Edward Dace.

19. September.
Sunday, 3:00 p.m.
372A High Street.

372A HIGH STREET. At last. It was a tedious trip home. The moment we stepped out of the bus, the four of us split up and ran in different directions, only to meet up in front of Sir Lance's house once we're sure we're not being followed anymore.

I know we're prone to engaging in activities that may make innocent bystanders question our sanity and well-being, but we had a valid reason for scattering like sheep in field struck by lightning.

We were being followed by paparazzis.

Exciting, I know.

And definitely scary, but it honestly made me feel important—I could not deny that.

The four of us lounged at the living room, mostly to catch our breaths. Laevateinn won the privilege of crashing on the couch face first, so Futhark plopped on the remaining chair and I sat on Laevateinn's legs. It honestly felt like sitting on two, thick bamboo sticks, but it's better than nothing and I was too tired to complain.

Si Joyeuse na ubod nang arte noon, ang drama queen na si Joyeuse na hindi kailanman humiga o umupo man lang sa sahig noon ay natutulog ngayon sa sahig, habang nakayakap at nakaunan kay Fenrir. Buti hindi nagseselos si Lae na noong Biyernes pa magkadikit sina Joyeuse at Fenrir.

After fifteen minutes of us sitting and regaining composure in silence, I finally told them in between tired laughters, "So. That was a ride."

Futhark leaned back on the chair, the backrest cradling his head comfortably. He chuckled breathily. "Hindi ko akalaing may susunod sa atin hanggang sa bahay nina Joyeuse at hanggang sa San Lorenzo."

"I'm used to being internet famous," I went on, "but this is the first time that a crowd wanted to talk to me."

"Sanay na ako sa mga may gustong magpa-picture sa 'kin, hehehe..."

"Si Lae, tumakas. Pagkakataon mo na sanang maging artista."

Laevateinn, who had his face pressed against the couch, mumbled, "They're not making a new Superman movie."

"I kept telling you," Joyeuse, still lying on the floor with his head resting on Fenrir, said, "we need to keep a low profile. All these media attention is dangerous."

"I agree," Futhark said. "Lalo na't GB6 ang nag-cover kahapon sa libing."

"Anong problema sa GB6?" I asked, then realised after a few seconds. "It's about your dad, isn't it? Malaking issue kapag nalaman nilang anak ng isang Henrik Whitdur si Kiel Alf Gomez ang Psychology student ng Seven-Minute Semblance."

Futhark nodded.

I shrugged. "Let's all agree it's Joyeuse's fault that we got the media's attention."

"Agreed," Laevateinn said in a muffled voice.

"Mm-hmm," Futhark said, standing up.

Joyeuse sat up. "Why?"

"You're the one who decided to be a drama queen and deduce shit in front of everyone." I took out my phone from my pocket and felt further down for my lucky charm. Yep, the four-leafed clover's still in my pocket.

"Excuse me, aren't you the one who made a scene at Anna's funeral?"

"'Wag na kayong mag-away," Futhark said. "Ipaghahanda ko na lang kayo ng meryenda kaya maupo na lang kayo r'yan, ha?" He went to the kitchen.

I hopped away from the couch and took Futhark's seat. I raised both of my feet up on the chair's armrest. "Let's see if somebody tweeted about us."

"I doubt you'll find a tweet." Joyeuse blew raspberries. "How are you even going to—"

"Oh look there's a few under the hashtag Seven-Minute Semblance."

Joyeuse sat on the armrest of the chair I was sitting at. "Let me see."

I showed him a tweet that read:

#SevenMinuteSemblance is peak college teamwork. Sana all may matatalinong kaibigan sa ibang course.

Joyeuse scoffed. "Peak college teamwork?"

"Ang gusto siguro nilang sabihin ay kapag nagtulung-tulungan ang bawat course—"

"I understand Filipino, Irish, and Kapampangan well, Edward Dace, move on to the next tweet."

'Di mo nga naintindihan 'yong jejemon na message ni Joriz Pineda, sinong niloloko mo.

Other universities should adapt that special curriculum #SevenMinuteSemblance is enrolled in. We need more students like them.

"Edward Dace, tell me..." Joyeuse crossed his arms and drummed his fingers against them. "Didn't Lance and Dr. Lo specified that the initiative was confidential?"

I paused. "I... I wasn't the one who mentioned about the special curriculum."

"Futhark?" Joyeuse called.

Futhark poked his head from the kitchen. "Yes?"

"Did you mention anything about the special curriculum yesterday?"

"Nope!" Futhark disappeared into the kitchen once again.

"Huh."

Futhark suddenly jumped out to the living room with a panicky look on his face. "Nabanggit ko na magkakaklase tayo sa curriculum!"

"But you didn't say anything about it being special, right?" I asked.

Moment of silence.

Futhark snapped his fingers. "Hindi ba si Joyeuse 'yong naunang nagsabing I can't believe I have to stick with you for four years?"

