LOGINShare
34 | The Tension
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56"JOHN!" called Shu Alex. "Get me a chair, bring it here!"
The one who was summoned is obedient.
When he got up from where he was sitting, I could see that John was tall and sturdy. Dressed in a black suit, he looks like Shu Alex's personal bodyguard.
His short hair was neat, framing her oval face. With glasses, there was charisma as well as intelligence that radiates. I estimated he is the same age as Koh Vincent, Shu Benjamin's eldest son.
John grinned, adjusted his coat collar, then obeyed his father's orders.
"That's the eldest son of Shu Alex," whispered Amelia to my ear.
When Amelia whispered, I could smell the mint scent. I felt like I wanted to slide my cheek to meet her tiny lips.
But, I wondered what my grandfather had done so that his grandson could receive the honor.
By John, the chair he took was then placed opposite Shu Alex's chair. He then whispered to each other with his father. While waiting to be invited to ta
Related chapters
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 35 | The Album
THE serenity broke when the car I was driving stopped in front of Shu Benjamin's house. No more Koh Vincent's black Fortuner car. The streets and Amelia's home were quiet and dark. I turned off the engine of the car, then went out to the passenger door. I opened the door for Amelia. At that time, I saw her putting the handkerchief back into her ivory white oriental wallet.I also escorted Amelia to the front door of her house. She then turned towards me while clutching her handheld wallet in her stomach. But, her gazed fell to earth. In Hollywood romance movies, usually, moments like this ended with the male character straightening the female character's chin, looking into her eyes, then kissing her lips.And that was I also intend to.I took the courage to step closer to Amelia. I straightened her chin that fell with my index finger. Amelia complied, and then our eyes met. I dared to push my lips towards Amelia's tiny lips. As I got closer, I could see th
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 36 | Old Friends
SUDDENLY, there was a crowd happen at the main door of the Emerald Building ballroom. Soon after that, there was a commotion. Dozens of Javanese dressed in batik clothes and cloth pants came in droves. There was a sinister aura enveloping this horde. Among them was a charismatic old man. He was like a Javanese with brown color skin but had narrow eyes.The figure of Javanese-Chinese crossbreed with smooth hair combed back then hugged Alex Limantoro warmly. It was as if they were throwing compliments to each other and then sitting next to each other. Cabernet Sauvignon poured into the glass. While laughing at each other, they toasted and then drank. They seemed very close.They continued a conversation, but I could not hear clearly from where I was standing with Kacey. But who was the old man of Javanese-Chinese crossbreed?"Who is he?" asked Kacey."I have no idea?" I answered her."That's Uncle Brody," said Amelia, who suddenly stood behind me.
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 37 | Virgo Intacta
THE lights in the Emerald Building then started to go out one after another. Only one lamp remained highlight on the table with five people sitting in a circle. Laughter blared amidst the dark atmosphere. The bodyguards could relax too. On another angle, the task of catering employees has come to an end."Father!" there was a woman's voice. "It's time to take your medicine."Apparently, the woman was not alone. She was still wearing the same wedding dress. Cecilia, Adrian, Amelia, and several other Chinese people, walked to the table. Wait, was not this table coded with 'gentleman's code'?"Ah, it looks like our time is up, gentlemen," said Alex, "ever since my wife died, my daughter has taken care of me."Brody and Troy and laughed while I just smiled."This has not been over, gentlemen. We will continue it another time," said Alex.John then helped his father to stand up and gave him an engraved wooden stick. This old Chinese walked closer
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 38 | Saltyville
“KNOCK! Knock!”There was a knock on the door. I woke up. Who was interfering with my rest time? In fact, after all that happened last night, especially with Amelia, I still wanted to sleep a little longer. She consumed my strength.“Lang! Big K looking for you,” shouted Jenny from behind my door."What?" I'm half-conscious. "Big K, why?""Come out!" Jenny ordered.I then stretched my muscles and lazily reached for the cellphone. Since last night, Amelia, Julia, Aisha, and Kacey, took a turn to make me feels unpleasant. As I recalled, after having an incredible night with Amelia, I remember parking the car in the garage at 3:37 A.M.So, what time was it then? My cell phone screen reads 9:00 A.M. What? It was only nine in the morning, apparently. I thought it was eleven o'clock or even twelve o'clock. So, I fell asleep for about five hours.Even so, I did not feel dizzy, even though I was a little tired.
