The Tale Of An Undiscovered Man

 

THE TALE OF AN UNDISCOVERED                                 MAN

                                BY

 RUSHIKESH SANJAY JADHAV

 

 

v     TABLE OF CONTENT

 

 

1.   THE UNDISCOVERED TRUTH………………………………… 2

 

 

2.   THE UNDISCOVERED TRAGEDY……………………………. 5

 

3.   THE UNDISCOVERED LOVE………………………………….. 8

 

 

4.   THE UNDISCOVERED SECRET………………………………. 11

 

 

5.   THE UNDISCOVERED LIES……………………………………. 14

 

 

6.   RIP GEORGE COSTA……………………………………………. 16

 

 

 

    1. THE UNDISCOVERED TRUTH

 

 

"I want a detective," said the old man on his deathbed. George Costa was the head of the Italian mob. He was 78 years of age but because of his heart problem, he spent the last six months on the hospital bed. George understood that he was not going to live long enough so he wanted to meet his boy for the last time. It didn't matter how much power he had but he couldn't find his son who ran away 10 years ago. So he finally decided to hire a detective to look for him.

"Hey Georgie get me that stupid Walker's son. I heard he is a private detective now. It would be good if someone we know is going to find him" the old man ordered Georgie.

 Georgie was the right-hand man of the Costa family. Georgie signalled the guys to call the kid. The very next day, there he was Henry Walker, the private detective in front of the Costa family mansion with his father Ben Walker.

 "Woh that some building pops",

"shut your trap, and let's get going".

Ben was never a fan of what Henry did. He wanted Henry to join the mob or at least get a decent job instead Henry decided to join the police academy and be a cop. But he failed the exam terribly. He had a very keen interest in solving crimes. So he decided to be a private detective.

"Listen pops I'm not the kind of detective who rats on the people with whom he was raised. I only gave that stupid police exam so that I can solve some mystery cases like a serial killer or some shit you know.",

"Shut up about that already. You have left a stain on my reputation by taking that test. And the big boss calling for what? For punishing you? Whatever it may be humbly accept whatever decision he made for you. He was the one who put food on our table. For us he no less than God".

Henry and Ben walked into the big hallway. Hall was filled with full of shady-looking people.

Then Ben recognized a familiar face " Hey Marty what's happening? Why did the boss call my son." Marty replied "It's about Freddy. Come Georgie will fill you in on everything."

Father and son looked at each other. Freddy and Henry were friends when they were small.

"Hey Georgie they came" Marty  informed Georgie.

"Come on in old man and you must be Henry, right? I haven't seen you in ages man"

Henry replied "Hey Georgie, How are you doing?"

Georgie said "Man you were uptight when we were small. I was 5 years older than you, but still, you had the guts to fight me whenever I bullied you. Man, those were the days. But now there is sadness, greed, jealousy everywhere around the world but you know what makes me sadder than that 'Traitors'".

 Ben sees that Georgie is angry.

He says "Georgie please forgive him. I didn't know what this idiot was thinking. Please forgive him. You might as well punish him if you want.

Georgies smirks "Punishment I don't know about that but for now, you have the task to fulfil and it's coming straight from the boss. If you do that I might consider forgiving you". Henry's face went down, and he couldn't look Georgie eye to eye.

" He will do whatever task you give him robbery, extortion, kidnapping anything you want."

 Georgie "No. He doesn't need to do things like that. It is related to his work. He has to investigate something or to act as he is investigating something. I just want him to play detective for a while."

Henry thaught its not that bad.

" He has to find Freddy and bring him back. You don't have to find him just ensure the boss that you are trying to find him? He is waiting for you upstairs to talk to you alone."

Henry was confused because he had last met with Freddy was probably when they were 12 and after that Henry was sent to boarding school and he was not in the context that Freddy had ran away.

So he asked "Why did he run away? There must be a good reason behind it. I think I should investigate it."

 Georgie jumped onto Henry with a gun to his face and said "Stay out of it. I don't your nose to poke around Costa family matter. Now I decide what will go on here, So if I say just act then act. If you don't love your life then you are free to investigate."

Marty separates the two "alright that's enough. Hey kid just go upstairs and do as Georgie says."

 It scares Henry and put him in loopholes of questions. Henry goes upstairs to the boss's room. Boss was lying on the bed with saline on the side. He sees Henry coming.

"Hey Henry, How are you doing son?".

 Henry replied, "I am doing fine boss".

Henry goes and sits beside Boss and says "How did this happen uncle? Why did Freedy leave the house. When we were small you used to play with us and he seemed so happy what happened?".

George said " Was it because of something I said or was it because of who I am? I didn't know what was going on in that boy's head. After you were gone I tried to teach him our work but he was a naive, fragile boy. He saw the world in two manners justice and injustice. And whatever we do, even if it was for the greater good, We would end up in unjustice block but that was fine by me. He wanted to bring this family to the path of justice he tried but he failed miserably. One day we had a big fight and the next day he left the house. We searched for him all around but I was unable to find him. Now I am on my deathbed and my last wish is to see my son. Can you bring him back? Please I beg you"

Henry replied "Please don't. You are the big boss and your wish is my command. I will find Freddy at any cost"

 Saying this Henry left the room.

Henry thought to himself "Something seems fishy. Boss wants me to find free and Georgie wants me to act to find free. It's getting interesting. Time for some action."