Joyeuse shook his head. "Edward said I'm a Mass Communication student, not a bloody detective first."

"We're not going to accomplish anything by saying who said what," I said. "Siguro mas maganda kung pagpaplanuhan natin ang mga susunod nating gagawin, ngayong gumagawa ng tunog ang pangalan natin."

They both nodded in agreement.

It was me.

I was the one who said we belong to a special curriculum. I was the one who blabbed.

I could see myself getting expelled.

Che Dio abbia pietà della mia anima.

Look, I didn't do it on purpose. Surely there was lack of common sense and absolutely no presence of mind in my part but if we're going to talk about lack of common sense then we'd have all of our biographies combined for proof and reference.

In fact I could simply pick out any day in my life and go, "We got into trouble because we didn't think this one through." Or "We got into trouble because the Seven-Minute Semblance boys share one braincell and Fenrir had it at the moment."

It was Friday afternoon and the Coronado Chronicles staff went home to San Lorenzo while the four of us stayed and waited for Joyeuse's brother Cole to pick us up.

Masyadong maliit ang sports car ni Kuya Cole para sa 'ming apat at sa mga gamit namin kaya ilang minuto naming pinag-usapan kung sino ang dalawang maswerteng makasasakay sa Mustang, at ang dalawang mag-aalay lakad o sasakay sa jeep.

Kami ni Joyeuse ang Mustang.

Ang Mustang-a pagdating sa bato-bato-piks. Wala kaming naipanalo kina Lae at Fu, kaya silang dalawa ang babiyahe nang naka-aircon. Futhark volunteered to walk, but we pitied him so much and we wanted him to relax for a while so we didn't argue about the transportation that much.

Siguro ay hindi rin komportable si Fenrir sa sports car kaya inutusan s'ya ni Lae na sumama sa 'min ni drama queen. Joyeuse liked that. Hindi umalis si Fenrir sa tabi n'ya buong maghapon.

Maybe it was the result of the therapy sessions with Theresa, because Joyeuse was awfully quiet the whole trip and he didn't even mention my height, my credentials, and my academic competence.

He just petted Fenrir's head as we walked and listened to my rants.

Bumabait ka na, drama queen. Magpapamisa ako mamaya.

The meeting place was at the Uresonderries' residence. Surprisingly, nobody followed us. Siguro ay wala masyadong nakaaalam sa bahay nila.

Sa sala kami nagtrabaho, na parang gumagawa lang kami ng thesis. Si Lae, taga-type sa Excel ng mga pangalan, oras, at contact number na nakita n'ya sa guest book ng art studio. Ako, taga-print ng pictures ng crime scene, taga-play ng CCTV footages sa TV, at taga-document ng mga nangyayari.

Si Joyeuse ang dakilang taga-utos. Si Fenrir, nakahiga sa lap ng reyna, talagang hindi n'ya iniiwan. Ano kayang isinuhol ni Joyeuse sa asong 'yon.

Ah, si Futhark pinagluto kami ng meryenda.

"And 'ere are t'e copies of t'e casefile Ma currently 'ave," Cole Rey said, giving Joyeuse a folder.

Joyeuse took the folder and checked each document, scratching Fenrir's ear as he did so. He looked like an evil villain with his hellhound.

Joyeuse frowned. "It's just the police report and a few pictures of the scene. Edward Dace has this."

"Kahapon lang nangyari 'yong krimen," Futhark said, peeking through Joyeuse's shoulder. "Kaunti pa lang ang nakukuhang ebidensya sa crime scene."

"We have more evidence gathered than them?" Joyeuse swatted Futhark away from his shoulder. Futhark frowned and sat beside Laevateinn, who has already given up on typing.

Naupo ako sa sahig at sumandok ng noodles. "Dati—and I tell you, this is a true story—nawala 'yong phone ko sa tricycle kaya pumunta ako sa barangay para ipa-check 'yong CCTV. Balak ko sanang sundan 'yong tricycle. Perkele, naka-day-off daw 'yong operator at perkele ulit, wala nang kumausap sa 'kin sa barangay hall."

"Kaya ba nag-aral kang mang-hack ng CCTV footages?" Futhark asked.

"No, marunong na ako noon. That was, however, the reason why I don't feel guilty hacking into them. Wala namang operator, hindi naman gumagana 'yong iba, so imbis na masayang ang tax ng mamamayan, gamitin ko na para sa ikabubuti ng lahat."

"Hmm." Joyeuse furrowed his brows at the casefile Cole handed him. "They didn't run tests on the blood splatter on the floor?"

"Baka naman hindi pa dumarating 'yong test results?" Futhark suggested.

Joyeuse scratched his head. "You just spray luminol and hover blacklight above it! They're available in handy torch-sizes!"

"Ye want me tae shift it an' buy luminol, UV lights, and 'ead over t'e studio?" Corey said, his seriousness making it hard for me to distinguish whether that was sarcasm or not.

"Don't be absurd," Joyeuse said. So Cole Rey was joking. "Have someone else to buy them for you."

