Goal of my life | Kenan Yildiz

Suspects

Two hours later I left the precinct. The interrogation was quite long and left me with too many question marks. The policemen realized that even they knew more than I did about what was going on. That's why in the end they decided to let me go. I got a taxi and on the way gazed at Turin at night. I was lost in my thoughts. My mind still didn't realize exactly what was happening. The accusations I received about my family sounded completely absurd. There was no way we could have anything to do with drug trafficking from foreign countries. There must have been a mistake. After all, the companies we use to ship the paintings are foreign - we don't have our own transport. How did my family name manage to get mixed up in something like this?!
Dad has never been in such circles, he is such a humble and quiet man. I wouldn't even think of having anything to do with such stories.

The taxi parked in front of my house. I had to have the driver call for me several times before I realized we had arrived. I handed him some cash, thanked him and got out. As the taxi pulled away, I saw a familiar black car in front of my house - it was Kenan's. He was standing leaning against its bonnet. I had totally forgotten. He must have called me, but my phone was on silent. He turned his head and immediately recognized me.

-"Belle!" he called and started toward me.
He cupped his hands around my face. That was the moment I collapsed and the tears just flowed. All day I tried to hold on and not give in to my emotions, but when I saw him, I just gave in.
Kenan hugged me tightly and I felt safe for the first time in hours. His embrace warmed me, literally and figuratively.
-Let's go inside and you can tell me what's going on. - He said calmly, pulling away from our embrace. At that moment, all I could manage was a nod. He took my hand and we headed for the front door. I pulled the keys out of my pocket and with a shaky hand managed to unlock it. The two of us walked in, silence reigning the entire time.

We both sat on the couch, and little Roscoe settled between us and fell asleep right away, relaxed that I was already home.
-Kenan...I don't know where to start. - I barely spoke.
-Babe, Erica told me.When I couldn't get in contact with you, I called her.  Tell me, where were you? You look scared.
I told him about the whole messed up situation I didn't even understand how I got into. Really, my world turned upside down for a few hours. One can never be prepared for what's about to happen.

-Do you suspect anyone? - He asked me.
-'I don't know, Kenan. At this point I suspect everyone.
-By 'everyone' you mean ...?
-Even your father. - I said. I finally said it out loud.As much as I didn't want to believe it, I had reason to suspect Engin. Maybe he wanted revenge.
Kenan's expression changed after I said that. He looked at me with a different gaze-he was cold and somewhat distant from me.
-Belle, this is ridiculous. My father had nothing to do with it. - He said in an even tone.
-'I'm not saying I'm convinced it's him. But it is probable. - I shrugged my shoulders.
-Just as a suggestion that my father might be involved, it really offends me right now. - He said and stood up.
-Kenan, please. I didn't mean that. - I held out my hand to him, but he stepped back.
-'Yes, my father didn't agree with us being together, but he would never hurt your family. - ' He said defensively.
-'Kenan, please listen to me. - I stood up as well.
-'I'm sorry, Belle. I have an important game tomorrow and I have to go home. - He headed for the door, and I followed him. - Call me if you need anything.
With those words, he walked out and slammed the door. I couldn't blame him. I insulted his father, one of the closest people in his life. But then again, why didn't he understand my position - I was so stressed out about everything - I was talking nonsense.Yet the truth is that at that point I suspected everyone I worked with might be involved. What was I going to do?And the Coppa Italia final was tomorrow - I needed to be there to support Kenan.

I was just getting ready to go to bed. I felt that the stress of the whole day had its say and I needed sleep. Just as I turned off my bedside lamp, I heard my phone ring. Who could it be that late? It was my mother. I immediately picked up.
-Hello? Mom!
-Belle, they arrested your father! -she said through tears.
-What? When did it happen?
-A little while ago. I don't know what to do, dear.
-Mom, I'm going to catch the first flight to come to you. Please calm down. I'm coming. - As I spoke I stood up, switched on the lamp and began to pack my bags.
-Okay, sweetheart. I'll wait for you. Take care. - She said and hung up the phone.

It was almost midnight and there was no need to disturb anyone so late. I caught a cab to the airport, and on the way I bought a ticket through the mobile app. Thank goodness there was a flight in 2 hours and I'd get there very quickly. I prayed this whole nightmare would be over. I just want to wake up and realize it was all just a bad dream. Unfortunately it wasn't - it was reality. I could barely keep myself from crying.

06:54 a.m., Barcelona

My mother and I were at the police station where my father was being held. I was sitting down and my mother was walking around the narrow waiting room and pouting.
-Mommy, please. Sit down. That way you can't rush the process.
-Honey, leave me alone, please.
I pouted and rolled my eyes. My mother was terrible when she was tense. And I'd never seen her so tense. I stood up and walked over to her to hug her. We both had a solid cry. Then we sat down and waited for someone to update us on what was going on.After a while, a woman in a police uniform came out of one of the rooms.
-Are you Mr. Rodriguez's family?
Both my mother and I nodded and stood up. -The Mr. has to stay here for at least another 72 hours. He assured us that his lawyer would be here soon.
-'Oh, my God!' my mother exclaimed and burst into tears.
-'Mommy!' I hugged her to comfort her.

My last days passed monotonously. I was either at the district office or at home, but talking on the phone with our partners, who found out about the situation and wanted to get away from our cooperation. I was trying to contain my emotions and keep my cool as I didn't want it all to fall apart now. My father wasn't even found guilty. They had no right to accuse him without enough evidence. I didn't pick up Kenan's phone. I didn't have the strength to hear his voice - if I did I might have collapsed. I could only be weak in front of him, but that wouldn't help me right now. I texted Erica so as not to worry her unnecessarily.

Today my father had a hearing in court. My mother and I entered the courtroom and I looked around to see if there were any familiar faces. As we took our seats, I saw the person I least expected - Engin. What was he doing here? I knew he was involved in all of this. He noticed me looking at him and at that moment our eyes met. I expected him to look at me smugly, but no. I could read understanding in his gaze and maybe warmth?

After several agonizing hours, the meeting was over and I could relax. They couldn't find my father guilty because of the lack of sufficient evidence, and thanks to Engin's testimony. He took me by surprise. I didn't know he had come to testify. After we went outside I hugged Dad tightly and didn't want to be separated from him.
-Relax, dear. I'm here. - Dad assured me in his warm voice.
I looked around for Engin. I wanted to talk to him, but I couldn't find him. Maybe he had left. But why?

Later we were already home and having dinner. My phone rang and I saw it was Erica. I picked up and got up from the table.
-Honey, I read your message. I'm glad they released your father. - She said to me.
-'Yes, I'm relieved. But the case is still ongoing. - I said and sighed.
-Belle. I need to tell you something. It has to do with my suspicions of Leo.
-What?
-I'm pretty sure I saw Leo with Karlotta and Nick in a café near the gallery in Turin.