Half-step Purgatory

Durin stroked the black cat on the armrest of his chair, sitting on the black leather sofa. Through the glasses perched on his nose, his gaze passed over the long table in front of him and settled on the man kneeling on the carpet:
"I understand, you've made money in Naples, your business has been very successful, and you've led a happy life. You've had those secret police, friends in both the law and the underground, and even the Royal Family speaking on your behalf."
"You don't need a friend like me, I know that. You're afraid of owing me a favor, and you don't want to get involved in troubles."
"But now you come to me and say, 'I beg you, Mr. Durin of the Corleon family, please help me seek justice, so that my life and my family will not suffer and sink into despair.'
Yet, in your eyes, I was nothing more than a second-rate artist involved in movies and music. Even at the brink of death, you still show me such disrespect, not even willing to call me by my title... Keeper of Secrets."

Durin's Diary

The funeral was held in the early morning.


There was a slight fog in Valletta today, and Ron's coffin was lowered into the grave by his children and the local registrar.


Durin wanted to help, but considering his own height, he had to let others do it.


Of course, Mr. Ron's family understood, and his children came over to shake hands with Durin. The younger brother also handed Durin an album: "Father told me when he was still lucid to give this album to you."


Durin received the album with both hands.


He had a thousand words to say, but in the end, it all turned into a nod of agreement.


Ron Peterson-Adams and Caesar Peterson-Adams.


Two tombstones stood side by side, less than half a meter apart.


Durin and Xialu left the cemetery, and while waiting for the carriage, Durin opened the album.


On the first page of the album, there was a sentence.


'This is the album I bought after running all over Copenhagen, happy birthday to my Ron, my child.'


Chapter 146: Distant Visitors