Secret Scent Of Lavender

The Funeral

The next day, both Rith and Mark checked out of the hotel. They rushed to their hideout when the latest news of Mr. Dean’s death came out early in the morning. He was found dead under an abandoned bridge outside of town, a rural area where only trees witnessed what happened that night.

The case became super serious. Mr. Dean was found dead and what about the other five missing men? Still no clues and the police became furious, since the missing men were quite powerful and wealthy.

The weird thing was there was nothing wrong with Mr. Dean’s body, no sign of hitting or physical a***e. After the autopsy, they simply found that he had just died, the heart condition was good, everything seemed normal. He’s just out of breath and his heart stopped beating at some points, that’s all. They found no poison or d**g in his entire internal organs. They even discovered that his body was strangely in a healthy state.

The secret agents sat around the table discussing the current issue after spending two days searching around the area where the late Evin Dean was discovered. They even spent some time studying the late Evin Dean’s dead body. Seth tapped his pen against the table a few times before clearing his throat to get his friends’ attention.

“Less than a month, six men have been missing, one has died so far.” He sighed out his concern.

“It’s getting out of control and the worst is we still have no clue…” Continued the leader of the group. Mark remained silent, Rith seemed to be in his own world.

“Still no news from Kaiden?” Asked Mark, he sat on the edge of the table tossing his phone playfully. Seth shook his head. The three agents suddenly became silent and they took that moment to think. It was completely quiet, as if they were giving each other a chance to talk their mind first, but no one uttered any word.

“I can’t believe our Eagle eyes ran out of ideas and just sit here with a sigh of stress, looking so hopeless.” Mark blurted out, half joke, half serious.

“I know right,” Seth himself agreed. In a swift shift, Mark turned to look at the elder in disbelief.

“You’re kidding, right?”

“I am…” Upon hearing the response, Mark patted his own shoulder in relief.

“…not joking.” Mark stumbled his body on the table at the completed sentence. Seth chuckled before leaning on the chair. His eyes darted toward Rith, whose fingers were playing with the edge of his phone while his eyes were staring blankly at the screen in front of them.

Seth nudged Mark’s arm and nodded his head in Rith’s direction. Mark shrugged his shoulders with a ‘No idea’.

“Rithy Joan…” Seth addressed his teammate’s full name, knocking his knuckle on the table to wake his friend up from his daydream. The younger one hummed as a response.

“Tell us what you’ve been doing until now. What’s going on between you and Violet Sandra, the director of H&R hotel?” Seth purposely emphasized her name and it worked. Rith raised his right eyebrow the moment Seth mentioned the name of the woman. He also had no idea why he was trailing behind her and that garden.

“I bet he doesn’t know either.” Mark chipped in before walking toward his computer and started to connect the view of CCTV from H&R hotel to the big screen.

“For now, I really can’t form any words to describe it.” Rith confessed. Seth, being a leader for years, could sense something was off. The leader stared at the young man in front of him for several seconds before grinning widely.

“You really don’t know how to talk or you don’t want to? Come on, Rithy Joan.” Seth urged. His eyes moved from Rith to the screen where many parts of the hotel were displayed. Rith turned his head and his eyes knew where to focus, the garden.

“Spill it,”

“I don’t want to make any assumptions yet. But…I’m holding some clues.” He finally got up and grabbed the glass board. A marker was tossed to him by Mark as Seth leaned back, ready to be a listener.

“First, it is not a well-planned k********g case. It just randomly happened to get them for some reason. They’re random people as well, no special relations to each other.” Rith started. He got some pictures in hand and placed them on the board one by one.

“Karan Blender, a board director of TL Electronics factory, twenty-two this year. I’ll skip some information, since you guys know, and I’ll jump to the main point. I meant the date.” Rith noted the date next to the picture, ’17, September’.

“Patrick Antony, twenty-five, finance manager of TLE factory. These two are colleges. This means Patrick and Karan got kidn*pped at the same time, same place. On 22nd of September, Roy Jordan disappeared, followed by Lauren Shannon on 30th. The last two are Mason William and Evin Dean, 7 and 10 of October. These are really random, I said. Different places, dates and times. So this case might be revenge or serial killing.” Rith drew all the dates next to the photos before turning to his friends, who attentively listened to his presentation.

