Free was standing on the same main waiting area they pass earlier with Milo when they came in the building. Since there was quite a lot of ordinary people waiting their turn, as a young person Free willingly gave some space others to sit and chose to stand himself near the entrance, at least slightly further from others. Overall he has never liked this kind of crowd in a small space. Feeling a little anxiety was inevitable. Everything here remind him how he really doesn't fit the rest. But his reason to be here wasn't even near anything normal anyway, when he was just waiting his so called next mission to begin.
This time he doesn't have his cap on and he wear his clothes more relaxed way, totally showing his best sides out. That made some around pay more attention to him. Two of them were some young women who after a short, quiet discussion finally made their mind to approach him. And as usually Free was very aware of them, just acting clueless. This happens all the time. Women, girls, older men.. Depends on place and time.
"Hi. Sorry. We were just wondering..," the one touching Frees arm to get his attention speaks quietly while showing apologetic but cheerful smile. "Are you Free?"
Does he know them? Suddenly Free felt very abashed since he swear he has never met these girls before. There were a lot of girls in the party but they still don't ring a bell. "I am.. Do I know you?"
After getting this confirmation she shows a photo from her phone with a wider smile. "No. Our friend showed your IG. Maya. I follow you." Other girl also fastly shows her phone up to point out she too knows him from this popular photo-sharing app.
"Ah, right. Maya you said? She was sweet. I met her yesterday," Free nods while answering to others smiles with his own. What, they were just fans? Now after the newbie idol wannabe -act has fill its purpose he isn't that confident anymore was it a good idea in the first place to put his face on display. Guess he has to lean on it when ever it's brought out.
"You were in the fan event. In our school." They show some photos of Free taken in that event.
"I was. But I should remember meeting you two if you were there too?" like with a switch young mans flirting personality pop out as he welcomes these girls to get closer. Blending in was his major job no matter what the case so he instinctively uses this situation. Overall it was better to waste time with them than stand alone. If they were Maya's friends, even better.
And his open gesture of course made girls excited. "No, we had a competitions in X city. Figure skating."
"Skating? With ice skates??" Frees honest excitement made him accidentally raise his voice a little, but he fastly tones it back down. "That's cool. I have never seen that in real life. Is is hard?"
"Well, sometimes.. Our coach is pretty strict. But most of the time it's just fun."
"Did you win?"
Girls both shake their heads, showing quite disappointed faces. "No.. But it was a good practise. To compete."
Like Free has any idea about the whole subject but he could compare it to his training period. You have someone to coach you, you work hard to learn and in the end you show what you have learnt and compete with others. "Next time then. Repeat is the key," he cheers them up. "I'm actually from X city. Just here to visit shortly."
Young women have definitely become X city fans after their visit, them highly commending it. "It's a huge city! The competiton was held in Karoland so we took a bus and went to the shopping center. The buildings are way higher than here. So modern."
Karoland area located in north side of the city, far from the river which divide the so called north and south areas. Since Free is a true southern, he has a little knowledge about Karoland. Other than there is a famous motor racing circuit. All the buildings looked high from his perspective. "I have never been in north side of the city, really."
"Excuse me, girls," they were interrupted by a woman from the front desk, who waves girls to get closer. Noding fastly to Free to excuse themselfs they rush to meet her. "Maya will be staying here for a while. Her relatives are coming to get her when she is done here."
"Why? What happened?"
"I'm sorry. I can not say."
"No! I want to see her."
Woman stays incredible calm while she gives her apologizing look. "I am sure she will be in touch with you as soon as she can. For now there is no reason you to wait her here any longer." Since they were rejected and clearly couldn't do anything about it, they fastly gave up, starting to leave. They exchange fast goodbyes with Free before leaving the building, still wondering aloud might Maya answer their messages at least.
Frees guess was 'no'. She won't be answering any time soon because she has just heard about the video. If she didn't already know about it.. Free can't even imagine how she must feel right now. Getting filmed against your will was another thing but to be totally clueless and hear all about it afterwards.. Someone as sweet as Maya doesn't deserve that. No one deserves that.
"Free?"
After hearing his name called, Free turns to look at the young man who has just walk in, now standing in front of the entrance, eyes locked on him. And without a break Free greets him with a nod. This was it. Aster was finally here. With his parents who were already ahead of their son, about to sign them in at the front desk. No doubt their faces don't look that happy. They were visibly upset, but act very polite and humble. If that was how calm they could act after only seeing their home after party and finding out about the horrible incident what happened in there, Free crave to hear their reaction when they will hear the whole truth. If what Milo suspect was correct, about Asters fathers company products, their stupid son has unintentionally get them involved with not only a rape case but negligent homicides also. Looking like a normal middle class family without any criminal connections whatsoever this kind of thing will destroy their lifes completely.