Cole Rey and Jule Lewis Uresonderry were not joking.

Joyeuse squinted his eyes at a certain picture from the casefile Cole gave him. He showed it to Laevateinn. "Look at the cuts on her neck. What do you think is the murder weapon?"

Cole scowled and clenched his fists. Should we really do this in his presence?

Sigurado akong masakit para sa kanya na marinig kung paano pinatay si Anna. Kahit ako na hindi gano'n ka-close kay Anna ay napatitiklop.

"Knife," Laevateinn answered.

"Of course it should be a knife," I said. "You can't cut someone with a gun."

"I could slit your throat with a pen," Laevateinn said. He ran his thumb across his neck with a threateningly scary smirk.

"Bad."

"Pero hindi ba may guard na nagche-check ng mga bag?" Futhark asked. "Siguro naman ginawa 'yon ng security guard sa McDo."

"McDo?"

Futhark blinked then shook his head. "I mean sa ano! 'Yung lugar. Basta."

"Wala namang nag-check ng bag natin bago tayo pumasok kagabi, ah?" I said.

"Because we weren't carrying any bags, Edward Dace," Joyeuse said between his teeth.

"T'en 'ow did t'e bastard smuggled a knife in?" Corey asked.

"It's not a kitchen knife, no. Remember they're in an art studio."

"Ganyan 'yong tono ng mga teachers ko noon kapag may pinapahulaan sila," I said. "Nagsisimula ba sa letter A, titser?"

"Ed," suway ni Futhark.

Right. Dead fiancée.

"It's a putty knife," Laevateinn clarified.

"They're not even that sharp," I said.

"She was killed with so much passion," Joyeuse absentmindedly said, studying another picture.

Cole Rey stood up. "I'm sorry, I'll be in me room if ye need me." Then he went upstairs.

Naiwan kaming tahimik sa sala.

Futhark broke the silence. "Let's discuss how all of you lack empathy," he reprimanded sternly.

"Bakit pati ako?" I protested. "Hindi ba kay drama queen ang title na apathetic?"

I thought Joyeuse would utter a stinging burn to retort, but he kept a blank face and simply scratched the spot behind Fenrir's ear.

"Edward, hindi ka dapat nagbibiro sa harap ni Kuya Rey. And Laevateinn, anong 'I could slit your throat with a pencil'? Isipin n'yo muna ang mga sasabihin n'yo bago kayo magsalita."

"I would feel more comfortable if you didn't talk too, Futhark," Joyeuse said. He didn't seem like he's saying it in contempt, it sounded like a genuine request. "When I hear your voice, my stomach starts churning and it makes me want to boke."

Aaand now he's back to being an asshole.

"'Wag kang magkakape nang isang linggo, ha." Futhark frowned. "Ina-acid ka na sa sobrang kape."

Joyeuse ignored him to study the casefile.

"I can't believe Futhark used me as an example of a naughty kid," Laevateinn said, shaking his head.

"Pinapagaan ko lang naman ang atmosphere kaya ako nagbiro," I said, shaking my head as well. "Hindi ko naman alam na insensitibo 'yon."

"Futhark why are you being mean to us?" Laevateinn asked.

See how the tables have turned?

Futhark was confused. "I-I'm sorry?"

"Futhark, please shut up," Joyeuse said, placing the morbid pictures on the coffee table. "The culprit could've been painting with Anna before they killed her. That means they could spill and scatter all paint they want and not be suspicious for having paint on them."

"Wait, how sure are we that the murder weapon was a putty knife?" I asked.

"70%. The cut wasn't clean. Something that only a dull knife or something that is not a knife would make."

Of course the cut wasn't clean, there's blood.

"Laevateinn, who entered the studio before us?" Joyeuse asked.

"A girl with the name Patricia Chan," Laevateinn answered.

Futhark raised his hand. "Pero hindi ba basta pumasok sa art studio, naglilista ng pangalan? Ibig sabihin, hindi lahat ng nakalista sa guestbook ay sa private art room ni Anna pumasok."

Sinilip ko ang listahan na ginawa ni Laevateinn. "Hmm... Itong Marco Judeo, suspicious."

Joyeuse raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"Tunog Judas ang pangalan."

Elise, Joyeuse's mum, walked in on us. "Jumping into conclusions based on their names? Appalling attitude for a detective."

"Hi po, Tita Elise," Futhark greeted and waved.

"Hello, Mum," Laevateinn and I chorused. Halos pareho sila ng sinabi sa 'kin ni Joyeuse tungkol sa jumping into conclusions.

"Is that your wolf, Fenrir?" Elise asked Laevateinn, pointing at Fenrir, who's sleeping on Joyeuse's lap. Laevateinn nodded.

"Elise, have you conducted interviews?" Joyeuse asked. Not even a hello to his mum.

"Just this morning." Elise sat beside Futhark, her eyebrows meeting from the sight of the pictures on the table. "Where did you get these?"

