Chapter 34: Confirmation

The car on the garage tells us that Dad is already home. Hindi ko alam kung bakit bigla na lamang akong sinalakay ng kaba. Don't I trust my father? Do I really believe in Zywon's words? Definitely not but there is something that tells me that I should check.

Nauna nang pumasok sa bahay si Mommy and for the first time ay naramdaman kong kinakabahan ako habang papasok. When I was younger, I broke a flower pot in the garden but I was never afraid to enter the door to tell my parents. I stepped and left my foot prints on the newly concretized lawn but I was never afraid to enter the door and tell them. I destroyed Mom's orchid plants but I was never afraid to enter this door.

But now I haven't done anything yet I am hesitant to open this door in front of me. I was about to reach for the knob ngunit naunang bumukas iyon at iniluwa si Daddy.

"Pumpkin!", he said and he hugged me tightly. God, how can I doubt my own father?

"Dad..."

"I missed you so much Anak", he said and he kissed my hair. "All this time ay iniisip kita. Would you believe it that I almost didn't close a deal when I went spacing out because I was thinking of you?"

Work. That's it. Daddy have to work for us and he's not a certain Rovan Allejo III who financed an evil organization.

"I missed you more Dad", wika ko sa kanya and I hugged him again. That's it! I won't check anymore if Dad is connected with the Genesis. Sinisiraan lamang siya ni Zywon. Maybe I shouldn't put too much information on social media like putting Mom and Dad's name on the About information on facebook.

"Are you staying over here until tomorrow? I'm planning to have bonding with you and your Mom. Matagal na kasi tayong hindi nagkakasamang tatlo. Do you like that Sweetheart?", he asked at lumawak ang ngiti ko.

"I don't like the idea Dad, I love it!" I'm really looking forward for tomorrow! Pumasok na kami ni Daddy and he asked me about how my studies doing. I told him some details except the risky undertakings. They trusted me to live on my own so if I would be telling them about my encounter with bombs and guns, malamang ay hindi nila ako pagpapa-aralin sa Bridle or to any boarding school.

We discussed about how we should spend our bonding tomorrow and Dad suggested a popular resort na agad namang sinang-ayonan ni Mommy. Wala ding problema sa akin iyon. In fact kahit dito lang kami sa bahay at magbake gaya ng ginagawa namin dati ay ayos lang din as long as magkasama kaming tatlo. We spent the rest of the day like the we used too when I was younger.

When it was bedtime ay nahiga ako sa kama ko and think about how happy I am with my family. I'm not the kind who wants to have a full attention of my parents kaya kahit abala sila ay okay lang sa akin. Hindi rin naman sila nagkulang sa pagcheck sa kalagayan ko.

I was about to turn the lights off and open the lampshade when my phone rang kaya agad kong sinagot iyon ng makitang si Jeremy ang tumatawag.

"Hel-"

"I hate you Bestie!" Uh? Anong problema nito?

"What? Anong ginawa ko sayo?"

"Iniwan mo ako. You didn't even tell me that you went home", wika niya. "But that wasn't the reason why I hate you."
Napakunot ang noo ko. What's up with Jeremy?

"Ano nga?"

"I don't really hate you."

"Je, naka-drugs ka?", tanong ko. Ang gulo kasi nito. He said he hated me and then now he's not. Ano ba talaga?

"I hate you because you're not here kanina when I hate Math so much! I hate Math and I hate Medicol!", he said at nai-imagine ko ang nanggagalaiting mukha nito habang nagsasalita. Jeremy has a weird personality. The annoying type but once you know him well enough ay hahanap-hanapin mo na ito. Believe me or not, tila kulang ang araw ko kapag hindi ko naririnig ang mga corny na jokes and puns nito which he gladly call quizzes.

"Why? What's wrong with Math and Medicol?", I asked. Medicol is Math's chocolate-colored Labrador.

"Grrr! Nakakainis yung dumi na iyon! My God bestie, if you would see Medicol, masasabi mo talagang ma-swerte na si Porsche dahil mukha itong basahan", wika niya.

"I don't get you."

"Ganito kasi. Nagstro-strolling kami ni Porsche and unfortunately, si Math at Medicol din and then Medicol plunged into Porsche and-"

"And what Jeremy?"

"And the rest was SPG", he said with a sigh. Oh, seriously? He just called just to inform me that Medicol and Porsche mated?

"What's wrong with it Je?", tanong ko sa kanya.

"Bestie! Imagine a bulldog and a Labrador?! Mukhang basahan si Porsche but I really love her, so don't get me wrong okay? Tapos si Medicol naman mukhang dumi, so ano nalang ang magiging breed nila, Asong Grasa? Bestie! Paano na yan! I need an abortionist-"

Bigla akong natawa sa kanya. Jeremy is very naive and so cute! "Are you laughing at me Bestie?", he asked seriously. "I'm in a serious situation here. Look, kapag nagkaanak si Porsche at Medicol, ibig sabihin ay magiging Balae kami ni Math! Oh no!"

"Jeremy, hindi pa naman sigurado kung mabubuntis ba talaga si Porsche."

"I hope not!"

"Kung ayaw mo naman palang magka-breed ng Labrador, you should have stop them on the first place", wika ko sa kanya.

"I did! At alam mo ba kung ano ang sabi ni Medicol sa akin?"

"What?"

"He said, GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! And then he showed me his sharp fangs! Now tell me, paano ko sila mapipigilan?", he really sounded so upset but he was succesful in portraying the sound of an angry dog. For the second time ay natawa ako kay Jeremy!

