Matthew didnt respond to the question. Instead, he scanned the document before him. The information on Ethan was limited, just a handful of text-laden pages.
He looked up, a crease forming between his brows. Are there no photographs of him?
Neville spread his hands in a gesture of helplessness. His family was very poor. With several mouths to feed, they could barely scrpe by. Affording photographs was out of the question. There is a baby photo of him, though I doubt its of any use.
What about during his school days? Any photos from then? Matthew pressed.
Back then, their digital archives were nonexistent. Plus, a fire gutted his middle schools archives room, almost destroying everything, so no photos survived. I even checked with his university, but came up empty, explained Neville.
Matthews frown deepened, but he remained silent.
Neville stroked his chin thoughtfully. Its quite odd, isnt it? It makes sense that there are no old photos of him, but no current ones either? Its as if hes vanished into thin air.
He glanced over at Matthew, who seemed lost in thought and hadnt replied.
Tapping on the table to catch his attention, Neville noticed Matthew snap back to reality and continued, Why have you suddenly taken an interest in this man? And why link him with Kristian? Is there some connection between them?
Reflecting on the data he had gathered the previous day, Neville added, Though Kristian and Ethan are about the same age, Kristian is a wealthy businessman in Dorburn, and Ethan is from the lower echelons of society. Their worlds are so different. Its unlikely theyre connected.
Matthew, recalling what Stella had mentioned the night before, paused to consider a bold guess. He looked directly at Neville and proposed, What if Ethan and Kristian are actually the same person?
This suggestion took Neville by surprise. He initially thought Matthew was jesting, but the earnest expression on Matthews face made him reconsider. Are you certain about this? he questioned, skepticism lacing his tone. With a deep and meaningful look, Matthew replied, m not certain, which is why I need you to delve deeper into this.
He slammed the document onto the table and said, Since we couldnt uncover any photos of him at the university, we should track down his college friends. If Ethan truly exists, someone must remember him.
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Matthew remained convinced there was a link between Kristian and Ethan.
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.
Amid their conversation, a knock interrupted them. Both Matthew and Neville fell silent instantly.
Outside, hearing Matthews invitation to enter, Lindsay swung the door open.
She carried a tray with two steaming cups of coffee. As she set one cup before Matthew, Nevilles voice echoed with surprise.
Lindsay? When did you get back? How come I didnt hear about it?
I returned just a few days ago. I hadnt had the chance to tell you,
Lindsay explained, her smile warm as she set down the other cup of coffee in front of Neville.
Neville scanned her briefly before asking, So, youre working for him now?
He was referring to Matthew, of course.
Yes. Recently, Ive been learning a lot from Fernando and Matthew,
Lindsay replied, still smiling. She then stowed the tray away and added, I really shouldnt discuss personal matters during work. I wont disturb you any Longer.