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66 | The Boy 2
AISHA gave me a sharp look when she said that. As if she was about to convey a message, imitate the boy, Lang. Even if he did a bad thing, he had a noble reason behind it. That way, she could understand why something must happen and support it.
After all, why was Aisha the one who talks? But I would follow her intended.
"That boy seems special to you?" I asked.
"Yes," replied Aisha, "he is."
"Sorry," added Aisha, still wiping her cheek.
It was just like before.
Aisha admitted that she likes other men. And it makes me uncomfortable. But for the sake of apologizing, I would follow her will.
"Then, where is that boy now?" I asked.
"Lost," replied Aisha, still looking at me.
"I don't understand," I confused.
After taking a deep breath, Aisha continued. After graduating from elementary school, the Al Rasheed family moved her to school in an Islamic boarding school in Jacobsburg, a small town south of Surabaya. Since th
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In the Name of the Sacred Tree 67 | The Boy 3
I promised Aisha to help her find someone with a coastal accent in Saltyville. The people on the north coast of East Java Province did have a distinctive intonation. They were confident people and often said harsh words. Yeah, I just came from Saltyville. And I had some suspects.If it was true, they were the ones. It could be that the people who kidnapped and held Zidan were from other coastal districts such as Grisee. But indeed, the investigation had to start from Saltyville because of his relationship with the Mayor of Jamaal, Zidan's older brother. Jamaal was the one who determined to evict the village where prostitutes lived."What are you thinking, Lang?" asked Aisha, suddenly breaking my thoughts."Oh, nothing," I answered, "I was just wondering where to start looking.""I entrust you," said Aisha."Okay," I replied. "Let us go home, first."Aisha agreed.We both walked back to the car. Like escorting Amelia in the Emerald Bui
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 68 | Behind the Scenes
I stepped on the gas lever deeper so that the car I was driving would go faster on the streets of Surabaya. I was afraid something happened in Saltyville. The thing was, before this, Zoey had predicted that there would be a mass movement attacking the prostitution complex.She said it was not without reason. According to her, when she became a prostitute in Newton, there was an attack by community organizations. I thought it was the same human tragedy that was debated in In-Depth with Aaliyah some time ago. Three people died in the attack.Therefore, I did not think the congregation rally from the Great Certajava Street was just a rally.My car sped up to overtake every vehicle in front of me. I just stopped at the traffic light. The glittering city lights seemed like flashes in my eyes.Arriving at the Saltycoast Sub-district, the street atmosphere was quieter than in the center of the city. The road also narrowed, except on the north coastline. Yes, the
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 69 | Behind the Scenes 2
AS she said that, Zoey's head dropped as if recalling something. And I became suspicious. You see, IMD people could often be seen at the Al Rasheed Mosque. Imam Shahryr, their leader, was a preacher at Haji Abdul Rasheed's house."Is there any connection of the Al Rasheed family with IMD?" I asked, seriously, looking at Zoey.Zoey seemed to hear me mentioning Rasheed's name. She just widened her eyes, not in pleasure, but more out of fear of something. Zoey then looked nervous."What are you asking all that for? Zoey asked back."I felt something wrong with Saltyville," I replied.I stopped talking, catching my breath.It was as if all the current series of events were connected. There was the Guysville incident, the corruption of Madura district head Floyd Austin, the Donnie hate speech case and the Saltyville eviction. All of that involves IMD," I said.Zoey's gaze then shot up to the sky. It was as if she was asking the stars if sh
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 70 | Under the Tree
I was furious that the Rasheed's were the masterminds of the attack by the Indonesian Muslim Defender (IMD) jihadist army in Guysville, Newton. I did not think that this prominent family would have the heart to play the people against each other for their ends.It was the same case with Madura Regent Floyd Austin. People trusted him. But what happened was the opposite - the people were used to launder the money they had corrupted.While I was thinking about it, at the same time, I still felt doubtful. Was this true? Wasn't everything Zoey said about the Rasheed's just a rumor? I have no idea.Talking about Guysville, Newton, I thought of Julia and Gerald. Guysville was home to Bachelor's Falls, where Julia and Gerald hand in hand affectionately. In that place, Gerald used to work as a police officer before transferred to Surabaya."Hey," I called out to Zoey."Yes," she replied."What about the person who asked you to go earlier?" I asked.