"Jeremy, That's seriously your problem?", hindi makapaniwalaang tanong ko sa kany. God, sa dami ng problema sa mundo, a bulldog mating with Labrador shouldn't be one of it!

"Bestie, wag mo akong pagtawanan! I'm serious here", he said in an irritated voice.

"Fine. Ano ba ang magagawa ko diyan?", tanong ko. I guess I have to cope with his craziness over his dog Porsche.

"Find me an abortionist", wika niya.

"I told you, it's not sure if she'll get pregnant or what."

"Bestie naman eh!"

"Jeremy yan lang ba ang pakay mo kaya ka tumawag sa akin?"

"No. I want to give you a quiz", he said and I can imagine he's grinning face everytime he said those magic words, I HAVE A QUIZ I which I believe that he should say I HAVE A PUN.

"Correction, it's pun."

"No, it's a quiz."

"Whatever. Shoot."

He cleared his throat bago nagsalita. "Diba natanong ko na ang motor na tumatawa? How about yung umiiyak?", he asked and I mentally rolled my eyes.

"I don't know."

"There's a thing they call thinking Bestie. I guess you have to do that", wika niya at mas lalong gusto kong ipaikot ang eyeballs ko.

"I can't think." Actually I can, I just don't find it necessary over his pun.

"It's HUHUHUHUHUHOnda! HAHAHAHAHAHA!" His laughter lingered longer on the line at pinigilan ko ang sariling patayin ang tawag.

"No good at all."

"Sana'y na ako na yan ang madalas ninyong sasabihin ni Gray. Duh. Ito pa isa Bestie ha? Kapag ba pinaghalo mo ang powder ng Tide at Powder ng Ariel, bubula ba?"

"Of course." I tried it once nang naglalaba ako. Naubusan na ako ng Tide kaya Ariel na ang ginamit ko.

"Eeeenk! Mali! Hindi iyon bubula unless may tubig HAHAHAHAHA!" I can make a picture of him laughing in my mind.

"Pero ito na talaga Bestie. Huli na ito."

"What?"

"Ano ang pinagkaiba ng opinion sa conclusion?"

I raised one brow kahit hindi naman niya nakikita iyon. "Seriously Jeremy hindi mo alam ang sagot doon? Opinion is one's own view or judgment while conclusion is one's -"

"Eeeenk! Mali pa rin."

I frowned. "Hindi mo pa ako pinatapos."

"Ganito kasi iyon Bestie. Kapag opinion, pwede kang pumasok pero conclusion, hindi."

"Huh?"

"Pwede ka sabi pumasok pag opinion. Kasi Open-yun pero hindi ka pwedeng pumasok Con-close-yun! HAHAHAHAHAHA!", he's laughing out loud at malamang kung tulog na ang kasama nito sa kwarto ay masasapak talaga ito sa ingay niya.

"I'm hanging up now. Bye."

"Best-"

Hindi ko na siya pinansin at pinatay na ang tawag. Meh, Jeremy made my night by making me laughed about Medicol and Porsche but his puns are uh- nevermind. Nahiga na ako sa kama ko and wished myself a good night.

Maaga kaming umalis para pumunta sa resort na napagpasyahan ni Daddy na puntahan naming. It was a two-hour drive from our subdivision at maganda doon.

"Careful Honey", wika ni Daddy habang tinatakbo ko ang mabatong daan patungo sa isang cottage. It was a white sand resort na may mga pools and spa. It's a perfect place to bond and relax. We're not planning to stay overnight lalo na at balik dorm na ako bukas.

"You wanna try the indoor spa sweetie?", tanong ni Mommy ng maka-pwesto na kami sa cottage at panay ang lingon ko sa mga establishments na nasa gilid. The resort has indoor spa and baths and I really want to try it.

"Pwede po ba?"

"Sure thing sweetie. You want us to come with you?", Dad asked. Nakaupo ito at inaakbayan si Mommy. He's so sweet at all.

I shook my head. "No Dad. Titingnan ko po muna", wika ko at nagpaalam sa kanila. I also want to give them quality time together dahil minsan lang nagkakasama ang mga ito for pure bond at walang trabaho na iniisip.

I walked on the pavement at tinanaw ang mga taong nasa dalampasigan. It's still early pero matao na sa resort na iyon. It's been only nine months since it was opened but the business was booming. Patok sa mga tao ang resort na ito and I always hear Andi and Therese wanting to have a relaxation here.

Pumasok ako sa naroong indoor spa at binati ng isang receptionist. "Good morning Ma'am!" I greeted her back with a smile at humingi ng tariff at brochure para sa services ng kanilang spa. There are varieties of baths there but I want to try the Jacuzzi first.

I changed into proper clothes at agad na pumunta sa private Jacuzzi after I paid the rate. The place was nice and I must admit that the place is worth the rate. By relaxing my body here, I can feel all my worries being washed away from my mind kahit pa panandalian lamang iyon. I want to take away the Genesis from my mind, the mafia, school stuff and Zywon's words about Daddy. Bahagya pa lamang akong nakakarelax when I heard a loud scream from the other door. Agad kong iniahon ang sarili ko and wrapped myself in the bathrobe after I wore my clothes at tinungo ang pinagmulan ng sigaw. It was a woman on the mist sauna who lay dead on the floor with, swimming on her own blood!

