Chapter 05

“You want to see me?” Hyde asked as he entered James’ office. He set himself on the chair when the man offered a seat.

“Your request for a break was approved by the director just now.” James notified.

“I see. I could finally grab a ticket back to Black Crest tomorrow immediately.” He said to himself.

“Yeah, but Flynn must go with you.” Hyde hastily crossed his brows to the man’s suggestion.

“What?”

“I’ll ask Flynn to go with you.”

“No, no one’s going with me. I don’t want anyone to be involved in my own battle.” He firmly said.

“And I can’t let you enter this hell alone. Jack entrusted you to me, and I can’t just let you enter a battlefield without thinking about the consequences. I can be at ease if someone will accompany you.” Worries filled the man’s eyes as he locked his gaze on the young man.

“No, my decision’s final, I can’t let Flynn come with me.” James heaved out a defeated sigh.

“Okay, fine. But you must report to me every single plan you have. In case I could come up with backup plans.” Hyde smirked and rolled his eyes. The old man was doing his best to get himself into this case. But he can’t blame him, James was just worried about him.

“Copy, sir. Then, I’ll go ahead to prepare my things. I’ll be leaving this country tomorrow immediately. I don’t wanna waste a time.” Hyde was about to leave when James halted him and handed him a white folder. The young man reached for it and looked at the documents.

“Remember Inspector Harvey Scott?” James asked which was answered by a nod.

“He’ll help you become a part of the Black Crest Crime Investigation Unit. You’ll work there not as an agent but as a detective so that you could investigate your parents’ case without problems. Remember, your work there is different from your work here. You still have to follow orders.” He reminded. Hyde just nodded and bid the man goodbye before coming out of the office.

On his way back to his car, Hyde took his phone and dialed Flynn’s number. He was asking him to book a plane ticket to Black Crest.

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It was still six in the morning when Hyde got himself prepared for his departure. At exactly six thirty, Flynn came to drop him at the airport.

“Don’t forget to call me anytime, I’m 24/7 out.” Hyde raised the corner of his lips and shook his head.

“Stop it. I can handle myself.” The young man replied.

“Are you sure you won’t let me come with you? I bought an extra ticket, in case.” Flynn sheepishly grinned, trying to change his friend’s mind.

“No, you’re staying here.” Hyde firmly announced.

“But-“ Flynn wasn’t able to finish his sentence when Hyde patted his shoulder and moved slowly towards him.

His serious expression sent creeps down to Flynn’s body.

“I need you to do something here…” Flynn’s expression changed and nodded.

“Attention! All passengers for flight number 554 going to Black Crest City…”

“It’s already time. I’d better go now.” Hyde hastily reached for his luggage and prepared the ticket and passport. He bid his friend goodbye before proceeding to the departure area.

When the clock ticked at seven, the plane started to take off the runway. Hyde took a last glimpse outside the window as the ground began to get further from his sight.

“I’m back, Black Crest…”

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After almost three hours of staying up in the sky, the announcement of the plane’s pre-landing reminders awoken Hyde. The attendants began to assist the passengers to their seats and reminded them to prepare for landing.

Out of boredom, the young man opened the shutter of his window and glanced outside. Tall buildings that almost touched the sky and tiny vehicles trailing around the road made him notice how Black Crest changed a lot during those years that he wasn’t around.

The passengers started to exit the plane calmly and orderly when the plane finally landed at the port. The burning hot weather welcomed him as soon as he stepped outside the plane. Having a good grasp on his luggage, the young man hurriedly strode towards the arrival area. He didn’t waste a time and immediately left the airport and looked for a cab.

“To Scarlet Tears Hotel, please.” The driver nodded and stepped on the engine. Now, he could see the tall buildings and the faint dark smoke exhausted by the vehicles that became a fog in the city up close. The mall he used to hang out with his parents has gone taller. The green trees turned into houses and establishments. You could barely see any more trees around, aside from high-brand vehicles, buildings, and factories.