“And I found the clues from these date and…those footages.” Rith pointed to the screen, mainly at the garden.

“After checking all the footage, the date matched well. The hotel has CCTV in the garden and they sometimes shut it down for specific purposes.” Mark nodded his head furiously as he remembered what happened in the control room.

“And they happened to be the same dates when the six men disappeared. Also, last night someone made a demand to shut down the view in the garden and today, Mr. Evin Dean was found dead. So my assumption is the garden might be a place where those men are being kept.” Rith ended his report as his two friends were still in their listening state.

“So you didn’t sleep at all last night just to watch all the footage?” Mark asked, clapping his hands to show his appreciation.

“I can see, look at the dark circle under his eyes.” Seth joked with his usual big grin.

“This is interesting,” Seth continued. “I think there’s really something about the garden.”

“You also think so?” Rith couldn’t contain his excitement as his friend shared some supporting ideas.

Seth nodded. He grabbed his laptop and turned to ask Mark for help. Mark did it instantly without asking twice, connected the device to the LCD TV on the wall.

“The background of this place is mysterious. Actually, it is always a lavender garden –family farm and it's been there for almost two decades already. It was owned by the Sandra family for years and then someone bought that land and grew various flowers and plants. Currently, Sandra's family still watches over that area but the owner remains unknown.” Seth made a point and Mark showed his thumbs up as he was impressed by his leader, who said he had run out of ideas.

“That’s our Eagle Eyes.”

Rith turned to the big screen again. He couldn’t take his eyes off of the garden. The beautiful scenery was created like a piece of art as the afternoon light covered the whole garden. It was beautiful.

He remembered her teary eyes, the saddest pair of orbs staring into the lavender bushes. She seemed so emotional, as if those flowers reminded her of something very precious yet sorrowful.

And for more information, Seth announced that he also spent time walking around the forest as well. Again, Rith and Mark wowed at their leader. As expected, Seth liked to have his own way of investigating every case -like an eagle, he loved freedom. But he’s also a good team player.

Seth then gave them a nod to look at the LCD TV and they did.

Picture by picture were displayed on the screen. The three watched them one by one quietly. Those were pictures of some parts of the orange farm and the garden of H&R Hotel. Seth zoomed into the picture closely as Mark pushed up his glasses for a better view.

“That is…camera?” He exclaimed when he noticed a camera attached to a tree. Its textures were mingled with the colors of the trunk so well that without careful observation it couldn’t be seen. Mark dropped his jaw in awe before turning to praise his team leader.

“Setha Dararin, you said you ran out of ideas. That’s cool!”

“Installing a camera in a place like that is really something. Not to mention it is just an orange farm.” Rith pointed out, and Seth flicked his finger at that comment.

“Obviously,-but it doesn’t mean it relates to the case.”

“At least, it is fishy.”

“Rith, it is your job to tail behind the hotel, I meant Violet Sandra.” Seth purposely mentioned her name again to see his friend’s reaction.

“Copied that,” Rith happily accepted the challenge and it made his teammates make a face. They felt something about him change. Back then, whenever he got any task, he just responded with a nod or a hum. But for this new case, he seemed very satisfied and happy to work on it. It’s not that he didn’t like his job, but it’s not that much.

“Mark, keep observing the CCTV and report if anything comes up. Anyway, find me a camera that looks like that one.” Seth said, pointing to the picture on the TV.

“Make it smaller if you can.”

“Roger that.”

Seth and Rith then started their individual mission while Mark was enjoying his time alone watching the view of the whole hotel, especially the flower garden.

Violet Sandra was in a black button-down shirt and long black skirt when she came out of her private house and got in her black car. She carefully put her handbag in the passenger seat before starting the engine. Her long black hair got tied into a half down bun and was accompanied by a dark gray bow. She was on the way to a church where the late Evin Dean’s funeral was held. The news shocked her and she wished to share her deepest condolences with the family.

