by Lee Sau Woon
Jack Blumin had the look of someone who had worked too long in a job that he did not like and was unable to get out of it. It reminded Vanessa of a patient dying of a terminal illness and was not allowed to go off life support or something like that. She kept her opinion to herself.
Blumin's office was small, windowless and consist mainly of a shelf filled with files of paper, a table with a phone, Blumin's chair, and another uncomfortable chair for any paroled prisoner reporting. Both Jordan and Vanessa declined the offer to sit.
"So, what can I do for you?" Blumin spoke slowly with a soft voice after he was settled behind the desk.
Jordan spoke first. "Mr Blumin, I believe that you had a John Taylor Williams under your care?"
"Williams? Oh yes, that Williams. He came to me once one week after he was paroled. After that, he disappeared. I had not heard from him since."
"Is there anything you can tell me regarding Williams? For example, the people he hang around with before and after his release."
Blumin shook his head. "I'm afraid not, Agent Stern. He kept to himself, mostly. There are some people whom he usually eat with, or played with, when he was in prision, but I believe it was more of a matter of convenience rather than choice. "
"How about after he was released? Did he mention anything during his first visit?"
Another shaking of the head. "He did not say much. Just mentioned that he is still looking for job."
Just then, the phone rang.
Blumin excused himself as he picked up the phone. He identified himself, listened to the phone for a while, and then his face turned pale. Then, he hung up the phone.
Even before he opened his mouth, the agents knew what he was going to say.
"That is from the police. They found a body in a unoccupied apartment a few days ago. It was Williams."