I thought this Chapter's going to be short… but… guess I was wrong. ^—^ "
Anyway, I thank BBleached, FlamingIce94, Bokmal14, tifafenrir09, A Scribble-chan and Samstar1990.
By the way, I'm not sure, but the next update might take a while… might…
Chapter 17
'This is just the beginning…'
That same sentence seemed to haunt Tyson repeatedly, as he stood on the isolated bridge. He stared unfocusedly at the sun that hovered a few inches above the serene sea. The dawn was somewhat foggy, and the lawyer could the feel dampness through his clothes. He shivered slightly as the cool morning breeze hit him.
The sound of footsteps echoed through the stillness. Tyson turned to see a familiar silhouette making its way, through the fog, towards him.
"You didn't sleep." It was more of a statement.
"Neither did you, doctor." Tyson replied quietly.
"I don't think any of us did."
The two friends stood in silence for a moment, gazing at the rising sun that had been dimmed by the misty atmosphere.
"Here," Max held out a paper bag.
A well-known waft filled Tyson's nose. "Sandwiches?"
"I figured you'll need breakfast; I've already had mine on the way up here."
"Thanks, man."
"No problem."
Tyson took a small bite.
"It lacks in taste…"
"Not every cook's as good as Ray, you know."
"True… I'm starting to miss his cooking…"
Another wordless minute passed…
"So," Tyson spoke as he took another bite. "How did the interview go? What's her name again?"
"Ming Ming," Max sighed somewhat helplessly. "I suppose you can call her Kenny's New Obsession."
Tyson raised an eyebrow. "The Chief's cheating on his Dizzy?"
"Dizzy?"
"His laptop. I wouldn't be too surprised if he decides to marry that thing. But what's with the love triangle? I didn't know the Chief was into anything apart from his gadgets."
Within the next few minutes, Max briefly accounted their 'interview' with the singer.
"No way!" Tyson face was a mixture of shock and amusement. "The Chief's crushing?! And that badly too! I should've been there…"
"You've no idea how much I wanted that you really were… instead of me."
"What? Does she like teddy bears as well?" Tyson tried unsuccessfully to suppress a grin.
"Very funny," Max grumbled.
It seemed so easy to spend their time talking about such simple things. But both of them knew that no matter how much they wanted, they couldn't neglect the present…. That conversation was inevitable.
"The trial's going to be held the day after tomorrow," Max spoke quietly. Beside him, Tyson frowned but didn't speak. The doctor continued, "Do you think—?"
"He will." Tyson's voice had a certain determination. "He will finish this… He gave his word."
"But… Gary's death—"
"Was unexpected. Yes, I know. But I've got a feeling that it isn't enough to throw him off the track. I saw his face last night… he knew what he had to do… He knows how to end this. Gary's death is like an unexpected chapter in the middle of a story. A story, who's ending's the same… It's an ending he knows! You can say that Gary was something like… a catalyst. You get what I'm saying?"
"Kinda…" Max replied unsurely. "By the way, I forgot to tell you… Mr. Dickenson's back at the BBA."
"And Ray?"
"He's still in his apartment. He seemed rather… uncomfortable after hearing the news. So Mr. D thought it would be best to leave him alone for a while. Don't worry," Max added, when he saw the troubled expression on his friend's face. "McGregor wouldn't be that daring to push his luck against the chairman."
"What if it's not McGregor at all?"
"Ray will be fine Tyson. Mr. Dickenson had spoken to Kai before leaving him. No harm will come."
Despite himself, Tyson snickered a little.
"Old Sourpuss sounds like a weather man."
"He is something of that sort." Max agreed. "It's just that he forecasts stuff more dangerous than thunderstorms."
"… While he himself is more unpredictable than life! I mean really how confusing can a person get? When you're expecting him, he's nowhere to be seen. And then, when not expecting in the slightest, he sneaks up right behind you!"
At that exact moment, a sharp 'beep' sounded right behind the two, making them jump.
"What the—?" Max eyes widened as he turned.
Tyson's silver Chevrolet stood amidst the fog, less than a foot away from the sidewalk, where they were standing. In spite of the atmosphere, the car clearly visible from where their position. Also, Max noted that both of them, including Tyson, who knew every single sound made by the car, had failed to hear it approaching.
"That does it!" Tyson threw up his hands, as he glared at the driver hidden by the foggy window, "He's sneaking up on me, using my car! This is too much!"
The headlights flashed on and off; almost like the vehicle itself was getting impatient.
"Kai! Stop using my car against me!"
Max rolled his eyes, before getting into the backseat, followed by an annoyed Tyson, who took the passenger's seat.
