The Zetta Sonic
Red Cherry

The show had started before Alex even realized it. Caitlin says goodbye leaving Viktor. Caitlin kissed her lover's cheek before she went on stage. On stage, they still exchanged looks. Only when the Baron got into the heart of his speech did Caitlin leave. The girl walked straight on Alex as if she knew she was waiting.

Alex herself could not hide her shock even though she hurriedly covered it up. His eyes were wide and his mouth formed a straight line. Caitlin raised both eyebrows, a sign that she caught Alex's awkwardness.

Alex left his glass to another waiter who passed by. That's his third glass tonight. All without alcohol, taste fruit, and contain soda. Sweet and refreshing. It's a shame Alex couldn't enjoy it any more calmly.

“Why am I not surprised you are here.” Caitlin greeted him first as she flicked her unraveled hair. His hands were crossed in front of his chest, ready to hear anything the boy in front of him replied. “And why am I not surprised if you follow me? Miss me?”

Alex frowning. “First, miss Caitlin, I didn't follow you. Second, can we be honest? Are you involved?”

“Available about what?” Caitlin grunts amusedly. “You know that I have resigned honorably. Whatever you mean, I'm pretty sure the answer is no. I wasn't involved. I don't even know what you mean.”

“It's about Jayden.”

There was a change in Caitlin's face. He turned briefly to the still-talking Baron on stage and then returned to Alex. “We have a few minutes. Follow me.”

Caitlin passed Alex without letting him respond. Alex circulated his gaze, making sure that he was not walking towards any traps. He followed Caitlin without saying anything. Zet-Arm in his hand, protective suit emblems attached to the belt, camera studs are on. If Caitlin wants to frame him, the girl better get ready.

They passed through the crowd that was still stunned at the Baron and exited through the side door. There, the atmosphere is much different. A dim light came from the floodlights, giving up in the darkness of the night. The air is cold, the wind is strong. Guests prefer to be inside. The atmosphere tends to be quiet and monotonous.

“Speaking!” caitlin Pinta.

“Wow! Since when do we change positions? I should have asked.” Alex crossed his arms in front of his chest. The Zet-Arm is exposed behind the long arm of the tuxedo, provoking Caitlin's sharp glances.

“This is about Jayden, ‘kan?”

“So, you are involved.” Alex jumps to conclusions.

Caitlin let out a long sigh. “I heard from a colleague. Believe me, I'm as surprised as you are. I mean, he's always on guard. To my knowledge, he carries some kind of detector to detect his whereabouts when bad things happen. Not to mention how much data will be locked automatically without access from it. How did that happen?”

“I should have asked you.”

“You think involved?”

“Yes, even more than that. I thought you were the mastermind.”

Caitlin opened her mouth in disbelief. “What do you think I am?”

“You resigned not out of your own will. You left because you were not satisfied with what you got here. You know our identity and all our data. It's easy if you want to plan this kind of thing.”

“The culprit knows all our identities.” Alex avoids word ‘kita’. “The culprit must be an insider. You must understand. It's not that easy getting data that's guarded by people like Jayden.”

“You think I came out and did this to get back at you? Don't be silly!” Caitlin pointed at Alex's chest. The tone is still high. Although he tried slowly but his voice sounded full of anger. “Listen, you pretentious boy! I'm not involved at all. I'm not a criminal! After all, if I really wanted to teach you a lesson, I should have kidnapped your friend or your family or your dog or whatever was around you. The only person who is the source of this problem is you! Kidnapping Jayden won't make this heartache vanish! In fact, if he dies though!”

Alex fell silent. He did not think that Caitlin would even scold him like that. Alex doesn't let himself get cornered. “No thief will confess. You just talk so as not to be suspected.”

“Jayden should be my operator. Tiger should be my partner on the field. Doctor Vanessa should be focusing on me. Professor and Nadira would be proud of me if you hadn't messed things up. You don't understand yet? I have no motive to kidnap Jayden! I'm happy now.”

“Then how did you know about Jayden? Who's your partner? Secretly you follow your movements, ‘kan?”

Alex's words made Caitlin instantly speechless. He pulled himself away and flinched. His hands were clenched and his eyes did not dare to look at Alex anymore.

Without a reply from Caitlin, Alex's emotions subsided. He could see how Caitlin seemed to be on the edge of grief. A little more encouragement and maybe the girl will cry. However, the girl managed to control herself.

Caitlin spoke again. His calmness returned in a shady voice. “I won't blame you if I'm suspicious of you. Vigilance is always necessary in your work. But, believe. I didn't do anything. I didn't kidnap Jayden. I have no intention of avenging you. Absolutely not.” Caitlin wet her lips that were daubed in cherry red. “I'm still in touch with some colleagues. They're not talking about a secret mission. They only told me because they knew I knew Jayden. That'sallthatis. Really am. They work professionally, keeping secrets only to certain people. I totally understand this. I can't possibly have them divulge secret things to me.”

Alex took a deep breath. She could imagine how Tiger would look at her with my eyes. Alex, somehow, can capture the honesty in Caitlin's words. Even so, it did not mean that he had fully believed. “What about him? He has motive.”

“Who?”

“You're loving. Baron.”

“What are you kidding?”

“He looks like a man who will finish off anyone who hurts his lover. In this case, you.”

“I don't know what's possessed and Jayden. Why do you always suspect him?” Caitlin shook her head. “I probably shouldn't have leaked this, but to clear the Baron's name, I think you should know. It's about his twin brother.”

“Twin brothers?”

“Baron has had a twin brother separated since childhood. Both of his parents believed he was dead. But Baron was convinced that his brother was still alive and had ambitions to rule the world. I did some checks while still active and found that his brother's name was repeatedly mentioned in the criminal world. So, I think he's still alive. He had more motive to kidnap Jayden.”

“What's the name?”

“Roban.”