"How did he die?" Khaled asked the servant, and everyone was surprised to see signs of sadness on Khaled's face—especially since everyone knew how much he hated his father.
Servant: "We don't know yet. The forensic report will tell us later. There's also an officer waiting for you in the guest room."
Khaled wasn't surprised, as if he was expecting him.
"Hello, sir. I'm Khaled, the son of the deceased."
Officer: "Hello, Khaled. My deepest condolences. Your father helped the police and the state a lot. But I have a few questions for you."
Khaled: "Are you here officially?"
Officer: "Trust me, it's just a simple conversation. I'm not accusing you of anything."
Khaled's face turned serious. "Ask."
Officer: "Where were you at the time of death?"
Khaled: "With my friend Yehia, at his house."
Officer: "Do you think your father was killed or died naturally?"
Khaled: "I think every kind of death is natural, whatever it is."
Officer laughed: "Please, I don't want philosophy. I want a clear answer. Do you think he was killed or not?"
Khaled: "I think he was killed."
The officer leaned back in the chair in the guest room, which was very spacious, with photos of the father and elegant furniture.
Officer: "Do you suspect anyone?"
Khaled narrowed his eyes and crossed his legs: "My father had many enemies. Honestly, I suspect most people—even myself. And I understand if you suspect that I killed my father."
Officer: "Please, don't assume wrong things. I'm only here to make sure you're all safe."
Khaled, firmly: "Alright, let's wait for the forensic report, and then we'll see the next step."
Khaled stood up from his chair and opened the door, but the officer's voice stopped him.
Officer: "Khaled, one last question—are you the only son?"
Khaled paused for a moment, looked at the officer, and smiled. "Yes. No one else but me."
The meeting ended.
A week later, things calmed down, and the dead man's lawyer arrived for a meeting with Khaled and the head servant in the guest room.
The three sat down.
Lawyer: "Your father left a will, Khaled. You need to hear it."
Khaled, annoyed: "He's bothering me even after death."
Lawyer: "I'll start reading the will—"
Khaled interrupted: "Why is the servant here?"
Lawyer: "He's the head servant, first of all. Second, he was dear to your father."
Lawyer started reading the will: "I died knowing I was a truly terrible person, and I admit that. But I won't hide that I enjoyed my work a lot. I'm sorry, Khaled, for hurting you, torturing you as a child, and breaking your mother's spirit so much that you grew up never knowing what affection feels like. I'm sorry, but I hated the idea of having a child because I didn't want any responsibility to stop me from my work or for anyone to use you to threaten me. So when your mother got pregnant, even though I didn't agree, I tried to make you strong to become my successor. I'm really sorry. All my work and money are now yours. But there are two conditions: First: Complete the final drug deal. That was supposed to be my retirement deal. If I die before it's done, you must finish it. The servant will explain everything. Second: Take care of your sister, Reem. She's from another mother. Don't ask me why I married and had another child. I'll just say it was a mistake in my life, and I got stuck with the girl. I tried not to make the same mistake I did with you. I'm sorry, my son."
Khaled grabbed the glass of water next to him and smashed it on the ground in anger.
"What?! He tortures me even in death?! The retirement deal? And I have a partner in the inheritance?! Damn him! Damn him!"
Lawyer: "Calm down. You'll take all the money. She'll only live here, and you'll take care of her."
Khaled, angry: "Nonsense! Why would he do this?! Why?!"
In the middle of all this, Khaled received a phone call.
Khaled: "Who is this?"
Caller: "I'm from the forensic department about your father's case. After the tests and everything, we confirmed—your father was poisoned."
Khaled dropped the phone from his hand, and his face showed signs of anger, shock, and doubt.
He said: "What else is going to happen?!"