That one sentence made Rama's brow furrow. He moved closer with such slow steps that the sound of his footsteps wouldn't be heard by whoever was behind the wall beside the house. His thoughts were in disarray. Suspicion grew within him as he wondered what was really going on.
Rama then stood behind the wall separating him from the person behind the wall near the swimming pool. He strained to listen, trying to figure out what the person was talking about. His instincts as a police officer kicked in. He pulled out his phone to record. But then ...
"Sir ..." The baritone voice of a teenage boy reached Rama's ears, making him turn instinctively. Standing in front of Rama was Akbar, Raya's younger cousin, who was still in high school—in fact, Vivi's youngest son.
Rama flinched slightly. His attempt to find the source of the voice had failed because someone was now standing in front of him. And that person was none other than the homeowner's son.
Akbar looked Rama up and down. His gaze was dismissive.
"I think I've seen you before. If I'm not mistaken, you're a low-ranking police officer." There was a sarcastic edge to Akbar's words.
The moment Vivi heard the word police, she was startled. She immediately locked her phone and slipped it into her pocket. The woman headed toward Rama and Akbar.
"You're right, and I am a low-ranking police officer," Rama replied with a smile—a friendly one. "However ..."
Vivi appeared from behind where Rama was standing, drawing the athletic man's attention. The interruption didn't last long. Rama continued speaking.
"It's not about the rank or the salary. I stand here because I'm proud of this uniform. Even though some people try not to respect it and see it as a way to make money through dishonest means," Rama said pointedly.
Vivi choked when she heard Rama's words. "Ahem ... ahem!" The woman clenched her fist beneath her chin.
Rama merely glanced at her with a smile, while Akbar looked at him with clear displeasure.
"You'd be better suited to being a preacher than a police officer, sir," Akbar muttered. His eyes were defiant.
Rama said nothing, calmly studying the young man. He was the kind of young man who relied on his wealth without fearing the authorities—the type who would use every possible means to escape whenever he got into trouble.
"Your life is still long, kid. And someday, nothing you own will last forever. Being a rich kid doesn't mean the world has to bow to you," Rama said.
Akbar looked at him resentfully. Although Vivi had briefly panicked, she covered it with a crooked smile. Her hand unconsciously rubbed the back of her neck. She raised her head and looked at Rama, opening her mouth to speak.
"I think you have plenty of work besides arguing with my son. What brings you here, sir? Don't tell me you were trying to spy on me just now," Vivi muttered.
Rama didn't answer right away. At first, he had wanted to mention Raya, but after hearing what Vivi had said by the pool, he abandoned the idea.
"I came here only to meet Mr. Hardinata. Since he's out of town, I suppose I'll come another time. Excuse me," Rama said, respectfully taking his leave before hurrying away.
Vivi and Akbar looked at each other. A moment later, they both turned toward Rama.
"There's no way a police officer would waste time here just to argue," Vivi muttered, crossing her arms over her chest.
Rama chose not to acknowledge her remark. "Excuse me," he said again.
Akbar and Vivi exchanged another look. Rama didn't care. Just as he was about to get back into his car, the phone in his shirt pocket vibrated. He quickly answered it.
"Hello?"
Rama fell silent for a few moments. Shortly afterward, he replied, "I'll head to the hospital right away."