The prison doors opened and Lian was thrown in. He fell on all fours and Cole rushed towards him.
"You okay?" he asked worriedly and Lian nodded his head.
"Am fine," he replied and sat up leaning against the wall.
Cole sat next to him and Lian raised a brow," What?"
"Nothing," he said and turned his gaze away from him.
"Okay then."
A nerve wrecking silence fell upon them since neither of them wanted to speak what was on their minds.
A knock sounded on the door and Ding let out a sigh," Come in."
The door opened and a guard walked up to him and bowed his head.
"Sir, he was accompanied to the prison as instructed."
"Good," he replied without lifting his gaze from the file before him," you may leave."
"Sir."
The guard walked out closing the door behind him and Ding turned to the files. He flipped through the pages before stopping on a case. His fingers trailed over the children's pictures with his jaw clenched. Abruptly, he stood up knocking the chair over and headed towards the door with long, quick strides.
"Sir? Is..."
"Get the car ready!"
The guards flinched under his tone and quickly ran out of sight. There was only one thing that could make the expressionless and ruthless boss so worked out. Without wanting to get him further angry, they both rushed out of his sight. Seconds later, Ding was already on his way to visit the person whom he detested the most. The car drove into the compound and he got out of the car and walked towards the worn out building. He didn't bother to knock but went in directly.
"Ding, I knew you'd come... just not this soon."
"Those kids..."
"Ah yes, that seems to be the only thing you care about right?"
"I didn't come here to catch up on your useless stories. Tell me what I need to know and I'll be on my merry path."
"I may be an officer but you know whom to ask right? Coming to me won't make it easier for you."
Ding bit his lower lip at this. He knew very well that he should talk to this guy's sister but how would he face someone he abandoned many years ago?
"Oh? Don't tell me you're still hang up on what you did back then."
"SHUT UP!"
Ding's voice echoed throughout the quiet house and the guy just chuckled amused.
"The regret is killing you right?"
"You don't know what happened... so... I'd advise you not to bring that up," he said his eyes staring menacingly at him.
"You never change Ding," the guy said and walked towards him with slow yet determined steps," do you know what happened after you left my sister? The person who trusted you the most? The person who would readily risk her life for you?"
Ding pulled out his pistol and pointed it at him," One more word from you and you're dead."
The guy smiled," Good, good... that's the Ding I know..."
He walked towards him till the cold nuzzle of the gun was on his forehead.
"Well? Do it!"
Ding moved to withdraw his hand but the guy grabbed the gun holding it in place.
"Let go!"
"Brother? Master? What are you two doing?"
The two men turned towards the source of the voice surprised.
"Sister... what are you doing here?"
"Rin..."
"What? Am I not allowed in my house now?" she asked directing her question to her brother.
"That's not what I-"
Rin held up her hand silencing him and turned her attention to Ding. She moved to bow out of habit but Ding held her up stopping her in the nick of time.
"Don't. You don't need to do that anymore."
"Master, how have you been?" she asked.
"Rin..."
Rin turned to his brother and hit the back of his head," What do you think you're doing? You didn't even offer our guest anything to drink."
"Hmph, you are so mean sister."
"Say that again. I dare you."
"Rin, I need your help."
The two siblings turned to him and Rin slowly nodded her head.
"What do you need?"
"Have there been any reports regarding missing children lately?"
"Missing children? No.. at least none that I have heard of."
"I see..."
"What happened?"
"Some poor and homeless kids have gone missing," Ding said his eyes distant," if the police haven't received any reports, I assume they don't care."
"Of course they don't all they are worried about now is trying to frame you," she mumbled to herself.
"Did you say something?"
Rin shook her head and smiled," Right! Master... did you by any chance meet a guy around your shoulder height?"
"A guy? Why?"
"Just asking," she said hiding any suspicion in her posture," so... have you?"
Ding nodded his head and turned to her," Yes. I met a photographer who matched your description."
"Really? What's his name?"
Ding rubbed his chin lost in thought.
"Hmm..."
After a few minutes, he snapped his fingers and looked at Rin," I don't know."
"Oh? What do you mean you don't know?"
"Hahaha ha... I almost thought he knew and was trying to remember looking all serious..." Rin's brother wheezed.
"Hey!"
"Sorry sister, but this guy is too damn funny."
Rin sighed and rolled her eyes.
"Master, can I ask you for a favour?"
Lian sat up and stretched his arms above his head.
"Ouch! My back."
He slowly stood up and stretched his exhausted limbs. As he moved to stand, the bars slid open and two guards walked into sight.
"Hey! Let go!"
The two were thrown by Ding's feet and he watched them unamused.
"Mr. Ding?"
Ding watched the two tied up men before him and shut his eyes obviously not happy by their presence.
Cole edged closer to Lian and whispered," What does he want from us?"
"He doesn't seem very pleased by our presence though."
"Can you two be quiet?"
The two flinched and lowered their gaze to the floor.
"Sir... everything is ready," the guard said and walked out.
"This is going to be a long day," Ding said and walked past the two.
"What does..."
He came to a stop by the door and turned to the two chained men," What are you two waiting for? An invitation?"
The two hurried towards him, chains clacking as they walked. Ding walked out of the room and headed down the path.
"Um... where are you taking us?" Lian asked and Cole nudged him with his elbow.
"None of your concern. All you should think about is doing as you are told. Don't stress yourself with unreasonable things."
Lian and Cole looked at each other and walked into the room as instructed.
"Fill them in," Ding said and walked out slamming the door shut behind him.
"Um..."
"Goodness... he's in a worse mood than usual... ugh.. why do I..."