Even Free could see that. But the young man happily waving to him doesn't look being that aware of how deep shit he really is right now. Instead he is just glad to see his new friend here, even leaving his parents for a second to greet Free. "What are you doing here?"
"You know. I hit that bastard," Free smiles proudly and shows his red knuckles, outcomes from last night. "I'm leaving tonight so they ask me to come here to clear things out. He might sue me."
"Don't think so. I heard he rape someone. Serves him right," other casually states, showing he was definitely on Frees side. Which Free finds damn hilarious coming from someone who enjoy watching those kind of videos. All in all everything about this moron was just getting more and more irritating.
But like Free could show it out. He was here to use everything he could to help make these guys pay for what they have done, were their involvement mild or major. Seeing Aster again definitely made him settle his mind.
"Aster, come here," woman waves her hand to rush her son to follow them. The look she gives Free was first very neutral, but when Aster moves and can't see, the spite in her eyes toward Free was ruthless, honestly showing she doesn't like a bit her son even talking to him. In her eyes Free was the bad one here. Even when she must not even know who he is. It doesn't matter. Right now any so called friend this unpopular kid has was just a bad company to her son.
When Aster walks in with his parents, the lady at the desk waves to Free to get his attention, nodding toward the couple, giving him a change to follow them in. Apparently woman was aware of Frees role here and made it as inconspicuous as possible him to go with Aster. Frees job was to keep their suspects company until their interrogation. For both cleaning his own personal reputation in their eyes and keep an eye on them. Aster may be just an easy going idiot, always doing as he was told, looking like he doesn't know anything. But his role wasn't necessarily futile when it comes to learning more from Benjamin and his friend. He make a good decoy. When Noel will get here, Free will be already in waiting for him. Aster being his help to make his presence less suspicious.
"We get the same room?' Aster asks happily, when Free was escorted inside the same glass walled waiting room. This was one of the rooms located next to the office area, this very one being the farthest from the entrance. Wooden seats and wooden decorations on the frames with some plants here and there around the small room made this place very nice actually, totally different from the waiting areas they have in their own building back in X city where everything was basically bare and bleak. But Free was sure there were more suitable waiting areas here somewhere for aggressive criminals etc. who you can't trust not destroying these nice elements. They were held in hide.
While showing his wide smile Free walks further in with a jaunty swaggering step and sits next to Aster. "Guess so. Where are your parents?" It was time to act ones bestiest bestie.
"Police said there is something they need to discust with my father first. So I'll wait here."
"Well? What they said about the house?"
"They were furious. I'm grounded until I turn eighteen.." Since in fact Aster was seventeen years old still. A little older than Free himself who will turn seventeen soon. But because they were from totally different worlds, this guy was so naive and thoughtless it made him appear much younger. In streets he would have been the first one to go.
"I told you. Next time don't let others boss you around. Choose your friends better." Well. Aster will be grounded way longer than he can even imagine. Free bet to him this was just something trivial he will just get yelled from a little and then everything will be normal again. What a bullshit. "Hey, what happened after I left?"
"Hmm. There was this older guy calling the party over. Police and ambulance came in," Aster starts to explain. Then he leans closer, like afraid someone might hear him. "Benjamin wasn't happy. He scram."
No wonder. Free neither would have stayed with selling amount of drugs in his pocket when police is about to arrive. He will probably pretend after him just leaving with others because he 'has nothing to do with anything'. That is why it's so important to not let them know the real reason why they will be called in. The more they lie and give excuses before understanding they were already get caught, they have accidentally given an untrustworthy image out and were easier to be questioned. A dirty trick what was used against Free himself; when Don made him think he was outsmarting the other but in reality man knew all about the gta incident and just played along. That was the difference between a real hunter and one being hunted. Hunter should always dominate the situation from the start. Never let their prey mislead.
"See. What an asshole. Real friend takes the blame with you, not leave you deal all the shit," Free shakes his head, looking very displeased with how Benjamin has act. "Make sure to tell cops everything. Just confess all. Save yourself from even worse deals." A role of a rat was very fitting to Aster anyway. Free knows he doesn't even have to say this all when all it probably even needs to make him speak was a mad look and an angry voice from some cop and he will cry like a river.
