DAY DREAM (Gülçin Özbek Kuyumcu-GÜNDÜZ DÜŞÜ)

- 37 -

THIRD METAMORPHOSIS

Chapter 37: The Cold Face of Revenge, Bitter Taste...

As I was being placed inside the vehicle, the others, knowing they couldn't do anything, clung to their phones and radios. They faced a stern and cold woman who, despite her evident surprise, acted with composure and authority. It was clear from her silence, her lack of response to anything said by those around her, that she would maintain it until she learned what was happening.

A fleeting glance, measured in seconds, was exchanged only between Kıvanç and me. Only in my eyes, he could read the thousands of apologies, the hidden gratitude for the sweet memories of the last few days. There was also the immense regret I would carry for shattering hopes, and the unspoken love. It was tangible, heart-wrenching, but it would remain lived in solitude. In an instant, it was over, leaving behind a cold, calculating ghost mourning to retreat within itself.

Zeynep Giritli, in all her cruelty, was escaping, leaving her heart, caged like a bird, in the palms of the man who taught her how to fly...

***

After we had distanced ourselves enough, the Leader said, "We can now remove the handcuffs, with the condition of putting them back on before you leave the vehicle, Zeynep Hanım."

Although he said it politely, it didn't mean it wasn't an order. As soon as he finished his sentence, the soldier had already placed the key in the lock. We knew that the other three teams at the border were also following us from a safe distance, each in their own vehicle. The handcuffs were necessary to maintain the continuity of the show we had performed there.

"Thank you. Are we heading straight to the headquarters?"

"Yes, you will stay at the headquarters tonight. You will be informed that the on-duty prosecutor will take your initial statement and that you will be held in custody under supervision as long as necessary."

The information wouldn't stop anyone. Hikmet and Uncle Hızır would definitely send lawyers from two different directions. In fact, it was more likely that Hikmet would send more than one.

"Nevertheless, they will try to reach me. We will probably encounter an army of lawyers. Have the necessary arrangements been made for that?"

Since I got into the vehicle, I had put on a mask of complete calmness. I would face myself and what I had done, of course, but now wasn't the time. Right now, my mind was solely focused on the main goal and what lay ahead.

"Everything is progressing as planned, and preparations have been made for any possible surprises. We expect the lawyers to arrive at the headquarters before us. Everyone, including the prosecutor, is aware of the potential developments," he said, pressing his lips together ever so slightly.

It could be purely out of habit, but the other possibility seemed more likely. I suspected that his movement was prompted by a conversation over his earpiece. I didn't ask. If it was something I needed to know, I would be informed. The rest were things I didn't need to concern myself with. I probably wouldn't see these people again after tomorrow. There was no need for extra words about names or anything beyond what needed to be discussed.

"Do you have any information about the meeting I requested, either before or after meeting with the lawyers?"

"You will have a brief meeting. I will take you to Esma Hanım, and then you will be questioned with your lawyers."

The fact that he sat in the vehicle in privacy and referred to my trainer by name confirmed my speculations. The Leader had been knowledgeable about everything from the beginning, and thanks to him, every step taken regarding me would be under my trainer's supervision. He didn't need to be physically present everywhere to have control.