Short Story (Cerpen)

A Trap

Category: Fiction Fantasy Short stories

Title: A Trap

_________________________

'Shit!' Ray when he entered his room.

'We've tightened the guard, but he still managed to find the weak spot of the guards and escape' Clearly another man who was walking behind Ray.

Ray frowned at a glance. Then stopped his steps, turned to look at the man. Lines of exhaustion were clearly on his face. 'You better go home and rest, Rian!'

Rian looked at his superior in confusion. Rest in this condition?

'Health and fitness are needed at this time, do not let you get sick from fatigue' added Ray while leaning on the edge of his desk.

'But what if tonight he manages to remove the trail? Exit the country, for example?'

A faint smile was engraved on Ray's lips. 'Maybe tonight he's busy undercover or maybe he's already on his way to the airport'

Rian hears a tinge of disappointment from a series of words thrown by Ray, but he believes his boss will not run away from responsibility and will soon solve the case. 'You also look very tired, Inspector' Rian said, recalling the many responsibilities Ray had borne.

'Yes, you are right! This fucking case is so draining and my brain' The guy chuckles softly 'We better get a little rest tonight'

'okay!' Rian slightly lowered his head then stepped out.

Ray threw his body into his chair. For a moment he turned his head slowly to stretch his neck muscles that felt very tense. I don't know, he feels like there's something wrong with this case. It seems like there is a hidden motive in it.

His attention now turned to his work computer. Seeking information to prove the truth. After a long time of focusing on that thing, there was one news that caught his attention. Even that news was a very long time ago, about 7 years ago.

His eye reflexes widened after reading the news. It turned out that his suspicions had been true all along, but there was one fact that greatly shocked the man. The facts that lead to the ulterior motive of the case. And, Ray realized …

'It's a trap!'

Then the man rewinded his body until it stuck to the back of the chair. A heavy gust came out from his lips. The facts he just knew made the case even more complicated. He must find a way to reveal everything.

Ray looked up at the lights attached to the ceiling of the room. His sharp eyes continued to stare at the lamp, trying to focus the mind on one central point. But the pair of eyes slowly closed, too tired to keep working.

—

The girl hugged herself, hoping to get some warmth. He grabbed a photograph from the back pocket of his pants. A photo of a man in a full suit, a wide smile etched on his thin lips. His hair color is no longer black overall, although the age reaches half a century but does not reduce the man's good looks. His face was calm, making everyone never get tired of looking at him.

'Hopefully someday I can smile sincerely like you, Father'

—

'We checked into the airport this morning but there's nothing suspicious, Inspector' Rian said

'Are there any signs of him still in town? In this country?' ask the other man sitting in front of Ray

'We still haven't found anything' replied Rian lethargic

'He really cannot be underestimated!' Ray folded his hands over his chest

'Yes, I was wrong all this time for taking it lightly' The other man laughed 'And I'll bet, this Inspector of ours must not have slept all night because he was busy thinking'

Ray smiled thinly 'And you ate your own bet, Emil! I slept in my room last night'

'Really? Does this theft drive you crazy, Inspector?' Lure Emil, then the man grabbed his glass and sipped it quickly.

'It's not the case that drives me crazy, but the culprit'

Emil laughed hearing that. Ray and Rian throw each other a glance, what's so funny?

'Why are you laughing?' Ray frowned

Emil leaned his body. 'I smell something wrong'

'Something wrong?' Rian repeated Emil's words in a different tone

Suddenly Rian's phone rang, indicating a call coming in. 'Yes?…' And within seconds the man cut off his phone. He looked at Ray and Emil in turn. 'He is still in town!'

Unknowingly Ray's eyes widened. Then the man smiled triumphantly 'I will catch it with my own hands!'

—

'I hope you can take care of yourself, Laura' said someone from across the street

Laura moved the phone handle to her left ear. 'Definitely. You don't have to worry about me'

'Sorry, for putting you in this position'

'You don't have to feel guilty, I don't mind at all. You also have to take good care of yourself' Laura can feel the anxiety of her interlocutor. He took a deep breath, then slowly blew it away. 'You don't have to worry, brother!' Said terminating.

After putting down the phone hilt, Laura noticed some people were lining up behind her. A great fear enveloped him. The girl closed her eyes for a moment, trying to convince herself that everything would be fine.

After gathering confidence, Laura fixed the location of her glasses, raised the zipper of her thick jacket and slightly tidied up the hair she had cut last night. Without thinking any more, he stepped away from the pay phone.

A fugitive? Who would have thought that he would become a fugitive like this? Laura has been determined on behalf of her Father and family, even though she knows her late father must have been very dislikeful of her deeds. But all has been done, Laura has done it and now she has to bear the consequences.

He continued walking through the streets in a makeshift disguise. Several times he looked back, assuring that no one was following him.

