Chapter 2

Author: Thanks for reading.

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The next scene shows our next characters. The young and beautiful Mira, (Mi for short), and the young man, Den.

Den: You forgot the hot!

*Sigh, and the young hot man, Den.

Den: Better.

Anyways, Mira's this kind of a lady, confident, kind, energetic, vibrant and can be scary when she wants to be.

She's calm but not that calm. And always, gives a piece of her mind.

She's a strong girl. Dedicated, bold and unique.

She's that funny kind of lady and was a step away from becoming stupid.

Is a good thing she stopped herself before becoming one.

Not my words but her own.

Well, what can you expect when you have the stupid Den as a master?

Den: I heard that.

Author: And I don't care.

These two were not related by blood but shared a strong bond, very much like family.

Now about Den,....... he's a pretty unique cool guy. Always so lucky, delightful and gleeful. Playful, impulsive and free sometimes. One could say he was energetic, clever, at ease and very warm.

He's sensitive but doesn't like to show it and always cover it with a playful attitude.

These two has been together for the longest time and shared a history. Went long way back.

As such, it was no surprise he was her master.

And literally, her leader.

Den has always been the playful kind of guy.

However, what he deemed serious, totally changes his character.

And he was very much scary, when he was angry. Like master like student.

Well, let's talk about why they're here and where they are.

Just yesterday, they found an old man, Mr Hond, crying in the dining area of their inn (Safe House).

The man's tears could fill a huge bucket and it was depressing to watch.

And so, they approached him and the old man shared what he was going through.

Turns out he made a deal with a group of bandits to deliver some goods to a certain location.

He was paid before the goods were handed to him and was supposed to deliver the goods by the end of the next two days. However, all the goods, hundred in total, went missing overnight.

He won't tell them about the goods, cause it could cost his miserable life.

But one thing was right, it was something illegal.

Illegal cause, instead of going to the officials in town to report, he came there, drowning down his sorrows with alcohol and crying his unattractive eyes out.

This was something illegal and might even cost their lives or innocent lives but Den decided to help him.

Why? Cause he loved solving cases. Gave him this satisfaction of..............he had no idea. Just felt satisfied and content.

In any case, after investigating, they were now back to reveal the culprit and the missing goods.

This was the part her master loved the most and Mira could see that again, judging by that smile on his face.

Even with the white mask (Which covered his nose down to his mouth) he wore, Mira could still tell he was smiling.

His eyes, shone with excitement, happiness, what was he, kid?

In the reception hall of the old man's house stood six people, excluding Den and Mira.

Mr Hond (A man in his late 60s, still got the looks), His wife, Mrs Hond (A Beautiful woman in her late 40s) and their workers who will be called Worker One (Male), Worker Two (Male), Worker Three (Female), and Worker Four/Chef (Male), cause in Den's eyes, they're not important and has even forgotten their names.

What a great inspector alright.

Well, at least he remembered worker four as the chef of the house.

How could he forget the chef?

"We meet again" Den said smiling but none of them was in the mood to join him.

It wasn't because they felt guilty but just wasn't in the mood cause of the situation they found themselves in.

All suspected to be criminals.

However, I won't say the same about worker two.

The man looked pretty uncomfortable.

Almost like he was hiding something and the fear visible in his eyes proved he was scared of getting exposed.

Mrs Hond, wasn't in a good mood either.

Eyes shone with murderous intent at the sight of the young beautiful Mira.

Just so you know, Den was the only one hiding his good looks while Mira's own was out in the open.

Angering Mrs Hond even more.

Did she think this was some kind of a beauty show?

Well!, Mr Hond, this old man never gets tired.

His disgusting eyes filled with lust fixated on Mira, like she was the only one in the room.

Watching this made the angry Mrs Hond even more.......angry.

Den watched, unable to stop smiling. This was entertaining.

And you must as well know, he already knew who the culprit was and couldn't wait to expose them.

He also knew where the goods were.

"Okay. Let's begin" Den said and someone's heart began to race in fear.

He (Den) could hear it.

And he was thrilled. Knowing the culprit was dying in fear.

