I cannot deny that sleeping in his arms felt right and I woke up to find myself enveloped by them. I could have cataloged every beautiful detail of him, but decided to get up. Trust is still something I'm building with him. I decided to take a shower, dress, and couldn't help but remember bits of the story he shared before I fell asleep—it mirrored my own in some ways. My chubby, green-eyed darling, where could you be now? What has become of your life?
I opted to go downstairs, where I encountered Kai in the living room issuing instructions to a lady.
Kai: Good morning. (Smiling)
Ali: Good morning. (I finish descending the stairs)
Kai: This is Mrs. Myriam. She comes to clean the house three times a week.
Ali: Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Myriam.
Myriam: Nice to meet you. I'm glad to see Kai has a girlfriend—I thought he might be gay.
Kai: Myriam! Are you asking to be fired?
Myriam: As if you could. (She laughs while climbing the stairs).
Ali: (I can’t help but chuckle at Kai’s expression)
Kai: Let’s have breakfast and then head to my friend's place.
As we drive off, I quietly observe him while he ignores a call from his brother—I catch a glimpse of his screen.
Upon arrival at a charming breakfast spot, we chat for a bit. I’m struck by the odd sense of familiarity with him, as if a part of me recognizes him. After breakfast, I let Tian know that I'll be heading into work a little later than usual.
Following a short drive with Kai, we arrive at a small house. A guy with glasses greets us at the door and invites us to step into the clutter of computers and rock music playing in the background. He’s a bit eccentric, with black nail polish, disheveled hair, dressed in black, eyeliner circling his eyes, and covered in tattoos. He greets us with a nod.
Kai: Hey buddy, how’s it going? Got a little job for you.
Jimmy: Sure thing, man. You know I'd do anything for you. (Flashing a smile) —The bigger the challenge, the better for me—
Kai: Ali, this is Jimmy. Jimmy, meet Alicia.
Jimmy: A pleasure, Ali. You're not the girl he mentioned. (I notice Kai give me a sign to remain quiet).
Kai: (Ali gives me a puzzled look, but I just want her to remember on her own, especially with all her concerns about our investigations. I swiftly change the topic and turn to Ali, gesturing for the flash drive).
Ali: How long will it take to crack the file? (handing over the USB stick)
Jimmy: It all depends on the encryption used. Let me take a look. (Plugging in the USB into his computer)
He stares at the screen, duly impressed by the protections in place—this will be a challenge for him, likely taking a few hours. I leave the flash drive with him while Kai gives me a lift back to my place to pick up my car so I can head to work. I save Jimmy's number, just in case we need to get in touch. Arriving at work, Tian informs me that the toxicology report is in—Jennie had high levels of Diazepam in her system, incapacitating her. She was weak, vulnerable at the mercy of the cruel murderer who silenced her, but worst of all, I have no clues about who could have done this or who is behind it all. I photocopy the report, keeping a copy for myself, and then go to meet Dylan.
I knock and hear his voice.
Dylan: Hello, Doctor. (Busy with paperwork)
Ali: I've brought the autopsy report and the toxicology findings—they prove that she didn't take her own life.
Dylan: (Beginning to read the report) We’re still investigating, but the case is cold—no suspects, no clear motive.
What about the rope they used?
Ali: The knots suggest a 2mm diameter rope. The killer might be left-handed and wore leather gloves, possibly to avoid leaving prints.
Dylan: Thanks for the information, it's very helpful, Doctor.
Ali: Can I see the investigation file for my sister?
Dylan: Your sister's case is closed. She took her own life, Ali. You need to accept that for your own good.
Ali: For my own good? I want to see that report. Are you hiding something, Dylan, or do you know it wasn't suicide, like with Jennie? Is this all too suspicious? Are you concealing something, or are you just incompetent?
(I can see the anger on his face)
Dylan: Doctor, you’ve delivered the report. There’s the door, and I will not tolerate doubts about my work ethic. Thank you. (Pointing me towards the exit, I rest my arms on the edge of his desk)
Ali: I won't rest until I find the truth, Dylan. With that, I leave.
Dylan: (Under his breath) Such a stubborn woman. Don't you understand you should stop, Ali? If I couldn’t protect the woman I loved from them, how can I protect you?
(Watching as she storms out of my office)
Ali: I see a few patients. Meanwhile, Kai texts me that we'll check the USB over lunch. That little drive holds answers to the mysteries of this town and the identity of whoever is behind these events. Time crawls until lunchtime, and as instructed, I drive to meet Kai. He’s not at the market as planned, instead texting that something came up at the club. I decide to do some grocery shopping—Kai has nothing but rice and eggs at home. While shopping, that feeling of being watched creeps up again. I feel observed, possibly followed, yet I’m caught off guard when Kai suddenly appears, taking my bags. I catch a glimpse of a figure hiding in the reflection, unable to see the face, but I know I'm being followed.
Kai: What's wrong? (Following my gaze)
Ali: I think I'm being followed; I saw someone duck over there.
Kai: Let me check it out. But before he can, I feel Ali's hands stopping me...
Ali: Don't go, let's just leave this place.
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