Chapter - 123 - Don’t act

Back in the police department, "Lieutenant, we have got the information on the father of that child. He has been hiding near the slum area north of Elm Street." "Good. Get him and bring him to the station. I will get the arrest warrant." Mike smiled at Mason and left with the team. Mason made a few calls and got permission for the arrest. Mason looked at the information board and muttered, "Night King, you are in my land, and I will get hold of you!" Mason hit the table with his fist and walked out of his office with a solemn expression.

After an hour of searching, Mike and his team captured the father. "Lieutenant, we have arrested him and are on the way to the station," informed Mike through the radio. "Well done, boys. Let's track down all the druggies." Mason was excited and couldn't wait to get the information from him!

In the interrogation room, "I don't know anything. You can charge me for anything as you wish!" shouted the father. "I will give you two choices. Tell the truth before you set foot outside this room or be ready to never see the sunlight for the rest of your life! The choice is yours!" Mason looked at him keenly for all the minute expression on his face.

He knew he would crack this druggie no matter what. "Your results are out, and it shows positive in the report for the drug test. What do you say? Should we follow the strict protocol or choose leniency?" asked Mason, with an indifferent look, as if he was not interested in this druggie.

The father of the child was in a dilemma. He didn't know whether the police would help him, but he was more scared of the gang than the police! "Lieutenant, why should we go lenient on him? Let's charge him with a life sentence! How can he brutally abuse and try to kill his son?" said Mike. The face of the man drastically changed, and he slowly turned to look at them in shock.

"Try to kill? What happened to my son? What happened to him!!!!" screamed the man like a madman. "Shut your mouth!" roared Mason. The man immediately went silent and looked at Mason in sorrow and confusion. "Don't act like a good dad now! Where was this concern when you abused your son and left him on the street to die?" asked Mason through his gritted teeth.

"No. I have never touched my son! He is the only thing my wife left me in her remembrance. Why would I try to kill my son?" said the man in between his confused sobs. Mason and Mike exchanged glances. Mason could tell that the man was telling the truth.

Mason signaled Mike, and he immediately went to do a background check on the man. The man continued to cry and mumble, "I am sorry dear. I am not worthy of being a father. How could I leave him like that? I am sorry dear. I couldn't keep up the promise. I am so sorry…" Mason knew that something happened that they were not aware of. After some time, the man suddenly stopped crying and said in a desperate tone, "Sir, I will tell you everything, and you can lock me up, but can you promise me one thing?" Mason saw the desperation in his eyes and nodded his head.

The man immediately grabbed the hands of Mason and asked, "Can you promise me that my son will be safe and have a good life ahead?" Mason sighed and said, "You don't have to worry about your son. I will personally take care of his proceedings." "No. My son can't stay here. They will kill him. My son can't stay here." "Who are the 'they'?" asked Mason. "I will tell you everything only after you show me the proof that my son will be safe. I don't care about my life, but I want my son to have a better life and forget about a useless father like me."

"Lieutenant, you should see this," informed Mike through the earpiece. Mason patted his hands and whispered, "Wait for me here until I make the arrangements, but if you go back on your words, I will torture your son in front of your eyes." The man shuddered for a second, hearing his words. "I…I won't go back on my words. I promise!" Mason gave a warning glare before he left the room.

"Spill the details." "His name is Kevin, and he is 35 years old. He lost his wife, who was diagnosed with blood cancer three years before. He had a decent job in an MNC as an IT professional. His savings were all spent on his wife's treatment, and slowly debt piled up, but unfortunately couldn't save his wife."

"According to the statement from his colleagues, he is an honest man who works hard and has never seen him drinking alcohol or smoking. He was a devoted husband and has always been a caring father, even after the death of his wife. But he suddenly resigned from his job one month ago and changed his number and residence. None of his colleagues could reach him till today."

"The old neighbors praised his character and devotion to his family. The only complaint was that he left the house suddenly without informing them. The new neighbors said they often heard the beating sounds and the child crying for his mom, especially at night. Whenever enquired by the neighbors, Kevin would say that the child was disobedient or got low marks, and he punished the child."

"Lieutenant, I think he got addicted to the drug and lost his mind," said Mike.