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Today is the last week before Christmas. “Sterling's annual Corporation Christmas Gala” was in full swing. Stephanie adjusted her name badge, “Head of Public Funding and Financial Crimes” as she scanned the banquet hall from the high table reserved for senior management. Across the room, her three eight-year-old triplets sat at the children's section, thankfully behaving themselves at the time.

Stephanie listened as Director Brighton hammered on quarterly projections. Her eyes drifted to the children's section. Tyler was probably schooling his brothers about something. Bryan was likely sketching on any white surface. And Perry… She smiled. Perry was probably daydreaming again.

"Stephanie?" Brighton's voice pulled her back. "Your thoughts on the Alex embezzlement case?"

She straightened. "I'm close to tracing the offshore accounts. I should have solid evidence by next month's meeting.”

Tyler surveyed the high table until his eyes landed on his mom who sat between two men in expensive suits, posture calm and her expression unreadable. She looked... lonely. He muttered. Mom was fine. She was always fine. He concluded, shoving the thought off his mind.

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

"Hey boys. What are you three doing out here?" The voice of a tall man called out from behind a decorative hedge. The triplets had snuck outside to the hotel lobby, escaping the stuffy banquet hall.

“We wanna ease ourselves.” Bryan, the flirty one, spoke loudly looking at the man.

“Do you need help with something? Tyler added, backing his brother whilst Perry the timid one hid behind the wall picking on his fingers— the man's height intimidating.

“What help could I possibly need from kids?” He laughed.

“A proud man!He must be lying.” Tyler muttered, frowning his face slightly.

“Be nice Tyler, remember what mom told us.” Perry whispered.

“Behave yourself and don't get into trouble. We clearly aren't into any trouble. Or Bryan are we?” Bryan paid no attention,he was drawing some imaginary random girl he saw back at the party with the running water from the handwash and what mattered was connecting all curves to fit his fantasy.

Tyler positioned himself between his brothers and the man.

"You guys seem to be outspoken," He squatted, pulled out his phone and brought out his company ID badge on the screen. "I'm Peter, forensic accountant. I work with people in your mom's field.” He leaned closer. The kids grimaced.

"Look, I know this seems weird. A strange guy talking to kids at a company gala. Honestly, If you're uncomfortable, I understand. But your mom's been hard to reach through official channels, and there's this case that's time-sensitive.” His eyes shone but the kids remained silent.

“She’s here with you right?”

“She's at the conference hall.” Perry broke the silence. But Tyler was fast enough to interrupt.

“We don't know you. You clearly don't need that information.”

“Easy Tyler, that's not how you speak to people. He said he's mom's colleague.”

“Enough already! Perry, Bryan let's get out of here!” Tyler cupped his both brothers by his hands as if marking his territory with their petite boots echoing through the hallway. The young man stood quietly, watching them. And when they were out of sight, he smiled, then dialled his attorney’s contact.

*********

“Wait Tyler,” Perry voiced, loosening his grip off his waist. “But he's mom's colleague. And he's looking out for us.”

“— Never! didn't you notice there was something off about him. His dark eyes. The way he kept leaning forward.”

“But that wasn't enough reason to cut him off.” Perry countered.

“Are you both gonna shut up and stop arguing?”

“Blame it on Tyler, he's always succy towards strangers.” Perry pointed with his index finger.

“Family first. We can't fall for strangers.” He shoved Perry's index finger away from his face as he searched for his seat amidst the crowd leaving behind Perry and Bryan.

“Don't try to make him understand. He's not gonna listen to you.”

Perry shrugged, his face pointing to the ground. Bryan cupped him closer to himself, hugging him tightly as his other hand trailed through his pocket, his eyes catching sight of a small diary which was halfway out.

He touched it, and pulled it out softly. “You took mom's diary.” Bryan asked, and Perry folded his arms backing him.

“I was reading it last night.” He confessed, avoiding eye contact.

“Is mom aware of this?”

“Promise me you aren't going to tell mom.” He turned quickly, clutching the small diary to his chest.

"Why'd you even bring it here?" Bryan hissed.

Perry's cheeks flushed. "I was reading it during the car ride. Mom was on her phone the whole time, so I just... slipped it in my pocket when we arrived. I was going to put it back, but then Tyler dragged us to the kid's table and—"

"And now you're carrying around mom's private diary like your random puzzle book," Bryan sighed. “Infact I'm gonna tell mom cos you didn't inform her!”

“No Bryan.” he whispered, pressing his small palm to cover his mouth. “I've got a plan.” His green eyes widened.

“What plan?”

He paused, scanning for any trace of Perry.

“Are you gonna talk or should I…”

He held his hand softly. “Wait Bryan,” he pressed his lips, “ Yesterday while I locked myself in the toilet I was reading the diary and… mom really needs our help.”

“What do you mean?” Bryan's face grimaced, as he leaned in.

Perry opened the first page, muttering the words out to Bryan.

“The boys asked about their dad today. I didn't know what to say. I miss having someone to share this with.” Date. Time and Day boldy written at the top.

“Wow!” Bryan shrieked and Perry's face slouched.

“Don't you think it's time we spice things up for mummy. I mean… She's been the one buying so many gifts for us. Even if it's a Christmas surprise.”

Bryan's eyes shone. “So how are you gonna do this?”

“Haven’t you noticed the look on mom’s eyes after occasions and outings? I think she needs a friend. Like a grown-up friend.”

“You mean like a boyfriend?”

Perry scrunched his nose. “Ew. But…maybe. She smiles more when the MC compliments her dress.”

“I agree but..” Bryan exhaled exhaustively. “ Mom is always busy with work. This is definitely gonna be a hard shot.”

“That's why I need your help. With you by my side, we can make this happen. I just need you to come with me.”

“Where?” he whispered. And before Perry could respond Bryan's eyes caught sight of the tall man behind Perry.

“Shit! I've you been following us?” He smacked, shoving Perry to his back.

“You again.” Perry voiced, staring closely at him.

“Relax, young boys. I'm not here to cause any harm. I just need your help?.” He lowered himself to their height when he noticed the uneasiness in Perry's eyes.

“Here's my card, take it.” He handed it to Perry, as Bryan scrutinized his tattoos in his upper arm.

“Who drew that?” He asked innocently.

“Oh! This.” The tall man looked at it, smiling. “You like it?” Bryan nodded, “It's gorgeous.”

“But what I'm I supposed to do with your card?” Perry asked.

"Call me after the company gala. My nephew might need your company.”

Perry shrugged.

“Also I need to speak with your mom about a case.”

“A case?” Perry's eyes widened.

“Are you in trouble?”

The man chuckled, eyes drifting to his ex-wife's picture. Raw. Urgent. “No, nothing like that.” He shoved it off. “I'm a forensic accountant just like I said before and I do have information about something she's investigating but I can't discuss it here. Too many ears.” He glanced around the surrounding lobby.

“Okay.” Bryan sighed.

“She's a detective. And wouldn't want any…”

“— Enough Perry, are you gonna tell everyone who mom is.” Perry winced at him then looked away.

“Let this stay between the three of us.” The man requested as they all stared at each other.

“Perry, Bryan. Come over here. Mom is waiting for you both at the conference hall.” The call from Tyler pulled the man up to his feet, as Perry slowly slid the card into his pocket. Then chuckled to his brother.

“We're coming.” Bryan replied, rushing to meet Tyler, bidding goodbye to the tall man.