Since childhood, Henry had an instinct for solving mysteries and it was a mystery of his own from a friend so he had to investigate at any cost even if there were consequences. Henry went home locked himself in the room and tried to think all of these objectively. The question that was bugging him the most was why Georgia did not want him to investigate the matter. but that was of no concern now. He was focused on finding Freddy but where to start without Georgie knowing that he was investigating the matter. " The boss has a huge force surely they tried to find him in the near region and they couldn't find him that means he is not in the near region. Now that I think Freddy is not a person who likes crowds. So definitely he is hiding in a small village. I will not get anywhere like this I need more information."

                              In the Costa Family mansion, Georgie is sitting with a drink in his hand with Marty by his side on the rooftop.

"Hey Georgie do you think that kid will listen to you" Marty asked.

Listening to this question Georgie laughed and said "You know when we were small I used to hate that kid from my gut and soul, I don't know what is it. but there is something about that kid that makes me feel kind of guilty. Whenever I look into his eyes there is modesty, Honesty, and some kind of unwavering justice in his eyes. I don't know who that justice is. But it ain't surely for me. And I know for sure that he will get to the bottom of this. But I have to stop him knowing the truth, I have to, I need to" Georgie drinks up his liquor throws the glass on the ground and breaks it. The next day, Henry goes to the Mansion and he enters the hall and sees a bunch of meat lying around in the house. Housekeeper Michael is talking to the meat trader

"Where is the boy that you always come with",

The meat trader replies "He went back to his original village".

Henry is walking while listening to the conversation around him and then Marty stops him.

"What are you doing here boy?" asked Marty,

" You said to act so I came to act. I need to act as if I am investigating. I think I should at least see Freedy's room so I can convince the big boss that I am investigating. And What's with all the meat? Come, man, Do you require this much meat every day?"

Marty replied "That is a year's supply, We have to feed every one of the gang members so we get this at a discounted price if we buy it for the whole year. Forget all that, if I allow you to enter Freddy's room. You may not go through his belongings. We have kept the room the same as when Freddy left and we would like it to remain the same. Just go in there, sit on the chair and after half an hour you may leave." Henry reacted "Duly noted".

 Marty shows Henry to Freddy's room. Henry enters the room alone. As soon as he enters he clicks the photograph of how it looks. And starts his stopwatch. He starts to find something significant in his room. He searched but couldn't find anything. At last, he became frustrated seeing the time go by, so he gave up on looking and started assembling his room as it was there he found a poem and as he remembered Freddy, He was never of the artistic type. He thought it may lead to something so he takes the poem and keeps it in his shoe cover. He cleans up the room pretty much and suddenly someone knocks on the door "Whose in there?"

it's Georgie.

"Whose in there open up? or I will break the door" Georgie threatens.

 Henry looks at the room and there is still a painting remaining to put on the wall. He keeps the painting in a hurry on the hangar and opens the door. Georgie comes in and looks around

"Who let you in?" asks Georgie.

"Marty. But it was just to show the big boss that I am investigating. I swear I didn't move anything from this I was just sitting killing time" Georgie looks at Henry angrily "There are other ways to pretend, Don't you ever dare to come in this room again. Now get lost." Henry rushes his way out of the mansion. Georgie looks around the room he notices the painting and realises it is in the wrong place. He picks up the painting and puts it in its right position

 "Henry, Henry, Henry... You made a huge mistake my man."

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                     

 

 

 

    2. The Undiscovered Tragedy

 

 

 

 

                                             "What is this Poem? ‘You brought me sunshine when I saw rain, You brought me laughter when I only felt pain' Was Freddy ever into poems I remember he was not. But people can change."

 Henry was confused about whether the poem left any clue or not. While looking at the paper that the poem was written on he noticed the name of the company. After that, he went around town asking shopkeepers if they sold books by that company.

 "Do you sell this company's book?" Henry asked."Let me have a look." The shopkeeper sees the book.

" This company has been out of business for some while now I don't think you will ever find anyone who sells this book anymore"

"When was it closed?"

"Around 10 years now".

 Henry looked shocked. He thought to himself "10 years ago means during the time I and Freddy became friends. There were no such books but even after that Freddy had the page of this book after it closed. It doesn't make sense."

Henry asked the shop keeper "Can tell where was this company?"

                                             "What in the living hell?" Henry stands in front of a burned building. Henry sits down and thinks that maybe he is going in the wrong direction. He puts out a cigarette and smokes it. Suddenly someone puts a hand on Henry's shoulder.

"Ahh ...Who's that?"

 There was a frail old man

"I just want to smoke."

 Henry sits down "Don't do like that man."

 Henry hands the cigarette to the old man. He sees Oldman with immense pleasure "Hey oldman, Mind if I ask you something?" Henry asks the old man. Oldman nodes.

 "What happened to this company?".

The old man replies "The owner of the company has gone berserk and burned down the company". Henry nodes and asks "Now where can I find this owner of the company".

Oldman replies "You are talking to him".

 Henry says sarcastically "Yeah right". Oldman looks right at him in the eye with silence.

"Really, no way. What happened? How did it come to this?".

 "While I was in huge debt with the bank and paid that by taking money from the Costa family as a loan. But they charged more for my mortgage. I paid them the rightful amount but they charged me even more. And I understood this was not going to end. One day they beat me very badly and took my house. And the next they were going to take my company. So I burned my company and sent my family to a far village and acted like a fool. They realized that I had nothing. They left me here. With my dream, With my company." Oldman told his story to Henry.

 " So You burned all of your last stock right?" Henry asked.

 The old man looked confused "Let me remember. Oh yeah, I donated my last stock to my friend's library. What was it called again? State County Library."