"No.. That will just make things worse again.. in school.. Everything's been better lately.."
Now, about school bullying Free has no personal experience. But it is a popular theme in movies. Very unpleasant and excruciating thing to live with. Just like any act of violence Free too has faced, being others toy in the struggle for power will make you do things you usually might not have ever even consider doing otherwise. Even a strong mind can be broken down. Blending in and changing yourself might sometimes be the only thing to do to survive. Sure, Free knows it all too well. But that doesn't justify some of Asters behavior. Some things were just too in their dna to make any difference even after what ever has happened. If you like watching others been hit hard down you can not blame if someone does it to you. "Suit yourself," Free tsihs back. Nothing he could do about it anyway. This guy was trash. Let him be true to himself and just swim in all that shit. "Man, I was hoping to see Noel today. Go to date. Guess that's not gonna happen.."
"D-date?!" that unexpected word used shock Aster totally. Young man was even blushing.
Free just hums, leaning his back against the wall and closing his eyes, getting more relaxed. "He's cute. I really liked him a lot. I even plan to seduce him and sleep with him but he passed out.."
"Sl-Sleep? You are into guys?!"
"Men are better," just when Free was about to blurt out his true thoughts, he fastly backs off. No, he's supposed to like the same kind of videos as this fucker here like. "Not that I dislike girls. But they don't have what I really want."
All this was too much for Aster who couldn't kind of process others words. With red face guy just nods shyly. As one who has zero experience from neither girls nor guys doesn't quite know how to react others bold statement. Guess videos were the closest he has ever get with anyone. So doing dirty things with the same sex was just unthinkable. How innocent. Even Frees little brothers were more educated than Aster, them not even blinking an eye when they first time heard about Frees sexuality. Has he live under a rock? Usually Free was the clueless one, being unfamiliar with many topics what people normally talk about.
"Why you like him?" Aster finally speaks out. "He is not that great.."
Free smirks. Another person stating straightly out Noel was someone to stay away from, like. "Not that great? Because he and Benjamin sell drugs? Or does he boss you around too much? If you don't like it you shouldn't be with them. But I guess that's your role now if they keep you from being bullyed."
"He killed his brother. I was there.."
As astonishment filled Free his smile was suddenly gone. This idiot was with them?! All along?? Somehow that never cross Frees mind. Thinking they were keeping this idiot with them more than they have to seem very pointless when his role definitely was just be used. Mostly for entertainment purposes. Running things for them. Like the very lowest members in some gangs, Aster should have been nothing but a doormat to walk on, not be carried with you.
"And they never stop bullying me.. They just don't hit me anymore.. Except Noel. He is the worst..," Aster keeps, speaking very quietly. Free could tell it took a lot of courage Aster to speak out like this, but in a way he also looked very glad doing so. Finally having someone to say it all. What he has kept in so long. "Just.. please, don't like him. He lies and does it all to you too." Exactly how badly tormented this guy was? While speaking Asters hands were shaking but his look was suddenly so mad he doesn't even look his usual self anymore. The hate he felt toward his main bully was so strong he almost start crying when thinking about him.
"He.. killed his brother?" even when Free was starting to feel damn sorry for the guy, coldly this was a perfect opportunity to hear him out. "What happened?"
But Aster wasn't that keen to share that much. "Doesn't matter. Just don't like him.."
"Then convince me. I don't believe you unless you tell me."
That really worked. Feeling desperate to save his new friend from the same doom Aster nods and rushs to explain. "They made drugs and Noel forced his brother to take one. He said he was a pussy virgin and he didn't like it so they want him fuck some girl. But he couldn't.. and he.. he choked.."
"They made drugs..?"
The door opens. And they both turn their surprised eyes toward the young man walking in. Aster was close to panic when their eyes met. The one he was just talking about suddenly stands right in front of him. From the shock Aster shakenly moves his eyes away. Hoping from the deeps of his heart he could just vanish now. Become invisible.
But the stronger person next to him seem just more excited when Noel step in. "Wow, Noel, we were just talking about you," Free smiles, showing nothing but his confident attitude out. "I was hoping to see you again and here you are. But you could have choose a better place for date."
After the woman who escorted him in closes the door, Noel moves again. "What are you doing here?" young man sighs while walking in to take his place on the bench next to the one Free and Aster were sitting. He wasn't that surprised to see Aster here, but Frees presence he wonder.