He stared at the six (Mr Hond, Mrs Hond and the four workers) one after the other, smiling, before starting.

"That night, the shop closed around 10 pm. As usual, Mr Hond had the key to the storage room. After the shop closed down, the workers went their ways. And Mr Hond, went to his usual place for alcohol"

"And women" Mrs Hond added in rage, glaring at the already scared old man (Mr Hond)

His wife knew about this current affairs.

He was dead meat!

"Worker One really did go home. And worker two,.......you never met your friends"

"Huh?" Worker Two asked stupidly, panic, stated all over his face.

Worker Two had said he met his friends for drinks right after he left the shop.

However, when Mira looked into it, that was not so.

And there was more to it.

"I know you've been stealing bags of salt. You sell them and use the money to care for your sick grandmother"

And this (The stolen bags of salt ) was also revealed by Worker One. He noticed the guy (Worker Two) has been stealing but never said a word about it cause he had no proof.

And about his grandmother, Mira found out.

Enraged, Mr Hond yelled out, "What? You've been stealing from me?!" Glaring at the terrified worker Two.

"And how can you notice when you're always out?" Mrs Hond countered, shutting up the old man.

Guilt, consuming him.

His wife was right and he dare not speak up.

Den continued, not really interested in the drama.

"Before Mr Hond left, he double checked and the storage was locked. The key with him. So, how did the goods go missing? And am confident, the lock was opened by the original key" Den stated, looking at them one after the other.

"This person who stole the goods knows you well, Mr Hond" he (Den) continued.

"Was it him?!" Mr Hond asked angrily, a finger pointed at Worker Two.

Scaring the man even more.

"It wasn't me! I didn't do it!" He (Worker Two) strongly denied but the old man was having none of it.

He did not believe him.

"It wasn't him" Den confirmed, surprising everyone (Mr Hond, Worker One, Worker Three and Worker Four/Chef) while the guy sighed in relief.

Gald he was not blamed even though he was guilty of other stuffs.

"Then, who did?" The confused old man asked and Den chuckled, "I'm getting there" he said and continued.

"After looking into it, we found out you came back home around 1am. And you were dead drunk. You couldn't even walk properly or see"

Well, he (Mr Hond) had nothing to say about that.

"The key was still with you when you came home, right?"

"Yes. That's correct" Mr Hond confirmed. That, he was certain.

He remember checking it before entering the house.

But then............ Oh,.....

"You mean, he snuck into my room and stole the key?" He (Mr Hond) asked but it was more of a statement as he glared at Worker Two.

Scaring the poor man once again.

It really wasn't him but the old man refuse to believe it after finding out what he did.

"It really wasn't me" Worker Two denied again.

Of course, Den, knowing he was saying the truth, jumped in to defend him.

"I already said it wasn't him"

"How can I believe this after finding out what he did?"

Mr Hond was right.

However, Den wasn't done and there was no need pointing fingers.

"True, Worker Two never met his friends after he left the shop. But he did grab a drink alone. He was in a pub until 3am"

Rolling his eyes, Mr Hond said, "But that doesn't proof anything"

It proved a lot! Seriously! This old man was spoiling his mood!

It was so simple yet he was making it so hard!.

"It wasn't him. He was busy drinking down his sorrows and frustrations"

"That's right!" The guy confirmed and Den looked at him, asking, "And did that work?"

Of course it didn't but he didn't want to give that answer.

Taking care of his sick grandmother was pretty hard. Considering he had no good job that paid well and he also couldn't go out of town and leave her alone. There was no one to care of her either.

This stingy old man (Hond) refuse to pay him more even though he knew of his situation. It was hard.

He even went as far as stealing!

He really couldn't take it anymore!

Drinking was his only option.

Though that wasn't working either and was only wasting money.

"If it wasn't him, then who was it?" The impatient Mr Hond asked.

He had to find the goods as soon as possible.

His life was on the line here!

"Mr Hond, the person who did this knows you well. If am right, is not their plan to get you killed. They only want to hurt you, frustrate the living life out of you. Which they succeeded"

A surprised Mr Hond couldn't think of anyone who would do this to him.

He hasn't offended anyone lately or hurt anyone! It has been a while since he stole someone's wife.