 Henry got one lead but it is a shot in the air. "Hey two last questions. Why didn't you go to your family? And why are you telling me all this? I might be a member of the Costa family"

Oldman laughs "My family is dead. I don't know if it was Costa or some other gang. Saw a Woman and Daughter alone leaving the town and you know how the rest goes? I didn't remain here for revenge. I know that's useless. I remain here to die with my dream. It came true and still is true for me. I want to die living my dream. As for why I helped you? I don't want any more debts before I die. In exchange for cigarettes, the least I could do was tell you my story. It's not entertaining but it's a good one. I hope you enjoyed it."

Reality had hit Henry pretty hard. He was crushed. He didn't know which side he was on. Henry got up and started running until he was out of breath.

                                             Georgie was at a party of a friend. Luca was there too. Luca was the boss of the Rodrigo Family. Rodrigo's family was the rival of the Costa family. Both families were in the same business. So Where Business is there also resides competition. That competition changed into a blood rivalry when George Costa killed Luca's father Daniel Rodrigo. The sound of the DJ is out of the chart. Luca Waves at Georgie and Georgie waves back.

Luca with his men goes up to Georgie "Hey Georgie, How you doing?".

 Georgie replies "I'm alive, unlike your father." Luca laughs and jumps on Georgie with a gun and Luca's men point their guns and Georgie's men do the same.

Luca says "Do you wanna die at a birthday party? Huhh. Georgie"

Georgie replies with a smile "Nah man I was just making a joke. It meant no harm man We were best of buddies when we were in school. Don't you remember?"

Luca smiles "Best of buddies. Don't make me laugh Costa"

 "Hey y'all its my birthday. I didn't invite both of you kill each other. You both are my good friend since we were in highschool" Says Jason.

 "Enough with the high school crap JJ. We are not the same anymore. As a birthday gift to you I am letting him live for another day." Luca moves back and exits the party. Jason looks at Georgie angrily. "What? He asked for it man Hey JJ, Happy Birthday" Georgie replies with a smirk on his face.

                                             Henry went to the State County library and asked them for the book related to this page "Excuse me, I was wondering if you use this kind of page for a book."

The lady takes the page "No. We use different kinds of registers here. We don't use this kind of paper either"

 Henry thought to himself "It is a hoax lead. This isn't leading to something. Maybe my detective instincts are failing me. Ahh, I don't know. I am so tired." Henry takes out an image book and starts to it. Time passes he thinks it's heavy time, He must head home.

The Lady at the counter Says " Hey mister, the owner of the library is here. If you want to ask him about the paper you can."

Henry runs to the counter. "Really, Where is he?"

 "On that table"

Henry goes to the table.

 "Sir, have you used this kind of paper a while back?"

The Owner replies "Yeah. We used to use it back 5-7 years ago I don't remember correctly. Why? What is it to you?"

Henry replies "Nothing. Can you remember who used to use it the most?"

The owner puts his hand on the chin "I think there was a girl who used to write poetry and stuff on these pages. And she was wasting a lot of my pages so eventually I fired her. I felt kind of bad to fire her over a silly thing like that. Maybe I still do. Anyway, I cannot give you the Info on the girl. That's our store policy."

Henry says "At least give me a hint where can I find her?"

Owner replies "What is this? Some kind of treasure hunt."

Henry looks at the owner and says "I have to find her either dead or alive. It's the only clue to finding my friend"

 The Owner understands Henry's desperation. He takes out his records and starts searching for the girl's name.

"Here it is. Sophie Scott." Says the Owner.

 There was a picture and an address where she lived. The owner gave it to Henry.

"Thank You Sir for your help. How can I ever repay you?" Henry expresses his gratitude wholeheartedly. The owner says "Can you take today's night shift of the library? Usually, I take it as I don't have many employees. Can take today's night Shift?"

Henry was not expecting this."Sure".

                                             It's midnight 3 o'clock, Henry is doing his shift and out of nowhere, Georgie comes into the library. Henry is clueless. Georgie goes to the counter where Henry is standing

"What kind of detective are You?" Says georgie.

 "Hey, Georgie. What's up?"

"Idiot I asked you a question. You didn't even notice my men following you around. What were you doing at the burned company?"

Henry answers "I don't want to lie but I heard about him from a neighbour of mine. It stuck with me like a tragic story. So I went to see the building that got burned. And this is my night job. I play detective in the daytime and librarian at night. I gotta earn some money you know."

 "Listen kid don't act too smart in front of me. If I heard even a wind that you were poking your nose where it shouldn't be poking. God I swear, I'll kill you."

 Georgie gives a warning to Henry and leaves the library.

                                             The next day Henry goes to the address given by the library owner. There is a small House that has a gloomy feeling to it. As Henry was approaching the door someone opened the door. There is a man around age 40. He had a gloomy face.

Seeing someone in front of him he asked "What do you want?"

Henry Said "Are you Mr.Finnis?" The man nodded in agreement.

 "Sir I just wanted to ask you about your daughter Mary Finnis."

 Mr.Finnis replies "She's dead."

                                                                                                                                         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    3. Undiscovered Love

 

 

 

 

`                                            After Listening to Mr Finnis, Henry was shocked "How? When? Why?".

"Do you think it is easy for me to talk about my dead daughter? Don't you ever show your face again." Mr Finnis left for work. Henry was quite shocked he didn't understand where to go. He was walking down the street mumbling "Where should I look? to find some goddamn answer."

 "Maybe you are not asking the right questions?" says the girl in a pink top about the same age as Henry. Henry looks at the girls.