Repeating his hand move from earlier, Free shows his reddish knuckles while moving slightly closer. "You were out then but I kinda get into fight. I leave today so I had to come here before that."
"You were the one who beat Kenner?" Noel snorts. Doesn't really give out that much emotions. As usually. "Didn't think you were a fighter."
"I'm not. But I didn't like him..," youngest smiles. And releases his curiosity. "Why are you here then? You didn't even see the fight."
"Beats me. I was hoping someone here would have tell me but he didn't answer his phone," these cold words were meant for Aster who fastly just glances the other, mentally using Free as his protective shield. "When I woke up my father was there to pick me up. Cops everywhere.." Noel leans on his knees, intently looking toward Aster. "Hey. I'm talking to you.. Aster."
"Come on. He's scared of you already. Don't make him piss himself," Free teases, making other drop his intimidating attitude and straighten his back. "Ah, if forget this I had damn nice time yesterday." Again he shows his left hand, widely crossing his legs to show how relaxed he was. Others pissed off look has no effect on him, so he forces all of them to calm down. When he was in here Aster doesn't have to be alone with Noel. Nor talk to him. And Noel has no change to bully Aster. "You guys know how to party. So much action in one place. But no beer bongs ever again."
Noel hums. And really loses his angry mood for now. Even smiling a little after remembering that episode from last night. "Well what a loser doesn't drink booze. You needed to compensate it with something else. Rules are rules."
Free clicks his tongue. Clearly their realtionship was a teasing kind. But they were fastly on the same page, like. Getting along just fine. "Next time I'll show you how we have fun in my streets. Our rules are way more funnier than drink until you drop."
"Your streets? You own streets," older mocks others way of speaking. "Don't know do I wanna see you again. You steal all the girls."
"Oh, I let you borrow some of them. If you agree spend rest of the night with me again. No problem."
Once again the conversation inside the room was interrupted by someone opening the door. This time it was some older man asking Aster to follow him. And he doesn't need to call him twice when Aster was already rushing out, feeling glad to get out from this room. Even when Aster was sincerely worried about Free, the stress Noel was able to make him feel at the moment was way more stronger, making him just want to leave immediately. No idea what he's about to face next isn't any better.
"Bye, Aster," Free smirks and waves after him. "See you again someday." And when young man is gone, he snorts. "His parents will so kill him."
"Who cares," Noel just states boringly. But doesn't drop his stare from the door. Looking quite worried actually. Trying to hide it under his cool act.
"Man, you really are cold. I kinda feel bad for him. You are shitty friends," younger laughs and leans closer. "He was running like a dog for you the whole evening."
Frees frank comment doesn't move Noel a bit. Especially not with a laughter which made others true point clear. "You wouldn't feel sorry for him if you knew what freak he really is.." That Noel adds with a more disgusted voice. "Fucking retarded.."
No mercy. "He said Benjamin ran off. Now I feel sorry for you too. Lucky you have me here," Free awes smiling. "Look. I'm returning the favor. Cause I'm way better friend than him."
Noel sniffs while shaking his head. But shows a smile eventually. "Favor my ass. It's a coincidence.." He is so not buying others flirt. But doesn't mind it either. This new face was really full of himself but it definitely wasn't that bad. Especially for someone like Noel who kind of likes this attention. Makes him feel more confident about himself. "You saw it too. He was dealing so he had to dis."
"Yeah, I noticed. Who didn't. Since cops are there now someone will talk, you know. He will get in trouble."
"No one's gonna talk," Noel gives Free a confident look. "Right?"
Free waves his hand to show other doesn't have to worry about him talking. He wasn't like that. But he himself hightly doubt everyone there were on the same page. "Someone always talks."
"Bullshit. Everyone knows the rules."
These people really believe setting some rules would solve everything. At first there was a moment Free really believed they were sitting high and controlling everything smartly. That was why they haven't been caught yet. Now it all was falling to pieces. They were really just brats trying to act big. "You are so cute." That was all Free could say anymore. Suddenly sitting here trying to keep up this pointless conversation was eating all his energy.
Just when Noel was about to give his response to those belittling words his slightly scared eyes locked on the person walking toward them. And when man opens the door and steps in, eyeing Noel with a serious look on his face, young man couldn't but stay quiet. In front of this one Noel doesn't want to act over the line. Not here.
"It's your turn. Come on," Lector states out calmly. Noding out the doorway.
