Giono's Style of Interrogation

  Giono: "Rani… and you, Rina…"

  Rani: "Yes, Uncle."

  Rina: "Yes, Uncle."

  Giono: "Go home and rest. Let Uncle take care of these four cockroaches."

  Rani checked her phone. It was already 11:00 p.m.

  Rani: "Alright, Uncle."

  Rina: "We live in this apartment, Uncle."

  Giono glanced at the large sign where Rina pointed:

  Pondok Gede Indah Apartments

  The twins walked into the gate, Giono's eyes following them.

  Giono turned his gaze to the four thugs.

  Karto: "What should we do with them, Boss?"

  Turiman: "Turn them into perkedel, Boss?"

  He twirled his belt.

  The four thugs exchanged uneasy glances. Pendi, the coward, looked ready to cry.

  Pendi: "Please, sir! Don't hit us…!"

  Eko: "Awuh! I already lost two teeth, Pen…"

  Panjul stayed silent, rubbing the three lumps on his head.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  Sopian just groaned, rubbing the bald spot on his skull.

  ***

  Mariana Targets Rani and Rina

  Giono: "Why did Broto send you to harm my nieces, you goat?"

  Pendi: "We don't know, sir…"

  Pendi answered, trembling.

  Panjul, realizing the situation wasn't in their favor, decided to speak honestly.

  Panjul: "Because the twins have something to do with Nagini and Officer Burhan."

  Karto: "Nagini — the one who beat up Tarno, Boss."

  Turiman: "And Burhan — an honest cop, Boss."

  Giono nodded slowly, trying to piece things together.

  Karto: "Maybe Nagini and Officer Burhan interfered with the Big Madam's business."

  Turiman: "That's one of the reasons they're on her hit list."

  Giono: "Goat! Dare to mess with my nieces? You'll learn the consequences!"

  ***

  Giono is a Military Captain

  Karto and Turiman exchanged glances. Even though they had once been defeated by Madam Mariana at the Kembang Setaman Nightclub, they knew Giono was a former member of a military special unit.

  Karto: "Boss Giono could strike back — target the Big Madam herself."

  Turiman: "Even though he's retired, Giono still has sharp teeth in the military."

  Giono took a deep drag from his cigarette, his voice firm.

  Giono: "Alright. You can go. Don't cause trouble in Green Gang territory."

  Karto and Turiman chimed in.

  Karto: "Left hand — hospital!"

  Turiman: "Right hand — cemetery!"

  Karto clenched his left fist.

  Turiman clenched his right.

  The four of them locked eyes, then stood. Pendi and Panjul helped Sopian to his feet. Eko held his swollen cheek, two teeth missing.

  Pendi: "Please, sir. We won't dare again…"

  The four of them walked away from the parking lot under the dim neon light.

  ***

  Burhan Ambushed

  Burhan had just parked his car. His steps were light as he walked toward his house — but stopped at the door.

  The door was slightly ajar. The lock had been broken. His eyes narrowed.

  His police instincts kicked in immediately — someone had broken in.

  He recalled the time he and Nagini were targeted by Bimo's sniper rifle, under someone's orders.

  Perhaps this was the second attempt — to finish him off. He grew alert.

  He stepped quietly inside, body low.

  The living room was empty.

  Burhan's eyes swept every corner.

  Suddenly—

  A night-watchman's club came swinging toward his head.

  Whoosh! Whoosh!

  Already alert, Burhan dodged the strike.

  Not just once — the club came at him again and again.

  Whoosh! Crash! Bang!

  The blows shattered a cabinet glass and smashed a cupboard door — but never touched Burhan.

  In front of him stood a tall man, face hidden behind a mask, wielding the wooden club.

  Burhan: "Who are you?"

  The masked man didn't answer. He lunged.

  A fierce fight broke out.

  Burhan was unarmed but evaded every swing of the club.

  From time to time, he countered with punches and kicks.

  Defeating Burhan was no easy task — he held a 4th Black Belt in Taekwondo.

  ***

  Burhan, 4th Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo

  The fight between Burhan and the masked man raged on.

  Burhan kept dodging — unarmed — while his opponent swung the club wildly.

  Though he was evading, Burhan never looked pressured. He searched for an opening.

  Then—

  Thud!

  Burhan's kick landed squarely on the attacker's right hand.

  Clang!

  The club flew from his grip and smashed into the window glass.

  Followed by a spinning back kick—

  Bam!

  The blow struck the attacker's stomach, folding him forward before he was thrown back.

  Crash!

  His back slammed into the coffee table.

  Burhan glared at him, feet firmly in a fighting stance.

  To be continued