So why was this happening to him?!

"This person wants to teach you a lesson. They know, stealing the goods, you'll not go to the officials because what you did is illegal"

Frightened, the old man stated, "They know about the deal"

"That's right Mr Hond, they know"

Not many knew about the deal and the only one who did.........no, this.........

"You came back drunk. Dead drunk. The culprit had no intentions of harming you, however,.....if am right, you said something you shouldn't have, isn't that right, Mrs Hond" and everyone turned to Mrs Hond, eyes widened in shock.

True, his wife was the only one who knew about the deal before this happened. However, Mr Hond never thought she'll be the culprit.

His own wife......His own wife did this to him!

Who can he trust now?!

He was still in shock. In disbelief.

"My......My wife" he called out, looking at an unconcerned Mrs Hond who stared at nothing with a blank expression on her face.

"You stole the goods to teach him a lesson. You wanted him to feel miserable, just like you feel every night he goes out"

Mrs Hond said nothing to the accusation.

Nevertheless, Den continued, "If am right, Mr Hond said something to you when he came back that morning. Hurting you. Having endured enough, you decided to teach him a lesson. You stole the goods"

"My wife.....my own wife! How could you do this to me?!" Mr Hond voiced out, disappointed and devastated.

Mrs Hond, having enough of her useless husband, finally spoke,

"Oh don't give me that crap!" glaring at him.

So much anger in her eyes as she said,

"How long have I been enduring this?! Years!, Ever since the business bloomed, you've done nothing but hurt me! Have you ever seen me as your wife?! If you have, you won't be going behind my back! Cheating on me! Flirting with girls young enough to be your daughters! Including this little girl!"

A finger pointed at Mira, everyone stared at her and she stared back, pouting, she said, "I'm not into men old enough to be my father"

"I don't think now's the time Mi" Den jumped in before she could seek for her end.

"I tried every possible way to make you see me again! Did the most expensive makeup and stuffs just so you'll notice me again! Go back to how we used to be! But you never noticed me! You kept hurting me! Even called another woman's name while you were with me" and that's why she did this.

Watching the woman cry as she spoke, everyone felt for her and Mr Hond felt even more guilty.

He could no longer blame his wife for what she did cause he knew it was all his fault.

Now, his eyes were opened, and could see, he became the worst kind of person every since he became rich.

"Of course, Mrs Hond couldn't have done it alone"

I really wish Den could read the mood.

Seriously, this guy.......

"What do you mean Mr Den?" Mr Hond asked.

Ah, he (Den) could hear it again.

The heartbeat of a guilty person.

Seriously, did he really think he'll get away by proving Mrs Hond guilty?

"There are hundred of bags and am pretty sure they're heavy as well"

Even though he didn't know exactly what they were.

"True" Mr Hond confirmed.

Well, he (Den) wasn't wrong after all.

"Offered a huge sum of money, he agreed to help. And, before dawn, both load up the goods. I must say, Mrs Hond...... you're one strong woman"

"My age might have moved up but my body remains the same"

Ah, she wasn't even denying the fact that she had an accomplice.

Den was beginning to like this woman.

Smiling, Den replied, "True"

"So, who's the accomplice? Do you know?" An anxious Mr Hond asked.

"He's right here. Among us. Isn't that right, chef?"

Worker Four also known as Chef, felt his heart skip a beat.

Not in a good way though.

The man was now shaking in fear, thinking it was the end of him now that he has been found out.

"You!...." Mr Hond was in shock but the anger in his eyes couldn't be missed.

The old man never thought he would be the accomplice.

But he was.

He was and he was going to pay for it!

"After we left yesterday, I called back everyone while Mi was out researching"

Huh? Mira looked at Den, shock out of her mind.

He......He.....He worked?

He worked?!

"Worker One thought Worker Two was the culprit while Worker Two and Three (The female) had no idea. The chef, however, had an idea. It was Mrs Hond. Please look into her"

"You!....." Mrs Hond, angered, said this as she glared at the chef, not having another word to add.