"So," Max asked as the car glided forward smoothly. "Why did you want to meet us, Kai?"
"And where were you been all this time?" Tyson asked slightly irritated. "Do you have any idea—"
"Lavaliere's confessing."
"Huh?" Tyson's eyes popped up. "You mean, about his jacket and all?"
"Hiro'll be expecting him soon."
"Hold on a minute! What exactly happened?"
"He was planning on leaving the country with his fiancée. I persuaded him to think differently."
"Persuaded?" Tyson looked skeptical. "How?"
Kai didn't reply.
"Uh, guys," Max spoke suddenly from the back seat. "You just reminded me. Miguel's fiancée… that's Julia, right Kai?"
The Phoenix gave a small nod.
"You see, last night, I was thinking about our first meeting with her. Back then, I'd been really distracted by her, er brother…"
Tyson snorted. "Spit it out Max! You were distracted by the way her brother was discovered."
Max ignored him and continued, "But now, after thinking about it… I get this weird feeling that… that I'm missing something."
"Huh?" Tyson asked bemusedly. "Missing what?"
"That's what I can't remember! I must've picked it up subconsciously, back there. I don't know for sure, but I think it's got to do with Julia."
"Julia?"
"Yes. Something about her didn't seem right… Something…"
"Her stomach."
Both Tyson and Max turned towards the driver.
"Stomach?" Tyson asked, though he knew what was coming.
"The pelvic region, to be exact."
"Of course!" Max eyes widened as he recalled their meeting.
Julia was standing in her gym suit… holding a beyblade in one hand, while in the other, the one over her stomach, she held a coiled up ribbon… something that quite effectively disguised her lower abdomen. But despite her efforts, she didn't get past Max Tate's medical expertise… not completely. Without even realizing, the doctor's subconscious mind had noted the small, almost undetectable, lump protruding between her hips.
"She's pregnant!"
"No way!"
"It's true… That's what caught my attention, Tyson. Her stomach! If I hadn't been so distracted and she didn't hold her ribbon like that… then I would've realized it immediately!"
"But that means… the baby! It's Miguel's!"
"… No wonder he tried to hide his visit…"
"… and their relationship." Tyson said gravely. "From what Kai said, I think they were planning to leave Japan, so that they could get married. And perhaps then, they would return… with their child."
For a few minutes, they drove in complete silence, each immersed in his own thoughts.
"Hey Kai," Tyson said suddenly, as a thought struck him. "We know that Miguel had been at Mariah's house the night she was murdered. But you still haven't told us what he was doing there in the first place. Why— HEY!"
Both Tyson and Max were forcefully launched back into their seats as the car abruptly accelerated with a burst of speed, before resuming it's usual glide.
"Huh? Kai?" Max, a little out of breath, peered at the Russian through the rearview mirror.
Kai's face was impassive as always, with no indication of his previous stance.
"Seesh!" Tyson gasped defensively beside him. "Next time, just tell me to shut up! Or give me that cold shoulder. Keep Miguel a mystery, if you want… And for the last time… Stop using my car against me!"
Still grumbling, Tyson turned back to the road ahead.
Kai's remained expressionless. Yet, for a fraction of a second, something the other two had failed to notice, a mysterious glint flickered though his unfathomable eyes.
'It's not Miguel I'm doing this for…'
The car stopped so smoothly, that it took Max and Tyson a while to realize that they had stopped. The two of them looked around.
They were currently at a standstill, amidst a thicket of small trees and bushes. Tyson could make out the form of a shabby and worn out shack at a distance, in the center of a circular clearing. Next to it, stood an equally wrecked sign, with some unfamiliar symbols. He also noticed that the car was strategically parked in such a way, that they were completely hidden from the view by the vegetation.
"What is this place?" he heard Max ask. "And that sign… It doesn't look like Japanese…"
"It's not," Tyson replied before turning to Kai. "Translate that, would ya?"
Kai leant back in his seat and closed his eyes.
"Private property." He recited nonchalantly. "Those who dare to trespass will have to suffer the Master's wrath."
"Master? Who's Master?"
"Master Tao— leader of the White Tiger Clan."
"I had no idea Ray used to live in the middle of this nowhere. How do think he managed all the grocery and stuff?"
"C'mon Tyson, Ray's a lot more active than you. I'm sure he didn't mind a few minutes walk."
"Minutes? Maxy, we're miles from human habitat!"
"We're not that far. Besides, Ray grew up in places like this. I think that's one of the reasons he chose this place."
"'One of the reasons'? You mean he had more?"
