“Up to 53.8% of the victims were killed by someone they knew.”

Quill smiled when he recalled the emotional gaze of Hannah - a Criminal Psychology teacher who was 10 years older than him, when talking about this. Thanks to her vision when studying abroad and the harmony in everything between them, Quill has now excellently defended the thesis with the highest score, and was specially recruited into the Regional Crime Prevention Department in the mainland, right after completing 3 months of excellent probation. That is also the reason that Quill had to leave the island and be here today, to meet the Senior Leader and refuse the position that people who have worked in the industry for many years in the country dream of.

* Don't make excuses of wanting to stay and protect the beloved island where each other is buried or have to stick to that land of sunshine and wind all year round surrounded by the blue sea - The senior leader calmly sipped a cup of tea while sitting opposite Quill in the office.

Quill was a bit shy, forced a social smile in his trousers and flat white shirt.

* That is also a reason…

* Very childish! - The leader casually put down his cup of tea and looked at Quill as if he was running a criminal analysis software in his head - Healthy parents in their 50s, you're only 22 years old, talented and energetic…

Hannah appeared right in front of Quill's eyes. His heart suddenly became anxious to quickly return to his beloved island, so that he could run straight to Hannah's place, to tell her all the chaos he had stored in his heart for so long. He will ignore the mouth of the world, regardless of any market or obstacles so that he can hold her hand and walk dignifiedly in the middle of the day, from now on. Quill wished he could have made a decision sooner. 

* Actually… the person I love… is on the island! - Quill closes a sentence and immediately receives satisfaction from the leader.

* Hmmm… - the general's face relaxed - I like people who are straightforward like that. Often the police cannot choose both career and family.

* But I can still do a good job as an island policeman.

* Then go back to the island to continue. When you change your mind, call me - The leader got up, went to a corner of the room and lit a cigarette on a wooden pipe.

* Yes! Thanks.

Quill cheered, stood up to greet the leader, then glanced at the clock on the wall. He was surprised when he realized that he had only been in the room for five minutes, but the time seemed to have passed for centuries, not making up for when he was next to Hannah.

***

Quill let go of his soul while sitting on the bus and staring blankly through the window. The bus was speeding along the busy road with rows of shops on both sides of the road, and suddenly slowed down and stopped at an intersection because of the red light. Quill was suddenly attracted to a figure on the opposite side of the road and, lightning fast, he jumped out of the car as it turned and drove away, ignoring the loud booms of the driver and passengers on it. 

Quill impatiently waited for another red light so he could jog across the street and wander around looking for it. Then he happily ran after a tall, slender girl, wearing a knee-length skirt with a bubbly body. It is indeed Hannah - his 32-year-old teacher.

“Why is she here today? Shouldn't you be on the island?"

Quill definitely cannot pass up this God-given opportunity. There, she just turned to a new street, and Quill immediately chased after her. Quill's whole life will never mistake that figure for his thick, smooth hair, always loose in the middle of her back, a hair that has strangled Quill's heart since he was in his second year at school.

* Hannah - Quill tapped his hands on Hannah's shoulders from behind with tone and gesture of calmest expression after the speedy pursuit.

Hannah startled back, looked at him with surprise and then gave him a smile as fresh as she was expecting to see him.

* Quill? Why are you here?

***

Quill and Hannah are sitting opposite to each other in an elegant cafe.

* You know I'm out of school, too?

* Yes, I do. All the students are eager to learn you. Both boys and girls are upset that you don't teach anymore.

* Someone else will teach better than me.

* But why did you take a break?

* I feel pressured if my students aren't very good at leaving school.

* So is the charity manager more like you?

* I am living happily in my new career. Let's talk about you. I heard you got promoted to a senior land office, right?

The wind is blowing on the outside. Quill was thoroughly concerned with Hannah's current affairs. Different from the happy face of Quill is the surprised face of Hannah.

Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

* Refusing to work on the mainland is something I can understand, but because of me you stayed on the island, I was surprised.

* I know you're in a lot of trouble because Mrs. Nora, the ex-wife of Mr. Henry.

* Ah... - Hannah looked over the branch of the flower on the table and shook her head softly, laughing - anything involving a police officer was in trouble.

* Henry is the captain of the island's criminal police too.

Quill insist as if reminding Henry to make her laugh. Quick-spoken troops.

* Apparently, Henry can't bring you happiness. I could certainly make you happier than he was in every way, including…

Hannah's eyes blazing with Quill like appraisals made him shrink his voice.

* But... I need the opportunity to prove it.

Hannah breathed out sharply, and then from her pocket came a business card on the desk, pushed it back into Quill's hands.

* If you'd accepted this asset, I could think about it.

Quill looked at the inscription on the card and read it aloud.

* Private Lawyer, International Office in Asia.

* Yes. I've just received inheritance money from a friend abroad. I used to get tired of all the relationships around me with so much money. So... I'd like you to accept this inheritance on my behalf.

* Okay. I'll take it and give it to you.

* No, no, no. After you receive it, just spend it. I'm sure you'll use it properly, especially for the island.

* Hmm. For you, I can do anything. As long as...

* We'll try it all the way back to the island this time.

Hannah put her other hand placed on Quill's hand. She smiles as witty as she looks through his heart, exhaling him with relief, and holding his hand firmly against Hannah's on his table.

* Okay. I give you my word.

Hannah starts to laugh, squinting eyes at Quill.

* Aren't you curious how much money you inherited?

Quill troops were asking tentatively.

* How much?

* A hundred million dollars.

Quill peered at Hannah, claiming that she was teasing him.

***

Bustling commuter passengers in the airport.

Quill sat down in the queue of seats in the waiting room. His heart still remembered the kind hearted pictures of Hannah when they both talked to each other yesterday afternoon.

He is still embarrassed to offer a change of flight to accompany Hannah to the island tomorrow and is rejected by her. She said she has to visit her parents today before flying back to the island tomorrow. So Quill still has to fly back to the island alone.

A radio speaker sounded inviting passengers on a return flight to the island to exit Gate 2. Quill gets up and puts his rucksack on his shoulder.

All of a sudden, his phone rings. Quill looks at the phone screen. So it's Andy, who's his schoolmate and current co-worker.

* Hi?

* All officers must be on duty today.

* I'm at the airport, I'll be there in about an hour - Quill smiles at Andy's serious voice.

* There was a murder on the island.

Quill was astonished, so standing. Andy continues.

* A woman was killed in her home with two stab wounds, which also appeared to be poisoned and raped.

Quill goes quiet. There's never been a crime on this island that's so brutal. Andy paused briefly before talking.

* The victim's someone you know. That's... Teacher Hannah.

Quill was stunned to stand in the middle of the airport as if he did not believe his ears. He remembers the unexpected meeting he had with Hannah yesterday afternoon, not on the island.

***