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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.
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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?
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 75 | Golden Riverbank 2
PAPADOPOULOS continued, since the chaos in Slatyville, the plan to evict Key Phu Thich was never realized. It's just that life was getting more difficult because the status of residents who live on the outskirts of the Golden River was not recognized as residents of Surabaya.To work in offices, they were rejected because they didn't have identity cards. Even being a beggar, they were arrested by City Guard personnel. Even if they intended to do business, they didn't have the capital. Most of the residents worked as scavengers, including Papadopoulos and Aretha."We really felt the discrimination. We only eat one meal a day,” said Papadopoulos, staring at Amelia."Then there's this little boy," said Papadopoulos, still staring at Amelia. "Periodically, he came to visit this slum area with a basket full of groceries."Amelia seemed so fixated on Papadopoulos's story that she didn't even blink. I could feel the sadness turning into warmth from Amelia.
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 76 | Golden Riverbank 3
Throughout the trip, Amelia couldn't stop smiling. It was as if she had just discovered something extraordinary. In fact, her white teeth were showing because she couldn't help it. But I didn't know what Amelia was really thinking.Meanwhile, I was still processing new information from Papadopoulos and Aretha earlier. They said that Key Phu Thich was actually going to be evicted by the Surabaya City Government for a long time, but it has not been realized. In contrast to Guysville, which had been evicted by the Newton Regency Government. On the other hand, Saltyville was likely to have the same fate.I suspected it was because in Key Phu Thich there was no sinful activity going on over it, such as drug trafficking and drinking, gambling, and prostitution."Why are you so gloomy?" asked Amelia."Oh, I'm all right," I replied. "I just thought why the Surabaya City Government insisted on evicting Saltyville but not Key Phu Thich."Amelia just nodded a
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 77 | The Phone Call
I was grateful Amelia didn't ask any further questions about me. I thought she already understands why it is difficult for me to find a lover. Now, in my room, my mind returned to Saltyville.Vincent Limantoro has made it clear that he is on the side of the villagers. Meanwhile, he was supported by Malique with his Saltyouth. Before this, Aisha said, from Zidan's confession, her younger brother was kidnapped and held by the group with a coastal accent.Malique and his Saltyouth group come from Saltyville where was located on the north coast of Surabaya City. As I recalled, Sisters Ursula and Zoey said that the Saltyouth non-governmental organization was often asked by certain parties for dirty work such as collecting debts.But I felt weird about it. The problem was, if it is true that Malique and his friends were involved, it would be detrimental to them. Hendryx the Boumerank was the owner of the Saltycraft and Resources trading business. It helped to keeps Sa
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 79 | The Phone Call 2
JULIA came home with her face down. I did not know what makes her that way. On my happy day, she should be cheerful too. Earlier, Julia congratulated me and claimed to be joyful. But I did not see and feel it that way.Light drizzle finally got heavier. I only saw Julia's back until she disappeared behind the door of her house. While I was still standing under the cherry tree. My feelings were mixed between happiness and sadness. I sensed that Julia had something to hide from me on purpose.I then returned home to notify my friends. The first one I used to call when I was happy is Julia. But, she already knew firsthand from me beforehand. So, I thought I would connect with Big K, Cole, and Santos. They had the right to know in advance."Hello," said Big K, "What's up, Bro!""Hey," I replied, "do you have time? I have something to say.""Yes, I'm at Inferno. Don't tell me you want to quit Ryg's and join Boumerank?” called Big K and laughed.
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