Agad akong napalapit doon and I touched the woman's pulse but it was no use. She's already dead. May tatlo pang babae ang naroon and both are older than me but I asked them politely to call the police immediately at agad naman silang sumunod.

Ano baong meron sa kasong pagpatay na ito? I stared on the three women who were there on the sauna and I asked them about the case. My detective instinct tells me that one of those three killed the woman but I cannot just rely on my judgment. I need to find an evidence to prove the truth behind this murder case.

Napapunta na rin doon ang manager at gulat na gulat ito sa nangyaari. They sealed the mist sauna to prevent chaos at upang hindi ito makaapekto sa ibang guest ng spa. Lumapit ako sa tatlong babae at isa-isa silang tinanong tungkol sa kaso. The victim was Racquel Romero, 42 years old and working as a company's OIC. She died of a head injury na sanhi ng paulit-ulit na paghampas ng matigas na bagay sa ulo nito.

"I went here about thirty minutes ago but agad ding umalis nang hindi ko makita si Racquel. She's a friend of mine at nagkataong nagkita kami dito sa spa . We had little misunderstanding so I want to apologize to her but I couldn't find her kaya umalis na ako", wika ng isang babae. She was pretty and she looks young.

Bumaling ako sa isa but the other woman refused to tell me their answer dahil daw hindi ako bahagi ng police and so is the other one kaya hinintay ko na lamang na dumating ang mga pulis. Good thing ay dumating ang mga ito after a few minutes and there was Inspector Dean na agad akong binati.

"Hey Amber. I'm not surprise see you in a murder scene", he said with a grin.

"Well, Hi Inspector. Is that a greeting or an insult?", natatawa kong wika sa kanya. Yeah, naniniwala na talaga ako na isa akong crime magnet.

"That's a compliment. Anyway, I'm glad that you're here dahil mapapadali ang trabaho namin", wika niya with a wide smile. The police helped us in investigating too. Kahit na madalas ako o si Gray ang nakakasolve sa isang kaso, the police information is a big help.

"So let's start now." He winked at me at sinimulan na nilang imbestigahan ang kaso and question the three women inside the bath.

"I'm Althea Alonzo, 40 years old", wika ng babaeng nakausap ko kanina. I was surprised to know her age. She looks younger though. "Gaya ng sinabi ko sa dalagang iyan kanina, I looked for Racquel in this place about half an hour ago at gad ding umalis ng hindi siya makita."

"Sigurado ka ba diyan?", tanong ng isang pulis and the woman nodded.

"I'm positive. You can check the footage if ever there are some."

"Unfortunately, walang CCTV camera dito so we cannot prove your alibi unless you have a witness. How about you?", the inspector asked the second woman.

"I'm Meredith Dela Cruz, 42 and I'm working in the same company as Racquel. Hinanap ko rin siya pro ng dumako ako dito ay hindi ko rin siya makita so I decided to leave."

"May hindi pagkakaaintindihan ba kayo ng biktima?"

Nag-alangan saglit ang babae bago sumagot. "Yes, she's planning to replace me in my position which I highly object", wika niya.

Quite a motive for a murder, sa isip ko ngunit patuloy lamang ako sa pagmamasid sa kanila habang kinukwestiyon ng mga pulis ang mga ito.

"My name is Mylene Roando, 42 and I'm also working with her", wika naman ng isang babae. She said she hasn't any conflict with the victim but I think the otherwise.

"Inspector Dean, hindi namin makita ang murder weapon kahit saan", wika ng isang pulis and it caught my attention. No murder weapon? Did the culprit already get rid of it? But there was a metal detector at the entrance and I'm sure of it!

"Ano ang sinabi ng coroner?"

"Hindi iyon metal na bagay pero I think it's hard and big dahil nagka-injury siya na sanhi ng pagkamatay niya", the police answered and Inspector Dean fell in a deep thinking. Maging ako ay napaisip din ng malalim sa kasong ito. No murder weapon? That's impossible.

"Inspector Dean, did you check the objects that those three had?", bulong ko sa pulis and he nodded.

"Yes Amber. Actually they brought things that don't make sense. Katulad na lamang ni Miss Althea. She brought flippers with her and flippers aren't used in indoor spas like this."

Napatingin ako kay Miss Althea. She looked so innocent but I cannot rely on looks as judgment.

"How about the others?", tanong ko ulit.

"Miss Meredith brought with her a big tanning lotion which also doesn't make sense. Tanning lotion in an indoor spa eh?"

That's also remarkable. Ano naman ang gagamitan sa tanning lotion sa loob ng spa? Kung sa labas ay kapani-paniwala pa iyon.

"The last one, Mylene brought with her an empty cooler. All those things already undergone luminol testing but none was positive. Ibig sabihin ay wala sa tatlong bagay na iyon ang ginamit bilang murder weapon", wika pa nito. Well those things don't really make sense but I guess those are important clues in solving this case.

"Who's the first one to find the body?"

"It's Miss Mylene", sagot ng pulis. "Matapos makita aang katawan ay sumigaw siya which made the other two who were waiting on the seats outside to enter. Nakapagtatakang walang murder weapon dito. Naghanap na sa lahat ng bahagi ang mga pulis and the receptionist said that no one left the area."

With such information, I was able to draw some conclusion. An injury caused by a blow with hard object yet no weapon found. The test police said that it's already two hours since the victim died.

"I think I know who did it. No, I'm sure she did", wika ko at napalingon silang lahat sa akin.