"Considering Mr Hond's behavior, she was the culprit. He put all the blame on Mrs Hond. And that was a mistake. That turned out to be proof of his involvement. Never do that again Mr Chef"

"I......I......" The man was speechless, terrified and couldn't think of another word to say.

"Bastard! I should kill you!" An angry Mrs Hond said.

Mr Hond wanted no part in this anymore.

He wanted to know where the goods were!

His life was on the line!!

"So, where's the goods?" Impatiently, he asked.

"Where else. In this very house. Time wasn't on their side and the goods were too much and too heavy. They also didn't plan for this. There was no way they could have hidden them somewhere else"

True.

Mr Den was right.

However, where exactly were the goods?

Like Den heard the old man's question, he answered, "In her room"

And after dropping such a huge bomb, surprising the living life out of them (Worker One, Worker Two, Worker Three and Mr Hond) the two left.

Of course, with their payment.

Mrs Hond's room was checked and just like Den said, the goods really were there.

Packed at the corner of the room. No wonder Mrs Hond refused to get her room cleaned up by worker Three. Just like she did every morning.

Surely, they all now had the same thoughts.

Mr Hond won't be the same man again.

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STREET

"Uhah, is over" Den said, stretching his hands as he walked, with Mira by his side.

He was actually amazed they made it out alive and am more amazed at the fact that, those four (Work One, Worker Two, Worker Three and Worker Four/Chef) accepted the names he gave them.

Smiling, Mira said, "You sound upset"

"Of course I am. I thought it'll be something difficult. But the moment, I saw them all, I figured out the culprit. The first time we met them, Mrs Hond was staring at you like she could murder you any time. Your presence must have brought bad omen in her life" Den joked, annoying the lady.

A deep frown on her beautiful face, she replied, "Is not funny"

It was in his book.

Can't she see he's laughing?

Ending his laugh, he said, "Seriously, am surprise you didn't interfere once during my moment of truth"

Moment of truth?

Funny.

Smiling, Mira replied, "How could I do that when my master was trying so hard to be cool during the 'moment of truth' "

What?

"I wasn't trying. Am always cool" a sulking Den said.

Hmmm, he was. She'll just leave it that way.

"What now, master?" Asked, Den stopped in his tracks and Mira did the same.

Watching Den as he thought about it.

What now? Den had no idea. He knew Mira asked cause it was about time they took the trip.

He has been living in this town, in this kingdom, the kingdom of Peace for more than two years.

Keeping an eye on things while enjoying his peaceful quiet life.

Life, has never been this great!

However, around this time of the year, he always had to take a trip around the world they lived in.

Still, he didn't want to leave yet.

What now, Mi asked.

It was pretty simple!

They'll stay for a few days.

"I.........." and before Den could say another word, something drew his attention.

The sudden breeze stole his attention and he couldn't help but look up at the blue sky, letting himself feel the sudden feeling in the atmosphere.

Mira watched him, concern and curious. She couldn't feel it.

It was something Den couldn't quite explain, however, one word, refuse to leave his mind.

Trouble.

Felt like trouble was close.

Closer......... bigger!.......he could feel it in the atmosphere.

He could feel that 'One' too,........ One in him was excited while he was scared.

Scared of what was coming.

This.......

"Master, what's wrong?" Mira asked, but Den did not answer her question.

"Mi, would you like to leave the Kingdom of Peace with me?" He asked, still staring at the sky.

Mira wasn't surprised. They always left town around this time of the year.

But his master's suddenly behavior concerned her. He seemed out of it. Staring at the sky as if he could see something in there.

Still, she didn't want to leave now. However, there was no need arguing. She knew, it wasn't a question but a decision he has made.

They were leaving, and nothing was stopping this crazy master of hers.

"Wherever master goes, I follow" she answered and Den looked at her, smiling.

He liked the answer she gave, she could see.

"Then,.......tell them, the inn should remain open. They should take care while we're gone. We'll come back, if we have to"

Guess if he didn't have to, they'll never come back.

This wasn't something new but just like her master. This was why they haven't been home for some time now.

"Alright" she replied.

Den looked back at the sky, smiling while Mira stared at him.

Wondering what he planned to do next.

Where exactly, were their first destination.