The Murder of the Beloved
Chapter 33

"It is precisely for this business that we come, sir," said Bustaman. "You certainly already know, how Dinda feels and attitudes towards you. So how could you two live together? It's best if you're not home.'

"I understand what you mean, Bus. I know that I am not entitled to this house. That's why I asked permission first. If it's not allowed, it's okay. But what about the bank interest? Of course it will be heavy for me if I have to continue to pay while I have to spend money to contract the house. But I feel sorry for Dinda."

"That's not necessary!" scream Della. The hatred that Dinda felt for Bram was now occupying him as well. "Dinda still has a brother. He need not be merciful to you."

Face Bram reddish. Bustaman patted Della's arm to calm down.

"Whatever Ms. Della is, then," said Bram, shrugging his shoulders. "But I intend well. It's not my fault that Dinda won't accept me. Not only did he lose his mother, but I also lost my wife. I am sad too. Moreover, his departure occurred when he was troubled. I feel guilty. That's why I was able to be patient and restrain myself when Dinda put forth a cruel prejudice against me. Let it. Maybe as punishment."

"Ah, don't fight," grumbled Della.

"Regarding the bank's credit problems, let us handle the settlement. You don't have to bear."

"Then, tomorrow morning I will leave this house. Maybe that's the best way out."

"Yes. Better so. Sorry, Mr. Bram."

"It's okay. Thanks."

Bustaman took Della away. He brought along a map containing the bank documents. They plan to go to Johan's house and meet Dinda and deliver the bad news.

As soon as the two guests left, Bram raised his head and laughed. But he forgot how at home he was not alone. Behind the pair of eyes belonging to Bi Imah noticed.

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Although Della has tried to explain the problem carefully without being accompanied by his emotions, Dinda still shows a very surprised reason. His face was pale and his lips were trembling. Grain of water came out from the corner of his eye. "So, so he does have motivation" he lamented.

Della reached out to hug him, but Dinda refused with a headband. Dinda's attitude was sad Della who felt rejected. "I was so angry with him, Dind. I had her on the bed just now," said Della, to show her solidarity.

"On the house there is no need to think about Dinda" continued Bustaman. "I talked to Aunt Della just now. We'll try to get that house out of the bank's grip."

"Father will also help," Johan added.

Dinda shakes back. "You don't understand. It's not about the treasure I think. But mother's death! Doesn't he have a reason to get rid of mom? After his property was drained, his men were removed? I can't defend myself even if I'm a gambler."

The three people looked. Of course the thought had crossed each other's minds only they did not dare to voice it. That's a very big deal. By justifying Dinda's opinion, it means they bear the shame and regret of ever doubting her. Precisely when Dinda needs support, they give it to the maximum.

"Thankfully the mother was not cremated according to the wishes of Om Bram," said Dinda.

"Yes. That is thanks to your efforts too, Dind," said Bustaman who understood the meaning of Dinda's speech. In time he will talk to Dinda about the autopsy. Now there's another issue that needs to be discussed first.

"Father will help investigate the man. Who the hell is he, Del?" ask Johan.

"I don't know much either, ma'am. From what Lilis told me it seems she doesn't know much either. They met at an exhibition. If not mistaken it is a property exhibition combined with an exhibition of household appliances. Lilis once went out with a friend of hers, ah, what's her name." Della thought for a moment. "Oh yeah I remember now. Her name was Frida. There Bram introduced them both. From there the introductions continued. Said Bram's a widower without a son. His work as a businessman liberating land and property, as well as construction. That'sthat's all. I thought, if Bram was a fraud, he could have told a lie about him. To know a lot by not knowing anything is the same thing?"

"Well, I don't remember. It feels like Lilis never mentioned but I forgot," said Della after thinking hard.

"And her friend Frida?"

"I know him, but I don't know where he lives. If not wrong, he works as a bank employee. I don't know if it's still there or not."

Johan recorded it in a notebook. Dinda was delighted to see the seriousness her father showed. Seriousness signifies trust. Strange as well, why should people take the blow first, then believe later. Yes, if only his mother would have trusted his instincts first, there would have been no such catastrophe.

"If you manage to find the mother's friend named Frida, ask who her ex-wife used to be," Dinda proposed.

"Yes. Of course."

"Wait a minute" Della interjected, "Oh my fault, it feels like Bram is not a divorced widower but a widower left dead."

"Dead?" Dinda widened her eyes.

Dinda's expression shocked the three people in front of her. What other horrible thoughts did Dinda have when she said that word?

"That's if I'm not wrong, you know. Must be asked again," Della quickly said to remove Dinda's prejudice, if anything.

"Because he's leaving tomorrow anyway, I'll have time to ask him a little bit."

"What?" Three voices almost simultaneously asked the question with a sense of surprise. Dinda was really hard to guess.

"Yes. When can I ask him to talk? Tomorrow we can lose track."

"Isn't that dangerous, Dind?" ask Della worriedly. "If he's a bad guy, you better not be cornered because he can be reckless."

"That's so Dind," Bustaman confirmed. "Even I thought, you better not go back there tonight. Stay here."

"No. This is my last chance" said Dinda in a steady voice. "But don't worry, I'll have a good talk with him. Who knows if there's anything I can know."

Johan shakes. "Where might he want to be frank with you, Dind. A man as intelligent as he must have mastered the science of lying."

"At least I can read his face, Dad."

"You've read it long before, haven't you? Never mind," Della persuaded. "Don't act recklessly Dind. You've always shown your hatred for him this night. If you suddenly ask him to speak well, he must be suspicious. What if you're emotional?"

"That's really Dind," Johan supported. "Don't run unnecessary dangers. He definitely won't just disappear. I'll trace it tomorrow."

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