"Hey wait. What is that kid saying?", tanong ni Meredith sa pulis. "Kanina pa siya nakikialam dito ah, why don't you question her? Maaring siya ang pumaslang kay Racquel."

"With all due respect Ma'am, but I didn't kill the victim. In fact it's one of the three of you", wika ko sa kanya at nagkatinginan silang tatlo at halos hindi makapaniwala.

"What's your proof then?"

"All I have is circumstantial proof but I'm positive about it", wika ko sa kanila and stared at the three of them.

"Then who did it and what was used as murder weapon?", tanong ni Miss Althea.

Naghintay silang lahat sa sasabihin ko. Even the police who used to sue as everytime we meddle with the cases ay nakinig din. Looks like most of them ay nasasanay na sa presenya namin nina Gray o di naman kaya ay ni Khael.

"Miss Mylene did it."

"What? Ano ba ang pinagsasabi mo? Dahil ba ako ang unang nakakita sa katawan?", galit na wika nito. She glared at me but I just ignore it.

"Paano mo naman nasabi iyan Amber? And what's the weapon used? Like I said, walang natagpuan na murder weapon sa paligid and the injury said that it's a deadly one", tanong ni Inspector Dean.

"The weapon vanished", wika ko at napatawa si Miss Mylene.

"Acting like a detective kid huh? But sorry to say this pero hindi magic ang krimeng ito upang mawala ng parang bula ang isang murder weapon", she said with a smirk.

"You made it vanished."

"Anong ibig mong sabihin?", Miss Meredith asked. "What's exactly the weapon used?"

"The three of you brought things that don't make sense inside the indoor spa and one of it was the tool in perfecting the crime", paliwanag ko sa kanila.

"Pero walang nagpositive sa luminol test", one police said.

"It's not those things mister police officer. Like I said, it's just a tool in carrying the murder weapon."

"Are you saying the cooler carry the weapon? Pero walang laman ang cooler", the inspector said.

"Exactly dahil nawala na iyon. Inside the cooler was a big bulk of ice na ginamit ng salarin sa pagpatay sa biktima. After commiting the crime, she threw the ice in the water kaya by now ay natunaw na ito. Hindi rin nakapagtatakang basa ang ulo ng biktima since she came from bathe kaya hindi siya paghihinalaan. Am I right, miss Mylene?", I asked and looked straight to her.

Unti-unti itong napaupo at napahawak sa ulo niya. "I thought I came up with a perfect plan of killing her but I failed. A high school student just solve the method that I just used. Shame on me", wika niya. "Balak ko talagang patayin si Racquel. She's being heartless kahit na officer in charge lang siya. Alam niyo bang siya ang nagpalit sa mga old and loyal employees natin? I hate her guts! I hate her. An she's planning for a company turnover upang at bawasan ang mga empleyado. Pinipilit din niya akong ibenta sa kanya ang aking shares. Bina-blackmail pa niya ako. That woman is a devil so she deserved to die that's why I gave death to her."

To our surprise ay hinarap siya ni Miss Althea. "You don't own her life so you don't have the right to take it away from her. Hindi ka Diyos upang ilagay ang hustisya sa kamay mo. And the shame isn't on you when a high school student exposed your method. The shame is when you killed someone, that's what you should be ashamed of."

Natigilan naman si Miss Mylene at napayuko na lamang as she surrendered herself to the police.

The case was solved and everything was back to normal. Balak ko na sanang bumalik sa cottage nina Mommy when someone call me.

"Hey.."

Napalingon ako sa nagsalita and it was Miss Althea. She was smiling as she walked towards me.

"Ako po ba ang tinatawag ninyo?", I asked, pointing myself.

"Yes dear", she smiled at me at hinawakan an kamay ko. "What's your name?"

"Ako po si Amber."

"Oh, hi Amber! I'm amazed. Actually, I'm a wife of a police and I have a highschool detective son so I want you to meet them, come", wika niya at hinawakan ako sa braso. She pulled me towards the exit at hinila ako palabas at bago pa man ako makapagprotesta ay binitawan na niya ako.

"Hey Mik! I just met a pretty detective!"

Napalingon ako sa nakasalubong namin and just as I thought, the Mik refers to Khael. Habang hinihila kasi ako ni Miss Althea ay saka ko pa lamang naalala na Alonzo ang apelyedo nito and when she said she's a policeman's wife and she had a highschool detective son ay si Khael na ang pumasok sa isip ko and she really is.

"Special A?"

"Uh, hi Khael.."

"Wait. What? You two know each other?", gulat na tanong ni Miss Althea err- Mrs. Atlthea Alonzo.

"Mom, she's from Bridle-"

"Siya ba aang madalas mong ikwento sa-" Bigla na lamang tinakpan ni Khael ang bibig ng kanyang mama. Nagtatakang napatingin ako sa kanila. Uh, seriously? Ano naman kaya ang ikinukwento ni Khael sa mama niya?

"Oh, Special A!", wika ni Khael at hindi pa rin binibitawan ang bibig ng mama niya. "You see, this woman here is so talkative kaya wag mo na lang siyang pansinin."

I smiled at him. Ang cute nilang tingnan ng mama niya. Mrs. Althea freed herself from Khael at sinamaan ito ng tingin. "Baka saan ka nanggaling Mikmik ha? Did you wash your hands?"

Khael frowned at her. "Mom, don't embarrass me in front of special A."

"Oh, hi Special A! I now met the one who's been the reason of my son's pimple and sleepless nights", nakangiting wika nito and she kissed my cheeks. "I'm Althea Alonzo but you can call me Tita Thea."