"Edward Dace took them."

Elise checked the pictures in awe. "It's as if a professional took them."

I chuckled bashfully, turning pink. "Well, I'm rich and I can buy a good phone."

"I'm not talking about the quality. You know what to take and you know how to take them."

"Lance taught us," Joyeuse said.

"Ah, Lance taught you. As expected of his students. Did he come here with you?"

We all shot each other a glance.

"Lance is no longer our adviser." Joyeuse's scowl worsened. "We're on our own now."

"Why?"

We were silent.

"Mummy, who are your suspects and what are their alibis?" Joyeuse asked. He diverted his attention to patting and brushing Fenrir's fur. By experience, I felt like he's anxious about something.

"I narrowed it down to five," Elise replied. "Two of them were visitors, three of them were workers in the building. Patricia and Joven were the visitors. Patricia claimed that at the time of Anna's murder, she was waiting for her friends at Chasse Neige. Joven claimed that he was at McDonald's an hour before the murder and he went straight home. He lived alone, so he had no one to vouch for him."

We listened carefully.

"The workers," Elise continued, "Sofia, the cleaning lady, said she was cleaning at the same floor. Pol, the security guard, said he was stuck in his post from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.. He had dinner, then resumed to his post at 7:30."

"Is that the security guard who wanted to give Laevateinn candy?" I asked.

Laevateinn nodded.

Elise went on, "And then the last suspect was Jose, a janitor. He said at the time of the murder, he's cleaning the restrooms."

"Walang CCTV 'yong building kaya hindi natin sigurado kung totoo mga alibi nila," I said again.

Elise was amused. "You do know what to look for, huh. No wonder you won a bet against my son."

I turned red. "Ehehehe, it's nothing."

"He didn't ask for the CCTVs because of Anna," Joyeuse said defensively. "He asked it because he wanted to add something to his blackmail. It was purely coincidental."

I muttered quickly, "Video footage po ng kiss nila ni Futhark."

"Ed!" Futhark screeched and hit my shoulder.

Joyeuse looked absolutely sick and started retching. Elise gave Joyeuse a classic we-need-to-talk look. She tutted and told the two, "After we solve Anna's murder, I'm going to talk to the two of you."

Bzzzt, bzzzt.

Tunog ng doorbell. Joyeuse stood up to escape our mockery. "I'm going to see who it is."

"Eh, tatakas ka lang." I got up and followed him to the door out of curiosity and just in case he really escaped. Fenrir followed us.

Joyeuse rolled his eyes at me (but I saw him smiling at Fenrir, this ass) and got out of the door, opening the gates.

"Hi, I came here as soon as I could," said D.I. of Hotness, Cassandra Aragon. She waved her hand and smiled at Joyeuse. She wore an elegant black tunic dress and white low-heeled sandals. Her hair was messily braided to the side.

Joyeuse could not believe his eyes, but he looked amazed, relieved, and happy. He was speechless, probably because Cassandra looked like she's dressed for a date.

Cassandra pursed her lips, unsure what to make of Joyeuse's reaction. Then she raised her bag and grinned. "I brought some forensic tools, in case you're up for investigating." She leaned closer and whispered, "Don't tell my precinct but I brought our only blacklight with me."

She wasn't dressed for a date.

Joyeuse instantly threw his arms around her, burying his face on her shoulder. Cassandra was shocked for a second, but her expressions softened.

Maybe I should go back inside and tell Elise that she would have to talk to this fine young lady instead of Futhark.

Joyeuse wasn't pulling away. We heard him ask, his voice muffled, "Did you bring your police ID?"

Cassandra nodded. "My uniform's in the car too."

Joyeuse let go and turned to me. "Please leave us alone."

I grimaced and sneered. "Fine. Tara na sa loob, Fenrir."

"No, no, Fenrir stays with me."

I returned inside with a frown and several theories why they wanted to talk alone. Elise and the others were still musing at the pictures.

"Who was it?" Elise asked.

"Let's see," I replied, "Calliope, the girl from COE, 'yong gumawa ng assignment n'ya no'ng isang araw... si lifeboat #9 po."

Futhark narrowed his eyes. "Sino?"

"Ate Cassandra."

"Bakit nagpunta rito si Ate Cass?"

"For Joyeuse, apparently. May bitbit s'yang forensics shit."

"You realise Pampanga has their own police force," Elise said. "And I may not allow undergraduates to work on this case."

"But you'll let us in the case because we're adorable and useful, right?" I gave her my widest smile. She suppressed a grin.

"Detective Inspector po si Ate Cass, Tita," Futhark said. "Katulong po s'ya ni Sir Lance sa pag-handle sa 'min."

Elise was even more confused. "Has my son ever dated someone who's younger than him?"

"Kasing-edad po n'ya si Futhark, magka-birthday pa sila," I said.

"Hindi ko nga po jowa si Joyeuse," Futhark pleaded.

"What can I do, my children are charismatic." Elise shrugged. "It's their drama queen of a father's fault. Wee fella's got a better skincare routine than me."

