Vincent

Five - Black Rose

"What?!"

The loudness of my voice startled the people inside the restaurant. The waiters looked at me with surprise. I glanced at them, they averted their gaze and went back to their work.

"Sandy, calm down." Clark.

"Sorry." I took a deep breath then turned to Kris. "So you still have connection with Juliene?"

"No. The last time we talked was approximately three months ago."

"What did you talk about?"

"We just bumped at each other and drank in a bar. You know, to make up for the good times."

And I know those "good times" he's talking about.

Kris has a one-sided love for Juliene.

Well, I wonder if he confessed to him the day they met.

"He gave me his number after that. Then last month, I called his phone to ask if we could drink again, but he didn't answer. I thought he's busy--"

"Wait." I interrupted him. "What's his work?"

"Just an ordinary salaryman."

I nodded. "Continue."

"I called the second time, no answer. I called again," he spread his hands and shook his head, "still no answer."

That situation is very familiar.

"Was his phone ringing?"

He shook his head. "No."

I knew it.

"I went to his condo. It was locked. I went to the lobby and asked the receptionist if he's returned. She said that he didn't return the day I first called him. That means he's already gone for a week."

My heart was beating so loud. I wonder if Clark could hear it.

"Then I went to his workplace. I asked one of his co-workers. The department he's in was also worried because he didn't send any letters regarding his absence."

"Where's he working?"

"Auburn."

"Auburn?"

"Yes. Now pay attention. I asked if there's anything unusual about him the past few days before he went missing. His co-worker said none. Then I asked about his hobbies. He said that there's this bookstore that Juliene always visited during his day off, which is on Saturdays."