[ Chapter 12 ]
The riddle nearly cracked Rome's head while Inspector Tik couldn't really be sure of his own answer. His hope now lie on his officer, Noon. Though she got the answer to that very riddle as quick as a flash, it shouldn't be shocking at all. She's from the police's psychology department afterall. Knowing what's playing in the criminal is practically -- her job. All eyes was on her now, Rome's getting pissed for not understanding a single word in the riddle. He at least would had thought that all his years of being a police would at least pay off some experience and not losing to some psychiatrist.
"Would you mind sharing what you got from the riddle .." Rome hesitated to ask at first.
"Yeah, of course .." She answered in a teasing tone. She knew Rome got a problem with his "male-ego".
"Sir, may I ?" She asked politely for the pen from Tik and he answered, "Sure."
As she took the pen, she started scribbling on the very same note.
"Well .. let's recall back the riddle Aum gave us ..
In the land where it drew a fine line between dream and reality, shall bare the key to eternal happiness. The choice have to be made to achieve so, life have to be given for the eyes to see .. only then there shall sprout the seed of hope.
You see Sir, a criminal like Aum would be the toughest to face since he fall under the 'intelligent' category. So this type of criminal never liked to be challenged -- especially by those whom they sought as their worthy opponent which in this case it's you."
Both Inspector Tik and Rome couldn't agree less. They kept nodding while Rome was really interested in knowing the answer.
"So the question now is, when did he made his decision that you were his worthy opponent?" Noon question them back.
"Well, that would be .. when we were on the cliff." Rome made a random guess.
"Exactly!" Noon added. "That what it means by 'in the land where it drew a fine line between dream and reality'. I think we should go there now and confirm my theory. Shall we?"
"Yeah." Inspector Tik gave his consent. As he tried very hard to not show the pain he's going through just by moving his injured body, Rome interrupted. "Sir, are you sure you're going to be ok?".
"Yeah of course, not to worry." He tried to put on a smile but it was not convincing at all.
"Erm, just know that we got your back." It could be clearly seen that Rome do not just see him as a superior but a big brother in need of help.
"Yeah I know that. Thanks .."
It didn't take long for them to reach the destination since the hospital was situated around that area. As they reached the very same crime scene, Rome just couldn't stand holding in his feelings anymore; yes he is very angry for the lost of Rita though maybe it was not fully Aum's fault .. he guess.
"Just remember Rome, he's sick .." Noon said, trying to lessen his burden.
"Yep! Don't worry, I'm alright now. She's in heaven anyways .. not sure if they can bare with her nagging though .. haha .."
The walked to the very end of the cliff.
"Sir, here. As I was saying before, I got a feeling that the line which separate dream and reality would be the edge of this cliff. He wants to challenge you, to see whether you're willing to risk your life for Mrs. Cherry. Which brings us back to the riddle where ' shall bare the key to eternal happiness' .."
"Yeah what DOES that line means anyways??" Rome was getting impatient.
"I think I know what it means .." Inspector Tik suddenly interrupted. "Once I make that life/death decision .. I will find the next clue -- the key to my eternal happiness .."
"BINGO!" Noon the added, "Though I'm not 100% sure with the next lines which is .. 'life have to be given for the eyes to see .. only then there shall sprout the seed of hope.' but I think overall Sir, it means you should use your heart or your instinct to find the next clue and not your very eyes .."
"Thanks Noon .. I think I know what I should do now .." Inspector Tik gave a confirmation look towards Noon. Rome was still confused but Noon then make way for her superior.
With that, as Inspector Tik came closer to the cliff .. he closed his eyes .. 1 .. 2 .. 3 -- he jumped.