Henry realises he has seen this girl before "Lisa?".

 "It's Audry, you dumbass." Henry then remembers his childhood friend Audry.

"Hey Audry, How are you doing? It's been so long time, I forget how you look?" Said Henry.

 Audry replies "That's not a nice thing to say. After going to boarding you should at least keep contact with your old friend, You dumbass."

"Enough with the dumbass crap. You haven't changed a bit. When we were small you used to bully me and you still are doing that." Henry replies.

 Listening to Henry's reply Audry laughed. Seeing Audry laugh, Henry laughs and realizes how beautiful she looks when she smiles.

 "Wake up from the dream Henry," says Audry.

 Henry comes back on earth and he realises there are certain things more serious and asks Audry a question "Do you by chance know anything about Mary Finnis?".

"Don't you remember? She was our classmate. How would you remember, you were always in your detective world and you won't even notice the people around you," says Audry.

Henry looks into their eyes of Audry while she is talking and it heats him that there is so much care, empathy, passion, and love in those eyes.

Henry replies "I'm sorry but I need to know about Mary?"

Audry smirks "HUhh. You still haven't changed. You are still in your detective game ignoring the people around you."

By saying this she starts running with tears in her eyes but Henry grabs her hand "I know how you feel. I didn't realize it back then because I was stupid. Because I was stupid, Other kids would bully me but there were two who always protected me, and cared about me. I want to say how grateful I am to both of them. And for that, I need your help. Without you, I cannot find Freddy, and believe me I think he is in big danger. Now it's not just about a father wanting to meet his son. It's about his safety and I think if I don't reach out to him first then nobody will. You understand me. I know you are upset but if you care about Freddy please meet me at Kamihara Beach. And.."

There is a moment of silence. Tears are following Audry's Eyes non-stop. Audry looks back.

She sees a smile with tear-filled eyes "Thank You everything".Suddenly rain starts pouring down. Audry runs in the opposite direction of Henry. Henry eyes filled with tears seeing Audry run away from him. Henry talk to himself "Why won't you stop?".

                                             Henry is at the Kamihara beach waiting for Audry to show up. Henry looks at his clock "It's getting pretty late. Come on Audry show up". The faint voice of her legs against the sand reaches Henry's ears. Henry looks backwards, it's Audry.

 "Hey Audry, come have a seat," says Henry. Audry takes the sit.

"Before we start talking about Freddy, I wanted to apologize for my behaviour this afternoon. Can you be kind enough to not talk about it now? I know you also have some things to say to me but I want all your focus on finding Freddy. Our relationship must be your second priority. And I assure you that we will discuss it later." said Audry.

 Henry nodded in agreement.

Audry started telling Henry their childhood story "So back then when we were little. Freddy had a crush on Lisa. He couldn't talk to you about Lisa because you were in a simulation of your own. One day he noticed that I have feelings for you. Then he confronted me about you. I told him the truth and then he asked me for help. He wanted more information about Lisa, so he asked me to be her friend. In the next couple of months, Lisa and I became close buddies. So I asked her bluntly if she liked Freddy and she said yes. On the last day of our 5th class, I and Freddy agreed to tell you how we feel about you guys. Freddy told his feelings and Lisa responded positively. But I couldn't bring myself to do the same so I just spaced out. I thought I would get another chance next year but you were gone to boarding school. After that Freddy told me to move on from you and find another guy. But I couldn't bring myself to do so. After you were gone, Freddy and Lisa started a relationship for about three years I think. One day, Freddy's brother Georgie found out about them. From there it went downhill, Freddy went missing and Lisa was dead. Lisa's parents refuse to tell the cause of her death to anyone. They never showed the dead body of Lisa's to anyone. Neither she was buried nor she was burnt. I don't know but I have this feeling that they are lying about something."

Henry replies "It means that she is alive. I know the Costa family well, even if they murder someone. They have the Audacity to give the dead body to the family. But we cannot rule out the possibility of her murder. But what I understand from your story, there is a good per cent chance that she is alive and if she is alive then she is with Freddy. That means the key to reaching Freddy is Lisa."

Henry leaves the coffee shop and asks Lisa to pay the check.

"You'll never change" Lisa says sarcastically.

 A man is sitting within a distance from them. He calls somebody and says "I think he had a breakthrough."

                                             In the search for Freddy and Lisa, Henry starts marking the city nearby where they might be hiding. Because of Georgie's terror, nobody wants to talk to Henry about the case. While Henry is trying to get someone from the gang to talk to him about what happened,

Geoegie enters the room."Hey Henry, chill out man. Why are you asking my men stupid questions?" Henry replies "To be honest, I just want to know what happened".

Georgie says "You'll never change. Ok, I allow you to find Freddy on your own but I have a condition that you cannot ask anyone in this town anything related to Freddy. I just want to see how good of a detective you are?".

 Henry says "But that's unreasonable".

Georgie says "Remember what I told you if you investigate the matter then I'll kill you but right now I am not in the mood of killing so I will give you chance to prove your worth as a detective and if you find Freddy then I will let you join my gang."

Marty comes from the back and says "Feast is ready". In the Costa family, there is a feast for gang members every day. There is a lot of wine and meat drinking. For others, it sounds like a party but for the Costa family gang member, it's just another Monday night.

After listening to Marty, Georgie asks Henry "You wanna join Detective Boy? There's plenty of meat." Henry agrees and goes inside. Inside the dining room, there is a buffet and nearly 200 hundred men are eating at the same time.

