Premonition

Chapter #21: Things Aren't as They Seem

***2 weeks later***

After the squad beta and Keiji said their farewells to each other, Keiji was taken home by Duke that night. Sarah had wanted to know everything that had happened, and Keiji to obliged her. She ended up being very grateful and proud of the brother by end of it all, and swore to him that they would try to live as safely as possible from here on out. Keiji agreed, as that mission was not only taxing on him physically, but emotionally as well. Nonetheless, it was over and things were returning to normal.

Keiji took the interim of the next 2 weeks to brush up on his skills as a light levels analyzer as he would be applying for the job again. He and Sarah ran through mock calculations and analysis to make sure he would be ready. He even took the time to make sure his resume was in check and up to date.

Sarah herself, returned to work on the third floor of the light analysis building in the station. Making sure she and Keiji were fed, and rent was paid was her only concern; as of the moment. After an evening of dinner, on a very normal night, there was a slight knock on the door.

“I’ll get it,” Keiji said as he got up from the dinner table in Sarah’s cabin and walked on over to the door. Opening it was a mistake he regretted instantly. A tall man, in Mecha Station police uniform was at the door with a scowl on his face.

“I am looking for Keiji Duranheim,” said the officer.

“Speaking,” Keiji said with a puzzled look.

“You are under arrest for the suspected murder of Jin Woo,” said the officer. “You have the right to an attorney, but will stay in our jail cells for the time being.”

“What’s this?” Sarah said confusedly as she bounded over to Keiji from the dinner table.

“M’am, I am here to apprehend a suspected criminal. In linking with the murder of Jin Woo,” said the officer.

“Keiji has not done anything wrong, he’s been in this apartment living with me for 2 weeks,” Sarah said as a rebuttal.

“His DNA was found at the scene of the crime, where Jin Woo died. Specifically, on the murder weapon,” the officer said. “You may call an attorney once I handle the arrest.”

“How is this possible, Jin Woo should still be alive,” Keiji said.

“He is not sir……please reveal to me your hands so I can make the arrest,” said the officer who held up handcuffs.

Keiji obliged and gave a worried and confused look to Sarah.

“Get in contact with Duke, and ask what happened,” Keiji said to Sarah who had tears in her eyes now. “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.”

As the officer took Keiji into his squad car, Keiji he noticed another person sitting in the front seat of the car, but couldn’t make him out. After arriving at the Mecha Police Station, he was instructed to stay in the car so the officer could process him. At this moment, a very familiar face turned around in the front seat and addressed Keiji.

“Looks like the warriors got you good,” Duke said.

“Duke! What are you doing here? What’s happening? And more importantly, why is Jin Woo dead?!” Keiji said.

“Don’t worry Keiji, I am under cover right now in the police station. That officer thinks I’m watching you while he is processing you. Right now, we need to get out of here before he comes back,” Duke said. “Once I let you out, follow me to that van on the other side of the parking lot….I’m sure you’ll recognize it.”

Duke then proceeded to get out of the squad car and let Keiji out from the back. They crossed the parking lot and stepped into a very familiar van – the same van Keiji had used 2 weeks ago with squad beta. As he got in, he was greeted with more familiar faces – along with Sarah.

“Keiji!” Sarah exclaimed as she immediately hugged him. Breaking the hug now, she let the rest of squad beta address Keiji.

“You look good man,” Ricky said.

“It’s good to see you Keiji,” Hella said. “But we should focus on turning tail right now before anyone sees us.”

“I thought we left Jin Woo alive,” Keiji said. “And not that I’m not happy to see you guys, but why are you here as well?”

“Things aren’t as they seem Keiji,” Duke said as he started the van. “I’ll explain to you on the ride to our new base of operations.” With this Duke drove off from the police station.