Fractured Soul

V- MOVING ON

Ch5- Nikos

We have been staying in the house of Antoine's grandparents for about three days, and even if I have work to do back home I think it is best to stay for two days more. At the beginning, I thought coming here was going to bring so many painful memories and I wasn't ready, but now I think it was a good idea because there are also great memories of those times we were happy and it has been a huge step in this healing process. It hasn't been easy, sometimes I find myself staring to her photos on the hall with watering eyes, but it truly has helped me to come to peace with my memories, and I have understood that it is time to let them go and move on.

I would have never thought that to feel this way, this closure and newfound strength to continue I had to come to the house she grew up and allow myself to cherish and embrace the joyful moments instead of punishing myself with the sorrow memories. I hear something ringing which brings me back to the library; it is my cellphone, who is calling me if they know I would be out of the city, I ask myself, while checking the ID displayed in my cellphone.

"Good morning, who am I talking to," I inquire.

"Detective Karallis, "by hearing that voice I already knew it was my boss, I massage softly my temples reading myself to what he will say next "you are speaking to Alex Scott the chief police."

"Did something happen chief?"

"kind of Karallis, there is a really important case in which we have been working on for the past two years, the detective I had in charge is moving to San Francisco, and I need someone else to take over the case. I was thinking of you, but I need you to be here to give you all the details."

"Chief those are great news, right now I am in Washington in the days off I requested when do you need me there?"

"Karallis as soon as you can, it will be good for the case to have someone with a new perspective and ideas to solve it."

"Chief I'll be there tomorrow morning. I'm glad that you think of me for this important matter."

"Karallis I appreciate your commitment, that is why I chose you over the other detectives, but I'll expect you tomorrow morning in my office with no delay, don't make me regret it."

"Count with it Chief."

The instant I hanged up the phone, I dial the number of the airline and reserve two tickets for later today. Afterwards, I go and take a shower and go downstairs to meet my family in the dining table.

"Good morning, did everyone sleep well last night?" I ask taking my place in the table.

They all nod and continue eating their breakfast, I decided to tell them about the trip after finishing. I interrupt their conversation to give them the news.

I clear my throat until all their eyes are looking my way "We will have to leave early, they called from work."

"How early," Nanny questions.

"We will have to travel tonight."

"that is so fast, we haven't have the chance to do all the things we have planned with our grandson," Mémé replies disappointed.

"Antoinette, we've got to understand is not like Nikos is doing it on purpose. Is everything fine at work son? Are you having problems?" Pépé seems worried, and in a quandary to ask but decides to do it.

"Théo don't worry everything is fine, is the other way around, I'm being offered an important case."

"Dwaddy wi catch twhe bwad gwuy, Pum! Pum!" Antoine seems excited.