The Killer Boss

Chapter 12

Chapter Twelve:

Meeting Calvin Ferrer’s parents.

—

“ARE WE CLOSE yet?”

Detective Wilson asked the team for what appeared to be like a tenth time now. Repeating the question as if he hadn't asked it just about a minute ago. He’d gotten impatient as the whole ride had given him nothing to do, and had eventually resulted in boredom—seemingly like a child asking for his toy numerous times already and ending up getting ignored by his parents.

Three hours is surely a long drive even to other people who don’t like spending excessive time inside the car doing little to nothing. For Wilson, he would rather be on his feet, and doing something progressively productive for the whole three hours instead of sitting his ass on the car’s seat. Moreover, he could feel the muscle on his leg and butt cramping from time to time despite his age.

It’s a good thing that his lower back isn’t hurting like the others inside the car, or he would literally lose it.

He repeated his words and this time with a louder voice since no one responded to his question. “Are you sure we took the right path? I think we should be there by now.”

In the course of three hours being on the road en route to the coast of Denver, there’d been numerous times of stopover wherein Suarez and Edward were taking turns on who's going to be the driver. Since both of them are the eldest male in the team, it was only rightful for the two to switch driving the truck. Neither of them even complained during the long hours of driving, since they both share the same goal—and that is to arrive at the place as soon as possible, but still taking precautions and making sure every passenger is safe.

As of the moment, they took a third stopover to grab food, drinks, and for some, to go to the restroom to take a leak. Time does run slow for the impatient ones, which was Wilson, and another stopover only meant that it would delay the time that they would arrive at their destination. However, he couldn’t fully complain since the majority in the team wanted to stop for a moment to get out of the car, and to relax the knots forming in their muscles. That being said, all he could do was ask if they’re nearing the destination.

Wilson’s soft brown curly hair was neatly cut, in which he had bangs that rested adorably on his forehead, making him look a bit younger than he already was. “Alright, I’ll stay quiet.” A soft pout pursed on his lips as no one seemed to answer his question so he ended up crossing both of his arms on his broad chest.

Edward released a soft snort. “I bet you’ll ask again once we get back inside the truck.” Knowing that most of them are already tired from the long hour drive, he jumped on the train while teasing the youngest member.

Suarez quickly took note of this, noticing that it’s been a while since he heard Edward’s voice. He gulped down the food before talking. “Count me in. Wilson will surely inquire numerous times while we’re on the road again,” he laughed. The two female detectives who were also busily eating joined him, forcing a longer pout from Wilson.

After quite some time, all of them were back in the truck. Since they were nearing the place, the team couldn’t help but feel nervous and excited at the same time. If all leads well, meeting Calvin’s parents might give them another lead… or better yet, they might know where their son is hiding—something that might help them move forward with the current case that they’re investigating.

Just like how Edward predicted earlier, Wilson is at it again.

“Are we there yet?” Wilson asked as he tried to stretch both of his feet in the middle seat; he also released a yawn enough for others to hear as he didn’t bother covering his mouth nor suppressing on making a sound.

Being younger than all of the detectives in the unit, Wilson had always been a source of happiness for them. Despite his young age, his skills and knowledge as a detective had shown. Aside from that, his critical thinking skills is something that can be applauded, and he pretty much works well under pressure—which is an essential skill in being a sleuth.

Although he was known for being the comedian of the unit, it didn’t reflect badly on how he executed his job. The lad always made sure that he wasn’t lacking in any way, and could keep up with his superiors, so he wouldn’t let his joking attitude affect his work in any way.

Detective Wilson had been recently added to the team, which was just basically three months ago. However, he quickly adjusted and adapted to the environment where everyone in the team was excellent with their jobs. Therefore, basically aside from his humorous characteristics, he was also fit for the job as he didn’t lack in any way. That being said, everyone had grown fond of the lad since he had been a bundle of joy to them—giving the team much happiness and encouragement whenever they needed it.

As well as lifting their worries whenever a case is tough… or well, Detective Wilson could say—life.

Because of his extroverted personality, it didn’t even take a week when he was already close with everyone. There were times that others in his team would open up to him since he is a good listener as well as he is a good talker. And that is what they need whenever things get rough, someone who is willing to listen to all of their rants and burdens in life without judging them in return. Since at some point, the listener could relate to it.

