The way he avoided eye contact made Darian narrow his eyes. "So you do know something," Darian said coldly. "Something you're hiding from us. If you don't tell us what you know about that candy, you'll face serious consequences. You'd better speak now, Father."
His voice carried a threat. Aric could see things slipping out of control. Before it went any further, Aric stood up. "Darian," he said firmly, "Wait outside. I'll be there in a minute."
Darian turned sharply; disappointment burned in his eyes. "So you don't trust me?" he asked angrily, "You don't believe in my words?"
Aric stayed calm but firm. "Please, wait outside."
That was enough; Darian shoved his chair back hard, the legs screeching across the floor. Without another word, he stormed out and slammed the door behind him.
The sound echoed in Aric's chest. "He's angry with me," Aric thought. My darling is angry, but let me handle it with you first. Aric glared at Father.
A few hours later, Aric finally stepped out. "Steve," he asked, "Where is Darian?" Steve hesitated. "Chief… Darian went home."
Aric's heart dropped. "So soon? What have I done"?
"Alright," Aric said quietly. "You handle everything here okay." But chief, I am just your assistant junior currently interning here; how can I… replied Steve. "What the hell? Ok, ok, fine, I understand. You inform this to Alex and inform Alex to take Father Patrick back to the orphanage and send two inspectors to keep an eye on Father; you can at least do this, right?…"
Steve froze for a moment and thought, "What is wrong with these both?"
Aric drove straight to Darain's house. Twenty minutes later, he stood at the door and knocked. Darain opened it instantly, anger written all over his face. "What the hell are you doing here, Aric?" Darian snapped.
Aric raised his eyebrow. "First of all, I'm your chief detective. Show a bit of respect," Aric said it sarcastically.
Darian scoffed, "Respect? You treat me like a spoiled brat. And as if my words meant nothing to you, when I knew something was wrong, I questioned Father Patrick—and you sent me out like I couldn't handle the case."
"That's not it." Aric said calmly. "You were emotional. Interrogating someone like that would only ruin our evidence and the suspect. I didn't want you to get into trouble; they can change the case by stating that you have something to do with the victim, and they will close the case….
You think I am so dumb that I will go overboard and question him?… Darian said these words and looked away, fist clenched.
"And listen," Aric continued, softer now. "Father Patrick is innocent; he has nothing to do with this case, so leave this matter and let's concentrate on finding the evidence."
Silence filled the space between them.
Aric sighed and saw a shadow behind his car, but ignored it purposefully and asked Darian, "You haven't had your dinner, have you?"
He lifted the food bag slightly. "I brought your favorite. Wanna have a bite?"
"I hate you, idiot." Darian said, his voice shaking. He turned away, his cheeks burning, Aric watched him silently while admiring his little white bunny turning red, where a smile escaped under Aric's lips.
Why do his words always pull me back like this? Darian thought, I hate myself for becoming weak every time it's him; if this continues, one day I will definitely lose myself and fall in his hands; I need to be careful from now on….
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