#09: An Important Clue - The World Is Such A Small Place!

"Wow, this is really good," exclaimed Ben as he took a bite out of a bread he had bought from the bakery. "What was it called again?" Sitting in fron of him was Amirah, who was wearing a clean and white uniform of a baker. "It's a Cheese Swirl," she replied. "And thank you for the compliment." Outside, the day was getting hotter. Ben had came across this bakery while he was looking for a place to escape the heat. He was surprised to learn that the owner of the bakery was an old colleague of his, Amirah. "You know," said Ben as he finished his bread. "I'm suprised that you decided to become a baker."

"Well, I'm suprised you're a detective," replied Amirah in a polite manner. "Besides, I had just began to start business. It's been quite a while since all of us had gotten together." That was true. After finishing their training, it was rare for all of those in his batch to get together and hang out. Everyone was already busy with their routines and careers, some might have been busy with their own family. "So," Amirah said, handing Ben a cup of water. "I've never seen any police coming around the vicinity ever since I moved here. What brings you along?"

Ben took a sip of the water, and replied, "Well you see, I'm tracking a missing person who lives around here. A person whom you also know. Nana." As he said this, he noticed a confused look on Amirah's face. "Um, you don't remember her?" Amirah shook her head. "No, it's not like that," she answered. "I remeber Nana, how could I forget anyone during that time. It's just weird, I met her just a few days ago and now she's missing?"

Ben's heart skipped a beat. "Nana was here?" he asked for confirmation. Amirah began to show signs of worry. "Y...yeah. She was also suprised to see me," explained Amirah. "She told me that she wanted to plan a reunion, and asked if I had any contacts with the others." Hearing this, Ben began to move into deep thoughts. Had Amirah's information had anything to do with Nana's disappearance? Amirah looked at Ben intently.

"I don't know if it helps," voiced Amirah breaking the silence. "But I did give Nana a work address to one of our friends back then. Hold on." She stood up and made her way inside a room. After a few seconds, Amirah came out with a card in her hand. "This is what I gave her," she explained as she handed the card over. It read:

DZAFARIN

FOOD CRITIC

NATIONAL FOOD MAGAZINE

NO. 12, GREEN ROAD,

CENTRAL CITY