20 Yousve Solved the Case? (2/2)

The drive was comically fast. It was possibly my excitement and anxiety that made the ride such a blur, but soon I was near my destination and turning off the engine. I looked over the information and cross-referenced it with the documents Seth had sent over. I marked out the shop numbers and quickly made my way through the crowds.

There were quite a few people already shopping despite the early hour and some stores were still setting up their stalls. As I made my way through the list, I felt a deep passion for the meaningless conversations I was engaging in. There was a purpose behind this act. I was speaking because it was necessary for me to get this information from another person.

I understood the importance… the meaning behind the consequences of the act I was performing.

Yet nothing was out of place. Everything was peaceful. The smiles of the possible suspects were sincere. There was no monstrosity in their gazes.

No one was missing.

No one had run away.

I was almost towards the end of the list when I passed across a middle-aged man scolding one of his workers. This stall was definitely on the list, but I didn't know how to approach them when they were in the middle of the conversation.

So I walked up to the stall and started looking around for some vegetables. Well, I thought that even if the trip was unfruitful, I could come out of it with fresh groceries.

”May I help you?” I heard a soft, male voice ask. I looked up and saw the guy.

Average height, average build, average facial attractiveness. His shoulders were slightly hunched, his brows furrowed, forming creases on his forehead. His voice and eyes, though, were magnetic. I could tell that he wasn't particularly outspoken, but clearly, he had some gravity.

”I don't like the cabbages here, do you have any others?” I asked politely. Frankly, I hadn't even looked at the cabbages carefully to know if they were good or bad.

There was something gnawing at me from the moment I looked at him. My gut told me that I had found the man, but my mind told me that I needed more information. I needed to see if my logic was correct.

”We might have some at the back. Let me find something good for you.” The smile he gave me was courteous but pleasant. My eyes followed his figure until he had disappeared.

I, then, refocused on the elder man who still seemed to be fuming. I greeted him and as expected, this troubled man unburdened his anger.

”I shouldn't have taken in the brothers. Always complaining about how hard work is, how they need a raise.” He huffed. While the man wasn't talking to me, directly, I could hear what he was saying very clearly.

”Are you okay?” I asked, forming my expression into that of worry. ”You seem troubled,” I added. The gleam of wonder overtook his eyes. He had found someone whom he could talk to.

”Ah, just worried about that kid.” He pointed towards the direction where the man had disappeared. ”He has been so odd for the past couple of years.” He stopped and pondered.

”His dad was abusive, so he ran away with his brother and started working at my place. And it was all fine until the brother ran away.”