contradiction.

Hebrew woke up groaning. His head still feels heavy, and his body is tired.

"You awake?" Eric walked in with a glass of water in his hand.

Hebrew rubbed his face abruptly.

"I know... I know...it's irritating to see some guy walk in rather than a gal in your bedroom while you just woke up, shirtless."

He pointed the glass towards Hebrew and Hebrew looked down.

"What the fu-"

"Okay, don't!" Eric interrupted, and Hebrew glared at him.

"I know it's kinda pervert thing to do, but, you were bleeding, a lot." He pointed towards the shirt in the dustbin, covered in blood.

Hebrew massaged his forehead. "Now will you tell what's going on?" Eric requested.

"Winchester came out clean, he ain't the murderer."

"What? How?" Eric kept the glass on the study table and went near Hebrew.

Hebrew huffed, "Someone injured the murderer during his last crime...we know because we found some other DNA on the victim's fingertips...It didn't match with him."

Eric sighed, and Hebrew stood up, away from his bed.

"Everything's over..." Hebrew whispered.

"Huh?!" Eric was confused.

"I don't know what to do next..."

And Hebrew walked out of his room towards the hall.

"Why? Flynn...you definitely know what to do." Eric followed him.

"No...I DO NOT!" He yelled and turned towards Eric, panting.

"You're the finest-"

"No, I am not! I cannot find the murderer...I am a bloody criminal and celebrity detective in everyone's eyes."

"You'll find the murderer, only you can...this is the only way to clear out your name. Solve this case.

"NO, I CANNOT!"

"BUT WHY?!

"CAUSE I AM-"

"Mr Hebrew?! Oh-" Jessica came in and turned around as she saw him shirtless.

Hebrew exhaled sharply.

"Let me grab my shirt."

"And let me grab the lady."

"What the he-"

"Uh sorry..." Eric quickly apologised as he stood straight in front of Jessica.

He closed the door and locked it.

"Have a seat..." He offered.

Jessica nodded and sat on the sofa. Eric peeked inside the Hebrew's room from where he was standing.

"Sorry if I interrupted,"

"Uh?" Eric stood straight.

"I just...wanted to check on Mr Hebrew. He went home without informing."

Eric scratched his forehead. "Umm...yeah...I know...he was just too tired."

"Is he alright now?" She asked, her brows frowning in concern.

"Umm...I guess he is." he smiled awkwardly.

Hebrew came out and Jessica looked at him. It was her first time when she noticed him properly. From all those photos she had seen in articles, he seemed different now. He had dark circles, his eyes seemed tired. He seemed extremely weak. Was it because...he really had no money to keep him surviving? Jessica wondered.

"Ms Lennon, I had told you that day too...I cannot afford your regular visits."

"Tch!" Eric elbowed him and Hebrew ignored him.

"I know Mr Hebrew." She stood up.

"I just wanted to know why you went away saying nothing?" She frowned.

Eric looked at Hebrew, who glared at Jessica.

"Why you...said nothing to Mr Robert?"

"It is none of your business, Ms Lennon."

"Well...this what you got always, to shut me up?"

She walked more close to him.

"Mr Hebrew, I don't know what you've been going through, or what your problems are...I'm just asking you cause how you react or say affects me, cause they think I'm on your side."

"Well then, tell everyone!" He spoke louder.

"Flynn-" Eric tried to calm him, but, it was too late.

"Tell everyone about your revenge then!" His words made her eyes widen.

"Tell them whose daughter you are. Tell them so they could frame you up too!" He was out of breath now.

"Flynn!" Eric warned, and clutched his hand.

"What do you mean?" Jessica asked.

Hebrew rubbed his face abruptly.

"Umm...Ms Jessica, I guess...you should leave now. He is not in a fit state and so he is just blabbering."

"No, he never blabbers. What does that mean? What will they do to me if-"

Before she could finish, Hebrew held her by her forearms.

"I am dangerous for you, so stop taking me for granted. Ms Lennon, it would be good if you just solve this case quietly rather than asking questions."

"But-"

"Stop!" He ground his teeth and jerked her.

"Questioning!"

Pushing her outside, he made her step out, but before he could close the door, his legs gave up. And Eric held him from behind.

"Flynn! What happened?" He was concerned, and so was Jessica.

Hebrew closed his eyes and went numb in the grip of Eric.

~~~~~~~

"Has he eaten anything?"

"Well...dunno. Last night he was quite drunk, and he woke up early in the morning, before me, and then rushed out just after the call. I do not know what he ate."

They both sat beside the bed, on wooden chairs, observing Hebrew.

"It's the third time when he has fainted in front of me." Jessica said as she looked at Hebrew with worried eyes.

"Third time? That's a worrisome number." Eric claimed.

Jessica nodded. "I know...I don't know what has happened to him. But if compared to those photos I've seen of him from the past, he seems…weak. He says he is fine but on contradictory he...doesn't seem so."

Eric nodded. "I've noticed this too, but got no chance to discuss this with him."

Jessica nodded. "By the way...who are you, Mr..."

"Oh, I'm Eric Ashley...I'm a childhood friend of Flynn or I would say the only friend of Flynn."

Jessica nodded.

"Would you like to have something?" Eric asked.

"Umm...no it's fine."

"Don't feel bad for whatever Flynn said. He is just...a bit frustrated nowadays."

She shook her head.

"It's fine, absolutely. But tell me this thing...Mr Hebrew...has he been always so weak?"

Eric frowned, "No...he was quite fit and healthy." He scratched his chin.

"I wonder what had happened to him, maybe...being in prison he wasn't able to feed himself properly and even after being out of it...he had no job to earn living for him in these several months."

Jessica looked at Hebrew. He looked monotonous, but his brows were furrowed.

'Is he really behind my father's death?' She wondered.

Every step she took now made her wonder if she was after the right person...or was it someone else? Who killed her father? Who is behind everything she has suffered? Who is the one to deserve her hatred? Who should she take revenge on?

Such contradictory questions filled her mind.