell Mr. Dickenson about the jacket?"
"Not yet." Kai replied quietly.
"Right," Tyson carefully shook his towards the other two, who nodded in understanding.
Kai already made it clear, that whatever he'd said about the jacket and its owner was to stay only between him, Tyson, Max and Hiro.
"Mr. Dickenson," Hiro greeted the old man sitting his office. "Pleasure to see you again, Sir."
"Good day to you too, my boy. All of you." Mr. Dickenson smiled. "I just thought you'd like an extra hand."
He indicated at something behind them, with a chubby hand. "I don't think I'll have to introduce him, right Tyson?"
"Huh?" Tyson turned back.
A small mousy young man was sitting on the couch, with a laptop tucked under his arm. His eyes were completely covered with a stack of neatly combed, chestnut hair. He was dressed in a formal white shirt, with a short tie, and brown trousers. A pair of huge round spectacles, which looked big enough to take up half of his face, sat atop his head. He smiled rather timidly, and squeaked, "Hey guys."
"Ah! Chief!" Tyson grinned broadly, as grabbed the boy in a bare hug, and completely lifted him up.
"Hey! Ty-Tyson… put me d-down!"
"Take it easy Ty!" Hiro laughed. "You know he's afraid of heights."
"Man! You never change a bit, do you, Chief?" Tyson finally put the poor boy down. Then he wrinkled his nose as he stared at the too-big glasses. "You still use that thing? At least get a rimless one, if not contacts. Dude, you need a serious makeover!"
"Tyson, I do not need contacts. I like my glasses; and my clothes, just the way they are. They suit me."
"Ah well, I guess it wouldn't be you without those." Tyson turned towards Max. "Hey, Maxy! Remember I told you about my nerdy little friend. Meet Kenny! We call him the Chief."
"How's it going Kenny," Max smiled. "I'm—"
"Max Tate," Kenny finished. "You're the PPB Director, Judy Tate's son. You've moved to the Japan a few years ago, haven't you? And joined the BBA over here."
"Whoa! Now I know why they call you the Chief."
"Eh…he he… thanks." Kenny blushed; then turned to greet the remaining occupants of the room. "Good to see you, Hiro. Hey Kai."
"Well, now that we are all acquainted," Mr. Dickenson spoke up. "Let's get down to the case. I'm sure you have made some progress." He looked at Kai specifically.
"As a matter of fact, we have." Hiro said.
Then briefly but accurately, Hiro narrated the recent developments, avoiding the part about the jacket.
"I see," Mr. Dickenson said thoughtfully, when he had finished. "You have made progress. Good progress. But this case isn't going to be wrapped up any time soon, is it?"
"The upcoming trial."
Everyone turned to stare at Kai.
"I-I beg your pardon, young Kai?" Mr. Dickenson asked confused.
"This case will be over by the upcoming trial."
"Good Heavens!" The chairman's eyes widened, as did everyone else's. "But Kai! Surely… The trial's less a week away. How can…?"
"It'll be over by then, Mr. Dickenson." Kai repeated firmly. "You have my word for it."
A shocked silence fell upon the room. No one could come up with anything to say.
"Uh…" Kenny began nervously. "So… um… I guess you won't be needing my help anymore. I mean Kai's already—"
"As a matter of fact, we do."
"Huh?" Kenny looked at Kai in wonder.
"I need you to find information about someone."
"Of course!" Kenny opened his laptop enthusiastically, at getting a direct order from Kai. "I have already researched on Mariah, Lee, Ozu—"
"Matilda Alster."
"Who?" Tyson asked in confusion.
"She died a year ago. Kenny. I want you gather as much info on her as possible, especially of her death."
"Right away, Kai."
"But wait a minute. What's this girl got to do with—?"
A sudden beeping sound interrupted Tyson. He frowned as he searched his pocket for the cell.
"Hey… This isn't mine." Tyson said as he studied the phone. "It's Ray's." He flipped open the phone, and immediately raised his eyebrows.
"Who's it from?" Max asked.
"Me."
Tyson turned the phone. The screen flashed with the name, Tyson.
"Answer it." Max urged. "It could be Ray."
"Hello?" Tyson spoke unsurely.
"Granger?" The surprised voice was not Ray's.
"M-McGregor?!"
Everyone looked up at Tyson. "Switch on the speaker." Hiro mouthed.
"Well, well, well… What a surprise." Johnny's sneer rang out through the room.
"What do you want? And how did you get my phone. Johnny?"
"Your phone?"
"Yes my phone! Is Ray in trouble?"
"According to me, you both are."
"What do you mean?" Tyson narrowed his eyes.
"Do you want to know how exactly I have come across you phone?"
"How?" Tyson asked skeptically.
"I found it lying on the ground… Beside Gary Tan's dead body."
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Yet another death! And a deadline. Yes, folks, I'll be finishing this story soon enough. Just a few more chapters to go. I've got the end all planned out. (Of course, I may have a last minute change of plans.) I also have a few ideas for my next story. I'll be working on them after I complete this one.
My computer's finally started to behave! Phew!
Read and review!
KPR.
