Chapter 2

Ten minutes later, I took half a day off work and hailed a cab straight to the local police station.

Watching the bustling traffic outside the cab window, I touched my faintly aching chest.

Dad, since you won't let me live, then you two will pay for this $75,000 with your lives.

The police station's reception hall was noisy.

I sat across from an officer, neatly arranging the printed bank statements, loan records, and screenshots of the WhatsApp chat with my dad on the table.

The young officer taking notes perused the documents, then looked up at me with a heavy frown.

"Mr. Lester, our investigation confirms that your father has indeed transferred the money, but he has a letter of authorization with your fingerprint on it."

"I never wrote it. I went back to my hometown last week. Because my heart wasn't feeling well, I took my medication and slept soundly. He must have taken my fingerprint then. You can request a handwriting analysis to confirm that it's not my handwriting."

"$75,000 is no small sum. Are you sure you want to do this? If we file a case, this falls under theft and fraud. Considering the amount, it carries a real prison sentence."

"I'm sure," I said, looking into the officer's eyes, enunciating every word, "I demand an immediate investigation."

The officer printed out the statement and asked me to sign it.

"Mr. Lester, we'll summon Jack Lester as soon as possible. Furthermore, since the overseas money transfer involves a suspected criminal activity, we will issue a freeze assistance notice to the bank. The police will intervene."

"Thank you."

When I walked out of the police station, it was already dark.

Just as I got on the subway home, my phone vibrated frantically.

Caller ID: Dad.

I pressed hang up.

He kept calling, five times, and I hung up five times.

Immediately after, WhatsApp messages popped up one after another like a bombardment.

"Simon! Why is my bank account frozen?! Did you do that?!"

"Your brother is still in the hospital in Korea! The follow-up recovery treatment fees can't go through! Unfreeze my account at once!"

"Are you trying to give me a stroke? I only used a bit of your money, what's the big deal? Your brother will become good-looking, find a rich wife, and pay you back tenfold!"

"Pick up the phone, you ungrateful wretch!"

I looked at the words flashing on the screen. To my surprise, my heart felt incredibly calm.

There was no anger, no grievance, just indifference, as if I was watching a stranger's performance.

My fingers tapped on the keyboard, and I sent a reply.

"That money was for my surgery. I've already made a police report. The theft of $75,000 carries a three year sentence and could go up to ten. Get ready to explain yourself to the police."

Less than ten seconds after the text was sent, his status changed to "typing...", but after a long time, nothing came through.

He must be afraid.

But it was too late.

Back in my rented apartment, I locked the door, poured myself a glass of warm water, and swallowed the heart rate control medication prescribed by the doctor.

My heart began to ache faintly again.

I had to get the money back as soon as possible. My body couldn't wait much longer.