The Helicopter Takes Off

  Back at the helicopter.

  Once Broto was inside, Mariana boarded as well. She trusted Nagini wouldn't attack from behind.

  She was right—Nagini didn't react to Mariana's graceful steps up the chopper.

  But Tono, the policeman, did.

  Tono: "Stop! Or we'll shoot!"

  Burhan, seeing Tono about to act recklessly, quickly stopped him.

  Burhan: "Tono, don't do something stupid that could endanger everyone here!"

  Tono looked at Burhan, confused.

  Tono: "But, Burhan—?"

  Burhan: "Enough. We still have another chance to catch Mariana."

  Tono lowered his gun, looking frustrated and disappointed.

  Meanwhile, Giono just glared.

  Giono: "Damn it! You're running again, Mariana."

  Karsiyah: "I didn't even get to hit Broto!"

  Ngatmo: "Too bad—he got away."

  Rani and Rina just exchanged glances.

  Moments later, the helicopter lifted off into the sky.

  Its blades roared, whipping through the chilly night. The skyscrapers trembled from the force.

  Slowly, the helicopter disappeared into the darkness.

  ***

  Arresting the Security Guards of Kembang Setaman Discotheque

  Tono and his team rounded up the remaining members of Mariana's crew in the Kembang Setaman Disco building.

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  In one messy room, Karsiyah, Ngatmo, Rani, and Rina sat on chairs chatting.

  The exhausted Green Gang began taking unopened cold drinks.

  Turiman: "Hey, friends! Take whatever you want, it's on me!"

  Karto: "What's with you, Man? Acting like a rich guy! This disco's free now, no one owns it?"

  Karto chuckled.

  Turiman: "Just this once, To, I can be rich! Treat my friends."

  Turiman grinned widely.

  Tikno: "If it still had an owner, you'd just swallow your spit, Man!"

  Karto: "Can't afford beer, No?"

  Tikno chuckled.

  Karto then glanced at Tikno, who was enjoying a cold Coca-Cola bottle.

  Karto: "How many enemies have you beaten up, No?"

  Tikno shot Karto a sharp look, but said nothing.

  Turiman: "Lots of tables and bottles got smashed because of Tikno's rampage."

  The tired Green Gang members laughed. One of them piped up:

  Prapto: "When he fights, Tikno keeps his eyes closed!"

  Twenty Green Gang members burst out laughing.

  Meanwhile, Giono was seen making a phone call.

  Giono: "Hello, Mr. Handoyo! You can come back to the Kembang Setaman Disco now."

  A reply came from the other end.

  Handoyo: "No way, No! Mariana threatened my family."

  Giono: "Don't worry! That's all under control now! You can come back here tomorrow morning."

  Handoyo: "Alright, No."

  Giono: "But you'll have to clean up first, the place is a mess."

  Handoyo: "Okay, No. I'll bring a floor-cleaning crew tomorrow."

  Giono hung up and looked at the Green Gang members resting and joking around.

  Giono: "Karto! Make coffee!"

  Karto: "Black coffee, Boss?"

  Turiman: "Two spoons coffee, half a spoon sugar."

  Giono: "Don't forget to stir it exactly 28 times."

  Twenty Green Gang members grinned widely upon hearing Giono's coffee order.

  ***

  Taking Sawitri Home

  Once everything was secure, Burhan and Nagini said goodbye to Tono.

  Burhan, Nagini, and Sawitri walked to Burhan's parked car. They got in, and moments later the car rolled away slowly.

  Burhan drove in a relaxed manner after the earlier tension.

  Burhan sat alone in the front, while Nagini and Sawitri sat in the back.

  Nagini: "Are you alright, Sawitri?"

  Sawitri didn't answer—she only nodded, looking unsure.

  Burhan: "We'll take you home to your parents, Sawitri."

  Sawitri nodded again.

  Nagini tried to start a conversation and asked many questions, but Sawitri only gave brief answers.

  Burhan glanced at his watch.

  Burhan: "It's already one in the morning," he thought.

  The car slowed as they entered the toll gate.

  After paying the e-toll, Burhan pressed on the gas again.

  -***

  Taking Nagini to the Apartment

  After dropping Sawitri off at Jono and Marni's house, Burhan and Nagini said their farewells.

  Jono: "Thank you, Burhan and Nagini, for saving our daughter."

  Marni: "We can never repay your kindness."

  Burhan and Nagini exchanged glances.

  Burhan: "It's our duty as police officers."

  Nagini: "As fellow human beings, we must help each other in goodness."

  Jono and Marni hugged Sawitri, unable to hold back their emotions.

  Burhan: "It's late now. We'll take our leave, Mr. Jono, Mrs. Marni."

  Jono: "Alright. Take care of yourselves."

  Marni: "Be safe on the road."

  Burhan and Nagini shook hands with Jono, Marni, and Sawitri, then walked side by side toward the car.

  Sawitri silently watched them leave.

  Moments later, Burhan's car moved onto the main road.

  Burhan glanced at his watch—it was already two in the morning.

  Burhan: "I'll take you home to your apartment, Nagini."

  Nagini only nodded.

  Burhan: "Hopefully we'll get there before dawn so you can rest."

  Nagini looked at Burhan briefly, then nodded again.

  After Sawitri got out, Nagini moved to the front seat beside Burhan.

  ***

  Burhan Nervous

  Burhan's car stopped in front of the apartment he rented for Nagini.

  Nagini: "I'll get off here, Burhan."

  Burhan: "Alright, Nagini."

  Burhan watched Nagini step out of the car and close the door.

  Nagini: "You should get home quickly, Burhan. Get some rest."

  Burhan stared at her face—suddenly, his chest trembled, his heart became nervous.

  Burhan: "Alright, Nagini. I'll go home now. You too, rest well."

  His voice trembled slightly.

  Then Burhan drove away slowly. In the rearview mirror, he saw Nagini still standing, watching his car.

  Moments later, Nagini turned away and walked into the apartment.

  The night had been exhausting. Burhan glanced at his watch—it was already four in the morning.

  Burhan: "Why am I nervous around Nagini?" he wondered.

  To be continued