บท 39: Something Broken

Anton ran around searching for Old Smith, visiting his house, his wife's grave, and shady places, but couldn't find him. He moved his influence, but still, there was no sign of him. After many hours of searching, he returned home for a quick shower, grabbed a few things, and set out to search the entire city while driving in the car that had been sent to him.

He didn't want to invoke anyone else since this was his own problem. He wanted to do something to save Old Smith from heading into the darkness, where, once dead, he couldn't return. He didn't deserve that when his wife was waiting for him in heaven.

While Anton was lost in his thoughts, hours kept passing. Realizing nothing was happening anywhere, he went to a café to eat something. Since yesterday, he hadn't slept, so he needed to at least feed himself.

He never thought he would ever get involved in someone else's life this way. He never believed he would care about an elderly person who hadn't achieved much in life in the first place. But over time, he learned to appreciate all people equally and feel incredibly connected to each one of them.

He didn't know if this was his punishment, but he wanted to at least not feel helpless while living a life where he was trying to cleanse his sins from his past life to secure a place in heaven.

When Anton finished eating, he opened the envelope Old Smith had left him, and upon seeing all those bills, he sighed. He focused directly on the letter next to it and opened it slowly.

"For whoever is reading this letter, who should be Priest Anton, I infinitely appreciate your help during this time.

At this stage of my life, I feel the need to express my deep gratitude for the blessings I have received. Life has given me the most precious gift: a loyal and loving companion who has shared every step of the way with me. My wife has been my rock, and every day with her has been a gift.

I cannot overlook the appreciation I feel for having lived life on my terms. Sometimes stubborn, other times reflective, but always true to my convictions. I have no regrets, and every choice, no matter how difficult, has contributed to the story of my life.

I want to mention Anton, that young man with a generous heart who has touched our lives in invaluable ways. Although his years are few, his dedication to helping the needy is inspiring. His selfless altruism is a beacon of hope in a world that sometimes seems dark.

At this moment, I bid farewell with gratitude in my heart and the certainty that I have lived a full life. I appreciate every experience, every laugh, and every tear, and I thank you for the opportunity to share these moments with those I love.

With appreciation, Oliver Smith…]"

Anton didn't know if this was his punishment, but he deeply knew that there would be an exit for him at some point. But right now, what he needed was to delve into the depths of evil. He would eliminate those who truly deserved it and let his new life dictate whether they were guilty or not.

"I'm tired of being indifferent..." Anton murmured as he caressed a high-caliber bullet.

...

At nine in the evening, Anton was driving back home after being exhausted. Having been driving around, Anton had separated from his identity as an exorcist priest to find Old Smith, who was nowhere to be found. As an exorcist priest, he didn't need to give any explanation for his absence. So, after investigating all places and losing hope in finding Smith, he just wanted to relax.

"Where are you, Old Smith? If you're seeking justice before you die, I know it wouldn't take much trouble, but I hope it's not a suicide mission."

Anton thought about what Old Smith would probably do with the little information he had. Knowing how powerful firearms could be, it was easy for someone like Smith to get things done.

Although handguns are strictly controlled compared to rifles, it shouldn't be difficult for a retired soldier like Old Smith to obtain a gun permit. Anton thought as he sat in the driver's seat of his black Porsche 911 Carrera, sighing deeply at all the things that could happen without having control over anything.

He wanted by all means to confirm if Old Smith was okay, but he couldn't find him, and he didn't want to drive himself crazy.

Everyone in life comes to make a crucial decision that would change their lives, so Anton, in a way, respected it. If circumstances didn't want him to find Old Smith, then he wouldn't torture himself any longer.

At this late hour, a black Porsche 911 Carrera smoothly circled the streets at a moderate speed. At a slow pace, the residents could better understand the security in the rural areas of this city, which, despite being modern, was very dangerous at late hours of the night.

Groups of youths could be seen on every street, their eyes cold and staring at passersby. At first glance, these people were not ordinary pedestrians. In addition to these people, Anton also saw some men trading something; Anton's sharp eyes saw white powder in a small bag, which was obviously drugs.

To be honest, this was a scene he had never seen in his previous life. But here, due to his abrupt change in life, it was something he could see very frequently.

No one seemed to care, so after passing through those streets, Anton planned to return home.

"Public safety in the community is getting worse and worse." Anton frowned at this scene, stepped on the accelerator, and got out of there.

At a speed well above the limits, in no time, Anton passed for the last time by a street where he had encountered those kids Old Smith had criticized. It was late at night, and the place where he had talked with Old Smith was surrounded by yellow tape. There were several police cars and ambulances. The sirens' lights were on, and many people were gathered to watch what was happening.

"What's happening in this place?" Anton suddenly thought inexplicably about Old Smith and drove directly in front of the police cars.

In front of where Anton parked, there were several policemen, so Anton got out and asked the officer, "Officer, what happened here?"

Upon hearing that question, one of the policemen, Officer Dekker Copper, looked at the luxury car parked in front of them. One of the policemen recognized Anton.

"Priest Anton, why are you here?"

Anton looked towards the house and said, "I was looking for an old friend; he lived nearby, so I want to know what happened here."

Upon hearing this, Officer Derek looked at his colleagues who were talking behind him again and whispered, "Priest Anton, be careful when passing through here in the future. No, it's better not to come through this place again."