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 39 | The Woman
"JACK!" the young woman greeted a young man next to me."Zoey!" he returned her greeting.The woman then jogs into Ursula’s stall. I should make myself calm. I then took out my cigarette pack, took one, and lit it. I put the cigarette pack on the table. Jack grabbed it without asking my permission. Voluntary cooperation, mutual aid, and direct action. An anarchy young man indeed."Sister Ursula," Zoey said to the stall owner. "Do you have soap?"Apparently, she wanted to buy a bar of soap. As if knowing there was a foreigner beside her, she turned her head. When we looked at each other, I was shocked.It turns out that this young woman was the one who threw a blown kiss at me from the pickup car when there was an eviction refusal rally the other day.Could it be she also a ...?Wait! Why did she even look away, huh? Did not she remember who I was? The one who gave her a blown kiss. In fact, I did that on purpose to make he
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 40 | The Nomads
"WANNA additional lessons," Zoey offered me gently and spoiled.Geez! Her voice was so melodious until it rang in my ears. I did not want this serenity to end quickly. Just let her sulk later. The important thing was I wanted to enjoy the warmth as well as the comfort of ..."Hey!" there was another female voice. "Young man, hey!"I was gasped.Damn! Where was Zoey? I turned my head to the right and left. She did disappear!"Zoey?" I asked in a panic."She already leaves back to Arynn's. You were asked, but you kept your mouth shut!" Ursula scolded me.Damn it!"Are you going to let your cell phone ringing?" Ursula told me, pointing at my cellphone on the table.Shit! I was so hypnotized till I could not hear a thing. I then took my cellphone, then I saw the name Big K, calling via WhatsApp."Hello?" I answered his call."# $ _ & = ©%," said Big K."What?" I could not hear him clearly.
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 41 | Arynn House
I got into Santos's Jimny car, then started the engine. I stepped on the gas lightly. The offroad wheels rolled slowly. When I passed the deep puddle, I could feel the hardness of the car's suspension. Even though it was designed for offroad, the springs were still not soft. Not comfortable. What else could I do? Instead of using my car, it would go straight to the car repair shop.Not far from Bli Wayan's black-fibered house, my pheromone radar alarm blared. I pushed my body as well as my head, look toward left and right. Even though I knew, even if I sat upright, my view was the same. But I insisted focus on finding Zoey!Apparently, in this block, there were more and more productive age women milling about. On either side of the road, I could see each house with a large windowpane the size of its terrace.On the windowpane, tacked stickers like the one on the barbershop windowpane. Some say BARBARA, MADONNA, ANGELA, and other hot names. From behind the
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 42 | Arynn House 2
I felt uncomfortable warding off her gift. Alright, instead of making her heart hurt by refusal, I would respect her by sipping the contents of the dimple mug. But half of it first? I was not strong enough if I immediately finish drinking in one gulp."Finish it," said Zoey.Ready, Ma'am!There was a sound of giggling. Then, as usual, Big K began to break the silence by pulling me back into the sofa. I drank the fermented drink without being distilled until it spilled over the sides of my mouth. It was fresh, to the point that my eyeballs were more sensitive to light."Music ...!" asked Big K to play the music again.Then, Big K introduced me to two other men I didn't know. This first man was thin and tall when compared to the girls on either side of him. Her hair was straight and wavy at the bottom, framing her pale white face. His nose is pointed like Pinocchio. In short, there is a Middle Eastern feel to it."Malique," he introduced himse
Latest chapter
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 283 | The End
News of my arrest spread rapidly and wildly - from surrender, twisted by the Indonesian Herald by forced arrest. The wave of mass demonstrations was getting bigger in Surabaya.Until one day, a man was demonstrating alone carrying the body of a woman in the Surabaya House of Representative building yard which was recorded by television broadcasts. A moment later, he poured gasoline over his body and the old woman's body. Then, he started a fire which quickly burned himself and the body he was carrying.Everyone knew that he was Mr. Wayan who intended to show his protest by presenting himself and his wife in front of the people's representatives. He had a desperate on the government.When that happened, I was in the detention room.All the prisoners present stood up to learn of Wayan's self-immolation on television. I thought the prisoners would kill him for being the instigator of this distressing incident. Apparently, they even cursed the authorities. Th
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 282 | The Black Mask Movement
Julia then revealed that her pregnancy was actually from my seed. Therefore, Julia asked in return whether it meant that the child she was carrying was a bastard child too. That was why Julia was forced to accept Gerald's marriage proposal to cover my disgrace.I asked Julia why she hadn't said that earlier. Julia admitted that she had tried but was afraid to ruin my happiness. At that time, I received a phone call from Quinn if I was appointed as Hendryx's replacement at The Boumerank. Besides, I was already a famous person. Julia was afraid of damaging my image and defaming Bradley.I also asked how could this happen? Julia reminded me of when I lay in the courtyard of a closed Middle Eastern restaurant. That night, I forced Julia to make love to vent my frustration.I asked why Julia didn't refuse or fight me. Julia admitted that if she fough
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 281 | The Bastard
When my mother found out that I wrote a book, she could only cry. I softly asked Lidia again. Lidia admitted that she did not want one of her loved ones to be lost in front of her again.Lidia finally told how Bradley disappeared. At that time, Brad and George were advocating for Saltyville residents not to be evicted by the government. The reason at that time was the same, namely the eviction of the brothels. The goal was to control coastal land to build an industrial complex.Bradley struggled on the pitch staging protests, while George, a journalist, struggled through writing. Because George's writings were considered threatening, he was hunted down by a group of unknown people. George during the New Order era was more famous than Bradley because of his profession as a critical journalist.One day in February 1998, a group of people dressed i
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 280 | Saltyroth Rhapsody
I visited Aisha at her palace at Royal Certajava. There, I asked Aisha if it was true that the Rasheed's were eyeing a new source of oil in Saltyville. Aisha said she knew, but was not involved.I asked, why didn't Aisha try to block her family's intentions? There were thousands of people living on the land of Saltyville. Aisha replied that she was only a Muslim woman. She had no power to decide. I accused Aisha of enjoying the result.Aisha started crying, telling me this was not what I accused her family of. I asked, then how exactly. Aisha replied she couldn't expose it.Then, I clashed with Aisha by accusing her of being hypocritical because she pretended not to know what was going on. We both mourned each other and move away from each other.So it was with Kacey.
