5 Unfolding Secrets

In the previous chapter-

We started walking down the hallway. The sound of our footsteps filled it. But Mendel sir only walked slower and slower until the whole hallway was empty. He turned to me and what he said made my heartbeat louder, which was exactly what I wanted to hear.

"Liam, we're about to catch the craziest killer our country has ever faced. So brace yourself."

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It couldn't be true... could it? My lungs stopped. I gulped, "B-but how sir?"

Mr. Mendel grinned. Every second was an hour to me. "Liam you're still too young. You're only 24, while I'm 57. I have a feeling that I won't live for very long, so you better learn everything you can from me now."

"Yes sir. I'll try my best." I tried to sound as cold as possible. I was at the limit of my patience. I clenched my fists. But what was left unsaid is 'Sir, I won't let it happen. I'll protect you with all the techniques you've taught me.'

He looked into my eyes. My eyes refused to meet his. I understood he wouldn't tell me this soon. But did he understand what I said inside my mind? What if he thinks I'm being unprofessional? He looked out the window.

Following his gaze, I rested mine on a big tree. The sunlight was colliding with its dark green leaves and painting them with yellow color; making them look light leaf green in color. A beautiful mixture of colors that every artist strived to create.

He coughed. "Liam, let's go somewhere where I can tell you about the clues I got."

Before I could say 'Yes sir', my phone rang. But the ringtone...

Mr. Mendel patted my shoulder. "You talk. We'll talk about it later." He waved his hand slightly and left even before I could say anything. My curiosity was choking me. I took a deep breath.

On my phone's cover, I have painted a bloody flower, as if someone has shot it with a deadly gun. I picked up the call.

"Hello mom" I said.

"Liu!!!! How are you doing sweetheart? I made your favorite mozzarella today!" Cheerful, as always.

"Oh that's good mom" I smiled a bit.

"When are you coming home???"

"I don't know" I said honestly.

Mom's voice became soft.

"Honey... Why have you become cold? Liu... You don't have to be so hard on yourself. It was not..." Mom started to comfort me.

"NOT my fault?" I tried my best not to raise my voice. "Is it not my fault to not be able to protect my own father? Is it not my fault to let my father die in the hands of that bastard mysterious murderer?"

My vision became blurry, hot tears dripped off My Face. I felt a sharp pain on my chest as if thousands of needles passed through it. Why did it happen to us?... Why my dad?... Why does my mom have to suffer?... Why me?

I tried hard to make my voice sound normal so that mom did not worry. I was not allowed to shed tears, not yet.

"Liu... It's the killer, not you! I also lost him... It was not your fault... It was mine."

I couldn't say anything mom also broke down in tears. I started to get the sour taste of my tears. I stopped the tears welling from inside with all my strength.

"No. I promised you that I will find the killer and give him the punishment he deserves no matter what it takes. Even that means I've to get killed..." I said.

"No!" Mom interrupted me. "Please honey, for my shake don't do that. All I've got now is you..." mom's voice was weakening.

"Sorry mom but I can neither break my promise nor let Mr. Mendel down." I inhaled and exhaled everything out, then started again. "He was the one who gave me the opportunity to catch the killer though I was only a law student. He believed I've the capacity to be an investigator. He gave me a chance to avenge my father and all those innocent people. "

"Son..." I couldn't even imagine how she was feeling. "Okay... Don't let Mr. Mendel down. Your father and him were best friends when they were in 1st grade... Your father was Mr. Mendel's world. But take care of yourself too, okay?" Her voice was full of love, care and worry.

"Hmm... Yes." I ended the call. I could not bear seeing her in pain any longer. I just wanted to breathe at that time, not thinking about anything, not doing anything. Minutes passed. I started to walk towards the direction Mr. Mendel went. Dad... I wouldn't let that bastard murderer go. Believe me... I wouldn't.

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