When Noel gets slowly up, sighing his nervousness out, Free takes his last change to talk to him. "See you, Noel. Make sure to call me sometimes," young man smiles, waving teasingly. A hum with a fast glance is how other responds before following Lector out.
Once again the door is closed. Now Free is alone.
And his smile slowly fades away. Everything is suddenly so quiet. The strong mold he was wearing collapses, leaving his trembling body so out of energy. No matter how desperately he tried to hold himself together the cry inside him tear his mind apart. Suddenly nothing made sense. Too many thoughts in. Too much he still wants to know. So much he wants to forget.
Is it finally over? Is there something he can still do? Did he manage to do everything right? No, he was wrong. About Noel. About everything. He blindly believed what he was seeing and let them deceive him. Think they were innocent. Think they were good. What he didn't see? Why he couldn't see it? How many mistakes he made? Because of him how much was ruined??
The overwhelming sadness fill him. Why he suddenly feels this sorry for them? Was this right? Should he have warn them after all? They didn't mean all that to happen, right? Things just happened, right? Shouldn't someone like Free be on their side. Everyone does mistakes. They were just stupid. If he would have know this all from the beginning.. Everything might have ended differently.
Bullshit. That's not it. Basically all he did was move along and spy them. He wasn't there when it all happened. Why he was even thinking like this? Why he can't let go of this feeling of remorse?! Why suddenly everything make him doubt himself??
He feels sick. Damn sick. Just now it wasn't the fear of getting hurt if he gets caught. But the fear of blowing his cover. What ever the cause he was natural to hold his role. But now when it was all over.. And nothing force him to act anymore.. Why he was so tired? Why he feels like he wants to cry..?
"Okay, kid. Time to let it out.."
A sudden hold pulls Free against this warm body, someone hugging him strongly. That touch force him to let go everything he was holding in. And eventually tears start to flow down his cheeks. That's when he totally loses it, strongly clinging to Milo while crying with a silent voice. If ever now his mind was so broken he doesn't know what to do. Doesn't know how to react. Other than cry. Just cry. And so he does. Until the suffocating feeling inside his chest easy off. Little by little.
Knowing exactly what other was going through right now, Milo made sure to give Free all the time he needs to calm down again. The moment you are dropped back to your reality, everything what kept you moving forward is suddenly gone, your mind is just mixed with these false feelings which fight against everything you really are. When your long role becomes a part of you and all the lies you created around you feel so real, it's hard to let it go. And unfortunately this kid is an emotional actor. The greater the performance the stronger you need to be to control it. But since Free was so persistent and stubborn, too proud even, there was no other way to him than go all in. Kill or be killed, like. Without thinking how it would effect him after.
Exactly like Milo himself once was. That is why he believes he's perfect to teach this brat the limits he should understand from the core. Be with him when those limits hit on. This job wasn't easy. Rare was enjoying it to the fullest after initial bliss. Because at the end of the day when their job will be over they need to know how to let go. And move on.
- - - -
Lector and his colleague were sitting inside the interrogation room with their last interrogee of the day. This slow sitting start over an hour ago. Starting with simple questions about how come young man decide to ignore every official requests police have made during the day, to get in touch with him. Instead of giving them any logical reason Benjamin just dismissed their question with a shrug, acting first very unconcerned. He has nothing to do with anything. He is in here falsely. Cops were simple wasting his time.
But the longer they were talking and the more Lector brought out, Benjamins attitude finally change. First it was about the rumours of him dealing. What Lector could kind of proof now, there were many words against Benjamins. Man can name the person, even the street where Benjamin and his friends usually buy their items. There were survey camera photos. Some of them were screen shots Free took, almost a week ago. Them having really nothing to do with their contact, but it was enough to convince their suspect to think otherwise. And when Lector mentioned others have admit all, Benjamin neither deny or admit anything.
The questioning proceed with more questions about their drug circle. Since it was clear already Benjamin couldn't lie his way out of this, he answers shortly but arrogantly, belittling their acts. They were good at what they do, him as their boss, so of course he keep going. It was his achievement. Something to be proud of.
When Lector mentions his dead friends, guy coldly just points out they overdose. It's not his fault. They were all willing to do drugs and get too excited. Even after Lector confirmed Noel himself admitted forcing his brother to do it, Benjamin still kept his head, saying that was all on Noel. He has no control of what others do.
