Chapter 9
Three days later, Mom finally told me the assessment would take place in a residential complex thirteen kilometers from our home.
Just as I’d suspected, her phone calls with my aunt over the years had been a smokescreen.
Messages were passed along a chain. Each person called the next, but no one knew whether the person they were calling was actually one of the leaders.
Mom also reminded me over and over to be utterly respectful when we met them. I mustn’t show the leaders the slightest disrespect.
I nodded obediently and got into a taxi with her.
As soon as we got out and entered the complex, I saw a man in a shirt and glasses. He looked mild-mannered and well educated.
The moment Mom saw him, she straightened her back. “Hello, Director!” she said respectfully.
I copied her greeting.
The man she called “Director” smiled, gave me a brief look, and led us inside.
As we walked, he kept asking me about myself.
I answered truthfully and made no mistakes.
Mom patted my shoulder. “There won’t be any problems, Director. I’ve watched this child grow up.”
He replied lightly, “Whether there are problems isn’t for you to decide.”
Like a child scolded by an elder, Mom wilted and fell silent.
My heart was racing.
I was about to come face to face with the truth behind Dad’s death.
I’d thought this would be nothing more than an absurd farce.
Only when I saw it for myself did I realize it was far more complicated than I’d imagined.
The Director led us onward.
Once inside, I saw none of what I’d expected.
No believers sitting in a circle. No extravagant speeches. None of the violent madness I’d imagined.
Nothing.
Just ordinary residents out for walks and security guards patrolling on electric bikes.
As we walked, the Director told me about the complex.
He was refined and scholarly, quoting from the classics as he spoke.
Like an easygoing older relative, he casually asked about my everyday life.
By the end of our conversation, he was even asking whether I’d like to join their classes.
I went on alert at once. “What classes?”
He smiled, looking like any ordinary, decent man. “Computer classes. We have a lot of middle-aged and elderly residents here who aren’t familiar with computers. So I offer free classes, and everyone gets together on weekends to learn.”
I could hardly believe my ears.
Had all my suspicions and deductions over the past few days been wrong?
Did Dad’s death have nothing to do with these people?
Had I imagined it all?
Still, I forced a natural smile. “That’s very kind of you, Director.”
The three of us made a circuit of the complex. Nothing happened.
I couldn’t find a shred of evidence.
Which meant this attempt had effectively failed.
Just as I was questioning myself all over again, I saw someone in the complex.
He was sitting in a wheelchair, chatting happily with a woman beside him.
A wild agitation surged through me.
I knew it. I knew it!