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57 | Evil Intent
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2024-10-29 19:42:56I looked at the digital clock on my motorbike dashboard, which read 03.03 A.M. On this Caldwell Pigeon Street, the pulse of the metropolitan city began to rustle. Old motorbikes were milling while transporting various kinds of goods such as groceries, clothes, and chickens in their passenger seats.
Meanwhile, on the sidewalk at the side of the road, several old women were seen laughing in the mat stalls filled with piles of jasmine flowers. Not far from them, there was a traditional market Caldwell Pigeon.
I glanced at Kacey again. She was lean her body and head on my back and occasionally looked to the left side. From the dim city lights that reflect through the rearview mirror, Kacey looked cute. Even though the wind was blowing naturally, I could see that her face was flushed with sweat-covered part of her oval face.
I loosened the gas lever, turned the steering to the left until my motorbike slid slowly on the left lane, getting ready to enter the hotel.
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In the Name of the Sacred Tree 58 | Fall of the Superstar
THROUGHOUT my way home, I felt terrible about abandoning Kacey. Maybe, she still wanted to be with me a little more. But I was not feeling well either. Rather than making the atmosphere even more uncomfortable for the two of us, I chose to leave.Arriving at Great Goobank Street, suddenly, something caught my attention at the Grand Wahid Hotel. As it turned out, there were two police patrol cars with siren lights on silently. There was also a vehicle such as a black truck with an elongated seat at the back. They were parked in front of the lobby courtyard of the Wahid Hotel.Dozens of policemen appeared to be on guard. I also saw flashes there. I thought some celebrities were being interviewed by the media after their performance at the Soundrenaline Music Fest. The distance between Wahid's and CLOFUS itself was only a stone's throw.But I felt something strange. There was not usually a celebrity interview this early in the morning. Moreover, there were police a
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 59 | Suscpicion
I became more and more confused by Julia's attitude. Why she was very easy to change since I stayed overnight - due to drunkenness until I forgot my memory - at her house a few days ago. At first, she looked sad and kept her distance. Then, Julia was coming to cheer me up. Later, again she grieved."J," I called out to her verbally, not daring to come close.Julia did not reply.From behind, I saw Julia rubbing her face then tidying her clothes. Then, she turned around and walked towards me. I stopped Julia's steps. Because I could still see a little of the trickle marks left on her chubby cheeks.Julia stared at me bewildered. Then, I put my right palm on her left cheek. She looked even more worried. Then, I rubbed my thumb to wipe away the tears. Perhaps panicking, Julia hurriedly rubbed it herself.I felt like Julia is always sad when she is with me lately. But I haven't found the right time to ask her why she always sobs like this? I accompanie
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 60 | Incidents
"AISHA!" I called Aisha while ran after her."Aisha!" called me again.Aisha suddenly stopped in front of the musala without turning her head to face me."I'm sorry," I said, "if you hear something you don't like."Aisha did not say anything. From the look on her face, I could tell she was holding back anger. In fact, her hands were clasped back as if they were hiding something from me. But that was Aisha, as far as I knew her. She never grumbled like Julia before her attitude changed."I just took her home, then I left," I explained.I know Aisha was not stupid. There must have been a lot of questions in her mind. She needed a logical explanation from the available premises. But, if I told the truth, who am I? But if I did not explain it, she will stay away from me. I have not had time to explain further, then Aisha had cut me off."I just want to pray!" said Aisha.Aisha had just left me, suddenly, another young woman appeare
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 61 | Princess Beautiful
