Fan Fiction |
by Mimosa
Unlike the youngest Roger, Gallen would speak freely of his own mind; even he knew the result would be disastrous. It was never a good idea to enrage their father, for Yat Wah was a man who believed in the old method of discipline. Little Gallen, as Felix recalled, had spent hours and hours in the attic just for daring to talk back to Daddy. Roger would never attempt such stupid approach. Facing the father’s anger, Roger would just cast his eyes down and mumble the most sincere apology.
“Vivian, when did Gallen leave you?”
Vivian’s eyes reflected a throbbing incredulity… She would not want to believe a world that dreadful detective said. How could Gallen be a killer? His heart was as pure as jade could be. Gallen might appeal to the whole world as a stubborn, ill-mannered son, but to Vivian, Gallen’s love and respect for his father was unquestionable. She had spoken to the police with such vehemence, telling them they had got the wrong person. But Vivian was so desperate now. No one would believe her and just looked at her with sympathetic eyes. Such horrible things they said among themselves. Vivian shivered as she recalled the remark, which the younger detective had told his partner. What did he imply? That Gallen had just put on a show to win Vivian’s affection? That was terribly, terribly hurtful. Vivian wanted to cry, but her eyes were painfully empty. So was her mind!
“Vivian” Felix repeated once more. Looking at the delicate silhouette of the girl in front of him, Felix suddenly felt a rush of tenderness inside. How come he did not see it and feel it before? Felix hastily shook his head. It was probably just the appreciation toward the young girl for her sympathy. Felix really needed someone with him at this moment, someone who shared the same belief: his brother was innocent.
But then why Gallen ran away?
***
Hester felt as if a blow had hit her directly between her eyes. Her whole body went numb. Her limps weakened as she slit down against her bedroom door. The ringing in her ears made the conversation outside incoherent. Hester thought she heard Jessica uttered a short scream. “No” her sister cried “No way! Gallen killed?”
Raymond’s voice held the equal incredulous tone “Yes, sis, I can’t believe it myself!”
“Well, in that case I gather he killed the old man too?” Jessica said after a while
Raymond turned around; the blandness in Jessica’s voice troubled him. Should she at least feel distressed? Angry? Disappointed?
Raymond shook his head. As he turned to head to the kitchen, a busy Hester rushed out and tumbled onto him. “Give way, Ray!” Hester grumbled as Raymond obediently pressed himself against the wall of the narrow passage. Hester threw back a short goodbye to Jessica, and disappeared out the door.
Raymond looked after his second sister perplexedly. Was it tear he saw on her cheek? Tapping his head, Raymond walked back to the living room. There he stood staring at his other sister. Was this one Jessica, or was she Hester?
“What is that? Ray?”
“Are you Jess?”
“What’s wrong with you? Are you drunk? Or sick?” Jessica got up and placed her hand on Raymond’s forehead, who jerked it out rather uncomfortably. Jessica shrugged.
“I don’t understand anything anymore” Raymond whimpered under his breath as he dragged himself back to the kitchen. It should be Jessica who should cry upon hearing the bad news about Gallen, not Hester.
Yet what Raymond just saw was the exact opposite!
***
“Mr. Cheung?”
“Yes!”
“You know Gallen Wong well?”
“We went to the same elementary and high school, yes!”
“This afternoon at around 2, you said Gallen Wong called you?”
“Yes, I like his beamer. Gallen said I could have it for 20 grants, US dollars!”
“Is it this one?” Julian produced a snap shot.
Nick scanned it and nod quickly. His face winked in disapproval “Who could do this to such a beautiful baby?”
Julian snorted. These rich spoiled boys! All they cared were cars. Would they say the same thing about the victim, who got his head smashed in such a primitive fashion? Julian took the photo back:
“Only 20000? Your friend must be in need of money?”
“I.. uh…I don’t know” Nick said vaguely
“He didn’t tell you?”
“Not really.” Nick shook his head “Gallen just told me to wire the money to an account, I thought the account was his!”
“Well, it may well be!” Julian said unemotionally. “The account was cleared and closed only an hours after you transferred the money”
“Er.. I didn’t know about that!” Nick rubbed his neck, looking reproachfully at the young detective “Are you saying Gallen needs the money to run away? He can just…” Nick stopped in the mid of the sentence, realizing he was about to say a silly thing
“Just what?” Julian wanted to laugh. “Just ask you for the money?”
“Er..uh… I don’t mean that” Nick stammered, his face got red.
“Well,” Julian cut him short “Are there any funny activities you and Gallen Wong involved in?”
“What do you mean?” Nick uttered indignantly “We don’t do funny activities, whatever you wanted to imply!”
“No possibility of him being involved in black-mailing?” Julian fired directly…
“I.. I…” Nick swallowed “ I gather not! Are you saying Gallen kills that man because he was black-mailed?”
Julian watched Nick with interest. “Yes, is there anything you would tell us?”
Nick hesitated…