#11: Those Whose Weapon's are Pens

There was supposed to be a grand event today at Grande’s Auditorium at the far-west side of Central City. A popular singer idol had just finished her six month tour across the country, and was going to have a closing performance there. It was really an unusual sight for the locals to see the auditorium’s parking space full of cars. The auditorium had been unused for quite some time, since a tragic event had happened in the past where an actress had been murdered. However, despite the haunting past of the place; the present singer idol had insisted that she would end her tour there.

It was cold inside the building. Even though the crowd was building up, the room temperature did not rise. A young man who was sitting on a VIP chair near the stage shivered violently. He never thought that the place would be that cold, having that many people coming to see the performance. “I should’ve at least brought my jacket,” said the young man to himself as he rubbed his nose with his fingers. After shivering a few more times, he glanced at his surrounding as if he was looking for someone.

“I’m right here,” spoke a woman’s voice very close to his ears. The man made a startled jump. “What the-? How did you get near me without me noticing?” he exclaimed with a laugh. The woman took a seat next to him. “I saw you shivering here and there at the front,” she explained, handing the man a shopping bag. “I thought I’d give you a scare. And you can borrow that jacket I just bought in there.” The man was extremely grateful, and he said his thanks.

After wearing the white jacket inside the bag, he smiled at the woman and said, “Well, long time no see Anisah. You’ve been following her all over the country have you?” Anisah took a sip out of a soda she had just opened. “Yup, been covering her story all the way,” she replied. The man nodded intently. “Ah, the legendary ‘mobile journalist’ really does live up to her name,” he said with a grin. Anisah chuckled. “Where did that nickname came from? Anyways, nice to meet you back Dzaf.”

Dzaf replied this with a warm smile. He was about to say more, but the auditorium lights began to dim. It seems that the performance was about to start, so the hall was hushed. An announcer began to give its welcoming speech. “Welcome all to the final performance of our darling idol’s tour. I don’t want to hold her for too long at the backstage; so ladies and gentlemen, I present you Miss Hana!”

#10: A Detective's Intuition

Ben stared at the card for a while. "Dzaf," he muttered. "Nana must've contacted Dzaf that day as well, and he might have picked up something." For Ben, Dzaf was a friend who had a very critical thinking mind. Dzaf used to be able to figure out complex mathematical questions or solve problems much better than himself. He was also a friend that Ben had not seen for a long time. It's a wonder why he had lost contact with almost everyone he had ever knew in the past, but it was not an important matter at that moment.

Amirah who had already cleared up the table where Ben had eaten, curved a smile. The worried look on his face was already gone. "So I guess that card is really helpful," she said as she placed the cups in the sink. "What are you going to do now?" Ben thought of this for a while. Green Road was not that far away if he took his motorbike, and the evening weather seemed to cool down. He glanced at Amirah and chuckled. "I'm going to Dzaf's place then," he said. "My intuition tells me I may find something there. Everything may turn out well. Thanks Amirah, for the food and information."

Ben made a quick dash towards the automatic door, but halted just outside the bakery. He turned around and waved at Amirah who was watching him go. "I'll come back and try some other breads next time," he exclaimed. Amirah giggled. "You better," she cried back. Hearing this, Ben gave another wave and continued to run along the empty pavement towards his motorbike.

When Ben reached his vehicle, his heart was suddenly filled with an uneasy feeling. It was as if a strong chill had came from the direction of the bakery. Is everything really going to be okay?

******************************

"I'm sorry sir," the clerk at the National Food Magazine apologised. "Mr Dzaf had to go to an important event this evening." Ben frowned. He had drove as fast as he could to get there, only to hear that his old friend was not in. He sighed a few times before asking the clerk again, "What event was he attending?"

The clerk looked at her computer for a while before answering, "To a concert of an idol, sir."

#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

#08: Out Of Place Bakery

The day was hot, no cool wind blew in any direction. Ben was walking along a deserted pavement where gloomy structures stood tall. Initially, Ben was doing some investigation on the whereabouts of Nana on that street. Nik and a few members of the force had been investigating Nana's neighbourhood, and some informants had seen a strange woman dashing along the area. But as noon drew nearer and the sun's heat was at its peak, Ben had been looking for refreshments rather than for clues.

