The Killer Boss

Chapter 13

Chapter Thirteen:

A Revelation of Calvin’s Past.

—

WELL, ALL EXCEPT for one thing.

Edward remained silent even after he was done examining the place, and observing the old couple. On most occasions, he would interrogate older people than him since it’s in line with his work. Therefore, it was easy for Edward to assess their emotions due to the fact that he studied them for years.

Body language was one thing that helped him a lot in regards to his job. There were only rare times wherein people he investigated and interrogated had shown no emotions while being interrogated and that’s if they were hiding something from the detectives.

Judging Calvin’s parents, Edward could feel that the old woman seemed to be nervous and curious at the same time. It was clear how she gradually fumbled with her hands, and the way her eyes seemed all over the place. On the other hand, the old man seemed to be more invested with the thought of having detectives inside the house. Despite his age, he can’t seem to wonder why a group of sleuths wanted to talk to them about their son.

The look on their faces was enough for the detectives to be aware that they, too, wanted answers.

Detective Rona, knowing that she had to take the lead since she was the one who contacted them, cleared her throat before speaking. “Thank you for inviting us over, Mr. & Mrs. Ferrer,” she commenced, obviously hinting to start the conversation between all of them. “You have such a lovely home.”

The old woman could only let out a soft smile as an answer while looking at the female detective before her. Even though she had no clue as to why someone had contacted them in regards to their son; she knew that it was an opportunity she had to take… even if that meant some of the people inside her house right now appeared scary and intimidating. That very thought was out of the window as she didn’t bother to be scared anymore. She is already old, and she knows that anytime soon, her fate will come. That being said, anything that involved her son—is something that she couldn’t let just pass by. For she loves her son more than anything in the world. So when it comes to him, Calvin is always a priority.

Clearing her throat, Rona introduced themselves. “We are detectives from Creek City Police Department, and we would like to ask some questions pertaining to your son, Calvin,” Her tone of voice was soft, still being careful around them and not wanting to spark some certain emotions to the older couple.

The old man, Zach Ferrer, who had been silent for a while had now butted in. “W-why? What did... Calvin d-do?” His voice was groggy, and it appeared to be that he was having a hard time trying to speak. Due to his very prominent old age, it already came to a point that he was having a hard time speaking or even finishing a whole sentence.

Rona looked over to Edward, basically asking for help. As she doesn’t have the heart to inform the old couple of the troubling news that they were about to break to them. Just like Suarez, Rona had a soft spot for people, especially with older ones since she had lived with her grandparents ever since she was young. Rona’s grandparents were basically the ones who nurtured and cared for her, since her parents left her to them when they got divorced. So it was only natural for her to feel emotional and sentimental during this time especially knowing that both Kelly and Zach Ferrer might be perplexed by the news they are about to share to them.

Edward nodded at her, informing that he could take over now. Despite Edward contemplating whether or not he would disclose to them what they have found, he had no other choice but to enlighten Calvin’s parents. For it’s the only way that they would have a lead about Calvin’s whereabouts. His parents might have any information that they could relay to them and would initially help move forward with the case.

“Mrs. Kelly and Mr. Zach Ferrer,” he began, gathering the attention of both of them and the old couple’s eyes were solely casted to him. “We are currently on an investigation, and as of now, we are looking for Calvin since he had been missing for days now,” he uttered in the most gentle way that he could possibly be. Ultimately informing them about the problem that they had faced during the investigation of Scarlet Monroe’s death.

Clearing his throat, another detective had taken over upon noticing the shock on Mr. and Mrs. Ferrer’s face. “We might be wondering whether you know where Calvin might have gone to?” Suarez had voiced out, trying to help his colleague into breaking out the news to Calvin’s parents.

Both detectives were careful enough with the way how they had relayed the information to them. As they were wary that either one of them might eventually have a hard time processing the sudden news. Calvin’s parents are both old in terms of age and in addition to that, it was clear to them they are also having health problems due to their age.

Meanwhile, the very sudden information caused Kelly to be confused, she had no clue of what they were talking about, and she needed more information. Her initial reaction was to be puzzled and to wonder what the detectives were talking about.

Pondering to herself, What do they mean that Calvin is missing?

“Where is Calvin?” The woman asked, her tone turned out to be in a high-pitched manner. Completely unaware of the details that were laid out in front of her, panic began to swirl in her mind upon hearing the statement that they were looking for Calvin.

What is the meaning of all this? She couldn’t voice out the words, but she wanted to ask. Kelly Ferrer wanted them to elaborate more details about her son.

Edward released a sigh. “I could ask you the same, Mrs. Ferrer. We already searched his unit and there was CCTV footage of him leaving his apartment two days ago. And until now, he still hasn’t come back,” he answered, informing them about what they actually know and what actually happened.

“W-why... Why did you go through m-my son’s apartment?” Zach questioned, seemingly as confused as her wife. “And w-why are you... looking for h-him?” he added, having a hard time completing his question.

