Running from Him by YH Yohi

Chapter 23: Prison date?

The week passed by quietly, it was the peace before the storm.  Arin was a powerful man, so to keep him in detention it was important that no one knew where he was. Hence, the special forces had to come into play. Everyone was now walking on a tightrope as it's only a matter of time before things blow up.

"We need him to spill before people get suspicious of his disappearance" Malon gritted as he held his aching head. His eyes sagged, hair haphazard, and everyone seemed to be at the wit's end.

"Malon is it possible we were wrong about Arin, as in the murder and...?" Pari mumbled as worry etched her forehead.

"Even if we were wrong about the murder, what about the club and the trials, I knew something was suspicious when the trials failed but I didn't know where to look"?

"If it was true, he should have said something right? anything." After a long pause, Malon finally spoke. The words he held down for the past few hours chocked his throat, unsure how long he could keep it in.

"Pari, he's not ordinary" Malon broke.

"What do you mean?"

"We...well"

"Tell me" Pari demanded, Malon had looked hesitant since he came, Pari thought it stress that was taking its toll.

"We interrogated him...using force." Pari instantly stood up, as her chair flung back.

"What!? You promised Malon" Pari couldn't believe it, she knew the special forces had brutal interrogation methods, even the most hardened criminals never stood a chance.

"I know! apparently the orders weren't passed."

"What nonsense is that Malon!"

"The sub-head of the facility has personal connections with Arin's rival, they were desperate to get it out of him" Pari was shocked. She was overridden by guilt. But it was not over. 

"Pari, that's not the most worrying part" Malon tried to reassuringly hold her hand, but she didn't let him. She was beyond furious. Though Pari was scared and frustrated at Arin for his lies, she still cared for him, remnants of her feelings were deeply wedged in her heart. 

"Pari you just don't get it! He's a psychopath! He was beaten black and blue for 2 days, forget confessions, he even laughed and chided the officers."

"Malon, stop it..."

"I'm serious Pari, he's not ordinary, most criminals would break in just 1 day, he's unaffected"

"So, what do you want me to do Malon, celebrate?" Pari was on the verge of tears, nothing occupied her mind, but Arin's body beaten and bleeding. 

"Come tomorrow to the facility" Malon got up as he sighed.

"What? But outsiders are not allowed"

"I'll explain tomorrow, just pull yourself together, it's going to be a long fight."

Malon left Pari puzzled, fear, guilt, anger and emotions she never knew existed poured out in strained gasps and sobs. Suddenly Pari's phone rang....Karen.

"Hi Karen" Pair sniffed, trying to control the quavers in her voice

"Pari, are you okay?" Karen sounded concerned 

"I'm fine, but Pari can I ask you a favor please?" Pari asked unsure. Pulling Karen into this mess, is it the right thing to do?

"Of course Pari, tell me anything"

"Thank you, and please don't tell Malon. He just worries to much" Pari mumbled

"Don't worry, I know how he is. Tell me Pari" Karen gave a small laugh