The cab drifted in the direction leading to the huge hotel at the center of the city. Scarlet Tears Hotel is one of the best and tallest hotels in the country and is owned by the biggest business tycoon, Thomas Specter.

Hyde hopped out of the cab and took his luggage when the driver took it out of the compartment.

“Thanks.” The driver nodded and went back to his cab and drove away. For a few moments, Hyde allowed his eyes to scan the entire façade of the building, from its entrance until to the level visible to his eyes. Elegance filled the place as he entered the establishment. The wooden fixtures placed in every corner of the lobby, the fountain at the center, and the golden chandelier justified the stunning and stylish ambient of the establishment.

“Room reservation for Hyde Collins.” He muttered as he approached the front desk staff.

“Can I have your Identification card please?” Hyde Took out his ID and handed it to the staff.

“Here’s your ID and your key card sir. Enjoy your stay.” Hyde accepted the cards and followed the bellboy in charge of taking care of his luggage to his room.

When the staff left the room, Hyde went straight to the bathroom and took a shower for thirty minutes. After that, he went out of the bathroom with only the white cotton bathrobe covering his masculine body. He’ll just change his clothes once he settled his things in the closet.

He listlessly threw his body on the bed and for a moment, he kept his eyes on the golden yellowish ceiling. The room is simple yet cozy, no wonder it’s a five-star hotel.

“So, how will you start with your investigation?” James asked him.

“I’ll try to dig dad’s past cases, specifically Thomas Specter.” He replied.

“That famous business tycoon?” The man’s eyes were filled with confusion.

“Yeah, I can feel he’s involved with this,” Hyde muttered and looked outside his window.

He was cut off by the ringing of his phone. He sighed when he saw Flynn’s name on the screen.

“How’s Black Crest, is it gorgeous?” His voice filled with excitement.

“It’s definitely far from what you’ve expected.” He commented.

“Hmp, I told you I could come with you.” He blurted.

“Why’d you call?” Hyde began to get impatient since the trip got him exhausted.

“I just did some research about that Thomas guy.” Something rang like a bell in his ears when he heard the name. He got up on the bed and sat on it.

“And?”

“I see he was involved with a lot of illegal businesses, but they were all suddenly turned silent. Everyone who tried to dig up his matters all went gone. I don’t know if they were bribed or what. But I’m sure this guy’s not an ordinary businessman.”

“I see…” He commented.

“Flynn, I want you to dig more about him. I believe it would be hard for me to find out since this place is blinded by his money.” He said.

“Copy. Wait, are you really staying at his hotel right now?” Flynn asked in disbelief.

“Hm, for the meantime. I’ll find somewhere to stay tomorrow. I’m too tired to leave right now.”

“Okay. Then, I’ll just call you for further updates.” Then Hyde hung up the call, throwing his phone beside him.

Out of boredom, Hyde hovered up the TV remote at the vanity table and turned on the TV.

"The Biggest Business Tycoon Thomas Specter finally speaks out about his allegedly being involved in an illegal business."

That was on the news headlines.

“I can assure you that I have nothing to do with these issues. Probably those people who were spreading these rumors just want attention, nothing to do with their lives. But I don’t hold any grudges toward them; they can do whatever they want. Someday they’ll just get tired and stop spreading this nonsense.” Hyde fixed his gaze at the man on the TV.

“But there’s a leaked photo of you together with the illegal smugglers. What can you say about it?” asked someone. The man briefly chuckled.

“That’s not me. You know nowadays, anybody

can do edited pictures just to bring me down.”

“Do you think this will affect your upcoming project?” A female reporter asked.

“No, because everyone knows my name is clear. And I can reassure the investors that this project will go well and smoothly.” Hyde couldn’t help but smirk sarcastically at his answer.

“Your name is clear, huh? Let’s see how long you can keep yourself hiding behind your thick mask.” Hyde mumbled, still wearing that sarcastic smirk on his face. Then, he turned off the TV.