In spite of being young, which made Wilson lack in terms of a lot of experience, he was still able to correlate with them by putting himself in their shows, or just by empathizing further as to how they currently feel—being able to make them feel at ease whenever they’re opening up to him.

Moreover, even though the lead detective doesn’t admit it, Edward had a soft spot for Wilson. He remembered the days when he was new to being a detective. A lot of cases needed to be solved, and he knows that most investigations have taken a toll on his being. He would be wallowing into the depth of self-loathe that would eventually result in a much darker and angrier version of him.

The lead detective always took by heart every case that he had handled. That is why there were always a lot of emotions expressed while doing his job as a detective.

However, Detective Wilson Reeves appeared to be different.

As if he was unbothered by the weight of their job. But not in the sense that he doesn’t take his job seriously. It’s just that Wilson is an outgoing person and he really loves making other people happy. So whenever he could feel that his colleagues are being swayed by the weight of their work, he will always be there to remind them of the reality outside their job.

“We will be there in a few.” Michelle responded beside him after a while, with her eyes closed. Taking this as a time to rest her eyes for a bit since they are all deprived of sleep because of this ongoing case.

The woman, Michelle Parrish, who was two years older than Wilson remained unmoving in her seat. Eyes still closed as her brunette hair was tied in a bun; seemingly annoyed whenever strands of hair would cover her face so she prefers to always tie her hair in a bun. She seemed to lose focus whenever her hair was let loose, so Michelle always made sure that whenever she worked, her hair was tied up.

She was a female version of the lead detective, Edward Conrad.

Having a slim figure—in line with their work—the three of the detectives didn’t have a hard time sitting in the middle. For they still have some room left for another person to fit in. Michelle, Wilson and Rona were seated in the middle since no one wanted to sit on the third row, they told Edward and Suarez that it’s such a hassle and they would just have a hard time getting off later. Which is the main reason as to why the three of them sat in the middle.

Michelle had always loved her job despite the lack of sleep, and the dangers that it might bring them. This had always been her dream job ever since she was young, and now being able to live up her dream gives her a huge sense of satisfaction. She will never trade this job for any other job in the world even though there comes a price with being a detective.

Aside from that, she’s doing great in this field of work. It just shows that she is fit and qualified for the job. If she truly didn’t like being a detective—she would have quit a long time ago. But still, here she was, still enjoying her work despite the stress it gives to them.

“But, ma’am… that was what you said a while ago.” Wilson whined, a lace of sadness in his voice but it quickly vanished and was turned into a smile. “So now it’s true, right? We will be arriving in a jiffy?” he added with much enthusiasm, his lips in a pouty manner and the joy reaching his eyes. Wilson is being bubbly and energetic once again despite the long hours they had been spending sitting their asses on the car seat.

Something that not all of them could reciprocate.

Obviously, since most of the detectives in the team are a lot older than he is, Wilson always had a full energy inside him. Even though they had been working for almost the entire day and had also been sleep deprived; Wilson still had smiles on his face. Something that radiates within the team and has always been contagious.

But there are days that Wilson is the only one who can dare to smile in the team while others are void of any expressions on their faces. This happens most especially when they are handling serious cases.

Just like at this very moment.

“Calm down, boy.” Edward had instructed behind the wheel, his eyes focused on the road yet took a second to peek over the mirror to see Wilson’s reaction.

Instead of seeing a sulking detective, he saw how Wilson nodded his head with a bright smile on his face. Edward almost chuckled at the very sight of him, still in awe of the young detective’s personality. However, he suppressed that action because he was too tired to even utter a single word. The man didn’t want to give off an intimidating aura whenever he stayed silent, but it was a default in his case.

They’d been on the road for about more than three hours already. Every stop, Edward and Suarez would shift places as they take turns in who gets to drive the truck to their destination.

Detective Wilson had offered to take the wheel but as soon as he was in the driver’s seat and had stepped on the gas; the car jolted forward too fast. Then, the moment he had stepped on the brake, they had almost flown out of their seats. Thankfully, everyone was wearing their seat belts on.

That being said, Wilson was told to never drive again for he could have caused a greater accident, and had been seated behind the entire ride. The young detective claimed that he knew how to drive but when was the one on the shotgun seat, he did nothing but prove them wrong about his statement.