Afraid to prolong the interrogation, Edward knew what he had to do in order to move forward with the interview. He gulped and then spoke, “One of the students in Calvin’s academy died,” Edward paused, testing the waters as they digested the information he just shared and was about to share. Upon noticing that he can now continue, he spoke again. “And a witness has informed us that your son was the last person to be seen with her,” The lead detective muttered, notifying them of the unfortunate events that had eventually led all to this.

The very words that had come out of Edward’s mouth rendered Kelly and Zach immobile. Both of them were completely stunned as to what they just heard. Kelly’s hands started to tremble, and her heart seemed to have dropped on the floor—and she didn’t have the power to pick it up.

Zach, too, had drowned in his emotions. His eyes were rapidly shaking, he looked as though he wanted to say something but no words came out of his mouth.

There was a tug in Rona’s heart upon seeing the expression on the old couple's faces. It was as if someone stabbed her in her heart and the perpetrator was slowly twisting the knife that was still inside her chest, creating more wrench of pain. The very sight of them slowly formed tears in her eyes. She had always hated looking at older people crying. It just doesn’t sit well with her emotions, so she lowered her head down, and casted her eyes on the glass of water on the table in front of her.

Wilson, who always had a smile on his face can’t seem to pose a soft curve on his lips with what’s unfolding before him. The fun and quirky sleuth was now gone and had now been frowning for the longest period of time ever since he had joined the team. Although he wanted to comfort the old couple, he didn’t have the strength to do so as he also wallowed into sadness.

Both parents were sobbing, even though they still haven’t known the full details of the investigation, the very thought of their son missing had juggled so many emotions inside of them. As they don’t know how to handle such information and as much as they wanted to help look for their son, they’re already too old and would only end up being a burden to all of them.

Breaking the silence, Zach had uttered the words that had been troubling him as soon as he heard everything. “I-is… is my son... d-dead too?” Speaking those words turned his world upside down. He could feel his heart shattering into millions of pieces as he could imagine his son… dead.

However, deep inside him, he’s praying to God that it isn’t the case.

Despite the arguments between him and Calvin, he had always cared for the boy. He had loved him as his own and he had showered him with everything that he could offer. Therefore, hearing such news left a huge mark in his life.

Suarez immediately shook his head as a reply to Zach’s heart wrenching question. “No, sir. The last time that someone saw him, he was still alive,” he informed them, partly giving them hope.

“The last time…” Kelly had uttered softly, making everyone look at her direction. However for her, hearing that just made her lose all her hope in finding their son.

Although Suarez was only helping, he didn’t know that his words turned out to be in a negative way. There was a frown on their faces as they didn’t know that things escalated too fast. Well, they should have expected it since Calvin’s parents are old and more prone to be emotional.

“We’re still unsure as of now,” Edward was the one who spoke, worried about producing any more damage. “Rest assured, we’re doing our best to locate your son.”

It was true, they were all hopeful that Calvin might show up today or even tomorrow and would help them solve the case. To lessen the difficulty that they are currently experiencing with the said case. Even though Calvin Ferrer’s reputation inside the academy was on the bad side, they had to think about the positive note too.

Maybe Calvin is just a victim as well.

All of the detectives should be open to possibilities, most especially the lead detective of the case. Edward Conrad shouldn’t be jumping to any conclusions unless all deductions are purely based on facts. However there are certainly times that Edward forgets this very basic thing.

Trembling as he already was, the father couldn’t stop himself. “A-are you looking for him to f-find out if... he’s still a-alive? ...or a-are you looking for h-him because he is y-your... suspect?” Zach Ferrer inquired, despite having the very least energy to speak, he had made an effort to voice out the question that was infiltrating his mind… and he wanted answers as soon as possible.

Suarez looked over at Edward as he began to feel anxious of what his colleague was about to say. Knowing him full well, whenever Edward is investigating, he would always provoke even the family of the victims. Because he believes that anyone could be a probable suspect.

There were no exceptions.

“I’m afraid to say that we’re both looking at it in the same way,” Still, Edward remained calm even though what he had said had inflicted pain to the couples.

This is what Suarez had predicted. Edward would never think twice saying his thoughts in regards to the investigation. That is something that is a part of him already, something that he can’t seem to change in his system. The other detectives stayed silent in their seats as no one had the guts to stop the lead detective from uttering such words. After all, he was their superior—only Suarez had the strength to reprimand him. They were also aware that Edward was doing it for the purpose of speeding up the investigation.

“I believe that we shouldn’t waste anymore time,” he continued, “I’m sorry for breaking this sudden news to the both of you, but we needed to ask questions that would help us with the case, and I’m hoping that both of you will cooperate with us,” Edward informed them, holding onto his digital recorder as he had pressed the record button. Seemingly unable to wait for the old couple’s response, he proceeded with his queries. “When was the last time you had seen your son?” Edward interrogated, giving no time for Calvin’s parents to even mourn for what just unraveled before them.

Edward noticed that many of the pictures hanging on the wall weren’t recent prints. Calvin’s pictures on the wall and on the shelf appeared to be old… some time when he was still young, probably when he was eight or ten. The only recent picture was displayed on the middle of the shelf. Edward thought that it was when Calvin had moved in near Paradise View Academy because he was wearing the same uniform.

