What We See, What We Forget

Part 6

Erwin Althari Gunawan is now a sudden person of interest. Instead of going out in panic mode and setting up an all-points bulletin, Husni opted for a more silent approach by conducting all the initial research for Erwin himself. When he heard that the letters were sent from a boarding house, his first assumption was that Erwin was still a student in Malang. A quick search of the student database shows that Erwin is still an active student at the same university as Shasfa and is the same age; the only difference is the faculties in which they are enrolled. Erwin was studying computer science. With that information collected, Husni reported to Hendra about the possibility of bringing Erwin in for questioning. Hendra approved of it, and Husni went to work. He returned to the university to visit Erwin, supposedly on the computer science faculty. The faculty's building is the most impressive inside the university, complete with various options for leisurely student activities, including a pool table and a dedicated gaming room. Entering the faculty, he went to the technology information major's office to get any information regarding Erwin. Husni reached the office, where a receptionist tended to his query. He introduced himself by showing a badge and asking for Erwin, as well as a picture of him and a warrant for his questioning. The receptionist could not recognize the picture, but luckily for him, the head of the major was there.

"I recognize you, detective; you're investigating the death of one of this university's students, aren't you?" Quipped the head.

"Yes, sir, I am."

"And your presence here signals that you think one of my students is involved, isn't it?"

"Well, not directly involved, but I just need to ask him a few questions."

"Who is it, detective?"

Husni presented the warrant and the picture to the head.

"Oh, Erwin! He's a gifted kid, one of my favorite students, he is the only student in my books who studied the lessons before class."

"You taught him, sir?"

"Yes, he was supposed to be in my class yesterday but did not turn up or send any sick letters."

"I remember the procedure is to leave it to a friend?"

"He's the antisocial type. He doesn't have too many friends that I could recollect."

"Is there his schedule that I could refer to?"

"Yes, I'll have my receptionist hand it to you."

"Thank you then, sir. Here's my number if you want to tell me anything."

"Of course, detective, it's nice to help. Hopefully, he isn't in too much trouble; I sense a great future for the boy."

There is no question that the idol-liking alleged stalker is also antisocial; not only that, but Husni is unlucky enough to appear when he's not there. However, Erwin's next class is in forty-six minutes. Husni chose to wait around the floor and near the classroom where Erwin was supposed to attend, only for him to not appear. Just before the lecturer for that class entered, Husni barged inside the room, asking for anyone who had information about Erwin and, more importantly, why he wasn't attending classes. To the testament of the head's statement, nobody knows what happened to Erwin. Everyone had a blank stare and was probably also confused as to why a detective was now inside the classroom with them. He's antisocial and doesn't even participate in the class group chat. Husni then thanked the lecturer, who was still outside for the time and left for his next destination, Erwin's boarding house.

Husni requested backup before going to the boarding house at the planetary complex on one of Tlogomas Street's arteries. The boarding house looked upscale, with a tall gate and marble finishing on the walls. Husni and the two other officers got out of their respective cars and proceeded to knock on the gates of the boarding house when suddenly, a red hatchback turned the corner, which led to the boarding house and made a stop. Husni quickly looked at the driver and noticed that the driver was Erwin.