The Lead Clue to Serious Guy

Mc Ivan's POV

Kissa couldn't stop crying while we bid our last goodbye to Neil.

I'm just at her side, holding her, so she won't collapse.

This is the hardest for her, and I can see the pain she's feeling.

I was crying too, especially when I remembered my last conversation with Neil.

FLASHBACK

“You have to sleep on the floor.” Neil said when I entered his room.

I smiled when I saw he already prepared my bed, even if it's on the floor.

“Okay.” I said, smiling, still tasting my lips that just touched Kissa's soft lips.

Finally, she's mine.

“Maybe Mom already said yes to you, are you guys dating now?”

My smile dropped.

How did he know? Is it all written in my face?

“Did you see us?” I asked him.

He shook his head.

“No, it was all written on your face.” He rolled his eyes.

He's too cute.

I just nodded.

He then lay down to his bed, and so I am.

A moment of silence, passed.

“Can I ask you a favor?” He suddenly asked.

“What is it?” I replied.

“Take good care of Mom. Don't make her cry, don't cheat on her. She doesn't deserve it.” He said in a serious mode.

He wasn't looking my way, all I can see is his back.

“When Dad left us, I saw how devastated she is. She always cries at night, and it hurts me that I can't do anything for her. O don't want her to suffer like that again, I want her to smile and be happy.” I smiled while listening to him.

“And if you are the man who could give it to her, then I'm giving you my blessing. Just promise me, don't make my Mom cry, and stay by her side, always. Protect her at all cost, especially to that Serious Guy.” He now faced me.

So now he believes, I am not Serious Guy.

“I promise to you. I will take good care not just your Mom but also you. I will treasure you guys forever, I will treat you like my own, Neil.” He smiled, and so I am.

He then turned his back again.

“Good night, Dad.” He whispered.

But enough for me to hear.

END OF FLASHBACK

“I promise you, Neil, I will find him. I will find and will make him pay for killing you.” I whispered.

I clenched my fist.

I will never stop until I find you, Serious Guy.

Police station

“Any updates?” — Deputy Chief asked us.

“Sir, it was the Serious Guy. He left a note in the child's hand.” Sergeant Nichol answered.

I clenched my fist below the table.

I'm burning with so much anger in my heart.

I promise Neil's coffin and Kissa to find him.

And I will never stop.

No matter what it takes.

“Sergeant Nichol, I heard that child is your godchild. I want you out of this case. Inspector Rosauro led this case.” Chief Doldolia told us.

“But Sir-

“No buts Sergeant. Rosauro update me as soon as you find the culprit.” Chief Doldolia told me.

I look at him with full determination in my eyes.

“Yes Sir.” I was determined to find him now.

The meeting then adjourned.

“Rosauro, keep updating me too.” Sergeant Nichol said before he left us.

“Yes, sir.” We saluted to him before we entered our unit's meeting room.

“Prete, what about the CCTV's near the crime scene?” — I asked Prete.

I was hoping that there's a possibility it was recorded this time.

“It's the Serious Guy's doing, so as usual all CCTVs were damaged that night.” She answered.

I already see this coming.

“Bro, the autopsy report came out a while ago.” John said and handed me the report.

“It was a strangled neck injury again.” He added.

I clenched my jaw.

“How can he do that to a 12-year-old boy?” Mica said in despair.

“Neil is just a kid, he's so innocent, loving, and caring.” Prete agreed.

“He's full of life, his friends are all sad, he really is a good friend.” Maine also agreed.

I can't stop clenching my jaw and fist.

I closed my eyes for a while to hide my tears from falling.

“Mica, what happened to your interview with Kissa?” I asked.

I can't face Kissa at now. Not until, I find him.

I'll make sure, this time, I will.

No matter where he hides.

“She said that, that night, she was about to go out to buy some groceries, but Neil insisted on buying it for her because he will stop at his friend's house. When I asked his friend, He said Neil didn't come that night to him.” Mica explained.

“How about the grocery store? Did they see someone with Neil? Or notice someone following him?” I asked.

“No, according to the security guard, Neil was alone when he entered and left the grocery store.”

“Maybe on his way to his friend's home, he came across to meet the killer. Perhaps Neil laughed at him, that annoys him and kills Neil?” John assumed.

“No. Neil is a type of boy who doesn't laugh easily.” I commented.

“Maine, what about that lead we talked last time? Did you dig it up? Did you go to the shop?”

“You got a lead?” Mica asked.

I nodded.

“We're not certain on it, anyway, how was it?” I asked Maine, hoping for a positive response.

“Actually, when I arrived there, they aren't using a green note. It was pink, perhaps that was coincidence, Ivan. It wasn't intentional, there's no sign there that Serious Guy is one of them.” She answered.

I took a deep sighed.

I thought, it could lead us to something. Possibly, it was just a coincidence.

“I'm still thinking where did the killer saw Neil's laughing?” Mica is still on that.

“Or possibly, he has already seen Neil laugh before and planned to kill Neil?” Prete asked.

“When was that?” — Maine asked.

We all look at each other when one idea comes to us all.

“His birthday party.” — We said in chorus.