Henry takes his plate and tastes his first bite of meat "Delicious" Henry exaggerates. A person sitting next to Henry says "It's good isn't it? I think this meat is among the only thing that keeps this gang together."

" Is it imported meat?" asks Henry.

"No it's local but it comes from far away village. They deliver only in this place in the whole town. So you can't find meat like this anywhere in the town but here. But to tell you the truth this meat came only 6-7 years ago before that I didn't care about the feast but I wanted money from this family. Now I want both money and food." The person starts laughing.

Suddenly it clicks in Henry's head "Meat came around 6-7 years ago means at the same time Freddy ran away. Is it related? When I came to check Freddy's room a cook was talking to the meat trader and asking where his companion went. Is that companion, Freddy?" Henry asks the person " Can you tell me the name of the village from where this meat came from?"

"I don't know man. But if I am right, Boss Georgie was the one who brought the meat trader here for the first time and I know he will not tell you. Even Marty doesn't know where the meat came from. Although there is a chance of knowing it comes with a price."

Henry gives his meat to the man and asks "Now tell me."

The man says "Apparently there was not enough meat delivered this year. So he is going to travel again to deliver the rest. Every year he used to bring a kid with him who would carry half of the meat. But this year he came alone so he has to deliver the meat twice. I overheard that he was going to come within the next two days."

"The next two days. Alright" says Henry.

                                                            After two days, the meat trader comes to the town of Geneviya. He delivers the remaining meat to the Costa family resident. "Here is your rest of the meat Marty and allow me to leave. Because of the strike, today there is only one bus which is going to my village and I need to catch that as soon as possible. So I better start to get going." says the meat trader to which Marty replies "Travel safe,  John". The meat trader, John leaves the residence and starts walking towards the bus station. He climbs in the bus and suddenly someone pushes John."Hey watch it man" John says this and looks at the man, it's Henry. "Oh I am sorry sir," says Henry. Henry sits in the back and John sits in the front. Henry follows the man from bus to bus from train to train and He finally reaches the village of Nagoi.

 

 

                                                                                                                                      

 

                                                                                                                                           

 

 

 

            4. Undiscovered Secret

 

 

 

 

                                             Henry follows John to his house. John walks into his house and Henry decides to wait outside. Henry decides to corner John when he comes outside. John gets in the house and his wife comes with water and asks "How was the trip?". John takes the glass of water and drinks it.

"It was alright, but it would have been better if Charlie was here" says John with tears eye.

John takes a bath and restates a bit. In the evening, His wife asks him to bring some groceries for dinner. John takes his wallet and leaves the house. On the way to the grocery store he encounters that a road for the grocery store is closed due to construction.

"When did this happen" says John.

So he takes the forest route to the grocery while going through the forest route, John could feel someone following him.

So he asks "Who's there?".

He looks in the dark he sees someone. He looks closely, man is walking towards him hardly 25-26 years old. It's Henry.

Henry says "I am not going to harm you. Please don't be afraid. And I don't want your money either. I am Just here to find my friend Freddy Costa."

John calms down and he remembers seeing him in the Costa family resident "Are you from Costa?" Henry says "Yes".

John says "Don't scare me like that man and the friend you are searching Freddy Costa. Is he George Costa's son? Even if he is, I don't remember seeing him anywhere here."

Henry says "Really".

John nodes. John looks at Henry's clothes and says"Where you the one who put that sign on the grocery store road? and looks at you look like a mess. So do you wanna come over and have something to eat?" Henry agrees.

                                             Henry goes to John's house and freshens up a bit. Henry and John are sitting at the dining table while John's wife is setting plates for them.

"So tell why this mystery? You could have just come here and civilly met me."

Henry replies "Actually it's a sensitive matter and if Georgie finds out that I am here then I am going to be in serious trouble. So I had to meet you like that. So tell me one thing Did you not know anyone who goes by the name Freddy?"

John replies "No. Anyone I know who came from outside this village does not have the name, Freddy. It would be more helpful if you have his photo or anything."

Henry says "Actually I didn't see him in years so I didn't even know how he looks for that matter. The only thing I am chasing now is a blurred ghost." Henry and John sit and eat their dinner in silence. After that, John and Henry get in conversation about their lives and they get to know each other a bit. Henry tells him about his journey of being a detective while John shares his journey of being a meat trader. While this conversation continues John brings up Charlie. John's wife hears Charlie's name and drops to the ground in tears. Henry and John immediately go to her aid. Henry is confused. John takes his wife to the bedroom and lets her sleep. John comes down and explains everything to Henry "Rita(John's wife) and I never had a son or daughter for like more than 16 years. We tried but because of her medical condition, we couldn't. She was really upset. More than anything in the world I wanted Happiness for my wife and I would have done anything to give her that. One day, a boy from Rashford named Charlie came into our lives. I am eternally thankful to Charlie for everything in my life. He came looking for a job. So I gave him the Job of my assistant. He was young and high-spirited. He was like a son to me and Rita. We didn't adopt him but he still called us mother and father. We were happy. He used to live with his girlfriend on the next street. A sweet girl named Reva. They would always be around the house. We were like a family of four. Until that day, as usual, I went to pick up George for work. And when I entered their house, Charlie and Reva were shot. They were dead. I called the police but I knew the police wouldn't do any good I wanted justice for my son and daughter. How could someone do this to them? How could someone steal our happiness?" John says this with a torn eye. Henry consoles John and asks "Can I see the photo of Charlie?" John gets up and brings a frame of Charlie's photo and gives it to Henry. Henry sees the photo. He knows in an instant it is Freddy. Henry says "Right now I can't tell you anything for your safety. But believe me, I will make sure that justice will be served upon your son's murderer" Henry says this with full conviction. John looks into Henry's eyes and sees the determination of a friend.

