Eighty Three

I stayed indoors for a whole week, reading books and researching. While I thought that message was a wake-up call, a proof that my gut wasn't wrong after all, Kyle asked that I quit. But obviously, I can't quit anymore. Quitting means accepting that I made a huge mistake by picking up on her case. Quitting would also mean going back to the office to beg Mark Anthony. Quitting would mean giving up on that insane and impulsive youth who deserves nothing but justice, but wouldn't even think of having it. She's probably mad. She might have lost her mind or something. She might be under the influence of something or some people. It's all so glaring now. But who would send threat letters and hide them in pebbles, so lame.

Kyle didn't report the case. He felt it was too personal and too simple an issue. 

"At this point, you have to stay away, Kamila." He said to be before going to bed that night, and I didn't say a word.

I knew right away that he was just being impulsive. Not scared, but protective. And I knew I didn't need his consent to do my job. He never mentioned it after that day and I haven't taken any step further too. I took a partial break. This kind of case requires a fresh brain, I said to myself. You also need to be loaded with information, knowledge.

So, I took a week off to study. I also hope that my one-week pause would keep my pursuers at bay. Whoever it was that dropped the letter. 

What if Mark sent the letter?

That's also quite certain. He's obviously desperate to see me tamed. If he really is, then I'm safe. I know he can't hurt me.

When I woke up today, I had a full day's plan in my head. I wanted to visit her college before finally going to see her. I hoped that I'd find someone whom she is acquainted with. I knew Kyle had countless questions for me, and it was only with time that he'd ask them. As soon as he was already dressed, he began.

"Finally going out today?"

"Yeah. I still have a job." I said, forcing on my tight slip on shoes.

"Still on that case?"

I sighed. "It's all I've got, Kyle. I was suspended from work, remember. And it was clearly stated that I had to win this case."

"But…"

"I thought you said you trusted me." I didn't allow him to speak.

I saw him fight back a lot of expression before he finally spoke.

"So, what's your plan?"

"I'm diving into the case, with my whole body." I said playfully.

He didn't look impressed. Wrong timing.

"I will get some information about her at her college. For now."

"They're on holidays. You won't find a soul on campus."

What's it with Kyle's sudden negativity?

But yeah, he's right. It must have slipped my mind totally.

"I… I never thought of that." I stopped to think. "But there'll be a place at least that I can find some students."

"Of course, a bar or anywhere…"

"The school hall?" I suggested.

"Hm. What can I say?" He groaned, showing disapproval. I couldn't have cared less.

"Kyle, listen to me." I said. "Paige Kam has become my responsibility, and you have to support me and support her, whether she really is a criminal or not. I just want to get to the bottom of this."

"But that's not your job. It should be the police, doing all these investigations."

"We both know they won't."

"I'll check back at the villa at lunchtime. You could not search the house the last time."

Yeah, I couldn't. Because I had no idea how to. I was about to speak when he stopped me with his.

"You don't need to thank me. You just need to be careful. You never know what the politics is all about until you get into it."

He was speaking in parables and obviously wouldn't explain.

"I'm off." He kissed my cheek, and ook his coat from the dressing table a left. I was ready to leave too.

*

The hall looked empty from outside, I really thought I had wasted my morning. The long drive and frustrating hold up, I would not be happy If it was a waste. After standing outside this great emporium I finally convinced myself to go in.

It reminded me of my school day. I'll be there at the front seat while I watched my crush perform, and I'll smile sheepishly to myself while his eyes are closed and turn my face to the ground when he opens them. Immaturity.

Unfortunately, he never noticed me, until we graduated. I can remember vividly how I wet my crouch, crying over my broken heart and swearing never to like anyone as much as I liked him. Now I can't even remember his name.

I'm bad at that.

I sighed on seeing a figure on the stage, probably rehearsing. 

I just hope he's a student.

He had a guitar in his bands and he stopped playing as soon as he saw me.

"That was… Great "I said.

"Thanks." He said, his youthful voice filling the space.

"I apologize for interrupting you. I'm a lawyer and…" I flashed my ID at him. "And I'd like to ask a few questions concerning…"

He rushed down the stage. "It's about Paige, Kam. I know. I can imagine how the school will be like when the holidays are over."

He said, as if speaking more to himself than me.

"You know her well."

"I know her. If not well, but a little." He said.

He gestured to one of the long chairs, and we settled in it.

"She didn't do it."

He said immediately.

"Didn't do what?"

"She can't kill her godfather. I know she didn't do it."

"Why?"

He thought for a while,

"I'm Samuel. And you?"

I was shocked.

Wait. He thought that long and hard, only to introduce himself.

What?!