I joked, "'Yong charisma po ng pangalawa n'yong anak, parang nag-e-edge po sa psychopathy."

Pinandilatan na naman ako ng mata ni Futhark. "That's not a good joke, Edward."

I zipped my mouth.

Cassandra and Joyeuse entered the room.

"Ma," Joyeuse called, sitting down on the floor beside Elise and introducing Cassandra, who remained standing. "This is Detective Cassandra Aragon of San Lorenzo. You should remember her, she ratted me out to the police before and you had to pick me up at... doesn't matter."

Joyeuse trailed off and hugged Fenrir instead, acting interested in a picture of the crime scene.

"Ah, yes," Elise recalled. "That police academy student from Mt. Sposa. How old are you back then? 18? 19?"

"18," Cassandra answered. She sat beside Futhark.

Elise laughed at the memory. "You're the one who reported my son for sel—"

"I SAID IT DOESN'T MATTER!" Joyeuse yelled.

We were silent. Nagulat ako sa biglang pagsigaw ni drama queen. Stressed yata, no'ng isang araw pa.

Futhark's lip was tight. He must be feeling the awkwardness in the air since he looked away too. Si Laevateinn naman, inubos na 'yong noodles.

Joyeuse pointed at the casefile folder. "Let's focus on the case, the case!" He slammed his hand on the table. "Ma! What's the murder weapon?"

"Calm down first," Elise said. "The results haven't arrived yet."

Fenrir licked Joyeuse's cheek, so the drama queen calmed down a bit. "Did you check the blood stain outside the room?"

"I was thinking that the culprit dropped the weapon." Elise scanned the pictures on the table.

"Or it was a shoeprint that he tried to erase with bleach." Joyeuse looked down meditatively.

"There weren't any footprints in the crime scene"—Elise stood up—"the room was covered with paint so it's hard to see where to look for forensic evidence. And aside from the blood on Anna, we didn't find any other traces of blood."

"Can we schedule another interview with the suspects, Ma?"

"We have issued a subpoena for all of them. We'll have another interview tomorrow."

"Can we talk to them?"

"You're not policemen, you can't talk to suspects and you can't go undercover."

Joyeuse smiled. "Okay, Mum."

Elise, Cassandra, and Futhark sighed and shook their heads. Parang nag-isa ang mga utak nila.

"Payagan n'yo na po si Joyeuse, Tita," sabi ni Futhark. "Kasi hahanap po s'ya ng ibang paraan para makausap 'yong mga 'yon."

"Agreed," Cassandra said. "Then he'll get himself into trouble after trouble."

"Fine," Elise said. "I'll let you talk to them tomorrow, but only for a few minutes. You boys can sleep over."

Joyeuse cut his looks between me and Futhark.

Sumimangot ako sa kanya. "Ano, pinipili mo na naman kung sinong Pokémon ang bibitbitin mo bukas?"

Joyeuse nodded. "It's hard to choose, but I guess I'm bringing Laevateinn."

"I'm the chosen Pokémon," Laevateinn said nonchalantly.

"Hindi ba mas effective na lie detector machine si Fu?"

"Though mas matalas ang tainga ni Edward," Futhark said.

"And that's why I'm bringing Laevateinn." Joyeuse snapped his fingers. "Because the two of you are idiots."

Futhark frowned. Gusto kong lapitan 'yong gago para makasapak nang isa, kaso nand'yan 'yong nanay. Patay ka sa 'kin mamaya pag-alis ni Tita Elise.

"Cassadra, dear," Elise called. "Are you staying at a hotel or are you staying here with us?"

"I'm going to book a hotel room, ma'am," Cassandra answered. I noticed her glancing at Joyeuse, but he was gazing at the empty plates.

"You can use Jule's room if you want to."

Joyeuse snapped out of his thoughts. "Pardon?"

Elise slapped the air. "Oh come on, you can sleep here at the living room with your friends."

"Absolutely not. That's my room. Why can't Casey just sleep on the couch?"

"Is that how a gentleman would treat a lady?"

Joyeuse raised an eyebrow. "What, I said couch, not the floor."

Cassandra forced laughter. "It's okay, Mrs. Uresonderry."

Elise suddenly clapped her hands once. "You're the Cassandra Aragon with two cold cases?"

Cassandra almost turned blue. She mustered a smile amidst the embarrassment. "Yes, I'm that Cassandra."

"Cold cases?" I asked.

"The murder at Juniper Street and Orchid Street"—Cassandra crossed her arms—"because Joriz Pineda and Oliver Ramos died."

"Isn't that Joyeuse's cold ca... oh."

Joyeuse might be frustrated with the cold cases but imagine just how frustrated Cassandra was, since officially, she's the detective handling those cases.

"Buuut," Cassandra added, "we caught Yukio Okada, the one who killed Oliver Ramos so we got that going for us." She glared at Joyeuse afterwards, as if saying, ask your mum to stop talking about the cold cases.