Eventhough the buildings around him were built high, the heat of the sunlight still managed to shower itself on Ben. Covered with sweat, he wished that at least a single breeze would come his way to make him feel better. "I'm going to die," Ben whimpered as he dragged his feet with his eyes closed. As he was about to lose it, he suddenly heard a buzzing sound followed by a very cool wind. It was so refreshing, ben thought that he had died and gone to heaven. A loud robotic voice made him come back to his senses.

"Welcome!" the voice whirred. Looking on his left, an automatic door stood open as it flowed air-conditioned breeze. Ben took a few moments to revive his spirit before he took a good look at the building. From outside, the structure was quite small if it was to be compared with the others. However, it was freshly painted and glimmered a sort of warmth and calmness. Ben took the liberty to read the cute golden signboard hanging firmly above the entrance. It read 'A. Bakery'.

Ben grinned. "I'm saved!" he cried out aloud as he dashed inside the bakery. Once inside, smells of freshly baked breads filled his nostrils. Lunchtime had came to a near, so it was no surprise that he felt hungry. As Ben browsed through the selections of food on display, a low and sweet voice of a woman welcomed him from behind the counter. "Good afternoon sir! How may I help you today?"

"Oh, hello!" Ben replied as he faced the woman. He went into a state of shock when he realised that the woman looked very much like a person he knew in the past. "A..Amirah?" Ben stammered. The woman wore a confused look. "Do I know you sir?"

Sighing, Ben replied, "It's me, Ben."

#07: The Photographer - Out On Field Work

A cool morning breeze swept gently across the agricultural land of Central City. As usual, a few workers of Joey's Apple Farm were moving up and down the fertile land checking it's apple trees. Since it was almost harvesting season; the large farm looked spectacular with neatly rows of trees blooming reds all over. Mrs. Fran, one of the workers, was carefully checking her row of trees when a few clicking sounds disturbed her. Glancing towards her left, she saw a young man taking pictures of the dangling fruits. She cleared her throat loudly.

"Excuse me mister, but I believe that this is a restricted," warned Mrs. Fran as she stepped closer towards the man. The photographer noticed the lady, and politely replied, "Oh, don't worry about me miss. I've already got the permission from the landlord to be here." he smiled warmly. "My name is Dwane. Quite a large farm this place is, don't you agree?"

Mrs. Fran observed that Dwane was not there to cause any trouble. "Yes, it has to be a few hudred acres here," she replied in a more friendly manner. "I am Mrs. Fran. What are you doing here? Taking holiday pictures of a farm?" Dwane laughed. "No, I'm not on a holiday," he answered as he placed his camera inside a sling-bag. "I'm here for work. My boss at Eastern Meadows wanted pictures of nature here among the city, so here I am taking pictures of apple trees."

"Wow, you're actually from that far away," said the lady in amazement. "Well then Mr. Dwane, I should really get back to my work. Good luck!" And off she went to continue her work. Dwane gave a short wave, saw a blue hummingbird resting on a branch at a distant and quickly took out his camera again.

*************************************************

"You know, two days before, a weak young woman came by this farm during the evening." It was almost noon, and the ladies who had finished their rounds at the farm were gathering under one of largest apple trees there for lunch. Apparently, Mrs. Fran saw dwane nearby and invited him to join them. As she swallowed her food, Mrs. Fran asked her friend that had started a conversation. "What was the woman like Carrie? Was she the same age as you?"

Carrie shook her head. "She was probably two or three years younger," she answered with a deep concern in her tone. "Anyway, her clothes were dirty and her face was weak. It look as if she had walked for miles! I gave her some food and water; and then she began to burst into tears. Though I ask her what was wrong, she didn't say anything. I think she must be lost."

All there seemed to nod in agreement. Dwane who munching an apple, offered some help. "If it's a lost person, maybe I can get notice from the police. Did you get that person's name Miss Carrie?" Carrie thought for a while. "Oh yeah, I did," she suddenly remembered. "It was Nana." Dwane choked. "Again?"

