Seeing she could not refuse him, she gave him a non-committal grunt, "Mhm." After eating, he cleared the table and washed the dishes while she busied herself with finding out about the shoot-out that occurred in the morning. It was reported that the shoot-out was between armed robbers and the police after their failed attempt at raiding a jewelry store, they were tracked down to the red district by the police and their leader was shot. There were even images attached with statement from direct witnesses. Those not present would believe the news but Carl who had gotten a direct report of the situation knew better. Even the pictures were fake, the person mentioned in the news wasn't the leader of the gang, it was probably pictures of a group of persons who had been arrested for armed robbery previously. This was enough proof that the men from the capital had huge backing.

The sound of a ringing phone was heard, it was Carl's, he wiped his hands with a napkin before picking up his phone, it was his younger brother Ryan. It occurred to him that they had not spoken since the incident with his mother. He swiftly clicked on the green phone icon to answer the call, "h.e.l.lo?" The anxious voice of his brother wafted to his ears. 'He must have seen the news,' he thought. "h.e.l.lo," he greeted in reply. "Brother, I've been trying to reach you since I heard the news, but you didn't pick up, I thought you were caught in the crossfire." Ryan hurriedly said, almost out of breath. He was indeed worried that something had happened to his brother since he saw the news. Many people were shot dead while a few escaped with bullet wounds. Those who were lucky enough to live and also escape bullet wounds had body injury. There was even a stampede, a young girl was trampled to death. Both his brother and his "sister in-law" lived in the district it occurred, he couldn't bring himself to think of the things that would have ensued if his brother died. No doubt his mother would be happy, his father and grandparents, he wasn't really sure. But then he would have to be alone. Without waiting for a response from Carl, he went on, "Are you injured? Is that why you're only answering now? Where are you injured? Does it hurt? What about sister in-law? Is she okay? Should I come over? Say something!" Carl chuckled lowly, he was giddy that someone actually cared about him. "Slow down," he scolded with a wide grin on his face. "I did not know you called, besides, I was asleep. And we are both fine so you don't have to worry so much." Carl said, rea.s.suring Ryan. "Thank G.o.d!" he said, as he sighed in relief. "I'm glad you're okay, brother you have to move out of the red district, it's not safe there." Ryan added. He was sure his brother could afford a house in another district because he had a job and he even bought an expensive car. "Yes, I will, but not now." Carl answered. "Why?" He heard his brother ask. 'Because I can't leave her behind.' He thought but he did not voice it out. "My money is tied down in an investment." He lied to get his brother to stop asking. "Okay." Ryan said, while nodding in understanding. "Anyway, how are you?" Carl asked, "Fine," he replied curtly.

An awkward silence ensued as they both did not know what else to say. "Then we'll talk later." Carl said. Ryan hummed in acknowledgment before hanging up. He stared at his phone and pondered if his father was also worried about him or he did not care at all. His father had stopped caring about him a long time ago, even before he was banished, they hardly spoke. When he spoke to him, it was to scold him and not to ask about his well being. He opened his call log to see a number of missed calls from Ryan, Allan and Allen. Though it was only three persons, he was thankful, Even if it was only one, it was more than enough. His brother showed concern where his father should. he quickly brushed aside his thoughts as Kim interrupted him, "Was that Ryan?" She asked. He nodded before going back to the kitchen to continue doing the dishes. "He asked about you." He said.