The Sugar Daddy Heritage
Barley's Testimony
Arman did not answer Hendrik's question. He knew Hendrik would ask about this. He deliberately took a moment just to sip a cup of coffee that was cold on his desk. Only then did he say,“ have I asked him this. He was quite cooperative answering all my questions.”
“What's he saying? Do you think he's connected to Johan's death?” Hendrik asked impatiently.
“She went there on purpose because she wanted to follow Vania. He wanted to confirm the relationship between Vania and Johan, for his own sake. He hopes Vania can help him gain direct access to Johan for the good of his company. I don't think he had enough motive to kill Johan. The one he was after was Barli, not Johan. Johan is too big for him to be a rival. After all, CCTV confirmed about it. Avan just got to the lobby. He never went upstairs. Just like Barli, he was only briefly there.”
“Maybe you're right, but we still can't get rid of his name from the.” list Hendrik decided to go to Barli and question him once more.
In Hendrik's view, Barli always looked agitated, in stark contrast to his younger sister, Liana. “Do you have any other suspected names besides Vania?” ask her on one occasion at Barley.
Barli shook his head weakly. His eyes were so full and looked very tired. Hendrik guessed Barli must have been unable to sleep well since his father's death. Compared to Liana, who seemed more self-controlled and even able to manage all the affairs related to her father's death, Barli was completely muddled. He is down and suffering.
“I can't think about anything. Papi's death was too sudden. I'm sorry!” Barli said in a hoarse voice holding back the sobs.
“We are sorry for your loss. Please, tell us what your personal opinion is about Mr. Johan. What kind of person is he?”
Barley was silent for a moment to exhale slowly. Talking about his father made his chest tight.
“He's a great guy. I admire her. I want to be like him. Papi is my role model in work, life, everything. He's incredibly smart at making decisions for the company. His business sense is never wrong. I think, not just because he has experience, but because of his intelligence and his negotiating skills. One more thing, what do you call it .. passion? Yes, for Papi every business is not just about getting as much profit. He knows how to treat people. He understands them and their needs. His own name alone, has become a guarantee that every effort he took, anything, must be profitable. Everyone is scaring at it.”
“Including romance?”
Barli. Face hardened. “That, that's private domain, Mr. Hendrik. I have no right to interfere in Papi's love affairs. But, yes, I admit, at the age that is no longer young, the charm still does not fade. He's an interesting guy from all sides. I know a lot of women who have been trying to get close since my mother's death. But, Papi is a workaholic and his love for mom is too deep. I'm not sure Papi can be that easy to love someone. Nothing serious, in my opinion.”
“Include Vania?”
“Yes! Including that cheap lady.” Barli's attitude suddenly changed to riled up when the name Vania was called.
“According to you, what was Mr. Johan doing with Vania both in the hotel room that night?” Hendrik asked calmly and casually, ignoring Barli's anger.
“The woman ensnared my father! Tricked it! Sucking out his blood, just for the sake of treasure. Just like he did to me.” Hendrik clenched his hands. His eyes were filled with hatred.
“What has Vania done to you?” asked Hendrik still in a calm voice. He had known the relationship between Vania and Barli in the past, but he wanted to hear it once again from Barli's side.
“So, Vania is your former lover?” Hendrik deliberately emphasized a reality that scarred Barli's inner wounds. He wanted to provoke Barley's emotions.
“Ya,” reply Bitter Barley.
“I think you hate him so much that you follow the suspect wherever he goes, even to the hotel where the suspect is, Vania is dating your father. What were you doing at that hotel at the time of the incident?” ask Hendrik immediately.
“What do you mean?” Barli stammered and realized that Vania must have told him about the meeting between them that happened right on the night her father was killed. “Vania must have told you everything.”
“Ya and not just because of that. The hotel's CCTV camera also captures your encounter with Vania in the hotel lobby at the time of the incident. Did you know Mr Johan was there with Vania? How?” Hendrik continued to pursue Barli with questions.
Hendrik took a handkerchief out of his pants pocket. With that handkerchief, he wiped away the sweat-spouts on his forehead. The room where Hendrik was talking to was comfortable, air-conditioned, but somehow he was able to sweat. “I did know Papi was there with Vania. I even know his room number.”
“So you are right to follow Vania? Otherwise, where can you know?” search Hendrik.
“No, Mr. Hendrik. You misunderstood. I never followed Vania. I don't have time to wander around obscurely just because of women. Someone told me that on that day Vania would have a meeting at the hotel with Papi. The information is quite detailed. Place, time, everything.”
“Who told you?” Hendrik looked at Barli suspiciously.
“Number I don't recognize. He sent me a text. I was about to ignore the message, but I couldn't bear to prove it and they were there. Disappointing! You understand what I mean, don't you? If he was with someone else maybe I could understand, but he chose Papi! My dad! He deserves to be his son more than his girlfriend. How embarrassing!”
Barli spoke emotionlessly without stopping until he gasped for breath. He seems to have forgotten to breathe.
“Well, earlier I tried calling to the same number. I want to know who the prankster is sending such a message and where he knows my number. For the record, I never shared a phone number with just anyone. But the number is no longer active.”
Hendrik recorded something on top of his little book. Then, he asked Barley again. “You still have SMS proof from him?”
“Yes, of course. I accidentally saved it.” Barli pulled out his phone and showed a message in his inbox.
[Father Johan Baroto made a reservation at the Five Star Laguna Hotel, in room number 23, to spend the night with Vania on Wednesday at eight p.m.]
Barli has the evidence, he does not lie, Hendrik said in his heart. Someone deliberately arranged a meeting between Barli and Vania, right at the time of the incident. Is this a coincidence? Hendrik shook his head. In his world, there was never such a thing as coincidence!