HEIR OF THE DEATH STRIKE

Chapter 9

Zaqqy replied. He immediately turned around and walked towards the door, which was still open. He saw that it was Tono who had arrived, and smiled at his friend.

"Waalaikumsalam. Wow, Tono! What's going on? I'm surprised you came," said Zaqqy.

"I just wanted to make sure you were okay. Oh my God, I've been worried about you since earlier. You see, Mr Darwin's men were looking for you, especially after that viral video on the street."

​"Oh, that...." Zaqqy paused for a moment. "Yeah, that’s just how they are. It’s a mob, after all. They did take me away earlier, but it’s all right now, I’m fine. Rahayu’s fine too."

​"Thank goodness for that. I just wanted to check on you."

"Thanks for caring, but don't worry. I just got home."

"Oh..." Tono looked sceptical. "What did they do to you? From the video, it looked like you were beaten up, but when I got here, you were already at home."

"Nothing much, they just left me on the side of the road," Zaqqy lied.

"Oh, I see. Well, I just got home from work, so I stopped by here. But since you're fine, I'm relieved. Well, I'm going home now. Oh, by the way, what about your job?" asked Tono again.

"I'll look for something later. I'll go to the market first, there are many people looking for labourers to carry goods there."

"Oh, I see. Well, you rest then. Sorry I couldn't help much."

"It's okay, I understand. Your situation is also difficult, right? We're both struggling."

"Yes. Assalamualaikum," said Tono, patting Zaqqy on the shoulder. "Take care. Hope you find a better job than at that cafe."

"Yes, waalaikumsalam. You be careful on the road too."

Zaqqy watched Tono leave his house. The young man smiled slightly and went back inside, then closed the door tightly and locked it. He sat in the living room with his mother and father, who were lying down.

"Mother, I'm sorry. I don't have the money yet, but tomorrow I'll go to the market to look for a new job."

"It's okay, the important thing is that you came home safe and sound. Rahayu has told me everything, you don't need to explain anything. Let's eat first. Today I cooked fried salted fish, shrimp paste sambal, and boiled cassava leaves."

"Yes, that's great, Mum!" said Zaqqy.

He looked back at his father, who smiled at him while rubbing Zaqqy's hand.

"Be patient, Zaqqy. I'm sure Allah will give you a better job. You did the right thing protecting Rahayu. I heard your mother's explanation earlier."

"Yes, Dad. You stay healthy too, Dad. Don't worry, I will definitely get the money for the treatment soon."

"Yes, Zaqqy. Thank you, son, you have sacrificed a lot. Forgive your father and mother."

Zaqqy just nodded slightly and enjoyed his dinner until it was finished. His mother tidied everything up while Zaqqy chatted with his father. The old man smiled as he talked, as if his pain had instantly disappeared.

Time passed, and before they knew it, it was late at night. His father slept in the living room accompanied by his mother, while Zaqqy chose to sleep in his room. The young man stared at the ceiling of his room and sighed heavily.

"Hopefully there will be work at the market tomorrow," Zaqqy muttered. He looked at his hands. "If my hands are strong, they must be strong enough to carry goods," he said hopefully. The young man turned off the light and chose to sleep.

Meanwhile, far from Zaqqy's house, Rinto, Malik and their three friends faced Darwin, who was currently enjoying a cigarette.

"So, you've made sure he's dead?" asked Darwin with a cold stare.

"Yes, boss. We made sure Zaqqy is dead," replied Rinto.

"Then what about the woman?"

"Sorry, boss, we didn't have time to take her because there were already a lot of people there. Besides, some of them were recording, and it would have been obvious that we took Zaqqy too, Boss."

"You idiots! Where did you take Zaqqy? Are you sure no one will find his body?"