THE MYSTERY OF THE FOREST
#26
Hardian orders Farhan to remove Fadli and Mayni from the hut. The sound of a helicopter was heard from a distance. Getting closer and now it seems to be circling over the fields. Hardian waved his hands up.
The blue-striped bell 505 helicopter is slowly descending and taking off in an area that Farhan and Hardian have prepared. His roaring voice and the flickering blades of his powerful rotor blades produced a powerful gust of wind.
The weather looks clear even though it is a little foggy. The cloudy that had invited a few minutes of drizzle disappeared just like that when the strong wind blew for a while.
The four-seat helicopter is ready to carry passengers. One by one they started to go up. Fadli and Mayni sat in the back seat, while Hardian sat down below watching the two. Farhan himself sat in front with the pilot. Slowly the helicopter climbed up and flew away from the place.
Before the azan maghrib reverberated, the helicopter landed at the jerowaru police station. For a time, Fadli and Mayni were deposited in the police station and the next day Fadli was taken to the Selong Police. Mayni herself will be delivered to her family who fled to one of the nearby villages.
*
Farhan and Hardian were seen sitting while enjoying a warm cup of coffee in front of him. Although they feel tired, they still feel there is something to talk about. After hearing the recording of Farhan and Fadli's conversation, Hardian felt that his work was still long. He still needs Farhan to uncover one more case, the killer Haji Maemun. Several names in the forest area, especially the new villagers have been recorded. None of them are suspected of being perpetrators. But reflecting on the Fadli case, no one thought that he was the perpetrator of the Mistar and Sarmi murders. Perhaps he should review and re-investigate the closer Bahram figure for suspicion.
"How is Han, you have an opinion regarding the case of Haji Maemun," asked Hardian. Farhan scratched his hair and let out a long sigh. The coffee in front of him was slowly cut. Hardian took out a match from his pocket when he saw Farhan take out a cigarette. Farhan started smoking.
"Either sir, I'm also at a loss as to where to start, which is obviously more difficult than the previous case." Farhan yawning. The HP in his shirt pocket rang. Farhan. A message came in. After reading it for a while, he showed it to Hardian. Farhan smiled. Photo from Harjan. Hardian zoomed in on the screen, and he was surprised.
"What the hell, this is marijuana," Hardian said half-whispering as he looked around, afraid that anyone would hear.
"You're Han's wearer" Hardian said rather loudly but still half-whispered. Farhan smiled.
"This is my next task. This I found in the southern forest area when I fled into the forest. The field is about 3 acres sir" Farhan explained.
Hardian looked up with a long sigh.
"That means it's your duty, too, you'll be our witness and guide looking for his place,"
"Ready sir," said Farhan respectfully.
The night is getting late. Some officers are still standing guard at the entrance of the police station. Some young people who were hanging out in the stall next to the office were still heard playing their guitars.
Hardian looks vaporized. Unrestrained drowsiness again made them agree to end the conversation.
Farhan refused when Hardian invited him into one of the official houses that were still empty in the police office area. He chose to stay in the gazebo next to the office. He could not leave Fadli who would spend his night behind bars. Although not roomy, but at least Fadli knew he was outside.
Wati's shadow slowly led Farhan to his deep sleep.
*
*
Time keeps turning. When we had just stood up at the beginning of the night, when we woke up from a deep sleep, we were already at the beginning of the day. So and so on until the sun rises in the western horizon. Only those who use day and night wisely do not belong to the class of those who do not lose.
This morning the sun was shining brightly on the eastern horizon. The cold air still felt, making lazy people out of their warm blankets. The sound of sparrows began to be heard chirping loudly in the large trees by the roadside. Slowly the streets began to be crowded by farmers and other pedestrians. The same goes for children who start school.
Farhan was seen getting ready in front of the guard post. Occasionally he is seen making small movements to repel the cold that is still piercing. Hardian has not been seen coming out of any of the official houses. He had to see Fadli before he was sent to the East Lombok Police. Farhan also intends to go home today. While waiting for officers from the forest service who will slide into the forest area, he will meet Fadli first.
One of the officers let Farhan in to meet Fadli. Fadli, who was seen sitting in the corner of the cell, got up as soon as he saw Farhan standing outside the cell.
"I want to go home, Fad, I haven't been home in a long time. I want to check out my hut that an unknown person burned down a week ago" Farhan said. Fadli nodded and smiled.
"Thank you for waiting for me Han, take good care of yourself" Fadli wrapped his hand in a blanket and then held Farhan's hand.
"Don't despair. Every mistake has to be punished. But you have to be sure and pray that your punishment is light and we can come together again to build a forest." Farhan thrust out his hand and greeted Fadli. Fadli's sobs sounded. So did Farhan. He looks to rub his eyes. After saying goodbye, Farhan passed away leaving Fadli.
Out of the office, Farhan met Hardian who was already standing by with a coffee in front of him. While waiting for the forest service car to arrive, Farhan did not refuse when Hardian offered him a cup of coffee. Their togetherness during the reconnaissance in the forest, making them look more familiar. Laughter began to sound from their mouths.
"I'll give you one day's rest. After that we move again" said Hardian as Farhan informed him of his return.
"Too short sir. I had to rebuild my destroyed hut. Want to sleep where I am sir if there is no home" replied Farhan.
"You're used to it in the woods, so it's okay to sleep anywhere." Hardian handed Farhan his business card.
"Call me when you're ready" Hardian continued. Farhan raised his hand in salute.
A pick-up car with the word forest service was seen coming into the office yard. Farhan hurriedly sipped his coffee. While waiting for Mr. Yadi who was filling water in gallons, Farhan took time to say goodbye to the officer who was on duty that morning.
The pick-up car then started speeding on the streets.