Fair enough for now. They can get back to this later. Next was a cold drop to the reality when Lector show some photos from John Evans garage and frankly told Benjamins accomplices all admit they broke in and stole not only the color appliers but some tools as well. Doing so while pointing their accusing fingers on Benjamin and Joshua, saying it was their idea, their plan. Like the whole plan to make the original sets as their own identifiable items, 'pink shots'. It was all done in the heat of the moment.
From that Benjamin took his time to blaming others as well. But he fastly wear himself out, Lector and his friend just calmly letting other unravel. Almost done. The moment Lector asks could Benjamin hand over his phone so they can check out his oXitalk messages and videos, young man broke down in tears. There was no even need to say more. Lector knew everything already and there was no way to talk himself out of this. That realization forced Benjamin go humble.
But his interrogators were ruthless and continuing without a break. If Benjamin was done with lying and pretending they would like to hear his side of all this. Starting with Tania.
"We had a fight. She always slap and try to make me angry so I broke up with her. She didn't leave me alone so I call her down my friends place, to talk. They drug her. Cameron did. And I told them they can do what ever they want, just photo it. I wasn't even near that house."
"It's the first video you guys pass out?"
Benjamin hums. But the man who was writing down the details of their conversation wants a more proper answer for the record. "Can you say that properly?"
"Yes, it was the first.."
"And who else were there besides Cameron?"
"Joshua. His cousin, don't know his name.. And Noel.."
"Where at? Whos house you called her over?"
"Joshua's.."
"You don't have that video?"
"I don't have it. I deleted it long ago.."
"How about the other videos? Who all are in this chat group?"
Benjamins glassy eyes were looking the phone screen Lector shows him. Sniffing and nervously rubbing his arms young man breathes in and out, trying to think. "Emm.. Now its.. Noel, Kenner and Blaire. And me.."
"And in the videos?"
"I don't know all of them.. Depends the video.. We.. Everyone share their own stuff.."
"Who are the girls?"
"Just girls.. From parties."
"You pick what you like, drug them and made videos? Sounds about right?"
Benjamin sniffs and nods, rubbing his face, trying to hold his voice. "Yeah. So so.."
"Can you.. can you give me a reason. Why you did what you did."
"I guess.. It was just easy..?"
After closing the door behind him Milo hands a cooled water bottle to Nadin. Then he sits back down, intently eyeing the screen on where they could follow what was going on inside the room next to theirs. "It's a trophy game what get out of hand. Will take time to go through everything, find all involved, build a whole picture.. Lucky for us all their bragging was more important than playing safely. Kenner and Noel both had all the videos in their chat history," man sighs, speaking quietly. Turns out their suspects have a chat room in oXitalk app where they share their videos of girls they drug and rape. While on messages they laugh and made fun of them. It was all about their so called achievements and comparison. After they were drag out to light non of them brag about it anymore.
"I had a similar case years ago. Some bastard was selling his alcoholic wife. Used narcotizes. She was shocked when we showed her the videos he shared with his friends..," Nadin calmly recalls. "They were all neighbors. Members of the same church. You need to pray a lot to get over something like that."
"It's a good reminder how one stupid idea can quickly escalate.."
Woman sighs out, looking a little emotional. Now that everything was over she too could feel it. The disbelief about this whole case. "They are fucking kids.. All of them.. From normal backgrounds."
"Exactly. That made it all possible. Be too comfortable and arrogant you start trying your limits, what is right and wrong. That's what being a kid is all about. Without control they just stray too much. This is the worst outcome," Milo turns to look at the youngest person in the room who was quietly sitting on the back, also tiredly watching the screen. "I'm glad now I listen your opinion. And gave your idea a change. You were right all along."
"I was right? Why it doesn't feel like it..," Free tsihs back, feeling emotionally damn tired. Even after basically sleeping the whole day in the darkened back room with the help of Milos KOs, seven hours straight, he still hasn't totally recovered back to his usual self. Or more like everything was still chaos in his mind. And all he wish was to crawl back home. See Don.
"One good night back in your own bed makes the difference," Nadin comforts him smiling.
"You don't think.. I actually fail?" Free adds, wondering.
Milo hums. "This is about Noel? We humen are complicated creatures. In different place and time you guys might have become very good friends. You click. There is nothing wrong thinking so. But you have to learn to separate yourself from people you will meet. Don't get too attached. Ever. Because it's best for all you will never meet them again."
