Share
250 | A Benefit
"Are you sure?" I asked. "Maybe you don't know the truth about Brody."
"Who knows. But I'm pretty sure I'm safe. The proof, so far, I'm fine, " said Eric.
"I hope it stays that way," I responded.
"Relax, Bro. Why are you worrying about me like that," Eric said.
"Because there's a story you don't seem to hear about Brody," I said.
"And what story is that?" asked Eric.
Yes, I thought, there is a past story that Brother Eric doesn't know. Previously, I had heard scary stories about two figures who are now big mafia bosses in Surabaya and Jakarta, Uncle Brody and Uncle Troy. And they are both former subordinates of my grandfather, Bradley Tanoto.
"So, I heard this story from three different people. And they told the same thing about Brody. That means this story is probably the fact,” I began.
“The first story I heard from Cameron and Ratty was after my house was attacked by two unknown people. The same story I heard fro
Related chapters
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 251 | Another Ally
After finishing taking care of all the needs of Gabriella's arrival to Surabaya, I said goodbye to Brother Eric. I thanked him and told him I had an appointment elsewhere. Of course, I didn't say who I promised."Is by helping you I have become your inner circle?" asked Eric."I think so," I replied."Wow, that's cool," Eric responded, "I'll try to help as much as I can."“Thanks, Eric,” I said, “you are a reliable ally. Now, I have another appointment elsewhere.”"Okay. Good luck to you," said Eric.After meeting with Eric, I immediately went to Donnie's recording studio. There, of course, I picked up Zoey. And coincidentally, the recording process had just finished."Langley!" said Donnie, who was walking with Zoey, “Calliope is really amazing. This way, we can advance the schedule earlier. We will adjust promotions, introductions, concert schedules, and so on."I saw Zoey smiling happily.
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 252 | The Unsung Hero
"What a wonderful story," said Calliope."Yes. And you won't find his name in school textbooks," Donnie added.There was no mistaking it. It was the same story that Emmerich – my father - told."Didn't he disappear after the 1998 riot incident? At that time, President Suharto had to resign from his position," I replied.Donnie was surprised at my words, “How did you know about that?”"Actually, Bradley Tanoto is my grandfather," I replied."Impossible!""Yeah," Zoey said, "you never told me that.""It's not something you can tell anyone," I said.“I idolized someone, and now I'm sitting with his grandson,” said Donnie, “It's amazing. We should have another drink."We toasted for the umpteenth time. I don't care if I'm drunk or not. All the things that weigh me down I have to let go."Okay. Back to Bradley. You're saying he disappeared during the 1998 riots?" Donnie asked.
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 256 | Inferno 1
After chatting a lot with Donnie, I drove Zoey aka Calliope back to his secret apartment. Throughout the trip, Zoey kept expressing her admiration for me. Zoey is amazed to learn that I am a descendant of a hero.In fact, Donnie is not the only one who idolizes my grandfather. So am I. I want to be a liberator like Bradley.After dropping Zoey back at her apartment. I returned home to Certajava. I suddenly remembered the members of the band Ryg's – my band before The Boumerank. It seemed interesting chatting with them.I then took out my cell phone and called Big K. After small talk, I asked what they were doing and where."Where are you?" I asked.“In Inferno, Bro,” Big K replied."What are you guys doing there?" I asked.“Practice,” Big K replied."I'm heading there," I said."We'll be waiting for you," Big K replied.I crossed Dharma Hoover's busy road as usual. Understandably, apa
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 254 | Inferno 2
The smell of alcohol wafted from their mouths. No wonder they walk sideways!This is the first time I'm not recognized. But, I personally have a feeling of hesitation.Then, one of them approached us. He asked about the new song and the schedule for our next gig. He's confident as if he's acting self-assured. So friendly that we all raised an eyebrow. Who is this long-haired young man with pierced ears and nose?"Senior. May we ask for a cigarette?" asked the punk boy.How dare he ask for a cigarette! Ah, it's probably because of the effect of the bold drug on his brain. The giant man gave him one. He was then grateful as if he had just received an autograph from a celebrity."What's your band name?" asked the table beater."Disaster," he answered.A very unique punk band name."What's your name?""Irwin," he introduced himself,It didn't take us long to adapt to the equipment in Studio Inferno. You see, we often
