DEATH WARRANT
ENCOUNTER

After the game of guessing lasted a few seconds, Nanda, who was miraculously asleep in her sleep. I could only hiss annoyed at the suddenly winding streets.

The sky was filled with sunlight that was getting higher and higher, the light was telling anyone who saw it that it was now showing at 10:00. I think about my last days. Different places, different people, so many different ones. I let out a long sigh staring at the straight path. Even if Nanda has given some clues. But it has not been able to give an answer why I can be in the influence of the curse book. Along the way I smiled to myself for thinking of such a naive me, how not? The pain I have done is in his control.

While the car I was driving kept darting back to Jakarta, I could only ponder and think about Jara. How did he obtain such strange power? Who the hell is he? If indeed he possessed such mystical power, would this curse stop after his death?

Arriving in Jakarta was only one definite answer I had realized; I was too sure of my stupidity.

Early in the morning on Sunday the 8th, three days after the case closed. Finally the case that horrendous media universe was successfully revealed to the surface. Even though, the facts received by the public have been manipulated by the police. The police explained that the murder case committed by someone named Jara had nothing to do with magic or mystical powers as has been linked by the general public on social media. The police confirmed that Jara's crime was purely the result of thoughts he had planned for years.

Police are desperately hiding the facts that have been widely circulated. And, linking something that happens to the victim is just a psychological disorder. Even so, of course, there are still people who are still dismantling and leading the problem toward conspiracies for their social media content. Who cares about that. I don't care at all.

Nayla and I got off the car in central Jakarta. Everything still feels quiet, even though far away at the end of the office is so boisterous and claustrophobic with human activities. I couldn't sleep well since the night before, even though Nayla was with me. His presence did not help to answer the question that was still constantly hitting my head. I don't know, or he's still mad that I kept him in jail a few days ago. It's probable. I can only wait until he forgives.

Upon returning from Jombang, Nanda asked me to take Nayla and return home. He said, for my own good. At first I didn't really understand what it meant. But, one day after. My superiors called me to explain the case. And as a result, they decided that the death of the victim was my responsibility. They assume the victims won't die if I don't do anything. I didn't know what Nanda was doing so I escaped from the legal bondage that was about to be imposed on me. Even if it's pretty expensive; I'm fired.

Today I was asked to come to the office to see the commander, at first I thought the call was just to say goodbye or say thank you for helping him a lot. But I can't believe he asked me to investigate a murder case. Not under police authority. I was already determined to take a break from this endless work. After being removed from the police force I intend to rewrite my hellish record, as detailed as possible. As Nanda said, my hell records are already burned. I don't know what or how the end of the book was. Will I die like the other victims. I don't know, until now Nanda hasn't told him.

My phone's ringing tone rang a while after noon. Nanda asked me to come to my favorite cafe at 15:00. He talked to Nayla for a moment. I can only guess what they're talking about on that phone. Whatever it is, it must be related to the case that Nanda is still secret until now.

“What does it want?’’ ask me after Nanda's call was cut off.

Nayla thrust out her cell phone and said. “Nothing. He wants me to bring a novel that's home.”

“Novel? For what?’’

“It's just that I explained it to you, I don't know anything.”

“I only ask the novel in question, not another.’’

“At first..” said Nayla paused for a moment. “Then you will continue the next question right? What's wrong I confirmed from the beginning. I don't know anything,” he concluded.

“Alright if you think like that,” I took the phone from his hand. “What is the novel he means, The Queen?’’

“Ya,” Nayla snuggles then bows after.

“What's up? You're still mad at me?’’

“No, I'm not mad at you at all. I'm even grateful that brother is fine until now,”

I gasped for a moment at his words. A few days ago I asked him if he knew from the beginning what had happened to me. And his words just now did not reflect his answer at that moment. He also knew that I was under the influence of that book…

“Why should I be mad at you too,” he continued.

“Oh yes? These two days you're constantly avoiding me?”

Nayla just kept quiet and didn't say.

“Alright, after lunch we will go home to pick up the book. Are you hungry?’’

“Yes. Yes..” Nayla nods vigorously.

My smile emanated after seeing her reaction. “Then about eating... You!”

“Sure,” reply then smile.

At 15:00. In accordance with Nanda's words we both came to my favorite cafe. It's been a long time since I've enjoyed this atmosphere, it's been really calming. Starting from the fragrant room to the music presented. My calm instantly faded as Nayla said. “Kak, I didn't see your partner? Is he late?’’

“No way,’’ I replied. My eyes looked at every table I sat on.

“Samuel? Long time no see.” I shook his hand which was raised.

“Yes, I just got back from America. How's work? Is there a new story behind your nickname?"

"What do you mean?" My eyes are still hanging around waiting for Nanda.

"You're looking for someone huh?’’

I'm nodding.

“You've looked it up?’’

“But.”

“Newly... a few minutes ago I saw a man ride.... oh, your girlfriend huh?"

"No," I pulled Nayla's wrist. "Sorry, we'll continue the conversation.I'm in a hurry right now," Samuel just nodded, as if not expecting the answer to come out of me.

"He who?" Whisper Nayla when we were side by side on the stairs.

"not important. Just the owner of this cafe."

"Oh."

When we reached the second floor, I saw Nanda sitting at the circular table. He sat down casually with a cigarette stuck between his index fingers.

"Slow seven minutes huh?" swipe without looking back. He already knows that's coming me.

I pulled the chair across from her and Nayla sat next to me.

"I'm sure your friends haven't asked you to hang out?"

"Oh yeah, is something wrong?"

"No. There aren't. It's not that important to talk about anyway."

''Nanda, I warn you once again, I don't want to be played again. We came here not to joke, I said.

Nanda just kept quiet no matter. His eyes looked so flat.

''Well, I admit I lost, and thank you for freeing me from the strange law.'' I took a breath trying to calm down. ''Riko and Hana how are they?''

"You brought the book?" Nanda asked Nayla who had been watching silently since. Nanda ignored my question altogether.

"Here," Nayla put out a novel written clearly The Queen on the cover.

"I heard you were dismissed from the police, if you want me to help…"

"No, I don't intend to go back there" I said quickly.

"Are you sure? Then what are you gonna do after I tell you the riddle that almost left you dead curious?"

"Thank you so much for your empathy. I'll think about it later, "my eyes were on the book that had shifted before Nanda. "...Why did you tell Nayla to bring the novel?"

"Patience, there is still one person we have to wait for" he added.

His words made me understand why there was an empty seat behind the round table we were sitting on. But who?