Mind Breaker

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 5

"They've begun the search"

"Great, he's quite a smart guy. If he was so innocent he wouldn't run away"

"Correct. He's on the main suspect list"

***
⏮️

***

"You should try water; very healthy," Nico smiled as he drove. Roman had gone silent in the back. The car stopped before driving again at the green light.

"Nicotine speed up. That car isn't going to stop" Raden clutched his seat belt.

A turning car drove past the red light, crashing right into Nico.
Sending the car tumbling upside down.

Raden opened his eyes, blood dripping from his forehead. He groaned looking around. His eyes narrowed, as he saw that the back seat was empty.

"Bloody hell... Nicotine, are you okay?"

There was a moment of silence, and he was answered with a grunt. Raden sighed as he heard a siren.

"I need a coffee"
*

Raden watched the time on the wall, sitting on the hospital bed. He examined the pills on the bedside table. He had a painful migraine, but for some reason, he refused to take the medication. Nicotine has just left after visiting.

The thought of Nico being out and not him made him ginger.
He messaged his temples. His footsteps were light as he walked to the window. It was dark; hd had a good view of the scenery and the glistening lights of the city.

His thoughts drifted back to Roman and to where the old man could've escaped at such a fast pace. Which is surprising for his age.

He picked up the box and took out one pill. Taking it with the glass of water, he felt like going home.

There was a knock on the door, and the doctor entered.

"Hello, Raden"

"Can I leave now?"

"Uh... Have you taken a pill?"

"Unfortunately yes"

"And how do you feel?"

"Neutral"

"... Right, well you look fine, everything looks fine..."

"Everything is fine" he assured.

"Well then you're officially free to go"

"Thank you, have a good evening."

"You too"

Raden stared at the empty dark streets ahead of him.
He looked at his watch.
Then back up at darkness.

The keys jinggeld as they were thrown on the couch. Raden climbed the stairs going into his study room. He switched on the lights.
He saw a book on the shelf, a little misplaced, and fixed it right away. He sat behind the desk and started working on files and documents.

The migraine bewitching him through the whole night.

The wind howled, gray clouds overtaking the sky. Raden could smell the rain before it started raining. His black BMW driving down the quiet street of his neighborhood.

He headed to the store. He got out, the doors of the shop sliding open.
He greeted the cashier lady, who was all smiles again. And grabbed a basket.

"Would you like a, bag sir?"

"Yes, thank you"
He took out his wallet and handed the woman her cash.
He grabbed the bag from over the counter.
He turned to leave, but the woman abruptly stopped him.

"Sorry, I just wanted to give you this"
She held out a small piece of paper. He stared curiously taking it.
"Have a good day"

"You too," he said and left, crumbling the paper in his hand.
He's seen it too many times, from so many different people.
Especially from the most random ones.
Unfortunately, a relationship was not on his to-do list.

The coffee went ethereal down his throat, his adams apple bobbing up and down. He stared at his laptop screen as Natalie stared back.
Raden wanted to end the video call but thought that would be too rude. He's used to being rude.

"Drinking coffee in front of me, Raden" she leaned back.

"I'm fine"

"I believe you... Tell me how's life?"

Raden's eye twitched. He needed to get back to work.

"Chaotic"

"I bet" she smirked, playing with a strand of her hair. He looked at the clock on the wall and then back at the screen.

"My break is about to end soon–"

"Not until fifteen minutes"

Raden wanted to slap her. She always had a nag for being inappropriate, her flirty personality not making it any better.

"Yeah, but I have a lot to finish up"

"So work is more important than your health?"

"We're not even talking about health"

"Are you seeing anyone?"

"... No"

"ugh! Maybe I should hook you up, you'll die alone"

"I'd prefer that." he ended the call, cutting her off. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. There was a knock on his office door. He took another sip of coffee.
"Come in!"

Nicotine looked at him with that look. Raden straightened up immediately. Clasping his hands together in front of him.

"Speak with me"

"Mount Villa, 56 Street house 8"

"Let's not waste time"

💀

The rain poured down heavily. The surrounding area foggy. Raden felt for his gun around his waist, in hopes that he won't be needing it. His eyes darted left and right, observing every inch of everything. He looked back at his team who stood behind him. He waved out a sign and police officers started to surround the small building.

He stared up, looking at all the possible escape routes. His face hardened and his jaw clenched. He pulled at the door handle, the door was locked. He took a step back pointing the gun at the door handle.

The sound of gunshots penetrated through the air, not once but twice. He kicked open the door and invaded the house; the man was hunched over on his filthy couch, a pistol hanging loosely in one of his hands.

Raden most definitely knew the man was sober, but where he got the gun was a need to know.

The man stirred, his eyes looking over the bunch of police officers standing in his living room.

He cursed, his tongue slurring over his words.
"I guess it's too late" he laughed.

Raden narrowed his eyes watching Roman stand. His face was pale as a cloud.

"You're coming with us"

"No... No, no, no" he rubbed his head, his eyes wide.
"For what?! I killed her! I killed my wife. ME?! Can you believe it?"

"Yeah no bloody fucking hell"

"Sarcastic are we now?"

"Cuff him" A police ordered. Roman instantly brought the gun up to his head smiling maniacally. Everyone stepped back.

"Don't do that," Raden said, his voice low.

"Watch me, fuck boy"

The loud bang vibrated through Raden's body. His hands fell to his side. Roman's body fell to the ground.

Everyone stood still, fazed.
Nicotine turned around to the other officers.

"... Case closed."

But Raden wasn't satisfied.