Concealed

We began to talk about the house that used to be where the cricket field, I sensed that he got agitated when I brought up the house, almost as if I struct a nerve and was accusing him of something.

‘Would you be able to partner up with me, I think there’s very promising case here.’

‘A case! How do you know about that?’

‘Can you tell me all you know?’

‘I can’t relive that day, those memories, he was my best friend you know, what happened to him is one of the worst experiences of my life. I gave a confused look, ‘you don’t know what I'm talking about, do you?” I continue asking him questions, trying to get as much information as I could. I try to persuade him to help me, he agrees to help me, but he is hesitant to tell me too much. Why would he agree to help me if he can barely even speak of the event? He then went on to speak about how he chooses not to speak about the event as much as possible, but that he assists with me throughout the investigation and tell if I am on the right track. He is a reserved man and he has a pessimistic demeanour about him. But I am grateful for his help. The only thing he said after that was: “I don’t want to replay that day”. Wow I can’t believe how bubbly she is… it’s annoying. I was just trying to have a nice productive day doing my job of umpiring the game. After the game, before I could ask why she was bothering me, she started blurting out questions. I couldn’t understand a thing. Following her never-ending press conference, she calmly asked the question, “Are you the one that owns the house at the back of Rockwell High’s cricket field that stood there 20 years ago?”. Filled with confusion and hesitation, I answer with a yes. She instantly replied by shoving an old picture in my face. I took a step back and realised that was my old cricket team. How did she get this? I don’t want to remember those days. I decide not to give her any information. I know she would report anything she can dig up. Just like those irritating reporters. She instantly points out a player with a large scar on his arm, and questions if that was me. I never want to relive those disappointing, miserable days. But something tells me that she can be the bat that leads the ball to a triumphant future, I trust her. However, I didn’t want to reveal too much. So, I told her that I am the one with the scar and the guy next to me was my best friend, the star player our team who went missing. Suddenly she asks me to help her with her investigation. I too am curious as to what happened back then. Still tentative, I agree to only go along with her. I still don’t want everything to be released into the public. Chapter 6 Umpire’s Perspective