Your Batman (In English)

Chapter 8 : I hate him

<My son, 

I have so much to tell you or to repeat. Richard, I know that you hate me and this is obviously normal. But know that i never wanted it. This letter is the last one that I send because now, you know where I live. I think you still need time and that is why I didn't come in our house, so you wouldn't be forced to see me. I've also learned that you took a flat. Look, the fact that I'm here now won't change what happened. But all of this was ten years ago, Rich. During all those years, we've only seen each other twice. Of course, I understand that I'm gone after your mother's death and you still miss her a lot. My son, the reasons why you hate me won't change and will never change. Because the real cause of her death mustn't be exposed. Then, I would love to recreate our relationship father-son, when you'll be ready, for sure. Hope to see you soon. 

 Your father.>

It was signed Mr.Scholes. I still was sat on the sofa, reading again the letter that i have found the eve, which had shocked me. I already knew that her mother was dead but not aware of the point of view of his father. To understand the situation, I had to talk to Rich. Then, I put the paper in the trash and join him. He was surely waiting for me in the basement. I took the stairs and noticed that my friend was slumped on his keyboard, sleeping. I hesitated to wake him up but I decided to shake him a little bit. 

 Me : Hey. Rich. Richard... 

 He woke with a start. 

 "Wow, slowly, i just wanted to tell you that if you want, i can leave. 'Cause I wouldn't want to..."

 - No, no, it's fine ! I didn't do all this researches for nothing, he said arranging his hair. 

 - "Researches" ? 

 - Yeah, I woke up in the middle of the night. I've suddenly got an idea. You know, surely like you when you write... 

 - Rich, got to the point. 

 - Yes, so, the day before yesterday, I went back where she has been kidnapped and... 

 - The police didn't rail in it ?

 - I managed. And what if you stopped interrupting me ? I was saying I found something. A footprint and some blood. 

 Then, i stared at him, praying that it wasn't the blood of Maissa. 

 "Belonging to a man, relax. It must be the one of the kidnapper. Which means I may find the one who kidnapped her. I just need to press this button and...there it is, project of the scientific experts hacked."

- You hacked the criminal police ?! 

 - Yes, but in few hours, Maissa will be on our company. 

 It took me about ten seconds to realize what he had just said. 

- Wait, what, you're...you're serious ? Is it possible ? 

 - Well, if this software find the good person, yes. 

 I stopped smiling like a moron when he stood up. 

 "If you want anything, make yourself at home." 

 - Alright, OK. 

 He gathered few things and stored it in a bag. It was maybe the good time to talk. 

 "Hum, Rich ?" 

 - Yes, he answered, giving a look in my direction. 

 - You... You know almost everything about me. And I don't. 

 - Oh, you know, there's nothing really interesting to know about me. Ask me some questions, if you want. 

 - Can you tell me more about your parents ? I asked. 

 His smile disappeared. 

 "I've...found those letters of your father." 

 - You've searched on my things ? 

 - Yes, well, no, they were in the trash. 

 - We'll talk about it another time, he replies, going to the door. 

 I moved forward some steps. 

- How do you want me to trust you if i almost don't know anything about you ? 

 He deeply sighed. 

 - Alright... My mother's dead when i was 8. In a car crash. We were three, my father, her and me. I remember as if it was today. Every time I think about it, i always remember my mother unconscious...blood everywhere... It's ironical, i always wondered why the one who didn't survive is her..., he explained, staring at the ground, tears in his eyes. 

- It wasn't your fault. It was an accident. 

 He stifled a fake laugh. 

- Here's the problem. It was not an accident. Since that day, i always doubted about it. Just before the crash, I'd heard them talking. She was saying that someone wanted them dead. Both of them. 

 - Who ? 

 - I don't know. And if I knew, I think that person wouldn't be in this world anymore, he said, wiping the drop of water which had just flowed on his cheek. 

 "And that's not a coincidence if my so-called dad erased any record of her." 

 - What do you mean ? 

 - Well, you only know one part of the story. After her death, my father deleted everything concerning her. No more photographs. No more things which belonged to her. And it was as if he had forgotten her. And you know what's the worst ? He asked with a shaking voice. 

 "He's gone. He... He fucking left me ! He dashed off, abandoning his responsibility of father, during seven years. I've been in and out of foster homes. I've tried to live my life despite all that. One day, I went to the police station and there again, they had nothing about my mother. It's like she disappeared. It's only when i was 15 that he almost came back as if nothing happened, thinking he could buy me with presents, like this one." 

 He took a break. 

 "Now, he wants to make me look like the son who doesn't want his father. The lost son who needs a father. But where was he when I needed him, then ? He exclaimed. 

 "Where was he when I lost my mum ?! When I was running to keep up in school ?! Or simply when I needed his presence ?! So yes, I don't want to see him. Yes, I hate him. I would love crossing him off this planet. But i have my reasons."