As she arrived, the church was full with people in black suits and dresses. One by one, the guests went up to place a white flower in front of the photo of the late Evin Dean. His wife was sobbing hard on the chair with her daughter while the son greeted the people. Violet let out a sigh before going to the front. She closed her eyes for a few seconds to pray for the dead soul. She sure could feel that feeling, the moment you lost the people you always loved, family, friends and lovers. Being a person who had lost everything at such a young age, Violet went through those miserable feelings, the loneliness, the sorrow and the regret.

At the end of the second row, Rith could see Violet’s expression clearly and he had doubt, the doubt whether she was acting or she was really feeling it –the doubt whether she was behind the case, she was the one who killed him and then acted as if she was innocent and all calmed. And with another doubt, that his reading skill suddenly sucked. Whenever he tried to read her, she was like an iceberg in the ocean. He was afraid that what he was seeing couldn’t even compare to what she was hiding under the cold water.

Rith continued to observe the surroundings and his eyes, now and then turned to Violet, who had already found her comfortable seat at the opposite side, third row from the front.

The funeral went as planned and the last event was approaching. Everyone was ready to bid their last goodbye to the late Evin Dean before the burial. The families and important guests stood around the area, mourning –as the priest was praying for his soul. Rith stood outside of the circle as the same as Violet. She kept her distance with her head hung low, eyes closed. After one good minute, she finally leaned her back straight and waited until the priest finished his praying. She turned her feet, walked away without looking back. And finally Rith could see a slight change on her face, an expression of satisfaction which a sentence could describe as a –‘Serve you right’.

That moment, Rith realized -it’s not that his skill was lacking, but her acting was beyond his imagination. His feet slowly led him behind her back at an unnoticeable distance. His hands in his pockets scanned around as she walked at her usual pace, not too slow yet not too fast. They reached the parking lot and she got closer to her car. In the corner of his eye, he caught a shadow of a window of the church. Quickly, he hid behind the bush, taking out his phone and took a picture. With his quick wit he knew he was aiming his g*n at Violet, who was taking out her car key. His eyes widened as he noticed that the g*n was being loaded and ready to shoot her in seconds. Rith had no second thought and with all his might he ran toward Violet –just before the bullet hit right on her head he covered her with his hand, pushed her down to the floor –car as a barrier. Violet was in a shocking state. She didn’t know what to do but let him cover her that way. Rith sat up and looked at the reflection of the next car and saw the man, holding onto the g*n with full attention. The g*n was sound proof, only a faint echo was heard and no one noticed yet. The cemetery was not so crowded that day anyway. While they were under that sniper’s eyes, any sight would get shot at the spot. Rith looked around for some protection.

“Is your car bulletproof?” He asked, looking down at her. She shook her head as a response.

“Listen, we’re going to run to that tree in seconds, as fast as you can.”

“But we’ll get shot,” she argued, worried.

“Give me your bag.” It was sudden yet she did it. “Take the important things out. Quick!” The only thing she took out was her wallet before handing him her bag.

“One, two, three!” In a shift, Rith threw the bag up and, as expected, it was shot and flew away in pieces while both of them ran toward the rows of the trees, escaping from the bullets which dropped on them like rain drops. The tree trunks were scattered into pieces by the shot and a few people there hid themselves as well. He securely covered her while running from one tree to another and before the last bullet touched them he pulled her along into a nearby pit. Everything quieted down and the sniper escaped as more people started to come onto the scene.

Rith looked down at the girl next to him. Her bright eyes stared at the building where the sniper had located earlier, without fear and full of caution. She looked like someone used to that kind of situation and Rith was impressed.

“Let’s go. It’s not safe here.” He quickly stopped his own thoughts –helped her up as she nodded. Violet raised her long skirt and started to follow his lead.

“This way.” They proceeded to Rith’s car, which was on the other side. The sniper might not give up yet, so they had to leave as soon as possible. His CUV ran fast out of the cemetery and he didn’t even care to ask her where to go –safety first.