                                             The next day, Henry says goodbye to John and Rita and starts his journey back home. After reaching home, Henry is riddled with more mystery than ever. Henry is in his room, confused about whether he should be in grief for his friend or avenge whoever did this to him. From whatever information he has, he cannot seem to reach any conclusion. He suspects Georgie of killing Freddy but he is not sure.

"Things just don't add up. Why am I not getting this? Whatever information I have adds up to Georgie killing Freddy but I have a feeling that I am missing something. A critical piece. Even if I say Georgie killed Freddy I don't have immediate proof. My head hurts" Henry talks to himself.

Henry is tired and cannot sleep because of this question. So he goes to his father's room and searches for drugs, but he doesn't find anything. He hears his father coming and hides. He moves past the room into the kitchen there he opens a secret closet and puts something there. After that Henry waits for his father to leave the house. After he leaves, He opens the secret closet and there he finds drugs.

                                             Audry hears Henry is back from his trip. Audry goes to Henry's house. She rings the bell of the house. She sees that no one is responding so she tries to open the door and it is already opened. So she lets herself in, calling for Henry. She goes to Henry's room and sees that Henry lying down with a white power in his one hand. His temperature is rising, his eyes are wide open he sees the ceiling, and his face becomes red. Audry exclaimed "Henry". She picks up Henry and takes him to the bathroom. Rests him in the tub and starts cold water. Henry comes out of his illusion. Henry sees Audry on the side of the tub. She is filled with tears and relief on her face. After that Henry comes to his senses.

                                             Audry made Henry some tea and gave him to drink. Henry sitting on a chair tells Audry about his past " You know I went to boarding school not because I was naughty or I had low marks but because I was a drug addict. Stealing drugs was easy for me because my father was a drug dealer for the Costa family. I would come to school with drugs and the time when I would ignore all of you was because of that. Drugs ruined my life. My father caught me stealing drugs. I was a motherless child so he sent me to a boarding school rehab to take care of me. Everyone always said that I had an intuition for solving mysteries but I always doubted that because when I left drugs I hadn't solved anything good. This is a really good case I want to solve it and solving this case is a matter of life and death. So I turned towards drugs."

 Audry is awestruck. She doesn't know what to say. She calms herself down holds Henry's hand and says " You know you always had a unique way of seeing things. You would question every little thing around you and you tried hard to find the answer to that question. But not always your answer will be right. Now I don't know if drugs were your trigger for finding the correct answer but you are looking at it the wrong way. I know your strength is not in finding the correct answer instead it is in asking the correct questions and you are good at it too. And I know only you can solve this case and I will help you in any manner I could."

Henry holds Audry's hand and says "Thank you".,

 

 

                                                           

                                                                                                                                      

 

 

5. The undiscovered lies

 

 

 

 

                                            

                                             Day by day George Costa's health is getting bad. Georgie comes to visit George. " Son, How's the investigation going on of that boy?" asks George.

Georgie replies "What's the point? It was because of you. Freddy ran away. So you wanna do some kind of atonement by bringing him back that's so ridiculous. I mean I care for you Pops. Seeing you like this clinging to the last hope of seeing Freddy breaks my Heart. Even if that detective finds him, I don't know if he will come or not. Freddy is a good kid but he is quite stubborn. I know he sends you gifts on your birthday from wherever he is but that's just because of that stupid promise he made..."

 George interrupts in a loud voice "Enough!!! I am on my deathbed and the only thing I ask from my son is to find my other son. He can't even do that. I know you have been threatening that detective kid not to look into the case. I know you have your reasons but as a father not as a boss, I request you to leave him alone. Do you know why I called that kid? When Freddy was small, he used to talk about Henry all the time. By giving this task to Henry to find Freddy. I feel like the only right thing I did for him. I may not have been partial towards him. I always scolded him and called him out for his incompetence. But it was my incompetence to measure the kid with you. Now that I think he had his gifts and you had yours. I want to give Freddy a chance to meet his childhood best friend as a gift. It's okay if he did not come back to see me but at least I will die peacefully knowing he met Henry for the last time."

Georgie barges outside the room and cries. Georgie then picks up the phone and calls his informant Jack who is tracking Henry.

"hello" says Jack.

"Come back right away. I don't you following him no more. Don't question just come back" says Georgie. Jack keeps the phone down. Jack is in the village of Nagoi while following Henry. He sees Henry go into John's House. Jack kicks start his bike and heads back to Geneviya town.

                                              Henry is in John's House. He, John, and his wife are sitting at the table. Henry tells them everything about Freddy. John and Rita are quite shocked. Henry tells them not to say anything to anyone about this.

" Can I see the place where he lived?" asks Henry.

John gives the keys to Freddy's place in the back alley.

"I will go there by myself. I know it's hard for you" says Henry.

 Henry goes on to check Freddy's House. John locks the door and is going to comfort his wife but suddenly the doorbell rings. John thinks it may be Henry so he opens the door, It's Jack.

John says "Who are you?".

Jack says "That question doesn't matter. What matters are my questions and if you don't answer my question there is a heavy price to pay."