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 255 | Reunion 1
"You still remember our songs, apparently," said Big K."Of course I still remember it," I said. "How could I forget after all the years we've been together.""Shall we continue this meeting with a drink," Cole suggested.“I agree,” said Big K and Santos."How about you Lang?" asked Cole.Considering I've smoked pot and drank with Donnie before, I think I'd like to quit. But because it was my friends who invited me, I couldn't refuse."Okay, I'm coming," I agreed.Night began to envelop Certajava. After buying some liquor, we gathered at our usual place – a middle eastern restaurant that had closed due to bankruptcy.Before I put down my ass, I saw the same black Toyota Avanza that I had met in Dharma Hoover Street this noon, parked in front of us across the street. I threw away my negative thoughts and started to enter the arena.Big K then gave me a shot. Its volume contains mixed liquor—vodka a
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 256 | Reunion 2
Malay songs and dangdut reverberated through the night.Suddenly, Santos started talking again about the nostalgia of being a student. When the left palm is clenched in the air. When a human child is not afraid to die. When the campus really becomes a localization for young intellectuals. But now, said Santos, the campus has been downgraded to a factory that produces capitalist men.I was offended because I was the only one who was still a student among the members of the assembly.“Back in the 70s and 80s,” said Santos, “Shu Benjamin was a student when he was one of the loudest critics of the New Order.”Wait! Shk Benjamin who is Juwingan Chinese? Amelia's father? The quiet one? So a political activist?"Until the end, the New Order government became angry and injected political movements on campus," continued Santos.Big K then cleared his throat. I know that's a sign he's about to come along. Julia's brother said t
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 257 | Rebroadcast
The next day, I woke up in my room. After cleaning up, I met my mother who was watching television as usual. This time, my mother's eyes looked serious, not as empty as before. I was curious, wanting to know what mother was watching.Apparently, there was a rebroadcast of the 'In-Depth with Aaliyah' interview program in the Indonesia News Channel or INC, Indonesia's biggest news media.In-Depth with Aaliyah was the most well-known interview program because it presented intersecting parties in a single case. The program itself was managed by the beautiful and intelligent host Aaliyah Situmorang.Due to the broad reach of the INC, the parties involved were often attended to share their views. In my opinion, they just wanted to be close to Aaliyah.Oh yeah, by the way, Aaliyah was an Arab or Indian or Pakistani. I had no idea. To be sure, Aaliyah's nose was sharp, and she was not wearing a hijab.That live interview program broadcast itself was
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 258 | Visiting Old Friend
"WE only act firmly against immorality," replied Shahryr."The same!" exclaimed My mother."What about the Guysville incident?" asked Aaliyah.Aaliyah said, four years ago, in 2016, there was a raid on the Guysville prostitution complex in Newton Regency. The perpetrators were all wearing thawb and turban attire.The perpetrators claimed that their actions as a jihad against immorality. Three local residents died in that brutal raid. The Guysville incident had attracted national attention."Should that firmness cause casualties?" asked Aaliyah."It's a shame," replied Imam Shahryr."You were there then?" asked Aaliyah sarcastically."No," replied Imam Shahryr.“There is video evidence that clearly shows people wearing turbans and the leader wearing guthrah," Solomon interrupted. "The question is, what group that when destroying other people's property, its members wear turbans and guthrah.""It's not me," sa
Latest chapter
- In the Name of the Sacred Tree 283 | The End
- In the Name of the Sacred Tree 282 | The Black Mask Movement
- In the Name of the Sacred Tree 281 | The Bastard
- In the Name of the Sacred Tree 280 | Saltyroth Rhapsody
- In the Name of the Sacred Tree 279 | Investigation
- In the Name of the Sacred Tree 278 | Bradley's Diary
- In the Name of the Sacred Tree 277 | Burning Revenge
- In the Name of the Sacred Tree 276 | Climax
- In the Name of the Sacred Tree 275 | Dangerous Teror
