“That reason might have something to do with your father. Is he in New York recently?”
Sebastian was taken aback by Caitlin’s question. “No, he’s not. Why do you ask?”
Caitlin then shared the details from Howard’s deep hypnosis session. Howard had mentioned something from two years ago that explained his behavior. As she explained, Sebastian’s anger grew.
“Damn it! No wonder Howard never gets along with him! Every time he sees him, he runs away!”
Had it not been for Caitlin’s intervention, Sebastian would never have understood why his son had lost his ability to speak. It turned out that it was Raymond-no, his uncle-who had caused it.
At the tender age of three, Howard had witnessed a murder, an event that clearly left deep psychological scars on him.
Sebastian clenched his fists in fury as his hatred for his uncle grew. “If it weren’t for him, my father, and my mother, none of this would have happened!”
“Did Howard say where he saw the murder happen? Do we know who was killed?”
Caitlin shook her head. “Howard doesn’t know the identity of the person who was killed. But he did say that he snuck into Raymond’s car one day, followed him to the outskirts of town, and witnessed Raymond kill someone by smashing their skull. He said Raymond buried the body, unaware that Howard had seen the whole thing.”
Sebastian felt sick to his stomach at the thought. A child witnessing a murder and its aftermath… it was enough to break anyone.
“Where was Howard found after he went missing?” Caitlin asked, wanting to connect the dots.
“I remember,” Sebastian recalled. “Two years ago, Howard disappeared without a trace. The whole family went searching, and the police eventually found him in a forest on the southern outskirts of town. He was in a daze when he came back, and once he regained consciousness, he couldn’t speak anymore. That must have been when he witnessed all of it!”
Caitlin nodded gravely. “Do you think the forest is where Raymond buried the body?”
Sebastian’s mind raced. “Whether it is or not, we need to find out. Let’s go to Felix. He can send a search dog team.”
Without wasting another moment, Sebastian drove to the police station to meet Felix, who quickly deployed the search team.
“We’ll contact you as soon as we have any news.”
“Thanks, Felix.”
Once they were done, Sebastian turned to Caitlin. “I’ll drop you off, but I also need to check on the boys. I’ll get them a gift.”
Caitlin gave him a look. “Save your money. They won’t want anything from you right now.”
“Fine, but I’m still going to the dojo. I’ll pick them up from there.”
Caitlin agreed, and Sebastian followed her suggestion, making a quick detour toward the dojo.
At the dojo, Sebastian watched his three sons sparring with the coach. They were all dressed in identical uniforms, and even Howard, who had started recently, was handling himself well in the ring.
Sebastian’s heart swelled with pride. He couldn’t believe how much they looked like him. He pulled out his phone to capture a video of them in action. “They really are my sons!”
Unable to contain his excitement, Sebastian removed his jacket and handed it to Caitlin. “Hold this for me. I’m going to join them!”
A few moments later, he returned wearing a dojo uniform and a mask, exuding a sense of mystery and confidence. As he approached the ring, he waved at Caitlin, then climbed onto the stage. The coach handed him two defensive pads and stepped back.
Sebastian took over as a new trainer, standing in front of his sons, who looked up at him curiously.
Arthur was the first to speak. “Another new coach? Why are you wearing a mask?”
Sebastian simply gestured for him to come forward.
Howard’s eyes widened as he seemed to recognize the voice. Could it really be… his father? He shook the thought away. There’s no way, right?
Arthur was the most eager and rushed forward, performing a high kick towards the pads Sebastian was holding. “Good! Do it again!”
Arthur’s moves were fast and precise, but Sebastian stood firm, impressed by how well his son had trained. “Nice job!”
Arthur grinned, but Bruce was already watching carefully. “This isn’t a coach,” he said, pointing at Sebastian. “He’s our dad!”
Arthur froze. “What?”
The moment Arthur heard his words, he immediately yanked off Sebastian’s mask. When Sebastian’s face was revealed, the three kids stared at him in shock. The resemblance was uncanny. It was like looking at a miniature version of themselves, just with a few more years.
Arthur, filled with excitement, shouted, “It’s really him!”
Before anyone could react, the three boys pounced on Sebastian, climbing onto him like a group of little monkeys.
Sebastian laughed, his heart filled with joy. He could hardly believe that his sons had truly recognized him. As he stood up, he lifted both Arthur and Bruce into the air, holding Howard with one arm on his back. He spun around in circles, playfully throwing them in the air.
Caitlin stood by the side, watching this heartwarming scene. It brought back a wave of emotions for her.
Meanwhile, Zeke had just finished a phone call and entered the dojo. Seeing Sebastian with the kids, a surge of annoyance crossed his face. “Kids, step down! It’s time to show him who’s boss!”