'Miss, don't you want to buy a newspaper today?' An old man offered his sale to Laura. 'The hottest news of the day, a police fugitive managed to escape. You have to read and recognize the fugitive's face, if one day you see it you can immediately report'

Laura grabbed the newspaper. And sure enough, the fugitive photo was displayed very large and clear on the first page, with a news title that was no less large. The girl snorted. Goody! Over night the unknowing reporters had learned of his escape. And this means everyone has known his face. He should be more careful.

'I've memorized the fugitive's face, thank you!' Laura returned the newspaper, then continued her steps.

Some thoughts filled Laura's brain. He has to get out of this country. If necessary, he should get out of this continent. Laura made up her wish and intended to inform her sister of the plan. Before it's too late.

But he should still behave normally. Let no one suspect or recognize him. With a calm step, Laura continued walking. But the calm did not last long until a few minutes later a police car siren was heard.

The gawat!!

—

In the car, Ray unceasingly looks at the window. His eyes traced every road he walked.

'What will you do if you find him?' Emil asked breaking the silence.

'I will give him a warning not to run away again' Ray narrowed his eyes, trying to find the fugitive among the crowd.

'A warning? A shot?'

'Of course, maybe'

'You sure? She's a woman, Ray' Reply Emil reminded

Ray turned his gaze to the man next to him. 'Then why? I won't look at feathers'

'I know, but would you shoot a woman?'

'He's been playing us all, and personally I feel my pride as a cop has been harassed' Ray stared at Emil sharply

'All right, but I'm not sure you're gonna hurt him.' Emil turned his gaze toward the window.

Ray was silent. His eyes were still staring at Emil, even though the man was now half-backing him. Is what Emil said right? Deep within him there was absolutely no desire to injure any woman, let alone shoot her.

Nah! He's exception. The girl had been playing tricks on him and had also indirectly demeaned him. 'Look at it later' Inner Ray

'This road is very crowded, Inspector, maybe we can stop here' said the police officer sitting on the steering wheel

'Yes, we stop here!' Answer Ray. Without being asked the man immediately got out of the car when the car he was riding stopped.

Ray stood among several other police cars. 'Fast splitting! Find her!' His shouting.

'Emil, you come with me!' Added Ray

'okay!'

They ran through the crowd. Some people looked scared and away. Some are also ignorant. There are even those who capture this incident with a camera.

They stopped the step. Ray looked at the old man, a single guess immediately flashed across his brain. The man was a newspaper salesman.

'He was holding one of the newspapers I was selling, he was disguised by wearing glasses and a thick dark brown jacket. As well as he cut his hair this short' Clearly the old man while moving his hands under his ears, to explain the fugitive haircut.

'Which way is he now?'

'He's heading west'

'Thank you'

They immediately ran towards the direction the old man had aimed at. But after running for a few meters, their steps came to a halt. Be aware of what place was in front of him at this moment.

'You're sure the newspaper salesman's man didn't lie?' Emil looked at Ray doubtfully

'Okay, but he seems to be telling the truth. I stared into his eyes for quite a while as he explained, Ray circulated the gaze.

'But this is a tomb, Ray! We better get back'

Ray walked over regardless of Emil. Entering the cemetery. For the umpteenth time the man spread a glance. And his eyes caught the shadow!

That girl is there!

—

Laura hastened her pace. There was only one place on his mind.

Here's where it is now. Father's tomb. Laura was sitting next to a mound of earth with a stone at one end. On the stone was written a name. Herman Hernandez's.

'Forgive me, Dad! I know it's all wrong' The girl cried. His hand gently rubbed his father's tombstone. 'I just want to repay the Chinese businessman. Because of him, our lives are falling apart. He caused your death too, Father! I hope you understand and understand my unflattering deeds…..'

'You have to give up, Laura Hernandez!!'

Laura was shocked to hear it. Spontaneous, he looked back. A policeman pointed a gun at him.

'You have to give up!' Repeat Ray as he steps closer

'Stop! Silence there!' Shouted Laura while covering both ears. 'Please, don't shoot me' He cried

'You're not supposed to run away, Laura! You've been playing games with me and you'll regret it!' Ray stays close to Laura and increasingly points his gun at the girl.

'I'm not gonna let you shoot him!' Shouted someone from behind

Ray smiled bitterly. 'You really are a traitor to Emilio Hernandez!' Speak without turning

'You know my full name, Inspector? Turns out you suspected me from the beginning' Emil stood right behind Ray, then stuck the tip of his gun to the Inspector's head.

'Of course I'm not as stupid as you think, how do you think your little sister can escape without any interference from you? You helped him escape, ' Ray replied calmly

'You really managed to hide your fear, Ray! Remember, I could at any time make your head crumble!' Threaten Emil while stressing his gun to Ray's hair

'And you also have to remember, I can shoot your little sister at any time'

'Enough! Don't kill people in front of Dad's grave, Brother' said Laura who was silent earlier

'Let Laura! This inspector doesn't know how much we've suffered all this time' Emil smiled cunningly. 'Do you know what it's like to suffer, Inspector? Do you know what it feels like?!' Shouts the man

'Really, I don't know what it's like. But how much I suffer, I will never sacrifice my own sister!' Ray replied in a condescending tone

'A.what do you mean?' Laura frowned 'My brother never sacrificed anyone. I stole the Chinese businessman's safe because he destroyed my family's company!'

