Murder In The Old Castle
XXIXES. Third Interviews
Michael enters Anggara's workspace with confidence. His hazel-colored eyeballs pierce the classic-style workspace. He stood amazed by all the things in it. Then he threw his body on the sofa, while Ammar poured coffee on the empty cup.
“You like sweet?” ask Ammar.
“Tak too. Usually I add a little cream to neutralize the taste. I've been drinking coffee a lot lately. Excess caffeine is not very good for the body.”
“You should try this coffee. Coffee aceh, one of the most delicious coffee in the world,” Ammar explained.
“Thank you. I've heard a lot about the reputation of this coffee.”
Michael tried to put himself in a comfortable position. Brewed coffee with a little sugar and a spoonful of cream, stirred slowly to create a tasteful aroma sensation. Sip it a little, the savory taste of coffee flows warm in the esophagus.
“I've read some of your work. I must admit you are quite talented, but some contain plot holes. Especially the novel ‘Murder in Chicago’. I thought being a crime writer like you should have a solid foundation of investigative science, not just the origin of writing.”
“So you invited me here really just to discuss the flaws of my novel?”
“One of them yes. Because honestly your position as a suspect has been very strong lately, and it relates to one of the novels you wrote. Cleverly you display a good image to other residents, as if you are a hero who is struggling to solve a complicated case. Though I know, that actually your theory is very messy!” ammar said with a cynical smile.
“It would be stupid if I did something like that. There was not the slightest intention to trick the people in this castle. I feel called to investigate this case because I want to uncover the real culprit, and they all agree. In addition, I need to research my next novel,”, Michael said.
“Wait! So all this time the novel you worked on was inspired by a real story or how?”
“Fiction. One hundred percent fiction, but there is also a little I take from the combined events in the real world.”
“OK. Now my question is back to the contents of the novel ‘Mansion Bloody’ that you released two years ago. You remember that, right? Can you tell me a little inspiration for the novel?”
“Bloody Mansion is my eighth novel. There is no special inspiration, because everything just appears in the brain. I just made a little rough lay out, then I developed it into a whole piece of writing. I didn't think you'd read that novel either. It was one of the best seller novels!”
“I haven't read it. But another writer in this castle had read it, and he told me that the contents of your novel were very similar to what happened in this castle, so that he thinks that you are the perpetrator of all the chaos that occurs.”
Michael laughed at Ammar. Back to the coffee served. He shook his head while smiling meaningfully.
“Who is that stupid writer?”
“Sorry! I can't name her!”
“Do you trust the author? I think you're the most*****police officer if you believe his statement. The novel clearly had nothing to do with what happened in this castle, because I wrote it two years ago. I can't possibly make a fool out of this murder in the real world, because it's so easy to read. I'm not that stupid. Even if someone then imitates the killing technique in the novel I wrote, of course the culprits of others who have read in detail, then practice it in the real world,” kilah Michael.
“Hmm. Analysis that? So you think someone else did that? Considering everything in this house is a suspect, so what you said I haven't considered an alibi. I'm a man who disagrees with the principle of presumption of innocence. In my eyes, you are all guilty!”
“Please investigate in your own way, and you will later prove that what I said is true. The killer did everything he could to escape the charges, including defaming others. I get it, everyone here is designing alibis. No friends, they are all opponents who take each other down. Of course, I will wait for your investigation.”
Michael looked riled up, but held back. His beard was shaved neatly. The characteristic good looks of the Caucasoid race were clearly reflected on its level. Ammar still not flinching. His calm as an investigator deserves a thumbs up.
“Same as no. But the name Anggara was quite popular in the past. I once thought I wanted to write about him. As far as I know, the Anggara family is very closed, never open to the outside world. This really makes me curious. Therefore I was very enthusiastic when I obtained an invitation from him. It's a pity, he was killed on his birthday,” Michael said.
“Good Michael. In some ways I have to admit the sharpness of your way of thinking, the instincts you have can you sharpen. But to be a detective, it's not enough. You have to jump right in in most cases, smell the blood, and see a lot of bodies. Get used to it!”
“A interesting suggestion. But I just want to be a writer!”
After chatting for a while, Michael moved out of the study. He kept the results of his own investigation, without sharing it with Ammar. His reputation as a detective writer is at stake. He wanted to prove that he wasn't just writing.
***
The '90s obsolete car stopped in the middle of a road surrounded by tea plantations. The sun has begun to rise, spreading heat to the surface of the earth. Hans rubbed the sweat that started flowing at the temple, while Helen stood beside him restlessly.
“There is no workshop around here. We have to walk to a city far away. Die us here! This car is not suitable for use, but it is still stored. Anggara is really stingy. With his abundant wealth, he should have supplied you with a classier car! Shit!” lamented Hans while kicking one of the wheels of the car.
“Typically this car is fine. Yoga and I used to drive this car to the city and there was no problem. Somehow the car suddenly broke down when you were wearing,” said Helen.
“You blame me?”
“Oh, certainly not. I just express my opinion. Maybe we're out of luck today.”
“Hmm, hot weather Helen. Don't make me emotional! Think of a way that we don't die of drought in the middle of this road. I'm getting bored.”
“I'm sorry.I don't know what to do either. The phone signal is very bad here. All we do is wait for the vehicle to pass, or we walk back to the castle,”.
“It's not a solution! Walking back to the castle was the same distance as walking into the city. I don't want to do such a thing *****!”
Hans let out a breath, gazing towards the vast blue sky, without any cloud fragments.
Minutes passed, Hans was forced to sit cross-legged on the grass to reduce fatigue. He hopes the miracle arrives. Helen also looked agitated. If this car is damaged, we can be sure the food stock will run out in the near future.
“It looks like we have to go back to swap cars. There are several cars Pak Anggara in the garage that can be used,” said Helen.
“Excellent idea, Helen. Now think about how we can get back to the castle!” Hans's irritated feeling churned. He regretted driving Helen into town this morning.
Suddenly, Helen smiled happily. In the distance, a car was approaching at a slow speed. The hope that was dashed, slowly began to grow back.
“Help gods have arrived!” cry Helen.
***