Chapter 04

A familiar white ceiling welcomed Hyde the moment he opened his eyes, and the lemon scent of the disinfectant lingers on every side of the room—just like that day. He was certain he is currently confined in the hospital. But how did he end up here?

Hyde sat up on the bed, resting his back on the well-varnished headboard, and slightly massaged his temple. He was trying to remember what happened last night since he could barely remember anything.

“Damn it! I did it again.” He thought, brushing his hair in frustration.

“Adie told me you suddenly fainted after successfully throwing the bomb away from the ship.” Hyde glanced at James who was standing near the glass window, crossing both of his arms on his chest. He didn’t notice he was there the whole time.

“I see.” The young man commented when everything turned out clear to him. James left the window and was seated on the couch facing the bed.

“You know you’re afraid of explosions and yet you still~”

“I told you I’m not afraid of bombs—no—I’m not afraid of anything.” Worry, fright, and restlessness came embedded into the young man’s eyes, but James didn’t talk and remained calm. After all, he’s been through he couldn’t trust anyone but himself.

“Being scared won’t solve anything.” His gloomy face drew downwards as tears began to form. He was forcing himself not to shed a tear.

Crying means weak.

That’s the only thing he’s been putting right into his mind ever since the death of his parents. He has gone numb about everything. The only thing in his mind was to find the person who killed his parents and make them pay.

Both of them turned their gazes when Flynn entered the room. He didn’t expect James’ presence so he awkwardly greeted the man.

“I’d better head back to the agency,” James said after taking a quick glance at his wristwatch. Hyde just nodded.

Flynn voluntarily set himself on the couch and put down a brown envelope on the coffee table which caught Hyde’s attention.

“I hate to disturb you at your resting time, but I had an urgent concern regarding that man you asked me to follow the other day.” Hyde crossed his brows.

“What is it?”

“He was found hanging at his apartment last night. The police haven’t found any evidence that could possibly lead to murder so they concluded it was a suicide. But I really think something was off.” Flynn crossed his brows to concentrate.

“I just talked to that old woman this morning…”

****FLASHBACK****

Flynn was going to the man’s apartment building to stake out when he saw a patrol car parked in front of it. Out of curiosity, Flynn stepped into the building.

“Uh excuse me, would you mind telling me what happened here?” He asked the old lady.

“The man from room 204 was found hanging at his apartment.” She answered.

“I can’t believe he hung himself.” He turned to another old lady behind him.

“Uh excuse me, what do you mean?” the lady sighed.

“Last night at eight, that kind man joined me for a dinner. You know, I’m living alone, so I always invite him for a meal.”

“By any chance, is the acting suspicious?” Flynn asked. The old fellow paused to think.

“No, I saw nothing’s odd with him… ah! I remember.” The lady exclaimed.

“I think two hours after he came back to his room. I saw three men wearing all black knocking at his door.” The lady implied. Her memory was quite hazy but she remembered those three men.

“Have you seen their faces?” Flynn immediately asked with anticipation of the lady’s reply. But the lady shook her head.

“No, I haven’t. All three of them were wearing hats and shades even though it’s night.” Flynn heaved out a deep sigh and thanked the old lady before he left.

****End of Flashback****

“Got any idea who they are?” Flynn asked. Hyde stood near the window, staring outside but his mind is nowhere in the world. What Flynn told him kept his mind occupied.

Men in Black…

It’s been years already but Hyde could still remember what happened that day when his father’s colleague came to their house. Hyde was about to go downstairs when he saw his father talking to a middle-aged man wearing police attire. It was Inspector Scott, his father’s colleague.

“Jack, you don’t have to do this. You’re putting your life at risk. I can’t afford to lose another friend.” The man sounded worried.

“They killed George, and you can’t expect me to stay still. I need to find justice for him. And the only way to obtain it is to join them.” He heard his father resorted with frustration in his voice.

“Dear, you shouldn’t be here. Go back to your room.” His mother hurriedly whispered when she noticed him listening to their conversation.

“Wait, did you just say men in black?” Hyde resorted when he came back to his senses. His companion didn’t speak but answered him with a mere nod.

“Oh, and one more thing, she also said that one of them has some kind of black bird tattoo on the neck.” Hyde was stunned when he heard about the tattoo. He’s certain, that the deceased man was one of them—or just a scapegoat.

“Flynn, I want you to find any group that has the symbol of a black crow.” He immediately commanded the young man. Flynn took out his laptop and began tapping on the keyboard. His hands were moving so fast on the keyboard. Hyde was in deep thought when the ringing of his phone cut him off. He left the window and picked up the call.

“Well hello there, I didn’t think you’re still alive.” A familiar deep gravelly voice stunned the young man. He was nailed to his position and his breathing started to become unsteady. He’s definitely sure it was the man who killed his parents.

“Who the hell are you?!” Hyde yelled although his voice was about to crack. He must try not to let his enemy know his weakness, he must sound strong and firm even though he was about to cry. No, he mustn’t cry.

“Thanks to that idiot, I knew how you’ve been all these years.” The man from the other line laughed.

“But since his time has already come, and I found him useless anymore. I have to send him to hell and gave him eternal rest.” Hyde clenched his jaw and his eyes filled with fiery rage.

“I’ll find you. I’ll make you pay for what you did to my parents. I’ll make you beg for your lives.” The young man resorted firmly. But the man again laughed.

“Hahaha Oh dear, don’t be ridiculous. You’ll meet your parents up there before you could achieve that goal.” The man laughed psychotically and suddenly ended the call.

“GGOODAMN IT!” Hyde cursed loudly in despair and hit his knuckles on the wall.

“Hey, calm down and send me that number instead. I’ll try to identify the owner of that number.” Hyde sighed to calm himself and sent the unknown number to his friend. The moment Flynn received the message he immediately began maneuvering his laptop.

It took him one hour before he found the details about the number, but not all.

“Did you find something?” Hyde asked as he started to get bored reading his book.

“Not much, he was using a burner phone. But I got the phone’s location.” Flynn stood up and strode towards his friend with the laptop, showing him the screen.

“Black Crest…” Hyde mumbled as he locked gazes at the screen. A familiar place where his smiles began to faint like a firefly slowly lost its flicker.

“What are you planning to do?” Flynn asked upon noticing the determined expression on his face.

“I must return to Black Crest as soon as possible.” He uttered with a voice as firm as a stone. Flynn stared at him with worried eyes.

That afternoon, Hyde didn’t waste any time and left the hospital and went straight to the agency. All eyes were on him the moment he entered the office, but he didn’t pay that much attention to them and strode to James’ office.

“Oh, so you decided to leave early?” the man commented when he noticed him entering.

“I don’t have time to lie there and do nothing.” The young man replied and set himself on the chair after James offered a seat.

“The director just announced the success of your mission last night.” Hyde didn’t react but he seemed pleased by the announcement.

“So, it means that man spilled the tea?” the man responded with a nod.

“I see…” Hyde said to himself.

“Oh, why are you here by the way?” James asked.

“I’ll just cut to the chase. I want to go back to Black Crest.” Hyde immediately implied. James remained calm but his eyes were asking him for a reason.

“I just got a new lead to my parents’ death.”

“Are you sure about this?” James asked.

“I’ve never been unsure of my decisions.” Determination filled the young man’s voice as he reassured James with those words. He heard his foster father sigh and then nodded.

“Well, I’ll ask the director for you.”

“Thanks.” He said before leaving the office.