Hidden [COMPLETED]

Chapter 13

"Is that you? Yeah?" Becky asks, looking at the adorable drawing Lyra made.

Lyra responds with an enthusiastic nod.

"And is that me?"

"That's Sam, and this is you," Lyra says, pointing at the figures she drew.

"It's beautiful."

"And that's Dad."

"Maybe he'll come down from heaven for some cake!" Lyra says, looking up. The sight nearly breaks Becky, but she holds it together.

"What kind of cake do you want?"

A sudden knock interrupts them.

"Shall we see who it is?" Becky asks before lifting Lyra into her arms and moving to open the door.

Once the door is open, Lyra jumps into the arms of the person standing there.

"Sam, it's my birthday!"

"I know," Freen says with her warm smile.

"Really?"

"Yes!"

"I have a gift for you. In fact, I'd like you to meet someone." Freen says, bringing the girl toward her car. After she puts Lyra down, she opens the door. As soon as it swings open, a cute little puppy jumps out.

"What's his name?" Lyra asks, her face lighting up.

"Whatever you want it to be."

"Zimba," Lyra says after thinking for a moment.

"That's a really good name. Do you want to play with him?"

"Yes!"

"Go ahead." As Lyra runs off with the puppy, Freen turns her attention back to Becky, who is close to tears. For a moment, Freen wonders if she did something wrong.

"He lived somewhere ugly. I thought he deserved to be in a beautiful place, and this is the most beautiful place I know. I'm sorry, I should have asked you."

"No, not at all. Quite the opposite. I like him," Becky says, stepping closer to Freen and embracing her tightly.

"Thank you, Sam. It's her first birthday without Saint, and... I didn't know what to do to bring that smile back, so thank you."

********************************

"When you showed me all that evidence, I couldn't see it," Heng says as Freen settles in front of him in his office.

"See what?"

"Well, like you said. Someone about to kill themselves doesn't make plans for the future. They definitely wouldn't ask their wife for a baby."

"So?"

"I don't think Saint killed himself." He pauses, giving Freen time to digest his words before continuing.

"For now, it's just a hunch, but I think I know where to start looking. Anyway, that's what I wanted to tell you."

"Do you really think Saint was murdered?" Freen asks, her mind racing.

"Like I said, it's just a hunch. Still, it’s been a while since I had one. First, I need to get everything in order. I'll question the neighbors again and review the evidence."

"Is there anything I can do to help in the meantime?"

"This is my job, Freen."

"I promise to let you know if there's any news. Most importantly, be discreet about this. It’s the only way you can help me."