Free has never been really clinging. In the past it was always him and him alone. But after getting to know new people, in his personal life and during his training, being more social, Free was afraid he might have changed too much. So much he might have 'stray' too. Too far from what he once was. He might end up taking a wrong side at some point and make mistakes in their future cases. "Like I would ever be friends with someone like him.. Now that I know what all he's done.. It's just.. I think I've become weak.. like.. What if I screw up later? Badly? 'Cause I can't tell the difference.."
"Now you are just overthinking," older guy states out, growing a little sick of others self-pity. Albeit he really understands others struggle. Not knowing or understanding your own feelings is the worst. When your own mind becomes your enemy. Milo needs to pull kid back from his inner chaos. "Trust me, once you get over this case you will laugh why you even bother to think like that. Forget it now. And for the record, I gave you a big role in this one, but that doesn't mean you need to worry have you done well or not. You are not in charge. I am. I've been from the beginning. You are a tool I used to solve this. Nothing more. So relax a little. You tool your job just fine."
Somehow all that nonsense could really ease Frees mind. And push his cocky attitude and egoistic personality out. "Hah. I did all the hard work when you just sat down on your ass.." That was basically all Free has seen other do so far.
"Oh, you think it's easy? I so want to see you using a keyboard and writing words. Come on. Write your own name like a three year old," Milo doesn't save his words when he snaps back while wearing his big brother ego. He was not afraid to play this game in a kid level. Bring it on.
Why Milo knows about his writing skills?! "I can write! But it's not my fault I can't do it well."
"Yeah, blame others when it's your hand writing."
"Come on guys. Give it a rest..," Nadin sighs, trying to calm down these two who were acting suddenly so immature the thirty-six years old oldest in the room was close to lose it. Milo was very smart and clever, yes, but that doesn't change the fact he was still in his middle twenties. Push his limits he will push back. No matter how professionally Nadin tried to look at them, they both were like too excited little brothers in a carnival, in time to time needing their big sisters guiding hand to lead them back in right trails.
Work was work, but outside that they were both just kids..
- - - -
As a big stockbroker company, this huge office building is always active, people coming and going. But most of the employees with typical business hours working from early morning to late afternoon were ending their long day. One of them is one of the companys department managers, Sakari Ihan, who was still in his personal office room calmly closing his computer and placing some papers on binder. Everything done precisely correct, in the order he like.
His whole office speak for his perfectionistic personality. Everything was minimalisticly decorated. No bright colors. Books in nice order in the white bookcase next to the well organized desk. Some honors were placed on the wall, in nice, straight line. No curtains, but since the office located high there was no need for them. Sounds from down the streets couldn't reach here. The peaceful atmosphere inside this office was very elegant because of all these small details.
Knocking sound breaks the silence and Sakari turns to look toward the door, feeling a little annoyed someone suddenly deciding to disturb his leaving routines. But because he constantly wear his noble appearance, he doesn't show his irritation out. "Come in," man speaks out, giving the unknown comer his permission to come in.
Younger man calmly opens the door, walks in and closes the door behind him. Eyes locked on the older who shows a slight of confusion from this surprising visit after recognizing the comer. "Sorry to invade myself in like this. Your secretary wasn't there," Don states politely out, walking further in. When Sakari has usually seen younger wearing quite casual clothes, his dark suit jacket made him look very official. Even while he was still wearing black jeans instead of dress pants.
Overall he made a great impress with his bold arrival, leaving Sakari meeting him with a smile. "Now this is unexpected," older man says and then shows Don to sit down. He himself sits on his own chair, with slow movements as he tend to do everything. "I was wondering will you ever show up anymore. I must have shocked you a little. How did you find your way here?"
"I'm a cop. Have every register within my reach. Very useful, don't you think," Don takes the offer and sits down, honestly answering other.
"Indeed. So, how can I help you? You came here to continue where we left?"
Now Don shows a sure smile. "I did. And I would like to.. clarify something. That if you really are.. like me."
Straight to the point. That Sakari likes. "Now what that would be?"
Mincing words was to sure man doesn't speak a thing before other. Playing smart. Like Don expect him to do. Speaking straight and clear will force this man open the last door. And let him in. "You know, as a cop I have seen many kinds. But non like myself. The way how I do my job, it kind of requires the eye here. When I can actually let myself do a little more than I should. Clear it with paper works. What I do, it is very easy when you know your ways." Sakari listens him quietly. Smiling. Not even a blink. "You say you kill people for fun? Now that fun I know," Don let himself smile freely. Doesn't even try to hide his excitement at this point anymore. "You would be then the first one I have met. IF you were like me."
