LOS ANGELES, USA.
Peter McCall sat down and went through the menu . After little consideration, he settled for an ice cream sandwich and waited to be served. He remembered the audio message from his father. Was that the only reason his father had to refer him back home two times at his point of death? Not likely. He unsealed the table water he had purchased and took a long sip from it. There was nothing much in the message. But was he not really their child? How come he never found out all these years? He sighed. His meal was served to him.
"Thank you. " He said. He just stared at the meal and kept thinking. His father spoke of him being his destiny. Protecting him was their only purpose. Could it be that his parents' death was in a way related to the very purpose he came into their arms? While on this, he heard one of the people in the restaurant mutter his surname.
" That's the McCalls." Another said. " Gosh!"
At this point, his mind wheeled to the environment. Everyone had their gaze on the television news . He looked at the news headline.
MR AND MRS McCALL ALLEGEDLY KILLED BY THEIR SON.
" What?!" He shouted as he sprang up. " That's not in any way possible." He said.
" I doubt this news. " A plump lady added. " That can't be possible."
" Obviously!" Another man chipped in. " There's a mix-up somewhere. Maybe he is being framed. This is really bad. Just too bad."
" Exactly!" He spoke out. " There's definitely an error somewhere. Or probably, what you said could be true."
The newscaster spoke….." Some hours ago today, the health authorities at the federal hospital confirmed the death of Mr and Mrs McCall but decided not to release such confidential information with ease . According to reports getting to us, a caller had contacted the ambulance unit reporting the incident at the relaxation house of the McCalls. On the arrival of the health personnels, Mr and Mrs McCall were found in a pool of their own blood. The police have decided not to disclose any further information regarding this issue since the culprit is still out there . But one thing is certain, whoever the culprit is, the Los Angeles Police Department has given their assurance that he or she will be caught and made to face the law. Before I draw the curtains, it has been disclosed that the prime suspect of the crime is no other person but the only son of the Martins whose name is Mr Peter McCall. He has been declared wanted for further investigations. Thank you. Stay tuned" …..
" There's no way I am believing this. "
" We all know the bond they both shared."
The talks continued in the restaurant. Peter had lost his appetite. He became physically distorted and seemed to have emaciated more at the instant. Why was he being accused of a crime he knew nothing about? What if he had died with his parents? It would have been better than living this way he lived right now. Maybe the cops had a hand in all this.
" You know, coming to think about it, you look like the wanted man." The plump lady said.
" That's quite true." Another chipped in. " Are you Peter McCall?"
Peter couldn't find words to speak. All he could think of was how to get himself out of there before it became too late. They were already beginning to recognize him. If something was not done, he would end up in the hands of the Los Angeles Police Department.
" What?" He asked. " I look like who?"
" You resemble the wanted Mr Peter McCall. That's what I said."
" I doubt Mr Peter McCall will be this unkept. " A man cut in. " Do you even smell wealth around this one? "
" What's that supposed to mean? " Peter asked. " Are you in a way trying to insult me? I am sick and tired of this place. " He stood and started towards the exit.
" Sir! " The lady that had served him came running to him. " You have not finished your meal." She said calmly from behind, still trying to catch up with him.
" You can have it. I hate this place already. " He walked through the exit and stepped into the afternoon sun. " Hmm." He exhaled and yawned. Truth be told, he needed that meal. He was really starving. But of what use would it be if he stayed behind to get his hunger quenched and in the end get caught? He thanked the plump lady in his heart for recognizing him. If she had not recognized him, the other man would not have insulted him. And if the insult had not come, his sudden departure without touching his food would only give him away . He smiled. Avalon was still in good shape. Just as he was about to move, he noticed the eyes were on him. The security of the restaurant were eyeing him and drawing closer by every passing moment. The doors of the restaurant slid open and someone walked out. The same girl that had served him. Was this the plan? To use a black beautifully made lady to lure him into the hands of danger. He made sure to avoid eye contact with those eyeballs that could roll, making her appear like some goddess with long hair.
" Sir. " She called.
" Are you here for me?"
" Hope you don't mind if I take some of your time?"
" Go on."
" Yes. It is our duty to ensure that every customer that comes here lives with great customer satisfaction. With the last remark you dropped here, I can perceive you are not happy with the restaurant. But then, the question is whether you dislike our service or maybe you are bittered. "
Peter eyed the security of the place. More of them were already around.
" I appreciate your kindness. " He started walking slowly to his car as she followed. " This act of yours alone would have been enough to say you are really good if not for one thing."
" Which is…..?" She smiled.