Joyeuse, being the insensitive prick, didn't get what Cassandra was telling him. Luckily Elise felt Cassandra's awkwardness. She said, "Well then, I'll crack on and check in on Cole. Order food for dinner, Jule."

"Why can't Futhark cook dinner for us?" Joyeuse asked.

Elise was already halfway the stairs. "Because I didn't shop for groceries."

Joyeuse turned to me. "You heard Elise. Order dinner." I scowled at him.

"Jule, let us get this straight." Cassandra crouched beside Joyeuse and looked at him with determined eyes. "We're going to solve this case before your mother does."

Joyeuse grinned airily. "Sounds good to me."

"It's not a competition," Futhark reminded us. "Hindi n'yo kailangang mauna."

Cassandra and Joyeuse stared at him.

Futhark laughed nervously. "Basta 'wag lang kayong gagawa ng kahit anong delikado."

We heard a girl (not Elise) shouting from upstairs, "If you're ordering dinner, I'd like Korean food!"

"Was that Lizzy?" Cassandra asked.

"Ohhh the little sister," I said. I tried to be friendly and shouted back, "What Korean food?"

Instead the reply I got was: "Is there a high schooler with you?"

"Hampaslupang perkele ka, bumaba ka rito!"

"No, you wouldn't want her down here," Joyeuse said.

"Bakit naman?"

There were sounds of footsteps coming from the stairs, then a teenage girl with straight brunette hair who seemed taller than me appeared. She's wearing a Marvel tee and an old Mary Immaculate High School P.E. shorts. Her eyes resembled Joyeuse's, as well as her frown.

So ganito ang itsura ni Joyeuse kapag pinagsuot namin s'ya ng itim na wig.

Joyeuse smirked at me, as if I just dug my own grave.

"What do you want?" she demanded.

Nablangko ako. Hindi ko pwedeng sabihing hahamunin ko s'ya ng suntukan dahil mas mahaba ang biyas n'ya sa biyas ko.

I surrendered. "Hindi ko narinig 'yo—"

"Speak in English." She crossed her arms.

"I-I ahhh." The rest was inaudible. Joyeuse, Futhark, and Laevateinn were grinning derisively at me.

"Thought so too." She started going up the stairs again. "Korean noodles would be fine, thank you."

Lizzy was definitely the girl version of our drama queen.

••• FIMBULWINTER •••

NAISAHAN AKO ng mga Uresonderry at ako ang sumagot ng hapunan naming lahat (sina Futhark at Cassandra lang ang nagmagandang-loob magbayad, pero hindi ko rin tinanggap). Nagtungo na si Cassandra sa hotel pagkatapos n'yang tulungang maghugas si Futhark. Kami ni Lae ang inutusan ni Tita Elise na kumuha ng sapin, kumot at unan, pero si Futhark pa rin ang nag-ayos at naglatag sa sala.

Si drama queen ay nagkulong na sa kwarto n'ya pagkatapos ng hapunan, maaga sigurong natulog para makabawi.

Nagising pa ako nang hatinggabi dahil nasipa ko 'yong coffee table, at napansin kong wala na sa pagitan namin nina Lae at Fenrir si Futhark. Inisip kong baka nag-CR at bumalik na ako sa tulog. Napabalikwas ako nang gisingin ako ni Futhark.

Biglang umaga na pala, magic.

Si Futhark na rin ang nagluto ng agahan para sa 'ming lahat. Napansin kong nilinis din n'ya ang kusina. Nakakuha ng instant houseboy ang mga Uresonderry.

Habang nag-aagahan kami ay nagkaro'n pa ng eksena si Kuya Cole dahil hindi raw s'ya pinapayagang pumunta sa burol ng pamilya ni Anna.

Dumating si Cassandra ng mga 8:15 at s'ya na ang nagpresentang magmaneho sa 'min papunta sa police station, kung saan kami hihintayin ni Tita Elise.

"One of you should really learn how to drive," Cassandra said, breaking the silence in the car. Si Futhark ang naupo sa tabi n'ya, sa passenger seat. Sina Lae at Fenrir, maglalakad na lang daw dahil hindi kasya si Fen sa Honda Civic.

Nakapangalumbaba si Joyeuse sa may bintana, natutulog. Ang lalim ng kunot ng noo n'ya.

"Marunong mag-drive si Futhark," sabi ko.

"Wala po akong lisensya," Futhark said.

"Still, kahit student's license, kumuha kayo."

"Opo." I went on my phone to search for driving schools. Then I got bored and decided to listen to music.

A minute of silence later, Joyeuse woke up with a start, gasping, "Stop!"

Cassandra hit the brakes and pulled over.

"Bakit?" I asked, taking my headphones off. "Sa kabilang kanto pa 'yong police station."

Joyeuse was panting and wheezing, as if he just woke up from a bad dream. He buried his face in his hands and shook his head, telling us, "Go on, I'm sorry."

