Chap 4: A Discussion Plan

"I didn't realize that Ellina's family was involved in my parents' death," Austin replied, still staring at the projector screen in disbelief.

"This is just my personal investigation over the years. Before your parents died, they were involved in this business," Rudolf explained, pointing to the picture of the narcotics project.

Austin watched the projector screen in front of him for a split second.

"Did you find the evidence?" Austin asked.

Rudolf nodded his head. Soon the image on the projector screen changed. This time, there were three images: three folders of documents, a photo of a number of people dressed in formal blazers giving a thumbs up, and proof of reservation for the VVIP room.

"The VVIP room reservation proof shows one week before your parents' death," Rudolf began to explain.

When the three images appeared, Austin spontaneously leaned his sitting position while supporting his chin. Austin took a closer look at the picture of the VVIP reservation proof that Rudolf had enlarged.

"September 26, 2003," Austin read the date on the VVIP room reservation slip.

"The date of Jonathan and Pricillia's death was October 4, 2003," Rudolf explained.

Austin let out a long sigh as he relaxed his sitting position. He leaned his back against the chair.

"Then, this photo is a gathering between Jonathan and Pricillia with the parties I mentioned earlier. There's Simon, Vernanzo, and Petra."

Among the people in the photo, Austin did see the faces of Simon, Vernanzo, and Petra. But unfortunately because it was twenty years ago, their faces were not like they are now. Still much younger.

"If you're aware, your parents are wearing formal blazers that were limited edition, only sold in the 2000s. Before 2005 to be precise," Rudolf added.

"So, this meeting could be their last meeting with the parties involved in the narcotics project," Rudolf said once again.

In Rudolf's presence, Austin was dumbfounded by Rudolf's ability to pay attention to these details.

"You're really getting a lot of information, Mr. Rudolf," replied an amazed Austin.

Rudolf stepped away from the projector screen, and advanced towards the table.

"I'm doing this because I need to find out who killed your parents, Austin," Rudolf replied. "I found the three folders of documents in Jonathan and Pricillia's secret safe. And the contents are..."

Then the projector screen changed again. This time it displayed a number of personal data histories, transaction receipts and drug distribution schedules, information about the GHB narcotic to be used, and other sheets.

"Actually, there are still many documents inside the three folders. But I will only tell you some of the most important things," Rudolf explained.

"There are several parties involved in this transaction, including two drug organizations called the Bloody Red Organization and the Syndicate of Eagle Black."

"Those two organizations often appear on the receipts for overseas sales or distribution, such as to Morocco, Mexico, Australia, China, and other countries outside of America..."

"Were they also involved in my parents' deaths?" asked Austin.

"I still haven't confirmed whether Jonathan and Pricillia know information about the two drug organizations or not. However, since we have this evidence, it's very likely that the two drug organizations were involved in Jonathan and Pricillia's deaths," Rudolf replied with conviction in his words.

Austin sighed heavily. "Why should my parents be involved in such a business..."

"Your parents are not involved, Austin. I know Jonathan and Pricillia well enough not to interfere," Rudolf answered Austin's concerns.

"They got involved because they were probably coerced or framed by Simon, their business partner," Rudolf said once again.

"Ellina's family..."

"Do you know them?" Rudolf finally asked after being surprised to hear Austin mention Ellina's name.

"Ellina is my ex-wife," Austin replied, leaving Rudolf in shock. "But last night she divorced me for having an affair with Jack, Petra's son, as well as the family that employed me as a servant at the mansion."

"You work as a servant?" asked Rudolf, even more surprised.

Austin nodded his head as he watched Rudolf approach him. At that moment, Rudolf looked incredulous at Austin's words.

"All those years, you worked as a servant at the Petra family mansion?"

"Yes, and I was also an office boy at the Carlyle Group company," Austin replied later. "Now, I remember there was one day when Bernard, the CEO of the Carlyle Group, had a meeting with some VVIP clients. As I was delivering drinks to the room, I saw Simon and Petra. Also, there was one guy who had a very stern look on his face."

"That man is most likely Vernanzo. What did they talk about in the meeting?" Rudolf looked at Austin curiously.

Austin hissed for a moment, then shook his head.

"I didn't hear because I was told to leave the room," he replied.

Rudolf let out a rough breath as his shoulders relaxed. His gaze immediately went slack.

"I'm going crazy trying to figure out exactly what they're all up to. Does it take years to carry out their plans?"

"It looks like they have a big project coming up, Mr. Rudolf. It might have something to do with the GHB narcotic," Austin replied giving his guess.

Rudolf was silent. He had a look of deep thought on his face. After a few seconds of thought, Rudolf turned his gaze to Austin again and placed both hands on his body. Rudolf leaned his stance towards Austin.

"Then you have access to find out more, right?" asked Rudolf with a very serious expression on his face.

Hearing Rudolf's question, Austin's eyebrows furrowed in astonishment. Austin nodded his head with an innocent expression.

"How about you investigate them all, Austin?"

"What?" Austin was surprised. "Mr. Rudolf, I've never had any experience investigating..."

As Austin's words trailed off, Rudolf tapped his right shoulder repeatedly in a firm manner. Rudolf nodded confidently to Austin.

"You can do it, Austin. You are a descendant of the intelligent Jonathan and Pricillia. Your instincts will definitely be very keen on paying attention to details," Rudolf shot back reassuringly.

"I can't be sure..."

"Austin, your parents' deaths were explained as suicides. But I found irregularities that were covered up by certain parties."

Austin widened his eyes. "They made a suicide claim?"

"Yes. Your parents would never do such a thing. I don't know what the police officers and prosecutors are hiding," said Rudolf who sighed heavily at the end of his sentence.

Austin's uncertainty gradually faded away. Austin felt that his parents could not have just committed suicide. Moreover, the accident that occurred cost the life of Kennath—his older brother as well.

What other reason could all of his family members have died simultaneously and by chance in an accident if not because someone killed him?

"Their deaths were planned, Austin. You can't let them feel safe all the time," Rudolf retorted.

"But I need something, Rudolf."

With a more serious expression, Rudolf seemed ready to listen to Austin's words.

"What, Austin? Tell me, I'll provide all my facilities or your parents' facilities for you."