Early Bird (Erkenci Kus)(Part 2)

26. Muzo lies and JJ won't listen

Muzaffer sat in front of his phone, set on front facing camera with headshots printed next to him. He fixes his eyebrows, combing them down with his pinky fingers and then grins, pressing record.

"So, my dear public, prosecutors, governors, heads of state...I greet you today with the utmost respect and gratitude. I have here, my photographs, signed by me - " He pauses and signs a photo to show the people he did indeed sign it himself.

"Muzaffer!"

"Hm?" He hums, smiling into the camera and signing another photo.

"Muzaffer!"

"Mother," he sighs then smiles at the camera. "Apologies dear friends, but family is important too am I right?" he chuckles.

"Muzaffer!" Aysun calls once again, looking at him from the kitchen where she could see him ignoring her and she was getting irritated. She drops the plate she's rinsing off and walks into the dining room. "Muzaffer, the doorbell is ringing, can't you hear it? Get off that thing and go open it!"

Muzaffer stops the video. "Why can't you do it? Look what you made me do. Now I have to start all over again with you yelling 'Muzaffer!' the whole time." he scoffs. "And why are you washing dishes? You're the mother of a celebrity. Hire someone to do it from now on or buy a machine."

"I don't like those machines - " The doorbell rings again. "Just go and get the door, I can't go my gloves are already dripping everywhere!"

"Okay, okay, I'm going," he mumbles and gets up. He walks over to the door with a groan and opens it, stepping into his shoes from his slippers and going through the courtyard to the outer door. "Why we have so many doors I have no idea... I'm famous, I shouldn't have to open doors..." He swings it open and freezes, his welcoming smile dropping as soon as he sees the two men in uniform. Lifting his hand stiffly, he salutes them and nods. "Good day. How can I help you?"

The older gentleman looks in behind him and back. "Is Muzaffer Kaya at home?"

Muzaffer looks at the younger officer then back at the older and then he clears his throat lightly. "Er, yes, there is someone named Muzaffer Kaya that used to live here. He's in Yozgat now. He told me he was going there before he went anyway," Muzaffer nods again. "I don't know if he ever left. Why are you looking for him? Can I offer you a beverage? Some tea, or coffee perhaps? Maybe some Ayran, or cold water? It's pretty hot out." Sweat was starting to pool at his temples, and it wasn't from the heat.

The two officers look at one another. "Nothing for us now, thank you."

"Of course, you're on duty!" Muzaffer chuckles, talking too loud from nerves. "Thank you for your service by the way. Such a proud job, protecting the citizens. We can always trust in your strength and security."

"Is Muzaffer Kaya your brother?"

"No, he's my cousin. My uncle's son. Which one of them I don't know really, he's a distant cousin. I have a lot of uncles you see and most of them have at least six children...I know he lost his mother at birth and he's been homeless for years..." Muzaffer chokes up, and he sniffs. "But he's gone to Yozgat, as I said. That's what he said, maybe he will come back one day and maybe not...I will tell him the law enforcement is waiting for him if he comes back or calls."

"Please do. If you see him, tell him to come to us immediately."

"Where? The station?"

"Yes the station."

"Alright. I'll tell him to go to the police station."

"Thank you. Good day Mr - ?"

"Good day!" Muzaffer nods quickly and then salutes them again. "God save the motherland!" He shuts the door before they can even turn to leave.