We are secretly eavesdropping by Gavin's office. The only thing that we can hear is...
"Yes, sure."
Both Ren and I changed outfits. I'm not comfortable with that disguise.
We are hiding by the pot near his door. I'm sensing that I can gather information from him. I simply need timing. I've known Gavin, he is ruthless and heartless.
He is the owner of Carnage Crow. A few moments passed and the door of his office opened. I continued to hide myself by the pot. Ren is with me too. Four ears wouldn't hurt.
"I'll drop your profit shares. Just wait, I know that you're bankrupt." Gavin said while walking out.
To whom could he be talking to? Based on the tone of his voice he is serious. By means of topic it is related to business matters.
When the coast is clear I went out. Ren followed me. Carefully we walked inside the office.
I know that I can gain information from here.
"Ren hurry up, help me look for something." I ordered him.
"Fine." He said.
I started browsing through his office. I went into his table. There is no laptop nor computer here.
I started checking the drawers from his desk. Alas!
I saw a photograph. It's still colored in black and white?
Black and white? Gavin couldn't be that old. But basing on the photo quality this was taken ages ago.
I held it by hand and I stared at it.
Two boys holding each others hand. They were both smiling at the camera.
Maybe the both of them are at the age of 6 or 7.
I can identify Gavin in the picture but in the photograph, he is with someone.
Who could this be? I continued opening the other drawers but they are all empty.
I looked at Ren, he is busy looking at the mini library.
"You found anything?" I asked.
Ren was about to answer when we suddenly heard footsteps coming straight towards the office.
I immediately closed all the drawers that I opened. He cannot know that we are here.
"Ren hide." I whispered.
I immediately went into the curtains. While Ren hid behind the shelves.
My breathing stopped the moment the door opened.
"Sly, you know you cannot kill Ais." Gavin said while walking in.
So my hunch was right, Gavin knows Sly elapid.
'Of course you cannot kill Claire! You'll pay if you do.' I said to myself.
"What?! You wrote your name in her arm?!" He said with anger.
So the arm in the picture was Claire's arm. Pity her...
She'll live with a scar forever. A tragedy hard to erase, physically and mentally.
I felt sudden anger upon hearing that, how ruthless are they? They deserve imprisonment for the rest of their lives.
I clenched my fist.
Never have I ever caused pain for Claire! And now they'll do that to her?
I don't know what to react but anger came naturally upon hearing that.
"Try cutting her arm?! Are you out of your mind sly?!" Gavin mouthed.
Cut her arm?! My fist clenched even more. Ugh!!! How dare they?!
"Of course I care about her!" He shouted.
My anger faded upon hearing his words. Gavin cares about Claire?
How come? Gavin never cared about anyone. Could it be? Oh no...
I'm hoping my hunch is wrong. Please tell me it is.
"You'll pay if you mess with her." He said in a deep dark tone.
Maybe Gavin and sly are partners. But why would a partner kidnap someone whom his partner cared about?
"Promise me sly, you'll bring her back safe to Callahan." Gavin added.
Suddenly the room was filled with silence. I heard Gavin sighed.
Perhaps the call ended.
"He can't promise to save her, why would he do such a thing?" He said.
I peek through the curtain, he is looking at the photograph that I saw.
His face is looking sad. I've never seen his side like this before.
As if there are problems in his life which cannot be solved. It was seen through his eyes.
How can a heartless man feel emotions?
Maybe the saying is true. No man is born with no heart.
He just stared at the picture.
"How I miss the old you pal." He said.
The old you? Who is he referring to? I know I'm known to solve mysteries but I'm not from the future to answer every question that I came across with.
"I wanted to save her but I couldn't. She is the bait, we'll have to wait until his rage is over." He said once more.
He then decided to stood up. He walked straight towards the door and went out.
Phew... a breath of fresh air. Next time, I'll try conducting an information heist at night.
Ren went out from his hiding place. He then went near me.
"Ais is in danger indeed. Do you think you'll be able to save her?" He asked me.
Why can't I?
I walked towards Gavin's desk once more. There, I stared at the photograph.
This could be a clue.
A friend from the past, he plays an important role in his life. Basing on his expression he is close with Gavin.
What is your part with the mystery? I eyed the photo seriously, there I saw the same snake from the painting. As if it is painted or edited in there as well. I think we are facing a syndicate.
"Ren, tell Mr. Callahan that we'll need a bit of information from him." I ordered Ren.
He looked at me. Based on my peripheral vision his forehead knotted.
"Why? Are you sure? Are you ready to face him?" He asked.
I looked at him.
"We cannot track a prey with no predator. We cannot solve a puzzle with no pieces. In this case, cooperation is needed.
Claire's life is at sake. He might have hated me for quite a long time before but I think it's better if we place our past behind us." I said.
Ren and I decided to walk out the office. We might get caught.
While walking, I let out a sigh as memories came rushing down...