Murder In The Old Castle
LXVS. The Orphanage
The orphanage building was old and uninhabited. Nameplate reads Orphanage Budi Luhur, looks weathered eaten by the times, so the writing is barely legible. The yard is quite roomy, not many plants are planted. Only a pair of spruce trees were planted next to the two-story building, seeming haughty and sinister. The paint of the building peeling here and there, presenting a gloomy and mystical aura.
Judging from the architecture, this building has existed since the Dutch era. The pillars are large, combined with giant windows.
The atmosphere was quite idle, as detectives Reno Atmaja and Dimas Prasetya entered the dusty courtyard area. The morning wind hit, but did not give the impression of cold. The shining sun is not so blazing but it is enough to dry the esophagus. Dimas downed his mineral water, before entering the terrace.
“Like uninhabited,” murmured Dimas.
“What kind of people are at home living in this unkempt orphanage?” timpal Reno's.
There was no main door, just a long, empty hallway, through the tightly closed rooms. Dimas was curious as to whether these rooms were still inhabited or not. This orphanage is not worth wearing. Some of the window glass looks broken and cracked. No children's cheer looks, like a parlor.
“Maybe it has been closed for years,” Dimas said.
“Maybe. At least we can meet someone who can give a little explanation,” Reno said.
They stopped in front of a ladder at the end of the hall. The stairs were dusty, with broken floors here and there. Reno seemed hesitant to go any further. He turned his head towards Dimas, asking for an opinion.
“What we will ride?” ask Reno.
“Yes. I think we should go up to find someone. Or at least something that we can make a clue.”
They decided to climb the stairs. Just two levels up, a greeting voice sounded.
“Good morning,” greet that voice.
Dimas was a little surprised, not expecting someone to say hello. He looked back, finding a young woman dressed in official dress, with a gray blazer staring at their presence suspiciously.
“Oh, sorry Ma'am. We're from the police. My name is Reno and this is my colleague Dimas. We would like to meet with the manager of this home. Can it?” ask Reno Atmaja.
“What do you mean, Mother Hermina?” The young woman asked back.
“Mother Hermina? We don't know his name. But if that's the name of the manager, then yes, we're looking for him. Can it?”
“Oh. Yes, the manager of this orphanage is Mother Hermina Siregar. Meet Diana Siregar, her niece.”
Diana Siregar held out her hand. Reno and Dimas greeted warmly and enthusiastically.
“Mother Hermina is in sick condition. For years, he had asthma. I don't think he'll be able to communicate for a long time. Please understand,” said Diana.
“Tak what. There are some questions we would like to ask regarding this home,” Reno replied.
“This replacement has not been operating for several years, because the donor is no longer there. The children who were here were moved to more decent homes, and some were adopted. Actually, I tried to persuade my aunt to leave this home, but she wasn't ready. Too many memories he said. Don't be surprised, he can sit for hours listening to classical music,” Diana explained.
“We understand. We will not force him to answer our questions if he is unable to. Where can we meet him?” ask Reno.
“Let's take you guys ...”
Diana Siregar walked up the stairs, to the second floor, then down a quiet hallway. In front of a green door, he stopped, then let the two detectives in.
“I live you guys yes. If there is anything or need help, I am in the end room there,”, Diana said as she pointed at the room at the end of the hallway with a white door.
“Thank you, Diana,” Dimas replied.
Slowly they entered into a rather dim space, with a set of wooden seats that looked worn out. From the old gramaphone sound classical music that soft. Near the window, an old woman with her hair turned white, sitting in a wheelchair stared blankly outwards.
“Excuse me Ms. Hermina,” greet Reno Atmaja.
“Excuse me,” reset Reno.
For a moment the woman did not answer. But suddenly he said, “This is the most beautiful music I've ever heard. Mozart's. Clarinet Concertos. A masterpiece played to touch the soul by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. You guys ever hear of that?"
The woman's voice sounded a bit raucous, but it sounded clear. Reno Atmaja and Dimas were a little clumsy at hearing that unexpected question. They looked at each other, not knowing what to answer. They had never heard of Mozart before, as they grew up in the pop culture trend of the 2000s.
“Eh, sorry Our mother from ...” Reno's words suddenly interrupted, as suddenly the old woman cut.
“Police? Yes, I know what you're coming for!”
***
After quietly leaving Aldo-Elina's couple, Hans and Maira arrive at the location where the young men set up a tent. Their arrival is greeted with delight by Antony, who is ready with his backpack. Likewise his other colleagues, all were ready with luggage.
“Ah, thankfully Brother came in time. Otherwise, we've stayed!” said Antony.
“Sure I'll come in time. I won't miss out on having fun with you!” hans said with a happy laugh.
“I hope everything goes smoothly..,” murmured Maira.
“Of course everything will go smoothly, Maira. You do not have to worry about any danger. We're a little far from the castle, and of course we're safe here. Don't worry!”
“My intuition said another,” whispered Maira.
Hans didn't care what Maira said. He was more busy looking at the two young girls who participated in the group, while spreading a smile.
“OK friends! Are you all ready?” ask Antony.
Everyone in the place nodded. After all the preparations were done, they left the tent, down the path that went down the rocky slope towards the forest edge which was heavily overgrown with low trees. The sun is not too high, so it is not too hot. Birds chirping on the trees, accompanying the journey of the small group.
“I just found out that behind this tea garden there is a forest like this,” said Maira while looking around.
“It's beautiful! I feel so comfortable and peaceful here! I never found this in Jakarta!” sonya.
“You named Sonya?” ask Maira.
“Oh, yes Brother. My name is Sonya, and this is my friend Melly. I don't think we got acquainted yet,” greeted Sonya kindly.
Unfortunately Maira was not too enthusiastic about accepting the introduction. He just smiled a cold smile. Up ahead, Antony walks fast because he's a guide. The other men walked in the back. While walking, occasionally they chat lightly to relieve boredom.
“Sorry, This brother is his girlfriend Hans?” chirped Melly.
“I? Haha. I'm not his girlfriend, but I've slept with him,” Maira said proudly.
Hearing Maira's words, Sonya's face changed. He was speechless, while Melly couldn't help but smile. He whispered to Sonya.
“You know why he could easily take Hans to bed?” whisper Sonya.
“I don't think I want to know why! That's not important to me at all!” sonya's snort. From his tone of speech, it was certain that he was jealous.
“Cube knows why! Her chest size is bigger than your chest!” said Melly while laughing.
***