"Mom. I'm the only one allowed to call her Special A." Protesta ni Khael but his Mom just frowned at him.

"Okay Tita", wika ko at bahagyang ngumiti. Meh! Nagka-pimple pala si Khael? And sleepless nights? Waaah, it's not my fault.

"She just solved a case Mik-"

"Khael Mom."

"Aba ngayon ka pa mahihiya Mikmik! I always call you with such name!",Tita Althea said at bahagyang piningotan si Khael na agad namang nakaiwas.

"Mom, it sounded so gay and unmanly", wika ni Khael but Tita ignored him.

"Anyway, I really like her", nakangiting wika nito. "By the way, what are you doing here?"

"Pinahanap ka kasi ni Dad since you didn't answer your phone kaya hinanap kita. He's waiting for you in the cottage kaya umalis ka na at puntahan siya", Khael said with a grin at hinawakan ang balikat ng ina at bahagya itong tinulak palayo.

"Oh, there's a case and unfortunately I was one of the suspects so I undergone police questioning. I have to go Amber. It's nice seeing you again! Bye!", wika nito at nagmamadaling umalis. Tinanaw ko ang papalayong pigura nito bago humarap kay Khael.

"Your Mom is lovely and lively. Nagmana ka sa kanya", wika ko.

"Just the lively part. Hindi ko namana ang pagiging lovely sa kanya, I got my handsomeness from my Dad", he said at sinamaan ko siya ng tingin.

"Hey, who's with you Special A?"

"I'm with Mom and Dad."

"Really? Then maybe I should meet my future in-laws by now", nakangiting wika nito and I frowned at him. Like seriously?

Saka ko lamang napagtuonan ng pansin ang katawan nito. He was wearing a boardshort at wala itong suot na pang-itaas. He got a body, neither thin nor too bulky but just the right body and he look so - uh. I should say, hot. Napapalingon kasi dito ang mga kababaihan.

"It's okay Special A, pwede mong hawakan if you want to", he said at napakunot ang noo ko sa kanya

"What?"

"My abs. I know you're dying to -"

"Keep dreaming Khael", wika ko sa kanya at tinalikuran siya. Geez, I wasn't thinking about touching his abs okay! Uh, abs or whatever it is. Abs pa rin yata ang tawag doon. It's not like those displayed by male models but for me those bodies are scary! Mukha kasing mga taong bato! Just like this one that Khael had is perfect- uh! What am I saying? Kailan pa ako naging sucker for abs?

Well, I did glance a little when they played basketball once pero hindi ko pinagnasaan ang mga iyon! That's not my personality!

"Wait up Special A!", wika niya at sumabay ng lakad sa akin. "I'll treat you for halo-halo and I won't take no for an answer", he said at prenteng naglakad. He pulled me on a famous halo-halo stand on that resort and ordered for two.

"I'm glad that I found you here Special A", he said with a smile. "Actually, I'm always glad to see you. Kung pwede pa nga lamang ay araw-araw kitang bistahin sa Bridle."

Actually, he can do that but he must not. Kung araw-araw itong bibisita sa Bridle, ibig sabihin ay araw-araw din itong aakyat sa high walls ng Bridle and I just can't let that happen. Baka isang araw ay mahulog na lamang ito and I can't imagine if it will happen.

"Khael..."

"But of course I knew that I can't", wika niya. "Special A, I have so many personal things to say to you but I can't say it now lalo na at may mga kinakaharap kang problema, I know that you still didn't give up with the organization", wika niya. Napatitig ako sa kanya. I wonder what those things are and I'm really thankful for him being considerate, one of the things I admire about him.

I slowly nodded my head. "Yes, actually I'm cooling down as of now but I'm actually plotting plans on how to capture them.

"Don't you think you're going too far beyond?", seryoso niyang tanong at natigilan ako. Yes, I think I'm really going too far but I have this feeling to pursue them. Hindi kaya't nais ko lamang tulungan si Zywon? My mind says that the answer is no. Maybe there's another reason but I can't tell it by now.

Dumating na ang order namin kaya nagsimula na kaming kumain ni Khael. Matapos iyon ay nagpaalam na ako sa kanya upang bumalik sa cottage kung saan naghihintay sina Mommy at daddy.

Our bonding was fine. Nag-eenjoy kami sa ginawa naming pagraraft at paliligo sa dagat. I just realized that I missed moments like these with them. Nakakamiss pala ang ganito and I was a little younger when we had our last vacation. Nagkakatuwaan kami sa cottage when Dad's phone suddenly rang. Agad niyang kinuha iyon, and his happy face turned serious when he saw who was calling. He excused himself from us at nagpunta sa malayo bago sinagot ang tawag.

I don't know why but I have a bad feeling about it. Hindi kaya- uh. I don't want to think about it. Hindi naman nagtagal ay bumalik na si Daddy but he's face was serious. "Something came up and I have to leave. Sorry about it", wika niya sa amin. Mas lalong bumangon ang kaba sa dibdib ko. What was it about? Bakit wala siyang sinasabi?

"It's okay Hon, take us home first tutal kanina pa naman tayo dito", wika ni Mommy at sumang-ayon din ako. We brought our things on the car at agad na umalis doon dahil mukhang may urgent na meeting yata si Daddy.

"What happened?", tanong ni mommy habang lulan na kami ng sasakyan. I was sitting on the backseat at nakasulyap lamang sa rearview mirror where I can see Dad's expression.