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 279 | Investigation
Knowing that I again urged my mother to talk. However, Lidia did not budge. Then, I said goodbye and would find out for myself and continue Bradley's struggle. Lidia strictly forbade my intention. But I was determined.Based on clues from Brad's book and Zoey's notes, I and Amelia, with Vincent's help, discover the mode of money laundering by the Rasheed and Schielhort families. Bribes to and from Jamaal, Syahnaz, Fatima, and Malloch, were deposited through the CLIF Foundation and Islamic boarding schools and houses of worship as a form of charity.Besides, some were used to establish Islamic boarding schools in Jombang and Madura. This was done by asking one of the pesantren students to be used on his behalf. That way, the Rasheed and Torstein families were not legally touched. An example was Bowie.While tracing this dirty practice, I continued to experience terror.Exploring further to Jakarta, I also discovered a flow of money to state officials. The
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 278 | Bradley's Diary
The next day, I asked my mother, Lidia, about Saltyville in more detail. The village elders refused to talk about it unless Lidia had already told me. And how did Bradley relate to all of this? But Lidia refused to talk about Bradley and Saltyville.I insisted that I read old documents at the Dr. Sue Thompson Regional Hospital. The document stated that there was the name of Lidia Tanoto, who gave birth to twins without a father. Lidia didn't budge.I was not broken. Then, I rushed to the warehouse of my house. I unpacked old chests and suitcases that were there. Every old document I read to find what I looking for. But, actually, I didn't know what I was looking for. I only knew Bradley and Saltyville.Then there was a clean pocketbook, tied with ropes from torn cloth. I opened it slowly because the book had rotted with age. In the book, apparently, Bradley wrote his daily life up to three days before mysteriously disappearing.In the book, Brad wrote abo
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 277 | Burning Revenge
After Brody investigated, it was Troy who was about to collect Zidan's debt from Jamaal. Troy told Jamaal that Zoey was somewhere in Newton and would kidnap her as bail. Shortly after, there was an IMD raid into the Guysville prostitution complex that left three people dead.We said Brody - referring to himself and Troy - concluded that the mastermind behind the brothel attacks was the Rasheed's. Brody also revealed that the most responsible behind Calliope's past to bring down Jamaal was Vincent. I was surprised.Brody added that Vincent found out from Zidan. And the Zidan was pretending to be angry and running away from the house so as not to stand out, that he was the one who leaked it.I also asked, how did Zidan know if Calliope was Zoey aka Melody? Well, therein laid the mystery. Who told Zidan? Said Brody.I further asked why Brody was willing to let Zoey go to me. Brody answered because I was his nephew.Then, I was reminded of Troy. Actual
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 276 | Climax
Then, suddenly the rumor spread that Vincent Limantoro was a descendant of communists. Vincent's family said the issue once defended Saltyville because they wanted immorality to continue in Saltyroth. George Limantoro was touted as a dissident against the regime.Shortly, Mayor Jamaal announced three villages, not two, whose citizens were asked to leave immediately. The problem was, the three villages would be evicted by the authority in a couple of days. The three villages were Saltyville, Wigan, and Certajava. For Saltyville in particular, the eviction would be the next day.Those facts made me even angrier. I ignored Brody's advice to remain silent. At a concert that refused the eviction in Saltyville, I participated in openly voicing my rejection of Jamaal.At that concert, I was no longer wearing Che's robes. I wanted the world to recognize me and the voices I represented.Then hundreds of IMD masses suddenly attacked Saltyville. There were clashes b
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 275 | Dangerous Teror
It was Santos. To me, Santos confessed that he and other service officials travel to Singapore for a comparative study on the construction of city parks also the cleanliness rules. He gambled in his spare time. At first, I understood Santos's reasons.We then talked about music and other things. We didn't have much time together because Santos had to leave, while Quinn and I went back to the hotel.The next day, I had a concert with Boumerank. As usual, the atmosphere is always lively. After that, we all returned to Indonesia.Day by day, Zoey's life began to improve. I had also kept his promise to fulfill Zoey's dream of becoming a singer.However, when everything seemed fine, I and Zoey were suddenly hunted down by strangers. They demanded me and Zoey shut our mouths or be killed. Zoey and I at first thought it was someone from Zoey's past.In the midst of her popularity, news spread that Calliope was a former drug addict and prostitute with the