Violet remained as silent as Rith. For fifteen minutes straight, they hadn’t uttered any words until they made sure no one was following behind them. Rith finally let out a chuckle after glancing at the woman next to him. She noticed and frowned.

“Why?” She asked, looking at him in wonder. Without giving her the answer, he turned the rearview mirror on her. She looked up at her own reflection, still with that little frown. Violet then realized how miserable she was, totally in a mess. Some dried leaves stuck in her hair. It was no longer neat and good looking anymore. Violet felt embarrassed and tried to fix herself. At least she could get her hair back in place again. Rith smiled, turning away because he didn’t want it to be awkward. Adorable!

Violet got her long hair in her fist and tied it up into a messy bun, wanting to get it done in seconds. Her hands brushed off the dirt from her skirt –at that moment he saw some scratches on those beautiful hands, but she couldn’t care less. It didn’t even matter compared to the wound on his. It clearly showed how he got that one –he covered her head from the first bullet and got a scratch from the hit –not serious enough to crush off his skin slightly. Violet glanced at it, worries emerged in her eyes. She turned to look for clothes, hoping to see one so she could take care of his b****y hand. No choice, she reached for her own skirt and tore it in a swift. She made sure it was clean before pulling his right hand to her and wrapping that piece of black cloth around his hand while he took that chance to slow down – glancing back and forth between the road and her. He didn’t seem to want to turn to the front if it was not for their safety.

“Thanks,” He made sure to show gratitude after she leaned back to the seat.

“I should be the one who says that. Thank you.”

“Then pay me back with a cup of coffee.”

“That’s it?”

“You’re not fine with it?”

“Is it that cheap? Risking your life to save me just for a cup of coffee?”

“Two cups then,” Violet suddenly chuckled at his request. Rith almost gave up the steering wheel when he saw that smile, the smile that any amount of cash couldn’t bet on. Heavenly!

“Deal,”

“Should I drop you at the hotel?” He asked directly to the point after clearing his throat. Violet didn’t have to ask why he knew where she wanted to go. She recognized him at once.

“Yes,” with a nod, it could cut off their conversation. Rith regretted he didn’t learn some skills from Mark or the situation didn’t turn that awkward. They both had many questions for each other but couldn’t find the right one to ask.

The silence continued for another ten minutes during the ride.

“You’re not like a typical girl,”

“You’re not like a typical businessman either,” She gave a quick response, as quick as an automatic text reply. He shrugged his shoulders. She turned to look straight at him –trying to see something about him.

“Look, I was not following you.” Rith cut her off before she could accuse him.

“I doubt you,” That’s all she could tell.

“I can explain. Just like you, I was there for the funeral. To make it clear, it’s for my mother. And just like you again, I was leaving and happened to spot the sniper. And it’s really for my business that I stayed at the hotel. It looks like I did it on purpose but it’s purely an accident.” He lied, at least he tried.

“And…you look like you’re used to this kind of situation.” At the end, he started his trail.

“Do I have to look like I’m scared to death right now? Trembling in fear in front of you to look like I’m a typical girl?” Her questions showed how mad she was, yet her voice came out so stable, she knew where she should emphasize.

“I didn’t mean it that way.” He knew it was sensitive, but he still turned it that way. That was an awkward situation. Rith bit his inner lips as she turned away. The way she avoided the conversation about her reaction to the dangerous position made him doubt her even more. A beautiful lady with a strong personality –facing death without any fear.

Rith pulled over in front of the hotel. As Violet went out, her assistant ran toward her –worries were written all over his face. She raised her hand to stop him before he could give a long lecture about safety-first or first-aid lessons. Violet turned to the car as Rith put down the glass. She handed her phone to him and he took it to type in his phone number.

“I’ll contact you for the payback…soon.” That was low –enough for him to hear. He nodded, glancing at the man behind her.

“See you,” he said before driving off.

Mr. Jim cleared his throat and Violet turned to him.

“I’ll report everything later. I’m exhausted right now. Anyway, send someone to take my car from the cemetery.” She cut him off even before he could ask and he didn’t say anything but followed behind her.