"Dude, ayos ka lang?" I asked.

He nodded, going back to sleep.

Cassandra and Futhark looked worried. I mused at my headphones, thinking maybe music could help the drama queen. Sakto, nasa Spotify si Justin Bieber.

But Joyeuse was Irish so I played One Direction and put my headphones on him. He woke up, blinked, and furrowed his brows. "What the bloody hell is this?"

I checked my phone. "Uhh, What Makes You Beautiful."

He grimaced.

"What, would you rather I play John Lennon's 'The Luck of the Irish'?"

He rolled his eyes and went back to sleep, listening to One Direction.

Elise and Laevateinn were there when we arrived at the police station. Hindi ko alam kung paano nauna si Lae sa 'min. He said he and Fenrir hitchhiked a truck, but I doubted that. Fenrir jumped to Joyeuse's side, who instantly cheered up at the sight of the wolfdog.

Elise, Joyeuse, and Laevateinn discussed how the interview (interrogation) would go, and after a few minutes, Joyeuse and Laevateinn went in. Fenrir tagged along, rubbing his head against Joyeuse's leg. Futhark, Cassandra, and I waited at the lobby. Cassandra busied herself with the casefile.

"So," I told Futhark. "Kumusta acting skills mo, Kuya Kiel? Sikat na sikat ka nga sa uni, main character ka pa sa play ng Literature Club."

He laughed under his breath. "Ayos lang naman ang acting skills ko, lagi rin kasi akong bida sa mga roleplay namin no'ng high school."

We conversed more, and after five minutes, Joyeuse and Laevateinn finished their interrogation. We were shocked with their speed, and so were they. Joyeuse was confused when they left the IR. Laevateinn was eating an apple.

"Bakit parang ang bilis?" I asked. I gave Futhark and Cassandra a glance.

"Patricia Chan confessed," Joyeuse said in disbelief. "She said she did kill Anna with a knife, disposed the bloodied apron she's wearing, spilt paint everywhere, used paint thinner and bleach to get rid of other evidence."

"Paint thinner and bleach, she's smart," Cassandra said.

"Patricia was the fan we saw last Thursday," Joyeuse added. "The girl obsessed with Corey."

Our jaws dropped.

"Dude, d-did she kill Anna because Cole wanted to marry her?" I asked.

"That's what she said. She's arrested and now, she's in the holding cell."

"Did you believe her?" Cassandra asked.

"She described the crime so well, but..." Malalim na nag-isip si Joyeuse. "She said she used a knife, but why would she have a knife with her, didn't the security guard check her belongings?"

I snorted. "Sorry you're not in Ireland, drama queen, tinutusok-tusok lang ng mga sekyu ang mga bag."

"Paano s'ya nag-confess, bakit bigla s'yang umamin?" tanong ni Futhark.

"She said she can't lie in front of Jule, who resembled Cole Rey a lot," Laevateinn answered, looking for a trashcan to throw his apple core in.

Elise approached us. Her brows are knitted together. "What did you do? Why did the girl confess?"

Gusto kong sabihin na baka tinakot ni Lae o Fenrir.

"I think it's a false confession to cover up for someone," Joyeuse said. "Edward Dace, give me the pictures you've printed. Ma, has the forensics given you the results yet?"

I reached into Futhark's backpack, where we put our folders.

Elise replied, "They did, and they also used luminol on the blood stain you found outside the room. It's just a simple blood stain, it wasn't because somebody dropped a bloody weapon."

"No, no, Patricia said she used paint thinner and bleach to get rid of the evidence."

Ohh, so the strong smell was paint thinner, kaya pala hindi ko masyadong naamoy nang maayos.

"That means the police should've ran a Kastle-Meyer test and used phenophthalene instead of luminol," Joyeuse said.

Elise suppressed her smile at Joyeuse, as if she's expecting and waiting for him to say that. "Let's go to the crime scene then, boys."

••• FIMBULWINTER •••

So.

There's a partial shoeprint.

The blood stain was a partial shoeprint. It didn't belong to a girl, it belongs to someone huge.

The test was amazing, the blood stain turned pink. Too bad Futhark and Laevateinn weren't here to see. Futhark and Cassandra decided to stay at the car and Laevateinn said Fenrir might compromise the crime scene.

"We need to interrogate Patricia again," Elise said. "She's clearly an accomplice. Jule, do you want to do the interrogation this time?"

"Really?" Joyeuse raised an eyebrow.

There was a commotion outside the art studio. May mga reporter palang dumating.

"Is that Cole?" Elise asked.

"It's probably Corey," Joyeuse agreed.

Cole arrived with his usual bodyguards. Hinarang ng mga pulis ang mga reporter at si Cole lang ang pinatawid sa yellow tape.

"I'm going to Anna's again," he said. He removed his sunglasses, revealing bloodshot eyes.

"That's not a good idea, Cole," Elise said. "And take a few steps back, this is a crime scene."

"Kiel said ye found a new lead?"

