The Murder of the Beloved

Chapter 49

Frida was astonished for a moment. Apparently his estimate missed. Bram is happy today. "Why the hell are you?" ask him to check. "Again happy or irritated?"

Bram laughed again. "Can an angry person laugh?"

"Well, I got sustenance apparently." Then almost Frida said, divide dong. As is his custom with Bram. But he managed to hold back. Tomorrow he'll get his big share so why ask for the small one.

"That's fine, Frid. The windfall, tuh."

"Then, tomorrow it's dong."

"Oh, that's for sure. Don't worry."

Hearing that certainty Frida could not bear to say, "If that one is certain, this one how?"

"You mean this sustenance?"

Frida feels sure Bram's voice is not cynical. So he said steadily, "Yes, dong. Which one else?"

"Then, yuk. We're eating now? Have you eaten yet?"

Suddenly Frida was hungry. It has been a while since he ate well. If you briefly meet Bram, he is not only treated to a good meal but who knows can get some money. "At an expensive restaurant?" emphatically.

"Yes dong. But this is Frid. I am now in front of the Bali Room, Hotel Indonesia. My car's parked there. What if you were the only one who came here? It's not far. If you are reluctant to ride the road bajaj. While waiting for you I bought a cake first at the coffee shop. Well, go dress up."

Frida happily returned to her room. How bright his future is.

****

On Sunday, before eleven o'clock in the afternoon Johan had parked his car on the lower floor of Plaza Indonesia. He deliberately came before the promised time because he could not bear to let Frida sit on the stairs waiting for him. Let him wait. Thus he could all see from which direction Frida was coming. In fact, by looking at its location he could estimate where Frida lived. But the settlement was too vast to be able to estimate for sure. But the problem depends on time. There are times when he will know too.

He sat in the staircase, not too lonely because there were other people nearby, both women and men. There were taxi drivers, foreign travelers, and girls in uniform. It's only fitting that Frida make a proposal to sit there. Maybe you made a similar promise in the past?

At first Johan concentrated attention to the surrounding area, especially towards the location of the settlement where Frida likely resided. But as time went on without any sign of Frida's appearance she began to get upset. An hour has passed. Even he became hungry. Where is Frida? Did the woman lie to him? Butwhy? At the meeting last Friday it seemed Frida was serious about her promise.

His face and eyes expressed that. But could it not be that it was a charade, not unlike his own pretense? Lies are answered with lies. But he was sure it was impossible. The most likely thing is suspicion. Frida suspects him and worries that in the long conversation she can fall asleep and unlock the secrets she should have kept. If so, can it be concluded that Frida was indeed involved in the conspiracy with Bram? Ah, that's too far. Better not conclude anything first. However, there is still tomorrow and tomorrow. He'll keep trying to get close to Frida. Doesn't he know where to find her?

After another hour had passed, Johan was sure that Frida would not appear. It's free to wait like a fool. Several times he was suspected as a taxi driver who was lazing. Finally he got up with a sore body. With uninspired steps he entered the plaza to find a restaurant.

After filling his stomach he bought fried chicken and pastries for souvenirs for those at home. There waiting for Irene and Dinda. Two of the most beloved women in the world. He felt sorry for them because he could not bring home an interesting story that could be a bright spot for the death of Lilis. But the other part of her heart was relieved and pleased that she did not have to seduce Frida at all costs. How annoying the charade he had to go through.

When he returned home, the two women greeted him in astonishment. He knew what they were thinking and became amused by it. They certainly think he is a moron because he came home from a date during the day.

"Cancel!" it's short to explain.

Irena approached and stroked Johan's head to comfort him. "Do you think he lied to you?"

Johan shakes. "That doesn't feel. He looks serious. I didn't mention Lilis at all at the time of the last conversation. I've clearly shown that I'm interested in him personally."

"Maybe he was afraid of father because he had sin" commented Dinda.

"Yes. I agree with Dinda. He must be hiding something you can't know. Then at the last moment he decided not to go."

"He shouldn't need that. What's wrong with him meeting me first and then judging what exactly I want. Only after surely he dodged. Nothing is afraid yet. Who knows if he's suddenly sick without being able to reach me. I didn't give you a phone number. He didn't ask for it either."

"Maybe it's forbidden for Bram" said Dinda.

"Can be. If he was Bram's accomplice. Bram must have known or been told about my approach" Johan said.

"You can see him again tomorrow. Are you bored?" ask Irene.

"No. I'm just curious."

"If there's no mistake why would he hide his address? Can't you ask her into her office?" ask Dinda.

"We'll see."

***

On Monday afternoon, Johan was again waiting at his usual place. But there was no Frida. For an hour he waited. Then he realized that Frida wasn't going to show up. There are some possibilities. Frida is sick and does not go to work or deliberately take another path to avoid him. He should know more for sure. He went to the bank to check. Sometimes there are still one or two staff who work overtime.

"It's closed, sir" said Satpam.

"Yes, I know sir. But I have an appointment with Ms. Frida. I was waiting but he didn't show up. Is he working late now?"

Satpam. Of course he knew the one being asked. "All day I haven't seen Ms. Frida."

"If there are still staff who work, can you please ask if Ms Frida came in today or not?"

"Whose father?"

"I'm his relative."

The security guards rushed in. Soon he came out and said, "He's not coming in sir."

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