The Amazing Son in Law The Charismatic Charlie Wade

Upon seeing the cryptic text, Maria wasted no time chiming in, her voice laced with curiosity, “Maria, I’m pretty sure the borough in question here is Queens, New York. That photo? Yep, definitely Queens. Now, this guy “Cole”, is obviously a last name. And I can tell by his look that he has Chinese descent. The catch? We don’t have a clue what his first name is.”

“You’re spot on,” Jagoan concurred, his brow furrowing in deep thought.

He mused, “There’s something oddly familiar about this Cole fellow. But, try as I might, I can’t put my finger on where I’ve seen him before.”

Maria reassured him, “Don’t rush it, Master. That sense of familiarity might stem from a fleeting memory. It’s there, just beneath the surface. All you need is to give it some time, let it simmer. Trust me, the answer will come to you.”

She probed further, “Besides the familiarity, anything else about this whole scenario that strikes you as odd or strangely familiar?”

Jagoan, still massaging his temples, replied, “You know, Maria, there’s more to it than just the familiarity. Looking at this picture, I sense something deeper, something profoundly familiar. But the specifics, they elude me.”

Maria breathed a sigh of relief, “Master, don’t fret. Let’s piece this puzzle together. First, let’s talk about the attire of your dad and this Cole character. Anything noteworthy there?”

Jagoan scrutinized the photo and replied, “Dad’s sporting late 20th-century gear, a bomber jacket— pretty trendy back then. Cole, on the other hand, has on a regular woolen windbreaker, typical attire for the time.”

Maria probed further, “And what about Queens? Your parents lived in the States for years. Did Queens ever come up in your conversations or visits?”

Jagoan pondered for a moment before responding, “In my recollection, the States trips with my folks or visits to relatives with Mom usually centered around Long Island. Apart from that, we were Manhattan regulars. Queens? It’s all a bit fuzzy.”

Then, he added, “Even this antique shop—I only learned about it from my uncle a few days back. Never heard a peep about it from my parents.”

At this point, Jagoan’s expression froze suddenly.

Unaware of his abrupt change, Maria remained focused on the photo and suggested, “Perhaps we could contact your father’s former colleagues. They might recognize this person.”

But Jagoan, deep in thought, didn’t respond.

Perplexed, Maria prodded, “Master?”

Jagoan snapped back to reality at Maria’s query.

Cold sweat began to bead on his brow and cheeks as he stammered, “I… I think I know why this man seems familiar.”

Maria was taken aback and pressed, “Young master, do you remember?”

Jagoan nodded fervently and explained, “You mentioned his last name is Cole, and I had this strange sense of déjà vu. And then, there’s that antique shop in the background…”

his eyes still wide with shock, Jagoan continued, “Remember I told you my father-in- law had no idea what he was doing, insisted on visiting an

over that jade

Book’ from the remains of that very vase.

his father in the photo, muttering, “He was the manager

over 20 years ago, taken with your father in New York, later worked at an antique shop in Aurous Hill,

Felix Cole, and the antique shop in Aurous Hill was Vintage Deluxe, owned by the Moore family. At the time, it wasn’t a prominent part of the Moore family’s business empire. Jasmine Moore, the current head

felt his spine

uncle mentioned that his parents had found the Preface to the Apocalyptic Book,’ hinting at a connection between the two texts. But now, he stumbled upon a revelation, Felix, the antique shop manager from over two decades ago, was a friend

the jade pot and spring vase to his

If

quickly, her voice lighthearted, “Why the late-night call,

inquired, “Jasmine, can you tell me if Felix, the former manager of Vintage Deluxe,

“After that incident, he was utterly rude to you and your father-in-law, and he utterly failed to recognize the true value of the jade pot and spring vase

Jagoan probed further. “Do you have any idea where he went

Jasmine admitted. “I never

question, “And when did he start

long,” Jasmine recalled. “He was there

This timeline felt deliberate, like Felix had joined Vintage Deluxe for

one who hired him?”

me seriously, and I had my share of issues with my uncle and cousin. So they handed me Vintage Deluxe. It was struggling, and internal problems ran rampant. I fired

further, “Why did

interview. Knowledgeable about both Eastern and Western antiques, humble, well-educated—the guy had a

smooth, eloquent, and he didn’t demand an

know he’d turn out so ill-tempered, insulting your father-in- law and failing

this guy who appeared so knowledgeable, humble, and well-educated is likely Felix’s true identity. The rude, jade-vase-dropping Felix was

through the phone, “Jagoan, what sparked your sudden

of nowhere.”

to ask Antique Deluxe’s manager. The records from then weren’t merged with the Moore Group’s. It was all