Man leans a little closer. "It might be too early to say so. Also it would be very very stupid to talk to a cop about something like that. When you actually could be here just making me speak more. Release more."
"Yeah, well you wouldn't have told me before about your fun work if me being a cop is a problem to you," Don points out. "As a cop I don't care. I won't get paid for this when you are not on my case list. But I was wondering I could get something else out of this."
"Something else? Comparison?"
"Comparison," younger man repeats. "I understand your worry. It is easier me talk to you. Really, it doesn't matter if you ever go and talk to someone about what I just said, no one will believe you. I sit quite high chair in my own area. If I can clear vanished people from my cases I can clear you too. So, being so honest to me I guess you are in the same line as I am. You are curious too? To get to know me better? Do you know others?"
Sakari straightens his back and sighs out, looking actually very relaxed in front of this young cop. Like having no single doubt about the one he was talking with here. His confident was steel. "I knew. In a way I kept doing what he did, after he died. He was a great man. He work as a mortician. But since him.. No, I do not know anyone else. Not really."
Don nods. Thinks a little before speaking again. "It's just that.. I have always know I'm different. I have learnt to act since I was a kid. Have always been alone with my thoughts. So after realizing you might be the same.. that was kind of emotional to me."
A wider smile is how Sakari reacts to his words. "You are very direct."
Don sighs, boredly. Wasn't thinking man would answer him this vainly. Repeating himself made him just angry. "I already told you, it doesn't matter what you hear from me, the truth about me as well. No one will believe you. So if speaking openly to you can make you trust me, I benefit from it. Have someone.. to talk, maybe."
There was no hesitation in younger mans eyes. No nervous gestures. Man seem to speak truthfully. So Sakari hums, noding he took others point. "Well, it is not that I don't understand you. You really can't tell the truth to just anyone in this kind of society. Of course you understand that very well, when working as a police officer."
"Detective," Don clears. Acting cocky. "I'm not a small road runner."
Sakari tsihs. And drops his act, speaks straight. The foreplay was over. "Then, yes, I do kill people for fun. Have my own little business for that actually. Similar to yours, perhaps. But how I do it, there I don't need to do paper works."
Sigh. Finally. From here on Don is walking on burning coals. One mistake, one wrong decision and he might blow not just his cover but his life. The control was everything here. "Your own business? Why I never thought about that," Don holds his head. "Well we all go in our own ways, right? For now paper works are what I have to deal to be able to.. release myself.. from the pent-ups."
"Pent-ups?" Sakari laughs. Showing a very proud attitude out. "I remember that feeling. The urge? Seeing it be done by your own hands? Then be the rest of the time just waiting when you get your next change to feel it again? Craving for more, that's how it feels."
Don stares Sakari with his eyes wide open. Then he closes them. Breathing slowly out, shaking, calming. "Yeah.. that's it," Don lets his smile go wider. Wow, this man was the real deal. A mess. "That's the thing. I can't help it. When you once learn what you crave for you can't but search the next change."
"I have long pass that. I will eat when ever I want."
The more man spoke the more sure Don was he has get himself in this mans world. No turning back. "I so envy you," he breathes out. "Get to.. be in such harmony."
"Maybe you can find your own way someday," Sakari says then. "To find your own harmony."
"Yeah. I'm slowly getting in to that," younger smirks. "Have to, of course. Or I will meet my end inside prison. I know what waits if I'm not careful."
"That goes for everyone," other points out. Knowing exactly what other means.
Don is quietly just looking the older man. Meating his eyes. Indeed that stare was like looking his own reflection. There is someone who is constantly charged. Fighting the spot to be in control in every situation. Not trusting anyone but themself. Because everyone out were a likely danger when it comes to protecting the dakness inside. The you inside your bulwark. Trust wrongly and it's all over. "Thank you, for the talk," Don stands slowly up. "I think I need some time to really.. process this all. I don't know do you have it, but I am quite emotional. Comes with the anger and violence inside me. I need my calm times." Not that he was lying. He was indeed starting to feel very overwrought at the moment.
"I might have been a little emotional when I was younger too," Sakari nods, giving a slow hand gesture to say it was all okay and he understands. If young man needs time so be it. Their conversation was very intimate and to have it here was risky all in all. He too would rather end it here for now.
Don tsihs. "I'll see you at the bar again. If that is fine to you. Meet me again."
"Of course. I will look forward to it."
Younger man politely nods, then turns around and leaves, without looking back.