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 71 | The Candidate
I was shocked when I heard my cell phone ringing a call tone. I took and saw the clock. It was eight in the morning, and Amelia's been calling this early. What was wrong? I didn't immediately answer Amelia's call. I stretched my body first, remembering that last night I came home late from Arynn House."Hello," I replied."Hey, are you okay?" asked Amelia."Yes," I replied, "I just woke up.""Immediately take a shower and pick me up," asked Amelia."Where are we going?" I asked."I sent you a message last night," said Amelia, "did you read it?"I hurriedly swiped the home screen and headed for the chat message. Apparently, Amelia invited me to participate in the candidacy declaration of Vincentius Limantoro as a candidate for mayor of Surabaya at the Brother Thompson Stadium in Nouvo Bay District."Oh, yes, I forgot?" I answered."So, you want to come?" asked Amelia.I felt like I couldn't get away anymore. Beside
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 72 | The Candidate 2
"Vincent for Mayor!" the crowd shouted over and over.The closer to the gates of Brother Thompson Stadium, the shouts grew louder and louder. The stadium streets were full of people walking in one direction. Luckily, there were several police officers and several civilians who helped control the traffic. I could hear music coming from inside the stadium. There must be a concert in it."I didn't expect it to be this busy?" said Amelia."Your eldest brother is popular among the people, Mel?" I answered.Amelia then directed me to enter a particular route for guests. After showing the guest card, we were invited by the officers to a specific area behind the stadium. Here, the atmosphere was no less crowded.As Amelia and I got out of the car, the sound of the music changed to human voices. The Master of Ceremony began to give speeches. As we walked towards the back of the stage, there was the roar of a louder crowd.It seems that the main agend
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 73 | The Candidate 3
"Hi, everyone," I said, "this is Amelia, Vincent's sister.""Oh, nice to meet you, miss," said Malique, Darmann, and Jack."Hi!" greeted Amelia.While meeting Malique, I suddenly remembered my promise to Aisha to find information about who had kidnapped and held Zidan, her brother. But, I had to postpone that intention first because I was still with Amelia."We Saltyville residents support Vincent as a candidate for mayor of Surabaya," said Malique to Amelia, "isn't that so, Mr. Darmann, Jack?""Yes," said Mr. Darmann, “of course.""Moreover, Vincent supports youth movements," said Jack.Then I realized that most of the people who attended Vincent Limantoro's Mayor of Surabaya declaration came from Saltyville."Oh, yes," said Malique as if he remembered something. “Where are Ryg's other members? Big K, Cole and Santos?""I don't know," I replied, "maybe they're working."Then, we heard Vincent make a s
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 74 | Golden Riverbank
ALL the way back to Wigan, Amelia said nothing. From the side, I could see her eyes were teary. It seemed like she's enduring a tight feeling in her chest. Usually, I would play music to comfort a woman who was sad or angry. But not this time. Looked like this is serious."Tell me, what's wrong?" I asked."After that night, I thought we had a special relationship," Amelia cried. "Apparently, it's just my dream.""We do have a special relationship, Mel," I said, comforting her.I thought I really want to tell the truth to Amelia. But I couldn't tell her because I was in a difficult situation too. And Amelia was one of the reasons why. Listening to the speech about the role of youth and Vincent's insinuation earlier made me feel excited."I'm working on my goals, Mel," I added. "And that's important to me. I hope you can understand.""And what is it?" asked Amelia."Do you still remember when we were in elementary or junior high school?
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