Hidden Feelings

  Meanwhile, at a café on Kemang Raya.

  Burhan and Nagini sat at table number 012, which had been reserved in advance.

  They quickly placed their orders.

  Burhan: "Waitress, come here for a second."

  A young woman approached, glancing at Burhan, then at Nagini.

  Waitress: "What would you like, sir?"

  Burhan took the menu and pointed.

  Burhan: "I'll have this."

  He turned to Nagini. The air was still awkward.

  Burhan: "What will you have, Nagini?"

  Nagini twirled a strand of hair between her fingers.

  Nagini: "The same as you, Burhan."

  Burhan smiled faintly, though there was a hint of bitterness.

  Burhan: "Not ordering your favorite orange juice?"

  Nagini: "Alright… I'll have orange juice, Burhan."

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  Burhan to the waitress: "Add two orange juices, please."

  Waitress: "Sure, sir. One moment…"

  Before walking away, the waitress glanced between the two of them again—then smiled to herself.

  They look like they're in love… but also like they're at war… not saying a word to each other.

  She went to the kitchen to place their order.

  ***

  Giono Retrieves Military Gear

  Meanwhile, at Seroja Indah Apartments.

  Giono: "I'm going to get my car and military equipment. You all stay here."

  Ngatmo: "Alright, Giono. We'll wait here."

  Karsiyah: "Well, well! So you've got a car now, huh?"

  Rani and Rina exchanged glances—they were sure Giono would take them on a trip to Yogyakarta.

  Rani: "Haven't been to Jogja in ages."

  Rina: "Wanna see Borobudur and Prambanan."

  Ngatmo: "This isn't a holiday, kids. We're going to teach Broto a lesson."

  Rani and Rina looked at each other and laughed brightly.

  Rani: "I'm not afraid!"

  Rina: "We've got our throwing knives."

  Ngatmo just smiled at his fearless daughters.

  Meanwhile, Karsiyah watched Giono grab his waist bag before heading out.

  Karsiyah: "I can't wait to beat Broto up!"

  Ngatmo: "Right. Villains like him belong in the hospital!"

  Giono smiled wryly.

  Giono: "I'll be back with the car."

  Karsiyah and Ngatmo nodded, watching him walk out the door.

  ***

  Secret Police–KPK Meeting

  At the National Police's Criminal Investigation Department building.

  A closed joint meeting—attended only by a handful of top officials from the Police and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

  The long table had only three people seated.

  Haryono, representing the Police, sat breathing heavily. A cup of hot coffee sat untouched before him.

  Satrio, representing the KPK, sat across from him, his own cup steaming.

  Tina from the KPK Cyber Team sat beside Satrio, a closed laptop before her.

  Yes—this was a secret meeting.

  Haryono: "What do you have, Tina? Mariana escaped!"

  Satrio: "Was our operation compromised?"

  Tina adjusted her glasses and opened her laptop.

  Blip!

  A large monitor in front of them lit up.

  Tina: "The raid on Mariana was not compromised, sir."

  Haryono: "Then?"

  Tina: "Mariana is cunning. A chess player."

  Satrio: "You mean… she's one step ahead of us?"

  Tina: "Exactly, sir. She anticipates everything. Slippery as an eel."

  Haryono shook his head, finally taking a sip of coffee.

  Haryono: "If she's one step ahead, how do we catch her?"

  Satrio: "What's our counter-move?"

  ***

  Tina's Presentation

  Tina smiled.

  Tina: "Relax, sir. We're two steps ahead of Mariana."

  Haryono and Satrio exchanged shocked looks.

  Haryono: "Two steps ahead?"

  Satrio: "Explain."

  Tina: "We managed to plant a tracker on Mariana's suitcase before she boarded the helicopter."

  The two men looked at each other again—impressed.

  Haryono: "But who could plant the tracker?"

  Satrio: "Isn't she bulletproof and extremely fast?"

  Tina adjusted her glasses again.

  Tina: "The dangerous job was done by Nagini, sir."

  Satrio lit a cigarette.

  Satrio: "The woman in the red jacket?"

  Haryono: "A civilian?"

  Tina: "Yes, sir."

  To be continued