KACEY then pulled her body back, but her gaze fell to the earth. She swung her feet so that her Gucci ankle boots reflect the sun's rays."I know," said Kacey, "you're not doing anything."What? Was Kacey serious?But I was grateful, actually. I almost jumped out of the faculty window into the Golden River. I was embarrassed when Kacey found out the truth. Like a squashed wild animal, I counterattacked."How did you know?" I asked in return. "Actually, I did something to you."Kacey just smiled at me.I became suspicious. Kacey brought her lips closer to my ear again. I could feel her breath touching the nape of my neck. I got goosebumps. There was also the aroma of vanilla and mint."If something really happened, then how come the seal had not been open?" she whispered, then pulled back her body. "Still tightly sealed!"From the direction I sat, I could see a smile hanging on her face overlooking the Golden River. Her hands we
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 62 | First Love
Coinciding with Kacey's grunt, a middle-aged woman came out of the main door of the house. She just wore a simple orange negligee with a floral print. Knowing there was a guest, the middle-aged woman smiled friendly greetings."Your mother, huh?" whispered Kacey to me, which followed with a nod."Invited her to come in, Lang!" my mother said, then followed by talking Javanese.Kacey then greeted my mother, then followed me into the living room. Meanwhile, my own mother was back at the shop. Kacey then asked what my mother said to her. I answered Kacey that actually, my mother said that she was a beautiful girl.Shortly, Jenny came out to bring Kacey a banquet. I glanced at Kacey, who seemed to be holding back a sense of surprise. There was her friend herself carrying a tray that stood a glass of ice syrup that looked fresh.Perhaps, Kacey had never been served by the host or those closest to her. She was more accustomed to being served by waiters.
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 63 | Unusual Suspect
I was silent did not answer the question. I was not sure whether I still love Julia. However, I did not like, when she was close to other guys. Even though I was silent, Kacey did not push me.Then, from a distance, I saw Santos offroad car parked. As I got closer to Laymisch's stall, I saw Big K, Cole, and Santos. However, there was a woman among them."She's the new lecturer, right?" asked Kacey."Yes!"I stopped the car, then opened the window. When I looked up, Clofus's new lecturer was startled. She blushed, laughing while covering her mouth with both hands.The three other guys did not react as if they understood what was going on. Before this, Big K and Cole told me that Santos was dating the new Clofus lecturer.“Good afternoon, Ms. Reyna!” I greeted.The one who greeted was still giggling and then hitting her lover's back. I did not know why girls like to abuse their partners when they were blushing. Was there no
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 64 | Unusual Suspect 2
As I thought, the information from Sandra and Amelia through Vincent was apparently connected. There was no mistake. Aisyah's younger brother, who was said to have just come from Egypt, was the same young man arrested along with Hendryx and his friends. However, was it true that Zidan Al Rasheed's secretly being freed? I was sure something like this will go unanswered in a press conference.I stood thinking alone while Big K, Cole, and Santos discussed something I could not hear from where I was standing. From the window of this visiting room, I could see Kacey and Reyna talking intimately. I also did not know what the two women were talking about."Hendryx," I called out to him.The four other men who were in the living room compactly turned their heads towards me. Immediately I expressed my curiosity."Have you ever thought that you were being framed?" I asked seriously."What are you talking about?" quipped Cole."Wait," Big K inter
In the Name of the Sacred Tree 65 | The Boy
At home, I laid in bed thinking about the press conference this afternoon. I suspected that Hendryx was being framed. In fact, he confirmed my guess. He said the most mysterious question was, why. Why was Hendryx being set up?Then, what did Zidan have to do with it all? Obviously, he had a hand in the plot to imprison Hendryx? The reason was, according to Hendryx, it was Zidan who was carrying a travel bag containing the drugs.When I thought about Zidan, I thought about Aisha again. I then felt uncomfortable because I have ignored her. Besides, I made Aisha hear something terrible about me. I texted Aisha if I could ask her out. I wanted to apologize in person."Assalamualaikum," I wrote, and then I sent it.Shortly, my cell phone chimes the sound of an incoming message. Apparently, from Amelia. What was the matter with the Chinese Emperor's daughter sending me a message? I opened it and read it."Lang," wrote Amelia."Yes," I replied.
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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
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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