                                             After checking Freddy's room, Henry goes back to say goodbye to John and Rita. As soon as he opens the door, he sees two dead bodies that are shot to death. Henry panics and goes outside the house. Henry is terrified and confused. Henry looks around and sees a guy talking to someone on the phone. Henry goes to the guy silently. He sees that the gun is in the back of his pants. He immediately pulls out the gun and points at the man, it's Jack.

"Woah that's not a toy boy," says Jack

"I know you killed Rita and John in there. What did they do wrong in there? Don't you have any compassion for human lives?" Jack replies

" Compassion. Boy, you talk big. Where was this compassion while killing my brother."

Henry says "What brother? Who killed him? but I am sure that it was not John or Rita."

Jack says " I know, I know. You see I don't even know who killed my brother. I can tell you this story because you belong to neither family. See my brother worked for Rodrigo's family. During his time, he had a lot of disputes within the gang, one day he had a big fight with his gang member. After the fight, he called me and said 'Jack you will see Boss Luca will be so impressed with me and I know he is going to side with me' After that call, He never came back. His body was found in a Michigan town 2 km near our town. So to seek revenge I joined the Costa family. After joining the Costa family, Luca Rodrigo himself visited me. He said the way my brother died is the way the Costa family kills. He asked me to keep an open mind on this. So I became a double agent supporting both families. I don't know which one is in the wrong."

 Henry says " But why did you kill John and Rita"

 Jack replies "That two. I was ordered by  Luca himself. I saw a picture of Freddy on their table and when I asked them about him, They said he died. So I called and told Luca that Freddy was dead. I told Luca where I saw the picture and I don't know after that he just ordered me to kill them." Henry thinks about all the information he has and comes to a conclusion.

                                             Back in Geneviya town, there is a rumour spreading across town. "Did you know, the youngest boy the Costa who ran away is dead? I know I shouldn't be telling this but I think it's the older boy Georgie who killed him to be the boss of the Family. He knew he was not the real blood of the Costa family so he killed his little brother to take up the crown for himself. Some say that he is the reason that George Costa is so terminally ill." An old woman says this to the barber of the town. After that, this rumour spread like wildfire. The reaches to the ear of Marty. Marty immediately hurries back to Georgie who is in George's room. Marty sees that Georgie is crying his heart out while holding George's hand. Marty rushes to George and checks his pulse.

" Boss boss boss.............." Marty starts screaming as he rages into grief at the Death of his Boss.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. R.I.P George Costa

 

 

 

 

                                             "Did you kill Freddy?" Marty asks Georgie. There is dead silence in the room. Georgie doesn't reply and goes back to the hall where the funeral of George Costa is kept. Marty stands there awestruck with tears in his eyes. The funeral day is over. Georgie decides to take over the position of George. For that, he decided to start where George started at St.Mary Beach. He decided to take oath there, to become the boss of the family. Georgie is standing on the Beach.

"Have you seen Marty around? He is supposed to be my no.2, He should be present on this auspicious occasion" Georgie asks a guy from his crew. Georgie looks around his men about 300 in number. He sees in the eyes of each man there is bolting rage. He sees many unfamiliar faces in the Gang. He immediately knew they were from Luca's gang. Georgie knew this was coming.

 "I know everyone's here to see me take an oath and be the boss of the family but first I have to make a pit stop nearby. I feel like that's where my journey started and I wanted to start my new journey from there too." By saying this Georgie starts walking in the east direction of the beach with 300 men on his back.

                                             Back in Costa's family residence, Marty is sitting on the chair crying. The main door opens, it's Henry. Henry looks around and he sees that no one is around. While going forward he sees a picture of George Costa.

"Oh. I'm bit late" says Henry.

"Hey, kid you don't have to run around anymore. It's over. Everything is over." says Marty.

Henry asks " What are you talking about?"

Marty says "It was Georgie. He killed everyone."

Henry realizes that Luca has spread rumours about Georgie killing Freddy. Henry comes near Marty and explains Marty everything " I want you to listen to me, Marty. Freddy was not killed by Georgie. Freddy killed himself. It all started when Freddy ran away from here. It was Georgie who helped them run. Georgie Knew that Freddy loved the girl so he cleverly moved him with the meat trader John and his wife Rita. He would visit them occasionally to buy meat. The meat trader became famous in the town but nobody knew where he lived. So a guy named Simon for Rodrigo's gang, to impress his boss Luca followed the meat trader and there he came across Freddy. So about this guy Simon, he had a huge fight with a comrade of his from the gang and Luca opposed him for fighting and said if he didn't do something useful, he would kill him. For Simon, finding Freddy was a jackpot. He decides to kill Freddy. He went into Freddy's room with a gun. But Freddy tackles him. Freddy and Simon had a struggle. Simon shoots bullets at random. Freddy takes the gun out of his hands and shoots Simon in the chest. Freddy sees Simon's body and he sees another body near it which is Lisa. Lisa was caught by one of the bullets shot by Simon. Freddy didn't know what to do. So he took Simons's body and drowned it in the lake. Simon's body floated to the Michigan River 2km from here. After that Simon killed himself in regret of losing his love. I know this because it was the Costa family's technique to drop the dead body in the river after the murder. Simon throws the body in the river not because he is guilty but to rescue his other parents John and Rita" After listening to this Marty is shocked.

" Do you have proof for everything you say" asks Marty.

Henry nodes. "Oh my god, we have to leave as soon as possible, What have I done? I asked Georgie if he killed Freddy, but he didn't reply. I had an oath that anyone who threatens the life of my boss will die even if it's his son. So with the help of Luca Rodrigo, I decided to kill him. Now I know, he wanted me to do that. To sacrifice himself, taking the blame of all on himself. How could you do this to me, you bastard? I was your best friend for god's sake". Marty and Henry get in the car. "No one is picking up their cell," Marty says in anger. They head in the direction of St.Mary Beach.

