All Chapters of Beneath The Facade : Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

Aiden "The investigation has been impeded because the sole witness refuses to say anything unless she sees you first," Detective Jordan says with a snicker. We are being driven by Kash, my driver, to the private care facility where my mother is receiving care. The day after my discharge, I called the detective and scheduled a meeting. Our phone call was brief. He still insisted on withholding his findings until he saw me and assured himself that I was medically cleared for a thorough conversation. I appreciated his concern, but I felt irritated. Now, my heart pounds with anticipation of seeing my mother again after years of her disappearance. And it constricts in pain at the thought of what I may find. She might have been reduced to a shell of her former self due to the trauma she faced, which may have forced her mind to shut inward as a coping mechanism.Detective Jordan glances out the window. "She's a blind old woman," he explains, propping one arm against the window frame and r

AIDEN The shaman's eyes are eerie – a pale white that appears to have rolled back into their sockets. Her skin is remarkably smooth for a woman of her age. She might be considered attractive by some. The only indications of her advanced age are the stark gray hairs on her eyebrows, the faint stubble on her jaw, and her hair, which is an almost whitish-gray, a testament to her years. She focuses those pale, blind eyes on me as though she can see me. I'm sitting across from her in the investigation room, with Detective Jordan seated beside me. I try not to squirm under her intense scrutiny. She's been looking in my direction since I arrived, not needing an introduction to know where I am. Goosebumps rise on my skin as I sense the presence of her powers in the air, slithering over my body. I've heard of people who can perceive things with their subconscious mind or spiritual senses when their physical senses are impaired.Detective Jordan clears his throat, breaking the awkward sile

HERMIONECellists play a wonderful rendition that fills my heart with emotion. Everyone in attendance at the Foundation's Founder Memorial Event, honoring my maternal great-grandfather, is captivated by the excellence of the performance. The event is a grand celebration, with the luxurious hall transformed into a fitting tribute to him. The walls are adorned with ruby red drapes, intricately embroidered with bronze thread, while the tables are set with crisp white linens and accented with royal blue and green glassware. Exotic champagnes glisten under the light, arranged atop one another on a large table at the corner, refilled each time a doctor in attendance takes their pick. Several large frames of my great-grandfather are hung against the walls, most highlighted on large projectors at conspicuous ends of the spacious hall, showcasing his history. Professor L.J. Watson, whose initials stand for Leonard James, was a man of great reputation. Although he passed away long before I w

AIDEN I'm completely absorbed in the game, my heart racing with every punch and kick. The characters on screen are exchanging blows, their grunting sounds and the clash of fists and feet filling the air. My fingers fly across the controller, tapping out complex combinations of buttons in a frantic bid to keep my character upright. Sweat is starting to build up on my palms as I grip the controller tightly, my eyes fixed intently on the screen.The digital arena is a blur of color and sound, with my character's health bar dwindling alarmingly with each hit. I've been defeated five times in a row now, and I'm starting to feel the frustration building up. My character's opponent is a formidable foe, with lightning-fast reflexes and a seemingly endless supply of attacks.As I sit on the edge of my seat, my legs tense with anticipation, my body mirroring the movements of my character on screen. I can feel my pulse pounding in my neck, my breathing quickening as I try to anticipate my oppon

AIDEN "Have you found anything?" I ask Detective Jordan, sitting in the backseat of my car while Kash drives me towards Mom's private care facility.It's been over a week since we interrogated the shaman and received a lead about a suspect involved in Mom's current condition, years after her disappearance."It's been many years, and it will be difficult to narrow our search to that particular night, as it isn't directly tied to a specific case. For all we know, the cameras at that location at the time of the incident might not have been functional."That is, in a sense, we may be pursuing a fruitless endeavor.I smack my lips. "Give it your best effort, please. Whoever did this to my mom cannot be allowed to escape justice.""I understand. That's why I'm not deterred by this setback and am being more thorough in my investigation.""I appreciate your dedication, Jordan. Thank you very much.""The pleasure is mine. Let's catch up over drinks sometime. We can go over more details then."