#06: In Search For Nana

"Yo Ben! Hey there Zatil! Long time no see," exclaimed Dwane when he and Bee arrived at a local restaurant. Knowing that Nana went missing, Zatil had suggested that they all meet up there at Dia's Diner. It was pretty crowded and hot inside, perhaps because it was already lunchtime. Ben grinned as he saw Bee and Dwane arrive. "Hello you guys! Take a seat," Ben urged. His face showed excitement, but Dwane noticed a trace of extreme concern on that grinning face. After a bit of catching up and all four of them were comfortable, they began to order.

"Please wait 10 minutes," the waiter said before leaving their table. "So, why aren't we at Nana house again?" Bee asked Zatil who was fiddling a fork in one hand. "Well, it seems Nana's not at home. The place looks odd, and we think that Nana is missing," Zatil replied, turning her head towards Ben as her voice trailed off.

"Most probably, she has been kidnapped," Ben continued with a worried face. "I've asked my partner to investigate the place, we can go there later after this. Don't worry, I've locked the place." Bee and Dwane listened in astonishment. This is something big, something far more serious than anything that both of them had experienced. Dwane thought for a moment, and with a determined face said, "Well, if you need any help I'll be here for a month. The more help the better, right?"

Zatil smiled. "Yeah, count me in too. Though I may be busy with work, I'll try and do what I can." She looked at Bee who was also smiling. "Since it's a school holiday, I'm free. So maybe I could look around town," Bee said energetically. All of them seemed eager to help out with the case.

"Alright," said Ben as he looked at all of his old friends. "Lets do this. We've got a missing friend to find." As he finished his sentence, their food arrived and they began to chat about other things.

#05: Central Train Station, Lunchtime

The Central train station was packed with people that day. People were moving hurriedly from one platform to another, desperately trying to escape from the heavy crowd. It was quite normal for such a situation to happen on a day off. A train from Eastern Meadows had just made its stop on platform 3, and people were already pushing to get out. A man who was holding his bagpack firmly with one hand sighed from the back of the pushing passengers. "Why are these guys in such a hurry? It's not like the train's going to move suddenly," he huffed, swinging his head in dissapointment.

The cool looking man in shades had waited until the hassle subsided, and made his way out of the train. He plugged out the earphones of his M-Player and looked around the station. "Man it's hot eventhough it's winter," he complained to himself. Still gripping his bagpack tightly, he manuevered his way towards the main lobby. "Well, at least I made it safely here. Here comes Dwane, Central City. Watch out!"

Dwane was a professional photographer from the eastern side of the country, coming to Central City for work purposes. It was Dwane's second time here in the Central City air, ever since he moved to Eastern Meadows after completing TESL. He could feel the tense atmosphere of the city, and was excited of his one month stay here. As he stepped into the main lobby, he continued to look around as if he was looking for someone.

His cellphone suddenly rang. Dwane picked it up and answered, "Where are you?" A soft yet squeaky voice then responded, "I'm already here near the exit. You're late!" Dwane laughed and hung up. He was already in a lot of trouble trying to get through the crowd in the lobby, and as he reached the exit he saw the person that was waiting for him. With a grin, he greeted the woman.

"Hey Bee! What's up? Sorry I'm late," Dwane said apologetically. "The train was delayed a few times." The petite woman huffed, apparently Bee didn't seem to accept the reason. "Well, you could've at least called first," she cried in dissapointment. "You know we're going to meet up with Nana and the others later. It's a long drive to Nana's house you know., and I bet they're worried already."

Dwane apologised and grin. Bee had changed quite a bit, but he was still happy to get in touch with an olf friend again. He can't wait to meet the 'others' that Bee was talking about. "Thanks for picking me up. I've tried to contact other people, but most were busy and had changed their contact numbers," said Dwane as they walked up towards the parking area. "I thought your husband was going to...woah! You're driving this?"

They had came to a halt near a blue Porsche. It was sporty and looked very expensive. Bee was now wearing a huge smile on her face. "Hehe, guess I made my dream marrying a rich guy come true," she giggled. "And yeah, my husband was suppposed to come too but he's away for a few days." Dwane stood in front of the car in awe. I guess she's still the same after all, he thought to himself. "Can I touch the car?" Dwane joked.

They laughed. Little did they know, a shadow was observing them intently from far. "Aha, now all the characters are present."