CHAPTER 7: A FAMILIAR FACE.

A couple of minutes had passed since they left the hotel but no one had said anything. All over detective Clark's face, Robert could see the curiosity boldly written down. But she would not ask anything. Robert on the other hand could not help but only flashback to the times when he envisaged a glorious life of luxury with his parents. On one of those graceful mornings of his childhood, it snowed heavily. His father had taken him for a short morning ride. While they were out, little Robert could not get his eyes off the snow piled up in several corners of the street.

" Rob," his father called, noticing his son's keen attention to what was happening in the streets, " you have seen snow countless number of times. This should not be new. Am I right?"

" Dad, can anyone do this stuff?"

" Which stuff?"

" I mean, clearing the snow off the road. I would love to try it out."

His father smiled and eyed him. " Son, if you do that, you will actually deprive someone else of the opportunity to earn a living."

" I don't understand, father. Are you saying people earn through this?"

" Yes, son. They are paid for this. So, as you can see right now, you are enjoying a great privilege. "

The little boy giggled." Dad, I wish to be far richer than you. "

" What?" His father chuckled. " Why would you want that?"

" Uhm… I believe I should exceed wherever you stop. Besides, " he paused before continuing," I want to spoil both of my parents with luxury."

" Luxury?" His father laughed. " I can afford any luxury I want. Don't worry , son. I know you will be richer. But then, you still have a long way to go. However, everything I own will be yours. "

Robert was now an adult. But those words of his father had not come to pass. Why? The images of the horrible night were still fresh.

" Detective Robert," Clark interrupted his thoughts," can you be calm for a moment and answer my question?"

" A question or questions. Which one is it ?" Robert asked with his eyes still faced outside.

" Whatever. But I really need to understand something. "

" I am all ears. "

" Why do you keep trying to play the arrogant fella? "

" Hmm." Robert exhaled and turned to her. " I don't think I perfectly understand what you are saying right now."

" What is with the arrogance you constantly put up? I have been trying to put up with you. But if this continues, believe me, I will definitely let you go your way. "

Robert smiled. " You really feel you are doing me a favor. Don't you?" He chuckled. Anyways, tell me. What do you think about what the manager said back there?"

" Are you changing the topic?"

" Don't tell me you are becoming more interested in detective Robert than the case . Am I that good-looking?"

" Holy crap." The air of discomfort blew through Clark. " I am fed up. You? Good-looking? It is quite a pity that shitty people have no idea what they are like. Or should I say it's better? Damn. "

" Would you prefer to go on with this conversation or change the topic?" He giggled. " I guess the answer is to change the topic. So, tell me. What are your thoughts on the words of Flora Jones?"

" I guess we have to listen to the recording to know what our line of thought should be like. "

" Will you really be fine?" Robert asked.

" What?" Clark eyed him. Just a few minutes ago, he was trying hard to put her in a hard corner. And now, he is asking a silly question. " What do you mean to say?"

" I mean, just as —" Robert tried to explain but was cut off by her tough partner.

" Oh. " Clark said, focusing on what was ahead. " Here we are."

Robert followed her gaze. They had arrived at the estate of Mr Sinclair. " We are here already. " He managed to say.

Clark slowed down as they approached the entrance. A young man dressed in a black suit approached their car .

" Hello.. good day. Clark greeted as she rolled down the glass.

" Good day. Who are you and why are you here?"

" We are here to see Mr Sinclair." Clark replied with a smile.

" Does he know you are coming?"

" Uhm. I don't think so."

" Then, I am sorry I can't let you through at the moment. "

" I understand you are doing your job here. But you will be charged for—" she was cut short.

" Hey. " Robert was already out of the car. " I am detective Robert." He flashed his identity card before the security. " And that pretty lady is my colleague. "

" This still does not change any issue here. You can't pass through unless —"

" Unless our identities are confirmed. " Robert chipped in. " The last time I checked, this is an estate. This is just an entrance. Before getting to Mr Sinclair's residence, we will pass through the protocol. So, confirm the identities and let us through. "

" Uh.. uhm.. have you been coming here..? The security asked. " Never mind. You can pass."

Robert eyed Clark feeling the pride within him. Without a word , he settled in and they drove on. Within a couple of minutes, they were at the second check. The same process repeated itself once more. But this time, it was less complex. The person in charge placed a call to announce their visit. After searching for any signs of threats, they were given directions and let through.

" It is funny how the rich feel they are on top of the world. " Clark muttered.

" Not the rich but the powerful." Robert corrected. Clark eyed him. " Being rich is only a single aspect of it. Influence is a core matter. "

" I guess so. "She turned left and sped through a tarmac bordered by grassy lands. Soon, they were before the building.

" I have bad feelings about this case. " Clark said.

Robert smiled. " Are you scared?"

" Pardon?" She sighed and came down. " Come down. "

Robert giggled.

" Good afternoon. Welcome. Mr Sinclair has been waiting for you. "

Both detectives exchanged looks and followed . Their aid took them straight into the living room.

" Mr Sinclair will be here soon. " The aid said. " You can wait here. If you need anything, you can place your order."

Clark chuckled. " How long are we waiting?"

That won't be necessary." A man's voice replied as he appeared into view. It was Mr Sinclair.

" Mr Sinclair. " Clark muttered.

" Oh yes. Welcome to my home. " He extended his hand. " I presume you are here to answer my questions." He smiled.

" Maybe." Clark shook him.

" Or maybe," Robert chipped in with a serious face," we are here to get answers from you."

" Why don't we all sit down?" Mr Patrick Hudson said as he walked in. " It appears the atmosphere is tensed up."

" Please, have a seat. " Mr Sinclair took his seat. The two detectives sat in the opposite direction to the influential men.

" Captain Clinton was at my place not so long ago." Mr Patrick Hudson said. " I believe you are here to provide more answers."

"Mr Patrick Hudson," Clark began, " I believe Claire should be in shock and needs the comfort of a loved one. Is there a special reason you left her alone to meet your friend?"

" I believe as her father, it is my responsibility to find out what has befallen my daughter and my friend. " Mr Patrick replied, still looking normal.

" A few hours with Claire would not disrupt anything. " Clark protested.

Mr Patrick smiled. " Claire is your best friend. Why aren't you with her?"

" Prolly because I am trying to figure out what happened to the fiance of my best friend." She clenched her fist. " You know, her mother could have been there."

" How dare you, Clark?!" Mr Patrick was fired up.

" Patrick." Mr Sinclair's calm voice called. " Calm your nerves. "

" I won't stand this nonsense. " Mr Patrick Hudson walked out angrily.

" Now," Robert spoke," I feel the answer to your son's death lies in your relationship with Mr Patrick Hudson."

Mr Sinclair smiled. " You know, I am being calm because I have to. I lost my son hours ago. And two detectives that are supposed to be providing me with answers are here because they suspect me. "

" This is a normal procedure." Robert stood and stepped closer to him. "But trying to avoid the questions is rather more suspicious than giving a dishonest answer. "

" What do you want to know?"

For the next couple of minutes, the detectives tried to get information from Mr Sinclair. But he appeared clean.

" Thank you for your time." Clark said. " We will take our leave now." They stood and headed for the door.

" Wait." Mr Sinclair's voice stopped them. " Hold on. " He took slow steps towards them. " Detective Robert, have...we met somewhere?"

No reply came.

" Perhaps, a few tons of years ago." His eyes fixed intently on Robert. Robert didn't flinch. He smiled. Yes. Mr Sinclair definitely owed him a debt from years ago. A debt he had come to collect.