" The you in this context is not the restaurant but you as a person. "
" I do not get you. "
" Can I ask you a question?"
She nodded.. " okay."
" Do you feel Peter McCall is responsible for the death of his parents?"
" I totally disagree with the news. Though I can't say the reason for my conviction, but, I still know he didn't do it. "
" So, how about you tell me why you are doing this?"
" Doing what?"
" Do not feign ignorance. You have been asked to hold me back till the cops arrive. Isn't it true?"
" Uhm.. " she smiled and played along.
" What do you have to say about it?"
She laughed again.
" What is with the smiles and laughs?"
" Eyes are watching. I'm being watched from inside and outside. Any slight alteration in the conduct I came out with will attract suspicions. Just keep walking. "
" So, are you saying I am correct?"
" Before I answer that , are you really Mr Peter McCall?"
" If I were not him, you would not have been here doing this." He smiled.
" Really? How come you look this bad?"
" Whoever killed my parents had come for me but unluckily, I was not there. "
" Do you consider yourself unlucky? Anyways, that is not necessary anymore. "
" What is it?" They came to Avalon.
" You have to leave now. If you waste any more time here, you may not like the outcome. The Los Angeles Police Department must be closer now. "
" Thank you for everything." Peter said. " I am really grateful."
" You have to go now. " She heard the police siren at a distance. " You must leave now. "
Peter opened Avalon and settled in. Then, locked the doors and zoomed off at a great speed. After some moments of staring at nothing, she turned and headed back in. She could see the manager waiting desperately for her. He had a lot of questions.
" Why did you let him go?!" He shouted angrily.
" Apologies sir but I tried to—" she was cut short.
" Holding him for a few more minutes wouldn't have been bad."
" You got acquainted quite too easily with him. " The manager smiled. " Did you get his contact information or maybe his next destination?"
" Nothing of that nature came out of our discussion. You requested I keep him busy. That's exactly what I did. He is busy . So, he had to leave like that."
" Oh. I see . Wonderful. "
She could say something was not right. But she did not know what it was. The Los Angeles Police Department cars filled the vicinity and the officers marched out. The manager motioned to them and engaged one of them in a discussion. Others stood still. Probably, he was the highest ranking officer there. There was a disappointment followed by a smile.
"Bad news followed by good news." She muttered. The bad one was probably the departure of Mr Peter McCall. Then the other was what? She thought. Customers and co-workers were taking record of the event through the glass doors. After some time, they walked to her.
" You are under arrest." The officer said to her.
" Me? How ? For what?" She was physically and mentally distorted .
" Saying you are an accomplice to the murder of Mr and Mrs McCall will sound too outright. You have questions to answer."
" What ? Accomplice? I don't even know him. "
" But you helped a stranger escape. Not just a stranger but a criminal."
" Manager, what is this man saying?"
The manager smiled and walked to her, stuffed his hand into her side pocket and brought out a chip.
" How did that get into my pocket?" She asked.
" I trusted you enough. I believed you could handle the job well. But obviously my instincts were right. I recorded everything. This chip is connected to my phone. Every conversation you had was recorded."
" You… I… " she stammered .
The manager played the recording to her hearing. She gasped.
" No… that's… that's not possible."
" You are under arrest . " The officer signaled and she was cuffed and taken out.
" And you are fired!" The manager shouted to her as she entered the police car. In a few minutes, the cops were headed out of the scene.
Many kilometers away, Avalon came to a stop on a bridge. Peter McCall stepped out of the car to have a brief time looking at a core part of nature. The waters squashed themselves and still flowed in a coordinated manner. He remembered the lady that had helped him a few moments ago . He had nearly asked her to come with him. But she would likely decline the offer. Somehow, his instincts had told him helping him would only put the innocent lady into the hands of danger. He couldn't even get any contact information of the lady. At least, she appeared to be the only one she could trust at the time. Even strangers were willing to give him away for no justifiable reason. Everyone had accepted he could kill his parents. He sighed. The evening had come and he needed to put his head to rest. What was he now running from? The police? The people? Or was it the real culprits who masterminded the whole thing? He yawned. His belly desperately yearned for food. One thing needed to be done. Clearing his name. To be able to do that, he must find the real culprits. But how? If the death of his parents had something to do with the delayed access into the inner room of the library then what he saw there was not the only thing he needed to see. He was directed to their home twice by his dying father. He needed to see or know one more thing. He took one more glance at the waters and went back to his car. The burger he had bought on his way still stared at him. He took a bite , then hit the ignition. The only place he needed to be now was home. Until he finds what he needs, he will not leave again.