'Yeah, I know that. Mr. Chen has deceived your family all out. I even thought you were going to plan on killing him, but it turns out you just stole his treasure' Again a humbling tone came out of Ray's lips

'I also wanted to kill him, but I didn't have enough courage to do that' Laura was downcast, feeling very weak.

'Of course you don't have the guts for that, but why doesn't your brother do it?' This time a humbling smile was etched on Ray's lips

'Oh, you're trying to complain to us? You think my sister was affected by you?' Emil pressed his gun even more, touching Ray's scalp. 'You will die in my hands!'

Ray deftly pulled Emil's hand and turned it back. Emil's face grimaced in pain, so the gun in his hand fell. This time the position has been reversed. Ray stood behind Emil by holding the man's hands together.

Laura could only screech when she saw that scene. Now his brother's life is under threat!

'You will die in my hands!' Ray's whisper is right in Emil's ear

Emil tries to rebel but his efforts are in vain, Ray holds his hand very firmly. 'Let go!'

Without rubbing Emil, Ray took out the handcuffs and handcuffed the man's hands behind his body. Then pushed Emil's body to sit in front of Laura. Ray picks up Emil's gun lying on the

the ground. 'You are nothing more than a coward! You were willing to sacrifice your sister just because of your selfishness!!'

'You know a lot about me, right?' Emil smiled wryly

Ray pointed his gun at Emil's head. 'Yes! And I also know that your true purpose is not Master Chen!'

Laura looked at the two men in confusion. 'What do you mean? Obviously we want revenge on that Chinese businessman'

'You're too stupid, Laura!'

Laura's surprised. Emil calls himself a fool?

'He took revenge on your family, Laura. He took revenge on the Hernandez family for dumping him' Ray glanced at Laura at a glance

'Dumped her? Whatchu mean? Don't slander my brother!'

'He's right Laura, actually my name has been crossed off the family list' Wry smile still adorns Emil's lips 'Because I killed Grandpa'

Laura's eyes widened. His body stiffened and his heart skipped a beat. This is a new reality for him.

'At that time you were still studying abroad, so you didn't know anything.' Emil looked at Laura sharply 'And when you came back, I'd already moved to another city'

'You killed grandpa? But what's Grandpa's fault?' Tears were pouring down Laura's cheeks. It was still difficult for him to accept this reality.

Emil clicked slowly. 'You are such a fool! Just so you know, Grandpa left his company to you, not to me! Isn't that very unfair? I am his grandson!' He laughed lightly 'And you need to know, I planned everything from the beginning. Including the Chinese businessman's scam. I purposely made your family suffer!' Emil paused, 'Ah yes, you should also know that I killed Dad because he will tell you everything, he does not like to see our closeness. But I didn't think your brain was so easy to wash'

'You killed everything?' Laura felt her body tremble. He did not know the man in front of him. The man was not Emil, the brother who loved him very much.

The mist of hatred was clearly visible in Emil's eyes. 'Yes! But Mother's death was against my will, Mother died before I killed her' That man further sharpened his gaze to Laura 'And I plan to have you die languishing in prison!'

'And one more thing, the reason this coward became a cop was to secure himself, so that no one would suspect him' Ray stared at Emil in disgust

Laura couldn't believe it. It turns out he was framed all along. And he gladly entered Emil's trap. 'You really are not human!' Shouted Laura

'Now who has no conscience, Emil?'

'Stop degrading me, Ray! You ruined my plan! I won't let you live quietly!' Emil rebelled and shouted towards Ray

'Before you do, I'll make you suffer first' Ray smiled cynically

'I know you want to protect Laura from me' Emil glanced at Laura who was still sobbing. 'Because you love my stupid sister, right?!'

Ray shot his gun into the air. 'I won't make you die so easily' he said

Soon a bunch of cops came running. The police approached them. The policemen were shocked to see what was in front of him.

'Inspector, what is this?' Asked Rian who was standing among the horde of policemen

'Bring her! Let him explain himself!' Answer Ray.

The policemen immediately led Emil, although thousands of questions still filled their minds.

'You all right, Laura?' Ray walked over to Laura.

Laura is still sitting. None of this made sense to him. Tears still did not stop flowing on the girl's cheeks.

Ray bent both knees, trying to match the girl beside him. 'You don't have to be afraid, I'm always on your side' He touched Laura's soft shoulder

The girl raised her head, looking at Ray doubtfully. 'You sure?'

Ray nodded steadily without making a sound. And in the same second, his arm grabbed onto Laura's body. Drown the girl's body in her arms. 'Very sure, Laura'