"Tyson…"
"I'm serious! Look at the size of that house! How do you think all of them fit in there? And this Mater Tao… Ray once showed me a picture of him. The old guy looked kinda crazy sitting there with that cheesy look… But then, Ray told me I had the photo upside down!"
"Ray always did say he was somewhat strange. I suppose he was just a bit too energetic."
"No kidding! What's with these old folks nowadays? Why can't they just act their own age? It'd save many people from a lot of embarrassment!"
Max snickered. "And you'd be one of them."
"You bet!" Tyson groaned.
"Ty, your Gramps isn't so bad. I like him!"
"Don't let it get to his head."
"You ought to envy him," came the unexpected comment from the driver's seat.
"Huh?"
"He's over twice your age; and thrice the man you'll ever be."
Despite the shocking fact that Kai Hiwatari had just said those words, Max couldn't help but laugh. Tyson's face was filled with disbelief. Then he narrowed his eyes and asked skeptically.
"When did you learn how to make a joke?"
"It's a fact."
"Very funny." Tyson dead panned ignoring Max's snicker.
After a few minutes, Tyson spoke up again.
"Tell me, Kai. What exactly are we three 'trespassers' waiting here for? Master Tao's ghostly wrath?"
"A sedan."
"Sedan?"
No sooner had the word left Tyson's mouth, than a low rumbling sound reached his ears. Tyson and Max sat up straight as a grey sedan appeared in the clearing. Blowing a gust of sand and dust behind it, the car drove towards the remains of Ray's old home. It stopped next to the battered signboard. The door of the driver opened to reveal…
"That's Lee!" Max exclaimed, his voice barely above a whisper.
The dark haired man climbed out of the car and shut the door. He looked around for bit, as if he was making sure the coast was clear. Then he briskly walked towards the trunk of the car, and lifted the lid.
"What's that?" Max whispered, squinting his eyes at the heavy looking object that Lee pulled out.
"Looks like… a sack…" Tyson replied.
They watched as the neko-jin entered the house, dragging the sack behind him with some difficulty. For a few minutes, everything was silent, before Lee came out. He walked towards his car and opened the door, but did not get in immediately. He once again scanned the surrounding woods. And much to Tyson and Max's surprise, his eyes seemed to linger on a particular direction, exactly opposite to where they were hidden. After a moment, Lee shook his head and got inside. The engine roared to life, and soon the grey sedan drove away, amidst a cloud of dust.
"What was that all about?" Max asked suspiciously. "Looked like he was hiding something."
"Let's go check it out!" Tyson said and was about to open door when—
"Don't."
"Kai?"
"Wait here."
"What for? We've already seen our sedan!"
"That wasn't the one."
"Huh?"
Once again, the sound of engines interrupted the silence. It seemed to coming from the spot Lee had kept his eyes on. This time, a blue sedan entered the view. And like its predecessor, this car stopped in front of the house as well.
Tyson's brow shot up as the driver got out.
"You're kidding me! It's Mariam."
The bluenette looked better than the last time they had seen her. But one could easily detect the frailness in her condition. Her skin was still chalky white, highlighting dark, bluish-purple shadows beneath her eyes. Even walking seemed to take great deal out of her. Panting slightly, the Director of the Saint Shields moved towards the ruined structure, unaware of the three pairs of eyes watching her every move.
Mariam flinched at every clank of her heels. Pressing the handkerchief closer to her nose she moved on, careful not to step on anything that might give away. Lee's trail wasn't too difficult to follow. The sack he had been dragging had swept a prominent path through the dust.
The track led her to a shabby wooden door. Mariam hesitated for a while. The withered plank of wood looked like it would crumble at the slightest touch.
'Lee got through here, didn't he? I suppose that thing's got some stamina left.'
With this thought, she cautiously pushed the door open. The 'creak' seemed deafening to her ears, but fortunately, it the door didn't give away.
Sunlight streamed through the tattered roof, illuminating a small unkempt room. It resembled some sort of antique storehouse. Several pictures of ancient Chinese tribe leaders lined the walls—one of them seemed to be upside down. Different item starting from vintage models to books and scrolls lay scattered all over the floor.
Mariam's green eyes scanned the room and immediately found what she was looking for— the huge black sack was roughly pushed into one corner of the room. Without losing a moment, Mariam strode over to it. She crouched down near the mouth that had been bound tightly with thick ropes.
"Damn it!" she cursed as she struggled with the knots. "I knew I should've brought a penknife…"
"I have one."
Mariam gasped at the male voice, and whipped around. Her face paled even more as she stared at the two men standing by the door.
Tyson held up a penknife, and indicated towards the sack. "Will you; or should I?"