"Ah, Manolo got some troubles with our big time client so I have to help", wika niya. His expression tells me that he is lying. But why?

"Ganoon ba?", I know you can handle that well Sweetheart", wika ni Mommy sa kanya and Dad smiled at her. Just like how they call me, they got all the endearment in the world for each other.

Mabuti na lamang at hindi traffic kaya mabilis kaming nakauwi sa bahay. Dad immediately changed into his business suit and kissed me and Mom goodbye. When I glanced at my watch ay mag-aalas singko nang hapon so mukhang nagtagal nga yata kami doon sa resort. Dad said that she will have a dinner meeting kaya hindi na namin siya makakasama over dinner at naitindihan naman namin iyon lalo na ni Mommy. I think she's the most understanding wife in the whole world. Kahit pa sobrang busy ni Daddy kung minsan, she never doubt him having an affair with any other woman.

Nagpaalam ako kay Mommy na magpapahinga muna ako sa silid ko after Dad left. I lay on my bed and think of the things that bugs me when Mom knocked on my door.

"I'll enter sweetie", she said at pumasok sa kwarto ko. She was wearing a formal dress nang maupo siya sa kama ko. "Your Tita Jocelyn just called and invited us for their silver anniversary. You want to come with me?"

I shook my head. Alam ni Mommy na ayaw ko sa mga pagtitipon and she understand me. "I'll stay here Mom. I have to rest kasi po balik-eskwela na ako bukas."

"Just as I thought. Okay Sweetie. Take care okay? I love you", she said and she kissed my hair at nagpaalam na. Nang makaalis ito ay may na-realize ako.

There's only me and a maid who's busy downstairs so that means that I have all the access on Daddy's things!

Agad na napabangon ako sa kama ko and I ran straight to the master's bedroom.

Desktop computer. Cabinet. Golf clubs. study table. Those were the things in the room. I checked the cabinet first but all I found were clothes. Sunod kong binuksan ay ang desktop computer. It doesn't have a password kaya hula ko ay wala importanteng impormasyon akong makakalap doon. I opt for the laptop which was luckily owned by Dad but unfortunately there was a password. I tried putting his name but it was unsuccessful. I tried again with his birthday but still no avail. The hint says that it's the name of the most important persons in your life. I tried putting Amethyst but still it was error.

I read the hint again.

PERSONS.

I tried entering my name and Mom's and I was successful. I was touched with Dad's simple efforts. We're the most important persons in his life.
Puro business and nasa mga documents and folders nito but I saw a folder with the name G. I opened it but there was still another folder so I opened it again but still a folder. It looks like I opened it ten times bago lumabas ang file na naroon! it was a name list!

Luigi Mondino Sr.
Dr. Preciosa Vergara.
Romaratie Jardin.
Ferdinand Tuazon.
Aldous Carpio.
Hermicio Las Nieves.
Jedidiah Eliazar.

What's with the list of people? Agad kong pinicturan iyon gamit ang aking cellphone and checked anything again in the laptop but there were none. Agad kong pinatay iyon and continued searching in the room. Napansin kong tila may bulky sa isang slacks ni daddy and there was his wallet! Agad kong binuksan iyon and I found 3 cash card mula doon from international and local banks. Gaya ng nabasa kong files ay pinicturan ko ang tatlong iyon and I immediately left the room when I heard a familiar horn from a car! Dad's car!

Nagmadali akong lumabas at nagkubli sa kwarto. He got his wallet and laptop at umalis ulit doon. Now I'm really suspicious! I have to go to the one person I have in mind.

I texted Mom and Dad na aalis na ako. I lied to them telling them that I have to go back to Bridle dahil may assignment akong nakalimutan. Lately I've been lying so much but I guess I have too. Eventhough their replies were late, I still received them while I was almost near my destination. They told me to take care and their I love you's.
I've been in this place for many times kaya alam ko na ang daan papunta doon. After I paid the cab ay naglakas loob akong humakbang patungo sa mataas na gate ng Vander mansion.

A guy with a big and bulky body meets me. I don't know if he's a guard or what basta ng alam ko ay nakakatakot itong tingnan.

"Ano ang ginagawa mo dito?", he said. He's not just scary looking but as well as he sounded scary too.

"I-I'm looking for -"

A car stopped in front of us at iniluwa niyon si Cooler. "Amber?"

"Cooler."

"Anong ginagawa mo dito? I didn't expect that you would miss me that much- just kidding", he said. Sinamaan ko kasi siya ng tingin. This is a serious situation so adlibs like those are not necessary.

"Kilala niyo po siya Zeus?", tanong ng lalaki at tumango si Cooler bago ako niyayang sumakay sa kotse at pumasok sa loob ng mataas na gate.

"Your guards are scary", komento ko.

"That's how they should be. Now, aside from you missed me, what else did you came here for?"

"I need to see Ryu", wika ko sa kanya at bigla itong napapreno. Tanaw ko na ang mansion but why the hell did he stop?

"Ouch! Si Ryu?", he asked bago muling pinaandar ang kotse. "I didn't expect that."

I gave him a deadly glare. "Don't get me wrong Cooler. I have some important things to ask Ryu", wika ko at napabuntong-hininga naman ito.

"Good then. I thought- nevermind", wika niya at ipinark ang kotse sa garahe. I went out the car and stared at the mansion. Kahit ilang beses na akong nakapunta doon ay hindi ko pa rin maiwasang kabahan. Inside this beautiful house were people with bloody hands. Iginiya niya ako sa pagpasok and just like the usual, no one was on the huge living room.

