Chapter 28
Chapter 28 Mum's request
Matthew's phone calls led him through a maze of information, piecing together details about the car crash from three years ago
His informant, a well-connected individual with access to confidential information, finally provided a crucial piece of the puzzle the name of the drunk driver, Allan Smith, who had tragically died six months after the incident.
Frowning with suspicion, Matthew pressed his informant for more details about Allan Smith's death.
"How did he die?" he asked, his voice edged with urgency.
The informant sighed briefly before responding, "It was natural causes. Heart failure."
Matthew processed this information, his mind racing with possibilities. Thanking his informant, he swiftly made his way to Claire's apartment, his determination fueling his steps.
Meanwhile, Claire, still grappling with the grief of her parents' untimely death, found solace in revisiting their belongings. She opened a box that had remained untouched, containing her mother's cherished items. A bittersweet smile crossed her lips as she discovered her mother's diary and a photo album filled with precious memories.
Flipping through the pages of the photo album, Claire's heart swelled with nostalgia and longing. It was then that a folded letter slipped out, catching her attention.
Setting aside the photo album, she picked up the letter, recognizing her mother's familiar handwriting.
As Claire unfolded the letter, tears welled up in her eyes. The words penned by her mother's hand carried a profound emotional weight. If you're reading this, it means I'm no longer with you
The letter began, echoing the pain of loss that Claire still felt keenly. Claire continued to read, her mother's voice seeming to resonate through the written words.
How are you doing sweetie? I hope you are doing well and living your life to the fullest.
Don't worry about me, dear. I am doing fine with your father.
This may be too much to ask, but I have favor to ask you my dear. I hope you don't mind.
There is this art club that I was a part of, and I want you to help them by funding their club.
I know this is a lot to ask however, the club is where I spend most of my time with when you are too busy.
They have incredible artist and I want the world to know about their talent.
I'm sorry if it trouble you, dear.
Just know that I love you always, mum.
Claire traced the words on the letter, feeling a surge of determination mingled with sorrow. Her mother's plea touched her deeply, and she knew she had to honor her mother's legacy in a meaningful way. "Oh, mother, nothing is too much for you."
The club was a haven for talented artists who lacked sufficient funding to fully pursue their passions.
Placing the letter gently on the table, Claire glanced at a photo in the album, her mother captured in a moment of joy among the artists of the art club. The image spoke volumes about the importance of art and community in her mother's life, igniting a sense of purpose within Claire.
As Matthew arrived at Claire's apartment, he found her lost ina mix of emotions. "Claire," he said softly.
Claire looked up, her eyes reflecting a blend of sadness,
"Matthew, I found something that my mother left for me," she explained, gesturing towards the letter.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.
"What is it?" Matthew took a seat next beside Claire and listen to her.
"My mum wanted me to fund an art club for children filled with skillful and passionate talent." "Children?" Claire nodded.
"How did
How did your mum find this art club?
"Well in the letter she mention she spend so much time
ich time there especially when I was busy building Metacortex.
Clair said with a sense of guiltiness. She hadn't realize how much of a workaholic she was until she found out about the letter
"Do you think, I'm selfish?"
Matthew's eyes widen in disbelief by Claire sudden questioned.
"What? No! Of course you are not selfish, Claire."
Matthew place his hand on her shoulder in a comforting way and gaze to her eyes.
"Listen, Claire, I don't know where you get the idea of you being selfish, but you are the least selfish person I know. If you are selfish, you wouldn't help me nor Anna and Eric. What your mum meant is for you to stop working so much and look out to the real world" "I want to help the club, Matt."
"Okay, just tell me what to do."
Claire hesitated as she doesn't know what first steps, she should do. "That is. I don't know what to do." Claire placed both her hands on her head feeling frustrated by the fact she can't think or come up with an idea.
"Calm down, Claire. You need to be calm in order to think. While you are figuring that out, I got information for you."
Claire turned to Matthew her interest piqued.
"You found the information about the drunk driver?"
Matthew nodded.
"1 managed to dig up some information about the drunk driver you ask me to find."
Claire leaned forward eagerly. "What did you find,
Matt?"
massed away about six
Matthew's expression turned serious as he relayed the news. "The drunk driver's name was Allan Smith, but he passed away months after the accident."
Claire's excitement turned to disbelief. "He died?" she repeated, her brow furrowing in confusion.
Matthew nodded, his tone apologetic. "Yes, Claire. I'm sorry."
Claire stood up
ap from the couch, a mixture of frustration and disbelief swirling inside her. "He can't be death," she muttered to herself.
"We'll figure it out, Claire."
off her
But Claire couldn't shake off
suspicions. "How did he die, Matthew? Did you find out?"
Matthew nodded again. "It was listed as natural causes-heart failure."
Claire's mind raced with questions. "Heart failure? That's quite unusual, especially considering the timing"
She turned to Matthew, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Did you find any more information about his death?"
Matthew shook his head, a perplexed expression on his face. "No, Claire. It's strange, but it seems like details about his death are hard to come by. It's almost as if someone wanted to erase it from record." "The question is why? I'm positive that the car crash is not a mere accident. Someone did orchestrated the car crash
Matthew nodded in agreement. "I will keep looking into it, Claire. We'll uncover the truth, no matter what."
II
"Thank you, Matt. You have been such a big help. I couldn't thank you enough."
"Hey, what are friends are for? Anyway, have you come up with an idea for the art club?"
"Hmm...I think. how about a charity?"
"Charity?"
Claire nodded as she went back to her seal.
"We can showcase their painting and maybe sell them."
"So kinda like an art exhibition?"
'In a way, yes people can bid for the art, and they can also fund the club without buying the art."
"That's brilliant, Claire! But where do we start?"
Chapter 28 Mum's request
Claire's eyes found it's way to her mum photo album where she is standing in front of the art club place.
A smirk curls on her lips as she knows what she should do next.
"I know where we should start."