Good thing that no one got hurt by Detective Wilson's crazy antics.

Only then did they find out that Wilson Reeves didn’t even have a driver’s license to start with. Or better yet, he failed his driver’s test. And all of them could agree to that. Basically, Wilson needs more practice when it comes to driving before he takes another exam.

It seemed like it was the only flaw that he had for now.

“What would we expect there when we arrived at the destination though?” Everyone casted their eyes to the owner of the voice. Even Edward, who was keen on the road, took a single glance beside him.

Suarez had a serious look on his face when he asked that question. Aside from that, the seriousness in his voice is evident.

All of a sudden, the atmosphere turned heavy once again.

Wilson, knowing that it isn’t a good time to joke around, remained silent in his seat as he gawked at Suarez’ side profile while looking at his superior. The ladies beside him also didn’t utter any word as they kept their heads low.

So it was a cue for the lead detective to answer Suarez’ question. “I’m not sure, Suarez. But I do hope that it might lead us to something.”

Nodding his head, Suarez could only hope also. “Do you think that Calvin might be hiding there?” he inquired as it had been invading his mind for the whole ride already.

Three hours ago, no one ever dared to talk about what would happen once they arrived at the destination. Probably since they weren’t certain what would welcome them once they arrived. But now that they are nearing the place, they couldn’t help but wonder the same thing.

“I wish it was that easy,” Edward let out a sigh, and then continued. “However, I don’t think that would be the case. They wouldn’t call for us to come all the way there if they knew that their son was hiding from the cops,” he implied, which totally made sense since most parents would literally protect their children if things like this happened.

On most occasions, parents would tolerate their children in order for them not to be punished by law. Clearly, it’s something to be ashamed about especially knowing that they’re covering up the sins of their child.

Immoral acts aren't something to condone.

That being said, all of them could only hope that their trip all the way to Denver is something meaningful. And something that could help with Scarlet’s case.

.

.

.

“WE ARE FINALLY here!” Wilson beamed at everyone.

The once silent truck exploded in loud gasp, kind of startling them with Wilson’s loud and booming voice as he announced that they had arrived at their destination.

A huge sign welcomed all of their sights, indicating that they’d finally reached the province of Denver in the country of Southfield. Clearly, it was not a short ride which is why Wilson had turned out to be impatient as more hours passed by. It didn’t even help that his buttocks and legs were already hurting from tied knots.

So when they finally reached their destination, Detective Wilson couldn’t clearly hide his excitement upon the sight. A familiar smile was settling on his lips as he was buzzing with much enthusiasm. He was even wriggling in his seat as he was too excited that they are now where they needed to be.

“Boy, we are not here for a field trip.” Suarez mentioned as he chortled upon seeing Wilson’s expression. He swore he had almost seen Detective Wilson clap his hands in frenzy while his eyes were wide. Suarez couldn’t seem to stop pondering on where this guy gets all of his energy from. He mentally laughed at the thought, he might be really aging already.

Wilson turned to him and then saluted, “Sir, yes sir!” he beamed with excitement as the happiness had never left his face. Despite his answer, it still clearly showed in his face as to how jumpy he was. It also seemed as though he was so ready to get out of the car even though they didn’t know where they were supposed to park.

So with his very actions, everyone had a smile plastered on their lips. As they can’t hide the comfort the young lad has given to them. Edward was wondering whether Wilson was doing something like that to ease the tension inside the car or it was just his natural self and he had concluded the latter as Wilson had always been like this. That being said, they had never found him annoying whenever he was like this.

Even when he had no idea what was going through their minds.

“You should turn right about in that alley then just go straight ahead, the last house is where our destination would be.” Rona had directed Edward while the map in her grasp as a reference of their final destination. On her other hand, is where her phone was placed as she had sent a message to Calvin’s parents that they were already near their abode, which had been waiting in their house as soon as Rona replied that they will be visiting.

After a few directions, a quick turn and passing some alleyways, Edward parked the car on the available spot just in front of where their final destination is. That being said, the phone in Rona’s hand beeped, informing them that they reached the place.

Even though they are still inside the car, all the detectives were quick to notice an old man and old woman waiting by the front porch of their house. It is a clear indication to them that they were the person that the detectives were looking for. So without wasting time, they swiftly got out of the car to come meet them closely. That being said, both were looking directly at them, just as though they had been waiting for someone to arrive.