He got his phone and dialled a number. "Hey, someone named Amber is looking for you downstairs", wika niya at agad na pinatay ang tawag. Hula ko ay si Ryu ang kausap nito.

"Now, won't you tell me kung ano ang pag-uusapan ninyo ni Ryu?", Cooler said at nakapameywang na hinarap ako.

"It's confidential Cooler. I have to keep it private between Ryu and me.

"Private, my ass! I will kill that bastard! Palihim pala niya kaming inaahas ni Gray! I will kill that traitor if ever-"

"Who's the traitor that you will kill?"

Sabay kaming napalingon ni Cooler sa hagdan. Bumaba doon si Ryu and he wasn't surprised to see me.

"No one. Hey, did you put a spell on Amber? Why is she looking for-"

"Shut up Zeus", wika ni Ryu at humarap sa akin. "What's this visit all about?"

I sighed and stared at Cooler for a while. It's my way of saying that he should leave dahil mag-uusap kami ni Ryu but instead, he sat down on the sofa comfortably at nakade-kwatro pa.

"Dito lang ako. I won't leave the two of you alone", wika niya.

"Cooler."

"I don't hear anything."

"Zeus."

"Not even from an old monkey cousin of mine."

"Cooler please."

Bigla na lamang akong hinila ni Ryu papunta sa hagdan. "You pushed me to do it Cooler so we'll talk on my room and it's up for you to think what we are going to do", wika ni Ryu at galit naman na napatayo si Cooler mula sa kinauupuan.

"You bastard!"

"You made me do it", sagot ni Ryu.

"I'll call for backup", wika ni Cooler at nanggagalaiting kinuha ang cellphone and dialled a number.

Ryu continued pulling me upstairs hanggang sa makarating kami sa harap ng isang pinto. He opened it and it was the room that was full of computers and laptops. Ni hindi ko alam kung nagagamit ba niya ang lahat ng iyon. He locked the door at hinarap ako. "Now, speak."

"I need your help."

He smirked at me. "For what?"

"For hacking some bank transactions. You can do it right?", wika ko sa kanya at nagtagpo ang kilay nito.

"Why me?"

"Because you're the best hacker." Well that's what he said but I haven't really witnessed and proved how good he is.

"Your eyes tell me that you're lying.

I exhaled out of boredom. Walang patutunguhan ang usapang ito. "Fine. I asked for your help because you're the only hacker that I know. How about that?"

"Sounds better? But why should I help you?"

Mas lalong gusto kong maubusan ng pasensya. "Because you're a good Samaritan. Let's stop this nonsense conversation okay? Can we start now?"

He stared blanky at me bago naupo sa swivelchair na nasa gilid ng kama. He faced the computer there so I sat on the bed and stared at the monitor too.

"You owe me big for this. What am I gonna do?", tanong niya sa akin. I showed him the photos of the cards that I found on Dad's wallet.

"I want you to trace who owns this card and how much balance it has", wika ko sa kanya.

He entered the numbers 0023862 08469 74268 at may kung anu-ano pang lumabas sa screen na hindi ko maintindihan.

Loading.....

Waiting for approval.....

Please enter a password.....

Ryu entered a series on numbers and letters na walang kahirap-hirap and then he pressed the enter button and then WELCOME TO SUNRISE BANKING AND FINANCE COMPANY.
He entered some numbers again and then something black popped on the screen.

THE REQUEST YOU ARE TRYING IS REJECTED. WE SECURE OUR CLIENTS IN SUNRISE.

Ryu pressed something at muling nag-enter ng kung anu-ano doon hanggang sa may nag-popped up na THANK YOU. PLEASE ENTER YOUR CARD NUMBER.

Tiningnan niya ang nasa picture and entered the numbers found on the first card. It loads for a while and I almost rise from the bed I was sitting when SUCCESS popped.

Bernard M. Sison, card number 1009 3982 7893 0001. Balance Php 178 000.

Nakahinga ako ng maluwag. See? Nothing is suspicious in Dad's account kaya nagkakamali si Zywon.

"Tsk, you want to see your Dad's money huh?", komento niya.

"I have reasons, you devil. Here's another one."

I showed him the other picture at gaya kanina ay andami niyang inilagay na numbers and letters until it popped up SUCCESS again.

Lewis and Lewis, Trust Co. Bernard M. Sison, card number 9000063 892436 aa0985. Balance, Php 208 000.

It was bigger than the first one but it's still not suspicious. I sighed in relief bago pina-hack ulit ang natitirang card. The process went just like the first two hanggang sa nagpopped up doon ang WELCOME TO INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF ITALY. PLEASE ENTER YOUR CARD REFERENCE.

Ryu entered the numbers in the card and it goes through but it was of maximum security. He tried again but it always says FAILED. Not surprising at all, the bank is a known international bank with a high market capitalization kaya hindi rin basat-basta ang banking security iyon.

"This one's tough but no one can escape Apollo, the Hacker", Ryu said and smirked on his own. He pressed more numbers and letters from the keyboard and it took him a while in doing so. The room was fully-aircondiotioned yet he was sweating all over, tanda na hindi madali ang ginagawa nito.

After few tries ay nagpopped up na nga ang salitang SUCCESS and I barely can't breathe when I read the name registerd in such international bank.

Rovan Allejo III.

