The Murder of the Beloved
Chapter 29

With a sweet and petite face, impressed by his delicacy, but appeared calm and smooth talk and full of logic, Dinda managed to arouse the sympathy of Lettu Arman.

"alright. That's our deal. So we'll wait for the lab results. In the meantime please negotiate the cremation issue with Mr. Bram. I hope there is no commotion. In the midst of the sorrow of time fuss about it. The soul of the deceased later."

Then the way out is reached. They face Bram. To gather strength, because obviously all the family members were behind Dinda, they gathered completely to discuss with Bram. Actually, they are not many, namely Della with her husband Bustaman, Johan, and Dinda. Only four of them, but they are the closest or ever close to Lilis. Four people are dealing with one person.

At first Bram looked agitated. Forehead sweating. Mustache moving. He briefly swept his forehead with a palm which then rubbed it into his thigh. He heard the words of Bustaman, who was chosen to speak. The longer it seems to calm down. "So in short, we wait for the lab results first. If negative there is no autopsy, but also no cremation. Alright. I agree that you may all feel more entitled than I am, considering that I have only been her husband for a few months. But if his spirit is curious because his request is not granted, then it is your responsibility." He spoke calmly even though his voice sounded trembling. There was absolutely no argument he made. His expression is hard to read.

Dinda observed Bram's attitude in surprise. He also became anxious to see Bram's unexpected attitude. He thought, Bram will challenge and argue exciting. Is there anything wrong and beyond his calculation? He feels lost grip, and becomes pessimistic about it. He observed more sharply, but Bram always avoided seeing him. After hearing Bustaman's previous message, he chose silence. But his mind was confused.

It was not only Dinda who was astonished to see Bram's calmness. The other three people are like that too. They were convinced that Dinda had over-acted with her request. Even fools know that Dinda's demands are indirectly a very bad prejudice against Bram. But surprisingly, why isn't Bram angry? At least the man was certainly offended by the allegations. Especially if the accusation is true. Who is being slandered?

"Is there anything else to talk about?" ask Bram.

"none. That's enough."

"Then, until later after the lab results are known. I'll go first." Bram left without even looking at Dinda.

After Dinda's departure, the sound of three people seemed to break in the air.

"Kok he doesn't look angry? If I'm hugged it must be an emotion" Johan said.

"Yes. I'm also." Bustaman. "But I'm sure, inside he must be boiling. It's because of his self-control skill."

"And he can do nothing else against us" Della said.

"But, isn't he worried about the lab results if he's guilty of something?" Johan expressed doubt.

Suddenly the three men turned to Dinda who had been silent since. Dinda looked pensive. They soon realized they had made a mistake. They should not discuss it in front of Dinda, especially when leading to doubts about the truth of Dinda's actions.

Johan patted Dinda's shoulder. "Had Din. Don't think about it. Let's wait for the results?"

"Yes" said Dinda lethargic.

Then Bustaman quickly diverted the problem by proposing that the night Dinda stay with him only. Actually, he had negotiated the matter with Della, and just waited for the right moment. Of course he could not make that proposal in front of Bram. But Johan who heard it also invited Dinda to stay at home, at least temporarily. It's impossible to let Dinda be alone with Bram.

But Dinda refused. "Don't. This house is mother's. Not the house of Om Bram. If I go out, he's the one who controls this house. That can't happen."

"Lantas, do you want to kick him out? It was inappropriate at a time of mourning like this Din. What do people say later?" della said softly.

"Then just wait until this matter is over Auntie. Even mother hasn't been buried." Time said so, hardness of heart loomed on Dinda's face.

"alright. How about I get company? Let me stay here, ' said Della.

"Oh, no need for aunt. Don't dong. Aunty has her own busy life. I'm really okay. There is Bi Imah. I'll have Bi Imah accompany me to bed."

"Where do you sleep, Din? Still in the old room? But the room was too close to Bram's. How about in the guest room? The room was safer because it was under and near the same Bi Imah."

Dinda agrees. He used to want the room for the same reason, but he knew his mother would not be happy. In addition, he survived because of his self-esteem. He wants to show Bram that he is not afraid to move away. But now the problem is another. His mother was gone and he knew fear.

Bi Imah quickly cleaned the guest room. While Dinda with the three people who were full of heartless feelings followed him up to the attic to help move his mattress and pillow. Dinda can't sleep if the mattress and the pillow are different.

In front of her mother's room and Bram's room as well, Dinda stood stunned. "What's Din?" ask Della worriedly.

"There's no Om Bram, I want to see that room again Auntie."

"Why?" tanya Bustaman and Johan almost in unison.

But Dinda did not answer that question. He was holding the door handle. The door cannot be opened. Locked up. "Well, it's locked down. He's gonna want to secure it." Dinda grumbling.

"It's Dind, '" Della pulled him from there.

When going down the stairs, the gazes of the four of them in unison were fixed on the steps below. They tread carefully, especially Bustaman and Johan who are carrying mattresses. Even Johan who had lived in the house for a long time and of course was familiar with the stairs was also worried in case it slipped. There was never that feeling. He used to run, both when up and when down. And he never slipped or tripped.

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