The flickering blue light of the television cast shadows over the worried faces of Sudais's family. While Mazar-i-Sharif was in the excitement of Eid shopping, the nightly news poured cold water over this excitement. In Yunus's house as well, Sohrab and Nisar were in the same state; everyone staring at the screen that spoke of fear.
The news anchor announced in a serious tone:
"This is the second serial murder in the past week…"
Dafid (Sudais's father) leaned back with a deep sigh and said:
"There is no safety at all."
Selina (Sudais's sister) interrupted her father:
"Father, they say there was a security camera on that street. Maybe the police find something."
Sudais, who had been silent until that moment, narrowed his eyes and said firmly:
"But that night, the electricity of that area was cut. A camera without power is useless."
Everyone looked at Sudais for a moment. Meanwhile, suddenly Selina's sharp eyes locked onto Sudais's sleeve:
"Sudais… when did your sleeve get torn?"
Sudais's heart stopped for a second.
He quickly looked away:
"This?… It got caught on the edge of a table in the shop. It's nothing."
One week later – Dawn
The sound of a car engine echoed in the silence of the morning. Khalid was sitting in the front seat next to his father.
Khalid asked:
"Father, these murders… aren't they strange? Did the police find anything?"
His father turned the steering wheel:
"I don't know, my son. But they say the only thing they found is a piece of torn cloth from clothing. They think it might belong to the killer."
Khalid said in surprise:
"Just a piece of cloth? Can they really find him with that?"
His father nodded:
"It's not clear… we've arrived. Get out."
Khalid got out and headed toward the market. When he came out of the supermarket with shopping bags, a stranger blocked his way:
"Excuse me! Mr. Khalid? Please take this card."
Sudais's house courtyard
Sudais was sitting on a chair in the yard. His mother called from inside the room:
"My son, will you go to the market tomorrow to get clothes? Three days are left until Eid."
Sudais replied:
"Okay, Mom. I'll go tomorrow."
He leaned back against the chair and closed his eyes. The scene of that night played before his eyes like a film; the trembling of the dagger, the cutting of the first one's throat, and the moment the second one tore his sleeve.
Sudais opened his eyes. His gaze was cold:
"You did not deserve to breathe…"
He pulled out his phone and dialed an unknown number.
The sound of ringing…
"Hello?"
Sudais said in a sharp tone:
"Hey, idiot… didn't you recognize me?"
The person on the other side laughed:
"Haha… easy man! How could I not recognize you? Sudais jan, last year friend, this year acquaintance…"
Sudais stepped out of the courtyard and continued walking in the street:
"Don't talk nonsense. Good that you recognized me. I want to know who has the night shift in the evidence department of Mazar police?"
The person on the phone:
"Oh… don't tell me that 'piece of cloth' is yours? Hahaha, boy you always surprise me."
Sudais, with a bitter smile:
"Just answer my question."
The person said:
"Come at 6 PM to Bilal Restaurant, we eat something and talk."
Sudais paused…
"Alright. I'll see you."
The smell of fresh kebab and warm bread had filled the entire space. The sound of skewers clashing and the murmur of people in the crowded restaurant was the perfect cover for a secret meeting. Sudais walked with firm steps between the tables and stopped above a man who was calmly eating.
Sudais gave a bitter smile and said: "…Bahir."
Hearing the voice, Bahir stood up and, with surprise and happiness, opened his arms: "Sudais! Old friend! It's been so long since I last saw you."
They embraced each other and sat down. Bahir looked at Sudais from head to toe with a judging glance and said with admiration: "Sudais… you've really become strong and well-built! Your appearance has changed a lot. Since the last time I saw you, you've become a completely different person."
Sudais gave a short laugh and replied: "Well… that's time. People change."
Bahir joked: "With this face, you must be stealing everyone's heart!" and both of them laughed together.
But Bahir's smile didn't last long. He leaned a little forward and, with a tone that had turned serious, asked: "So, Sudais… what made you remember us?"
Sudais leaned back and said: "Honestly, sorry. During this time, I was really caught up in life. Forgive me for not checking on you."
Bahir waved his hand: "No problem, it happens. But… tell me this…"
He lowered his voice and pointed with his eyes toward the TV news: "Was that your work?"
There was no tremor in Sudais's eyes. He only leaned slightly toward Bahir and, with a subtle movement of his head, confirmed it.
Bahir's eyes widened: "Why? You weren't like this… why did you do these things?"
Sudais answered with a gaze whose depth couldn't be seen: "I'll tell you later. This isn't the place for these talks. Just one thing…"
Bahir asked: "What thing?"
Sudais said in a firm tone: "Can you be with me tonight? I need you."
Bahir asked in surprise: "Me? For what?"
Sudais stared into his eyes: "I want you to cover for me tonight… and tell me where the smuggler boss is."
Bahir's eyes narrowed. He knew that Sudais was no longer that simple boy from before. Now, he was after the head of the snake.