Reaching their destination, the old woman stood up from the bench and welcomed them in her abode.

“Mr. and Ms. Ferrer?” Rona asked in a louder manner hoping that they would hear her. Her heart was thumping erratically and loudly inside her ribcage.

Both the old woman and man nodded at Rona, “Yes, it’s us,” Said the female with a mellow tone of voice. “Are you the one we talked to on the phone? Rona… right?” she added and Rona bobbed her head up and down as a sign of agreement, then showed her badge, wanting to reassure them that they wouldn’t cause any harm. “Oh, it’s a long drive, isn’t it? Come on in," she beckoned them as they walked towards the door.

Wilson was about to open his mouth and agree, but he saw how Edward looked at him—as if implying that he shouldn’t mutter any word. The lead detective didn’t want the old couple to feel uncomfortable by one of his team. Hence, why he gave Wilson a signal.

Even though the old woman was confused and intrigued as to why they were a group of detectives that were about to enter her house, she didn’t seem to mind as long as it was related to her son. Of course, she was baffled that it turned out that there were five of them instead of one. She only talked to Rona on the phone which is why she assumed that only her will be paying a visit to their house. But that didn’t seem to be the case.

The house was tiny, seemingly enough, the neighbor’s house was the same size. One can easily tell that the whole village is for people in the middle class, or even below it. Not that they were judging, but it was clearly noted in their little notebook the status of the family as some underlying information would correlate to their situation.The moment that they stepped inside the Ferrer’s abode, all detectives were on observing mode and their detective instincts were high on alert. All of them were scanning the place in a manner that wouldn’t pose danger to Calvin's parents.

Once everyone gathered inside, the old woman offered them a mix of some soft drinks, juices, even some water as a sign of hospitality. In which, Detective Wilson immediately reached for and then gulped down, appearing to be in need of fluids.

The old woman chuckled at his actions, as a hint of sadness had contorted her laugh. “You remind me of Calvin,” she then stated, looking at Wilson with much yearning in her eyes as she offered Wilson a soft smile. A familiar feeling settled on top of her chest as she stared at the particular young man in front of her. She couldn’t help but miss Calvin at this very moment.

The boy didn’t however feel uncomfortable or offended, in fact he smiled towards her then spoke, “He must be good looking too,” he teased, wanting to appease the crestfallen expression that lingered in the old woman’s facial expression. In which it worked since the old woman was now sporting a smile on her wrinkled face.

Rona snickered beside Michelle and Suarez slightly elbowed the young detective. “This is no time for jokes.” Suarez whispered to Wilson and the sleuth’s brow turned into a crease.

“Sir, I’m not joking. Look at me, I’m a very good looking man.” Wilson teased again, causing most of them to laugh at his words.

It wasn’t because he wanted to be the center of attention during this time, but mostly because he could sense that the old couple seemed rather sad than happy despite the curve of smile playing along their lips. Wilson just wanted to appease the negative emotions that they were currently feeling, and he was hopeful that his jokes were helping with that aspect.

This young detective really has a way to make everyone feel comfortable and bouncing in joy.

Even Edward, who was busy observing the house, had a small smile plastered on his face. He knew that Wilson was only offering a small effort to ease Calvin’s parents' emotions. Knowing full well that they are both old, it wouldn’t do them good if they scare both of them. So Edward was thankful for Wilson’s quirkiness, it has done them good to make the parents feel comfortable.

“Do you need anything? You want some cookies?” The old woman inquired, and was about to stand up to get them some snacks but everyone disagreed… well except for Wilson.

“I could eat one,” he muttered enthusiastically, instantly making the old man and woman laugh. But then Suarez once again elbowed Wilson on his side, “...or not.” Wilson mumbled, quite sad that Suarez was mentally telling him to behave. “Thank you for asking though.”

Just one look from the other detective, and Wilson can already comprehend what they meant with those expressions. It’s something that he learned along the way as he was assigned in the same unit as them. Most of the time, they need no words to communicate when they are with other people—just a simple look from others is enough to tell too much. Detective Wilson sat down and behaved like the others.

Meanwhile, Edward sat across Calvin’s parents as soon as he was done scanning around. There was nothing peculiar in the house that stood out much.

Everything seemed… natural.