                                             Meanwhile, Georgie is walking towards the east with 300 men following him. Georgie reached a burned company. There he saw an old man sitting, looking towards the sea.

"Hey, Mr.Dugworth how's it going?" Says Georgie.

The old man looks back and says "You are the prick who tried to steal my dream."

 Georgie replies " Yeah that's me".

 Georgie looks towards his men "I want you all to give us a moment."

Georgie grabs the old man and takes him to the sea. They both sat on the corner of the sea. 300 men watched them from afar, waiting for the right time to kill Georgie. "You know Mr Dugworth, You were my first assignment and the only one I regretted."

Mr Dugworth replies "You had to do, what you had to do to make your name. I don't blame you for any of that."

Georgie says "In one way or other I think we were same. Following our dream we lost our close ones. I don't know who killed your daughter and wife. But that always made me grateful for what I had. A long time ago when I was like 10 or something. I saw a 5-year-old kid getting bullied by some punks. As an orphan, I knew what it was like to be bullied. I protected that kid. I didn't know who the child was. So I kept him to myself. We were together for 15 days. After that, some big guys picked me up and presented in front of the boss. I had allegations against me that I kidnapped the child for money. I didn't speak anything in my defence because I was sick of living in this world. I looked at the child and thought If I can't be with that child in this life then I don't want to live. Boss George Costa sat in front of me to pass judgment on me. You know what he did. He adopted me and thanked me for saving his child. They both showed me the love I never had. For the first time in my life, I was happy. Freddy was a motherless child so most of the time I took care of him and in my spare time I used to help boss means my dad with work. Everything was going smoothly when the boss felt like Freddy should have the same qualities as me for taking over the business. One time he scolded me not to pamper Freddy anymore. So he made me captain and gave me your case so that could keep myself busy. After that few years passed I wasn't able to give Freddy much attention. Then one night Dad and Freddy had a big fight. Freddy ran to his room. I went there to console him but you know what he said 'I am jealous of you big brother. You know how to do this stuff I don't. When they asked me to beat a man I was terrified. Because I know the feeling of being crumbled upon. I can't cheat, gamble, or even keep up with my friends. I am just a normal kid, I want to live a normal life. Otherwise, I can't live anymore' Listening to those words from his mouth was pretty damn terrifying. It was the most horrifying feeling. Your child asking for mercy of death. Dad was in the wrong here but I cannot go against his word. But I can't let my brother die. So I decided the best option for him was to run away from here and find a new family. After that, he introduced me to a girl named Lisa. I met John the meat trader beforehand and it was the right home for Freddy. So I sent Freddy to John. After that, I would visit him only once a year. That kid, even though he was angry with his Dad. He would still send him a gift on his birthday because of that one promise. But that one gift every year changed Dad's heart and made him understand that everyone is different. Dad accepted his mistake and died peacefully but what about me? Why do I have to suffer through all this? When I went to visit Freddy for the last time. He was being buried by strangers. I didn't know who did that but finding that person and killing him would not fill the hole in my chest. That's when I understood your pain. From that day on I am just living for my dad but now he is gone too. So there is no use for me to live in this world, is it? It's funny you know, it's like a circle I started as an Orphan and now at the end, I am going to die an orphan. I want you to take this gun and kill me. I may not be the one who killed your daughter but I am one of the reasons she died. So please give me the mercy of death to atone for my sins."

 The old man takes the gun and stands up Point the gun at Georgie's head and says "You did well son" and then shoots Georgie.

                                             Marty and Henry arrive at the beach but they see no one there. From a distance a man is walking towards them, it's Luka.

"Congratulations brother, we killed him or should I say the new boss of the Costa Family," says Luka. Marty is shocked. He doesn't know what to do.

Meanwhile, Luka keeps trashing Georgie "You know he deserved to die. No hard feelings but he was an asshole anyway." Marty puts out his gun and shoots Luka in the head. Henry is shocked by the scene. Henry looks at Marty's face full of tears.

                                             After the shocking death of both bosses of big powerhouse families, most of their members were arrested by police. Marty was arrested for the murder of Luka Rodrigo. The remaining members of both the gang, some went underground and some cleaned up their act and got a normal job. Henry was shocked by seeing so many deaths at one time. So he was sent to a psychologist to recover from that trauma. Finally, with the help of Audry and the doctor, he managed to escape the realm of depression. After that Henry went to visit Lisa's parents and told them the whole story of their daughter. Lisa's Parents thanked Henry for telling them everything honestly but they held a grudge against Freddy. Henry tried to make them understand but they couldn't. Henry knew it was not useful but he would send a letter of apology from Freddy to Lisa's parents once every month. After that Henry decided to take the Police exam again and he failed the exam again. So finally he became a private investigator. "Hey Henry, did you ever think that whole criminal organisations of the town would be stopped and you are one of the reasons they stopped," Audry asks Henry while sitting on the beach with him.

"You know Audry, in life we can't be certain about what's going to happen, but we can focus on what's in our hand and hope for a better future. And about the question you asked, I didn't know."

Henry smiles at Audry and then they look at the beautiful sunset on the beach.

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

       THE END            

                                                           

 THE TALE OF A UNDISCOVERED MAN

                                                                                       BY

                                                                 RUSHIKESH SANJAY JADHAV