𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞

Episode 69

The death of the man who was secretly spying on the Johnson family left everyone shaken. The bigger question was—how did the Black Lion gang know they were closing in on him?

Inside the study room, Officer Book sat with his team—Nani, Santa, Tee, and Nanon—pouring over files and evidence. Soon, Mr. Johnson (Mark) entered, followed by his sons and nephews: Joong, Pond, Sky, Dew, Force, Aou, Ohm, and Perth.

The atmosphere was tense. Everyone could sense the danger closing in.

Force was the first to speak, sharing his views on the recent attack. Sky and Dew quickly joined the conversation, their voices overlapping with urgency.

Dew, however, went quiet for a moment, thinking hard. His sharp eyes scanned the files, then he asked, "What about the number plate from the motorbike used that night?"

Tee replied, "We traced it, but the owner had already filed a stolen report. The vehicle was a dead end."

Dew leaned forward, tapping his fingers on the table. "No... think about the timing instead. Look at the pattern—each attack happens only when the family is gathered together. Almost like they're waiting for you all to be in one place."

Everyone fell silent.

Book's eyes widened slightly as he nodded. "Dew is right. That's the exact similarity we kept overlooking."

Nanon added, "Yes... it's not random. It's calculated. The gang wants the family together so they can watch the destruction unfold in front of everyone's eyes."

Mark clenched his fists. "Then what's the solution?"

Book sighed, but his tone was firm. "The truth is, the gang finds it easier when the family stays in groups. If you separate, it makes it harder for them to strike with impact."

Force interjected, "So basically, instead of staying united... being apart might actually keep us safer?"

Book gave a grim nod. "Exactly."

The room fell into heavy silence again. For a family known to stand together through everything, the idea of splitting apart felt like another kind of wound.

The Next Day

The Johnson family mansion was buzzing with activity. The plan to split and stay at different locations had been finalized, and everyone was busy arranging their movements.

Sky gently held his aunt Susan's hand as he guided her toward the car.
Sky: "Don't worry, aunty. At my place, you'll be completely safe. Mom and Dad will be there, and we've got officers guarding us."
Susan smiled faintly, still shaken but comforted by her nephew's steady tone.

At the same time, Aunty Maya was fussing with her luggage, preparing to leave with Dew.
Maya: "Dew, are you sure it won't trouble you?"
Dew: (grinning) "Not at all. Having you there will only make my house warmer. Plus, Mom's already excited."
Maya chuckled softly, her nerves easing a little.

But the calmness was soon broken. In the main hall, Force and Bright were bickering like children, their voices echoing across the marble floors.

Force: "Uncle Mark is staying with me. I'm his favorite, so obviously, he'll be more comfortable with me."
Bright: (rolling his eyes) "Being a favorite doesn't mean anything! At my house, me, Win, and Mom-Dad can take care of him properly. He'll be happier there!"
Win stood nearby, arms crossed, sighing at his husband's childish persistence.

Force: (puffing his chest) "I can protect Uncle better than you ever could."
Bright: (snapping back) "Oh please, don't act like a superhero now!"