Dullahan [ COMPLETED ]

What We Know Now

CHAPTER 16: What We Know Now

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"Alfred McGranz, age 44, German. He came to our country 3 year ago and worked in his brother's restaurant down town. When the restaurant was forcibly shut down and the two of them were kicked out, he had no other choice but to live in the streets while his brother lived with his girlfriend."

"Harsh," John muttered, "The government these days..."

"Yeah. So Alfred tried hard to earn money from meager jobs to reopen the restaurant, but to no avail. In the end, he got the impression that robbery is the highest paying job there is. He resulted to robbing banks and malls. Right now, this is his 4th arrest,"

That caught our ears, "Wait, so this isn't his first arrest?"

"Why would they hide his identity then? Everyone knows him by now,"

Cousin Damus swallowed hard, looking around cautiously before ducking back to the safety of our group, "If you're really interested on him, that means you know about the truck then, right?"

"The one carrying the artifacts from abroad?"

He placed a finger on his lips, silencing us, "Don't mention it out loud. Nobody else should know about that!"

"Why?"

"Because those artifacts are sacred. They're special," He breathed and wiped the sweat from his forehead. He seems nervous, as if he is breaking a taboo or something, "If people here in our country and those abroad find out it got stolen by an amateur criminal, what do you think they would say?"

I clenched my fist, "So they're hiding it from the public to maintain or non-existing reputation?"

"Y-yeah... That's what my boss said. We have to get those back before the donators come to check on them too," He leaned back, "So, anything else?"

"Where is he now?" Asked Penny.

Oh yeah, that was supposed to be our real intention.

"Security Cell in our Capital. Nobody's allowed to meet him,"

"Great," Hissed Francis, kicking the floor, "What now? Infiltrating a high security place is beyond our reach,"

I elbowed him, "Don't make it sound as if we're criminals too,"

"So, you think Alfred has something you guys need?" Cousin Damus' eyes landed on Duan, "And if you don't find it soon, this guy will continue killing?"

Duan breathed out and crossed his arms, "That's practically how it goes,"

He seemed deep in thought for a moment, eyebrows twitching, sweat dripping down his forehead, "Jeffy, you're so..."

I smiled at him, "Strange? Extraordinary? Nosy?"

His mouth curved to a smirk, "Yeah, in a good yet strange way," He stood up and placed his police cap on, "Well, I'll update on you guys soon then,"

"Really?" I chirped, eyes sparkling.

"Yeah, just don't go too far and hurt yourself,"

"Thanks bro!" Francis waved at him as he walked off.

John cupped his hands around his mouth, "One more thing! Tell your partners in there that they're asses who can't lie straight!"

The older teen laughed, "I know right? I guess it's time to let them know!"

He entered the establishment, leaving us sitting silently on the bench. There was a heavy air around us, minds still clouded with more unanswered questions and new information.

"I think that's enough for today," Said Duan as he stepped over infront of us, hands on either side of his hips, "It's too advance for kids like you,"

"I appreciate the concern, Duan, but I assure you, we already hit puberty," I hissed sarcastically.

"I bet your mind didn't hit puberty yet," He smirked back.

Everyone laughed out loud and I couldn't help but pout, even when an embarassed blush made its way to my face.

"That doesn't make sense!" I retorted.

"It doesn't! But it's damn funny!"

"Whatever," Patricia waved her hands around, "Let's get something to eat, I'm starving!"

"Yeah!" John leapt up and grinned, "Your treat?"

"Not really,"

We were supposed to go, but Duan's hand gripped my wrist and I paused, looking back, "W-what?"

"You're treating me?" His dark eyes seemed to shine- almost as if taking advantage of me- at which I let him.

"Yeah, yeah,"

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TBC