A Glimpse of Past

Chapter 16.1

HANS' POV

A phone suddenly rang and shut the silence down. I scanned their faces while both of them were looking at me. I pulled out my phone and saw my hacker, Franco Mint. We have been in touch ever since I left the country but after I received a printed letter in my dorm in Italy from an unknown person. And the message adds to my belief to know what's happening behind in my family, especially my dad.

I looked at both of them and asked for permission to take the call. I took Ayne's nod as a yes then, I left the room.

"Dude.", Franco started.

"What is it?", I answered.

"PL Company has nothing to do with your father. But they have something in common with your dad’s hospital. They both deposited large amounts of money to someone, but I can't detect this because every transaction changes.", he sighed.

"CCTV?", I asked.

"It is quite blurry. I assume it should be one person but it showed different people.".

"I don't understand you.".

"Every transaction, different people but the same amount of money is received.", he sighed, "I know it is confusing. I think you should see it for yourself. I sent the link. It is already compiled. Also, I think you should get yourself not to be engrossed in your plan.".

"I already started it. There's no turning back.", I said in a serious tone. I heard him sighed and this made me laugh it off.

"If anything happens, think first because I can't save you for the second time. The last time I rescued you is a matter of luck. Do you get it?”, he threatened. 

I stayed silent and nodded even though he can’t see me.

“Okay, stay safe bro.”, but before he could end the call, I heard a familiar voice. “Hey, Mr. Mint!”, the voice of a woman is heard.

“Anna?”, he murmured. Then, the call ended.

What’s with my friend and my cousin? They know each other?

But before I went inside. I opened the link that Franco sent me.

I saw how different people are coming in and out of the ATM stalls on different days but at the same time, 3 o’clock in the afternoon. However, there is one thing that bothered me. No cash is withdrawn.

What are they doing?

Meanwhile, I saw Ayne went out of the room and looking for me. I called her. She brightly smiled at me which stopped me from walking. A memory suddenly flashed in my brain. A small girl who was smiling brightly and waving her hands in the opposite street was about to cross the street when a loud honk was heard and people starts running towards the center of the street.

“Hans?”, Ayne’s voice stopped me from staring in daze. “Are you okay?”, she worriedly asked.

I smiled and nodded.

“I’ll stay with my dad. Are you okay to go home alone?”, she asked, more worried.

"I am.", then lightly tapped her shoulders, "Then please inform you father that I will go ahead.". 

She nodded as an answer.

I immediately went to the parking lot, heated my car and went off back to my condo unit.

~ -_- ~

At condo unit,

I went directly to my secret room. At first you could see it as a mirror but when you pressed the button at the left side, it automatically opened. This secret room of mine contains the information that my direct family has. My father and mother’s side. And my goal is to find the truth.

I opened my laptop and rewatched the CCTV videos until someone caught my eye. Grandma? I zoomed in the video footage. She is wearing a scarf covering her face but the bracelet she wears is the same as my grandma wears. Grandma was our nanny before my mom died.

What is she doing here?

A few seconds she looked at the CCTV camera and slowly spoke. I followed it and replayed it several times until I was able to understand.

SHE…. IS…. ALIVE….

My mind went blank and tears started to fall down. The letter was correct all along. My breathing starts to go fast as if I am running. My hands are trembling and the bereavement I had for a long time starts to drown me looking at the screen.

My mother is alive.