TCOTRB: The Case of The Red Bubble

🪙 Chapter XIV: OMAR

Chapter XIV: OMAR

I want you to work with me, Milo Sidaris. You knew a lot of stuff as much as I do. We're both social outcasts threatened by society for being too curious. Society doesn't like it when we look into forbidden things. Look around you ... All eyes are on us.

Omar slowly looked across the place and observed a group of people in fine garments. There was anger and disgust in their eyes, with the women touching their pearly necklaces and their husbands shaking their fists decorated with heavy golden rings.
He recognized one of the women standing far behind them - Jonathan's mother Madame Primavera Garcia.

So you found out about Miss Odval? I never expected a shy kid like you to unearth her Mongolian heritage. The answers are hidden in plain sight (on her autobiography). Now you must help me spread the word. Surely, you having a family member with connections to the police force could make everyone listen to you. Tell the public about whatever is hoing on in her beloved school!

Now, Milo kept tossing around the bed in his room as their conversation replayed in his head. He ain't going to fall into any of his bidding. If he were to tell his family about Omar, there is a chance that everything he says could be used against him.
He was completely overwhelmed that he didn't feel at that moment just how painful slamming his fist against the wall was. "Suit yourself," Omar silently nodded at him with a smile and left. He was suddenly startled by his phone ringing on his desk. It was a video call from Irene.

•••

"Hey, Milo! Why the heck were you chatting with that Omar guy?" Irene asked sternly.

Milo was perplexed by whatever she was babbling about. "What are you talking about?"

"Don't lie to me. I saw you two together at the mall! I had to confront him so he'd leave you alone," she said.

The boy's eyes dilated as his mind registered that she must have been at the mall back then. He assumed that she was still brooding in her room.
He now finds himself in an uncomfortable position where Irene continues to question him about whatever Omar told him.

"Does your folks know about this?"
"How am I supposed to explain this to them without getting myself in trouble? That guy's a mere schemer!" Milo blurted out.

"I take that as a 'no.' I wonder why Kaira and the others didn't butt in," Irene sounded agitated. She noticed the others simply watched from the distance like scared little ducklings.
Milo later went on to elaborate everything Omar had told him. He doesn't trust the latter regardless. All he is worried about is getting exposed to unwanted attention once Aunt Glenda finds out and having Omar threaten him.
After hearing the whole story, Irene lets out an uneasy sigh. "Here's what you're gonna do," she hovered both her hands over her nose, "Tell your folks that you've just met Omar at the mall and he seems to know a lot of stuff surrounding Miss Odval."

"So glad you're finally reaching out to us, Irene! Thanks so much," Milo said.

"Don't mention it! Remember, always stay vigilant," Irene winked at him.

So, that's what Milo did. He stepped out of his room to tell Aunt Glenda and his parents about it. He wasn't going to let this dilemma trouble him any longer.