"T-Tyson! Max!" It was the first time, after Mariah's death that Lee's fiancée had actually addressed them by the first name. "L-look! It- it not what it seems!"
"Really? You don't seem like the type to enjoy ancient ruins." Tyson narrowed his eyes. "What's that sack for?"
"I-It contains Garry's things."
"Gary's thing?"
"Y-yes… He wanted L—us to keep all his possessions here, after his death… A-and that's w-why I brought it here."
"You brought it?"
"Right."
"Your fiancé seems quite rude. Letting you carry that burden, literally."
"No! Lee… he didn't want me to come… I-I insisted…"
"And he agreed?"
"He- he couldn't bear to see this place again… It- it brought back memories… It made him weak…"
"Shouldn't the last word be more applicable to you?"
"I… I…"
"You wouldn't mind if we had a look at those precious belongings, would you?"
"No… It-it's vey tightly bound… And Lee would know if it's cut…"
"That won't be a problem."
With a shocked cry, Mariam turned back felt herself freeze.
A familiar figure stood leaning against the wall behind her. The thick rope was coiled around his feet, intact with all the knots.
"Now, if you'd excuse me…" Tyson voice alerted her.
Very reluctantly, Mariam moved out of the way, as Tyson went over to the sack. The later crouched down, and opened its mouth. He inserted his hand, and pulled at something.
"Man!" Tyson gasped. "This is hard work."
Finally, he succeeded in dragging out an old iron trunk. He scanned the trunk, and spotted a huge rusted lock.
"It's locked."
"I don't have the key!" Mariam exclaimed.
"Don't worry," Tyson said as he stood up. "I'm sure a few bullets would work just as fine."
"No! Wait!"
Tyson paused, one hand inside his jacket.
"I-I think I might've brought it…" Mariam stuttered hastily, fumbling inside her pocket. She produced an equally rusted key and held it out with trembling hands. "H-here…"
After a few clings and clangs, Tyson pushed opened the lid. A pile clothes were neatly folded in one corner of the trunk. On top of it, lay a wooden photo frame. It showed a younger looking Gary standing behind Lee, Kevin and Mariah; all of them reaching barely up to waist. A part of the picture, had been ripped off the side. And Tyson had a good guess who was in it. Along with the picture, there were a few books in Chinese, and a thin book of English alphabets. Next to that pile, lay a collection of tools, starting from huge hammers to screw drivers. Something pink caught Tyson's eye. He picked it up. It was a toy beyblade launcher. He turned it over and found a sticker with the name Mariah. Keeping it back, he scanned the rest of the contents.
"What's this?" he asked holding up a leather brief case.
Max turned when he heard a low but sharp intake of breath, from Mariam.
"I don't know," she replied quietly.
Tyson frowned, and opened it. It was empty, except for a small label. It was written in Chinese, but the last line was in English—'To my dear brother Gary… From Lee.'
Max eyes the bluenette suspiciously. As soon as, Tyson replaced the briefcase, she let out a shaky sigh of relief.
After a few minutes, the lawyer finally spoke, "Well, we're done."
Mariam sighed again.
"We'll be here for a little while longer."
She stirred at that.
"Don't worry. We'll keep everything as it was. I think it's better if you take your leave now, Ms. Shane."
"B-but the key…"
"You can have it," came the calm reply from Kai. "We won't be needing it."
After receiving the key, Mariam took one last look at the trunk, before hurrying out.
"Mr. Dickenson?"
The BBA head looked up from his desk, to see Hiro Granger waiting at the door. A nervous looking young man, with blond hair and tanned skin stood behind him.
"Come in, Hiro. What is it?"
Hiro walked in and motioned for the other to follow.
"Sir, this is Miguel Lavaliere. He's connected to the Wong murder case."
Miguel flinched as the chairman sat up.
"What—"
Without warning, the door of the office banged open. All the three heads turned towards the door. Miguel's heart gave a sickening throb.
Ray Kon stood at the doorway, breathing hard. His face was emotionless and hard; his dense bangs veiled his eyes.
"Ray?" Mr. Dickenson asked surprised.
"Mr. Dickenson!" Michael came running and skid to a halt behind the neko-jin.
"I'm sorry, Sir," he panted. "I…I tried to stop him but—"
"I did it." Ray's voice was dangerously cold.
"Ray," Mr. Dickenson looked worried. "What are you—"
He stopped as Ray lifted his head. His eyes were ablaze with determination. When he spoke, his voice was unfaltering and firm.
"It was me… I killed Mariah Wong…"
Only two days left until the court trial… and Ray suddenly decides to… confess?!
I can only say one thing… Stay tuned.
Read and Review!
KPR.
