"What's your name?" one of them asked, watching him closely.
"William Connor," The man revealed himself without any resistance.
"Okay, William, we need you to come to the station for further questioning. Is that possible for you?"
"I will comply without any problems, officers," William replied calmly.
After a few more questions, they sent William away and began thoroughly investigating Sam's case.
Occasionally, they called William for clarification, but despite their suspicions, nothing implicated him.
Everything William said was verified as true.
While going through Sam's phone, they noticed the unknown number he had contacted. They decided to call it.
Fortunately, the IATA worker who had spoken with Sam answered.
"Hello, IATA agent speaking," the voice on the other end said without hesitation.
"Hello, this is Head Officer Dean. Can you check who recently communicated with this number?"
"Let me check that for you," After a few minutes. "It looks like I was the one who spoke with this number. How can I assist you?"
"I need detailed information about what you discussed during that call." Officer Dean requested.
The IATA agent hesitated, his tone becoming cautious. "I'm sorry, officer, but that would be a direct violation of privacy law."
"You don't understand!" Officer Dean's voice getting irritated.
"The owner of this number has passed away. We need to know what happened!"
There was a moment of silence before the IATA agent sighed. "...I understand."
Reluctantly, the agent detailed everything from the conversation he had with Sam, providing the officers with a clearer picture of what happened.
The next day, the police called William to inform him of what they had learned, as he was the closest person to Sam.
After following those days William was always at Sam's family grave visiting it daily.
"Sam, I'm sorry for everything! As your only friend, I should have been there!" his voice cracking as he stood by Sam's memorial.
Ishan gently placed a hand on William's shoulder. "Boss, I'm sorry for disturbing you, but I'll be heading back to the office now."
Ishan unsure of what more to say, this was the first time he had ever seen his boss in such an state.
To Ishan, William had always been an outgoing leader who stood apart from other bosses.
Unlike his previous workplaces, where managers just observed or acted mighty, William was different.
William worked alongside his employees, helping them whenever.
After Ishan left, William was alone. Lighting up a cigarette, he took a few puffs "What will I do without you here, Sam?"
The only people who visited Sam's grave were William and Ishan.
no one else would show up. None of Sam's cousins or relatives made an appearance.
William took it upon himself to pray at each of their tombstones.
For Sam's mother and sister, he placed a bouquet of flowers with care.
For Sam and his father, he left a bottle of alcohol.
After spending hours talking to Sam's grave, William finished his seventh cigarette.
whispering goodbye, and making his way to work.
It was close to midnight when he arrived.
To his surprise, the office lights were still on.
As he got closer, he saw Ishan hard at work, handling both Sam's papers and William's for the day.
William gently placed a hand on Ishan's shoulder.
Startled, Ishan turned around and saw his boss. "William? What are you doing here? It's already midnight. You should go home and rest."
"I think you should go home. Your family is waiting for you. Don't worry I'll finish the rest." William had a kind smile only a mother could have.
Ishan paused, moved by his boss's words. He didn't try to argue. "Thank you, sir," he said sincerely before leaving.
William lit another cigarette, taking long puffs as he opened his desk drawer.
Inside was a paper labeled 'William's Will for Sam.'
Without hesitation, he set it on fire, watching the edges become black until it turned to ash.
As smoke filled the air "This company was our dream, Sam. Without you... it's lost its meaning."
He took a deep breath from his cigarette and exhaled slowly. "I just hope this decision will be worth it."
Pulling out a fresh sheet of paper, William began writing his resignation.
After finishing, he reached for another blank page and carefully wrote down who would take over the company in his absence.
---
Before Sam committed suicide.
Sam was standing while a rope was in his neck.
Gently, he brushed the faces in the picture, a sad smile on his face.
"I hope to meet all of you in the afterlife,"
He carefully placed a will addressed to the only two people he considered as the last of his family: William and Ishan.
After taking his final breath, Sam's soul stayed, unable to move on.
He watched as William stood before his grave, talking to the cold stone marker that had his name.