With billions on its account. Halos tumigil na ako sa paghinga. My mind is blocked and I can't breathe. Mabuti na lamang at nakaupo ako dahil kung nakatayo pa ako ay malamang kanina pa ako natumba.

"Pretty rich man." Komento ni Ryu.

"C-can you please search who's that man?", I asked him with shaking voice.

"When you said search, do you mean on facebook?"

I shook my head. "I know I'm asking too much but can you hack some government sites? I want to know more about that man and I want to know how much his latest statement of assets, liabilities and networth was."

"Okay, got it", Ryu said and he did something na hindi ko na halos maintiindihan. Rovan Allejo III. That's what is bothering me so much at mas lalo pa ngayon.

"Here. He declared a 150 million SALN but this is not just it."

Nagtatakang napatingin ako sa kanya. "He got different accounts in different names from different banks, here and abroad. Who's this guy Amber?", tanong niya sa akin. "I found it based on an underground banking transaction because mafia accounts are just like this one."

Naramdaman ko ang pagtulo ng mga luha mula sa mga mata ko at tumingin ako ng diretso kay Ryu. "Don't tell anyone about this please. Let's keep this a secret between us. Please?"

Pinunasan ni Ryu ang mga naglandas na luha sa mata ko but they just keep on falling and I don't know why. "Please Ryu, promise me...."

"Hindi ko alam kung bakit ka umiiyak, I thought witches don't shed tears because they will lose their powers", wika niya at hindi ko pinansin ang sinabi niya. "Fine, I promised." He stood up from the swivel chair and I felt his arms snake around me, hugging me. For the first time ay nagmistula akong batang umiiyak sa harap ni Ryu and as he hugged me ay tila mas lalo ko pang gusto umiyak.

I don't know why but I found a different kind of comfort as I hugged him back. Itinayo niya ako mula sa kama and he pulled me closer to him while I buried my face in his chest as I cried. I never imagine a moment like this with him but it just felt different. There's something like there's a different kind of bond between as. A connection. A connection which pushed me to cry all my way into his chest no matter how much we used to hate each other before.

I felt his chin on my head and the only thing that was heard on that room was my sobs. Yes, I let it all go. Mukhang tama si Zywon.

But why Daddy? Why?

I heard some loud noise but I ignored those. Maybe those are just noise from my loud sobbing and then there was a louder noise and the next thing I knew was that someone pulled me from Ryu and that someone punched him on the face.

Bahagyang napaatras si Ryu and good thing there was his desktop computer upang sumuporta sa kanya but the motherboard fell and it made a loud thud noise on the tiled floor.

I stared at Gray's angry face. Wait.

Gray?

He's here?

Napansin ko rin si Cooler na nasa tabi, smirking his way to Ryu na kasalukuyang pinunasan ang dugo mula sa labi nito. Did Gray punch that much? Sa tuwing nasusuntok kasi nito si Ryu ay nagkakasugat talaga ito sa labi.

"What have you done bastard?", he shouted at Ryu and he hid me on his back.

"Nothing! Who told you I have done something?", naiinis na tanong ni Ryu. "Nevermind. I think I have an idea", wika niya at sinulyapan si Cooler.

"I told you I'd call for backup. See he destroyed the door because of his adrenaline rush just by hearing Amber's cry", wika ni Cooler at napalingon ako sa pinto. It was really broken at nakatayo doon ang mga reaper na tila amused sa mga nangyayari. Mnemosyne was frowning all the way as she stared at me and Ryu while the others looked amused on the broken door and on us.

"Whoah. Never messed up with the jealous youngest Vander", wika ni Artemis at nag-whistle as she looked at the broken door. The knob was broken so as the bolts and screws. When I stared at Gray's fist, it was starting to turn dark violet. Did he use his fist in the door's knob and the same fist on punching Ryu?

"Err.. I haven't destroy a door here no matter how hard I tried too", Eros said.

"Ako rin, hindi pa", dagdag ni Hermes and then Ryu shouted at them.

"JUST SHUT THE FUCK UP AND LEAVE THIS ROOM IMMEDIATELY!!"

Napayuko naman ang mga reapers bago ito nawala mula doon.

"Now, explain everything", wika ni Gray. Malakas ang paraan ng paghinga nito, and it seems like Cooler's afraid of his brother's mood too.

"Ano ang sinabi mo sa kanya Cooler?", tanong ni Ryu dito.

"I told him that you brought Amber on your room- fine! My fault! I'm just jealous", he said and he looked down. "Sorry." He said sincerely. Maybe he passed wrong information to Gray, causing the latter to hit Ryu. Kawawa naman ito. I just asked for his help at ito pa ang naging masama.

"Gray.... Walang masamang ginawa si Ryu", wika ko sa kanya. He calmed a little when he saw some remnants of tears on my cheeks. "In fact he helped me."

"Are you sure?"

I nodded. "Since Cooler apologized, you have to apologize too."

"No way."

"Gray..."

"Ayaw ko!"

"Gray...."

"Fine. Sorry."

"Could you atleast put some emotions on it?"

"Sorry emotions", he said lazily.

"Silvan!"

"Fine! I'm sorry evil smirking king", he said at lumapit dito. "I've been too hotblooded. Punch me if you want to so we'll be even", wika niya at bahagyang napayuko.

"You might not survive it if I will punch you", sagot ni Ryu and he pat Gray on his shoulders at nilagpasan kami. He was about to leave the room when he stopped. "And hey Vanders, apology accepted.", he said and disappeared from the door.

#

-ShinichiLaaaabs