On the other hand, Kelly was contemplating whether she should answer or just ignore the question being thrown at the table. But she was smart enough to know that she needed to answer them, truthfully too. With a sad voice, she answered, “It had been more than a year or so.”

All of the detectives were baffled. The emotional Rona and Wilson seemed to have eyes widened in bewilderment. Suarez and Michelle, too, looked at each other with a confused look etched on their faces. On the contrary, Edward remained a straight face.

The province of Denver is only three hours away from Creek City, which is located in the country of Southfield still. Despite the three hours long drive, it’s very easy to travel at that range. Calvin is a student, which might mean that he would have days off at the academy and could very well visit his parents for the time being. Even once a week could suffice.

Hence, Edward was wondering why they haven’t seen each other for that long period of time. “How come you haven’t seen him for that long? Doesn’t he come over during weekends to catch up during dinners?”

“Calvin had stopped coming home to visit us. Well, before that, he had cut ties with us—he told us that if ever someone asked about him; we would say that we don’t know him,” A soft sob had escaped Kelly’s mouth, it was obvious that she was suppressing not to cry but failed. Remembering the hurtful words his son told them, the pain was still fresh for Kelly, as he had loved his son deeply.

“Did Calvin tell you the reason why he wanted you to do those things?”

Kelly gulped as she swallowed the lump in her throat. “He didn’t... we had lost contact with him after that so we weren’t able to confirm. We also tried to go to his apartment but he moved and the landlord said that he didn’t have any idea where Calvin had moved to.”

The sleuths immediately knew why Calvin had done what he had done. Calvin was buying drugs and from the amount of drugs confiscated inside his apartment; he might have been selling drugs too.

Drug dealing and drug trafficking could be very dangerous, especially for Calvin since he’s a student to begin with. Any complications regarding drugs—those who buy from him, would do their best to damage Calvin. Or worse, involve his parents who absolutely have no idea of what he was doing in the first place.

“However, he had been sending us money, loads of cash. We wanted to try sending him back a letter, but there was no return address on the mails.” Kelly informed them. She knew that whatever happened to Calvin, she still needed to tell them the truth. It would probably help with the case and fasten the operation in finding his son.

“So basically, you don’t have any idea where your son might possibly be?” Suarez inquired, contemplating whether or not he should believe the words coming out of the old woman’s mouth.

“No, I don’t have any idea, detective.” Mrs. Ferrer voiced out in an utmost respect manner.

“Can you give us any background about Calvin? We might know where he was heading if you give us some insights.” Rona, who finally had the strength to talk, had asked. “Any places that he would have gone to whenever things go well? Like a comfort place or some sort?”

Once again, Kelly hesitated for a bit. Talking about Calvin would always cause her to be sentimental. However, if she ever wanted to find her son, she needed to cooperate. “When my son was young, he loved going to the ocean since we’re near one. Whenever he was sad, we would take him to the shore and it seemed as though it was enough to lift up his mood,” she informed them, a sad smile written on her lips.

The lead detective took note of this information since they might need it later on. It also crossed his mind that they should take a look at the nearby ocean and look for any traces that Calvin might’ve left there. Edward knew that all people have comfort places that they go to whenever everything seems too heavy to them. He knew that very well since he has his own comfort place that he goes to whenever things don't go as planned… or whenever he misses someone.

It was common knowledge even if Calvin was hiding in the shadows for now. He would eventually visit a place that gives him comfort even if that meant that it wasn’t his own home.

As Edward heard Kelly speak again, his whole attention focused solely on her. Hopefully, it would give them more clues to start with then move forward with the case.

“Calvin is a bright boy,” she gazed towards the hanging pictures hung on the wall. Judging by the smiles and laughter that were caught in the camera, the Ferrer's had lived a happy life. “He loves making people smile, just like you Detective Wilson,” The detective offered a light smile to Kelly, in between wanting to be comforted by her words or sad that Calvin’s life turned out to be on the bad side. “Calvin has really loved basketball ever since he was young. My husband used to play with him almost everyday when he was still strong. That very activity is what earned Calvin a scholarship at Paradise View Academy,” Kelly released a deep sigh, seemingly reminiscing the events that had happened before. She looked over to her husband then continued, “Unfortunately, when Calvin was about to leave for the academy, Zach had a stroke. My husband retired from his job and I’m a housewife myself. Hence, why we couldn’t support Calvin’s everyday needs while he was faraway. The retirement pay didn’t suffice for both of our lives,” Zach’s hand reached over to Kelly's, interlocking their hands together.

Everyone could see how much the old couple loved each other so dearly, even their son as well.

“A few months after, that was when Calvin told us to never say anything about him being our son. Because after all, it was partly true,” There was a pause from Kelly, she looked over to her husband and the tears had casually flowed from her eyes, feeling emotional. The grip on her husband’s hand had tightened, while she tried her best to suppress the muffled sobs forming on her mouth. Although Zach was having a hard time to reach over Kelly’s cheeks, he had wiped the tears that were leaking with much effort.

“Calvin is adopted... we are just his foster parents.”