"We did." Elise gestured to follow her while also glaring at the crowd of reporters. "Let's all talk somewhere private."

She brought us to a rather private room in the building, locking the door behind her.

"I'm going to Anna's," Cole said, taking a seat. "T'ey're burying 'er today, Ma. I need tae see 'er one last time."

"Why aren't they allowing you in the wake?" I asked. "She's your fiancée, wasn't she?"

Cole scowled, his eyes watery again. "Bloody parents t'ink it's me fault Anna was murdered."

Well technically, it was Cole's fault...?

"Excuse me?" Joyeuse said. "Where did they get that idea?"

"I went t'ere last night. 'er Da t'rew me out of t'e 'ouse an' yelled t'was me fault somebody plotted tae kill Anna. T'at it should've been me, nae 'er."

"It should've been you, not her...?"

Cole sobbed. "It should've been me. A'wish it were me 'stead of Anna."

Elise rubbed Cole's back and hugged him. "Anna would say the same to ye, son, hush now."

Cole started wailing again. He was so hurt. I could not understand what he's saying but I could feel his pain. Elise definitely could, too. She teared up at the sight of her son weeping, but she couldn't do anything but hug him and comfort him.

I thought Joyeuse would leave since he disliked these scenes and he left last Thursday, but he awkwardly approached his mum and brother, joining the hug.

I like to think he shed a tear or two.

I secretly captured the family hug with my phone, which didn't last long because Joyeuse's phone rang.

"I'm sorry, I'll take this outside," he said, but didn't really take the call outside since the caller caught his attention. "What do you mean, niece?"

Elise and Cole furrowed their brows.

"Alright, we'll—" Joyeuse realised something. "Okay shut u—I said later, no, no, shut up. SHUT UP I HAVE A LIGHTBULB MOMENT." Then he ended the call.

He turned to us. "That was Futhark."

"Yeah?" I said, prompting him to tell us more.

"He said he and Casey talked to local people and listened for gossip."

"Gossip?" Elise's eyebrow shot up.

"The people talk, Mummy. Futhark said Patricia is Pol's niece. Pol, the security guard."

I gasped. "'Yong security guard na kumausap sa 'tin no'n?"

"Yes, Edward Dace. I have a theory that Pol was paid by Anna's family to kill Corey. I made an appointment with Anna that day, under the name Uresonderry, so Pol might've thought that it was Corey, and went there to commit the murder. But then, we arrived late and caused a racket at the..." Joyeuse stopped, slowly getting enveloped in his own thoughts.

"So ibig sabihin, sa kanya nga 'yong shoeprint na nakita natin!"

Elise nodded approvingly. "I'll alert the police station. Cole, Jule, stay here."

"But Ma, the funeral!" Cole protested.

"If Jule's theory was right then the more I shouldn't allow ya to head there. Stay here, especially you, Cole." Elise left the room.

Cole counted from one to ten, before he stood up and headed for the door. Jule stopped him. "Elise said stay here."

"I need to see Anna," Cole angrily snatched his hand back.

"Not yet. We'll leave after we're sure Elise is no longer in the building. Come with us, we'll sneak you in."

Cole was caught off guard. He put on a brave face, fought his tears, and nodded. "Thanks, little bro." He tousled Joyeuse's hair.

I almost smiled at the heartwarming moment. "Wait, what do you mean we'll sneak you in?"

Joyeuse smirked evilly. "I have a plan."

••• FIMBULWINTER •••

Futhark was freaking out. Cole's Mustang was filled with his shrill protests.

"Anong ibig n'yong sabihing pupunta tayo sa libing? Hindi tayo pwedeng pumunta sa libing, kakasabi n'yo lang na galit ang pamilya ni Anna kay Cole!"

"Relax, it's just for a few minutes," I said. "Ang tanging gagawin lang natin ay i-distract ang mga tao para makapagpaalam si Cole kay Anna."

Joyeuse laughed. "Classic."

Somehow, parang wala pa rin akong tiwala sa plano n'ya dahil nakalabas ang sungay at buntot n'ya kanina habang nagpapaliwanag, pero hindi naman kami ipapahamak ni Joyeuse. Plus, Cole deserved to see Anna one last time.

"Anong gagawin nila kapag nakita nila tayo ro'n?" Futhark asked.

"What, we know Anna," I said. "What's wrong with us visiting a friend? And Zweihänder wanted to come too, didn't he?"

"We didn't call or text Zweihänder about the funeral," Joyeuse said. "And we're not planning to. Funerals should be solemn."

"Where's yer tall German friend?" Cole asked.

"Cassandra's car," I answered. "At least solo ni Fenrir 'yong backseat."

We arrived at the cemetery, found where Anna's supposed to be buried, and hid behind a few niches. It was supposed to be private, but somehow, may isang reporter, ilang cameraman, at crew. Nakita ko ang tatak ng sasakyan nila. GB6.

Bumulong ako kay Futhark, "Fu, TV station ng papa mo."

"Maybe we should leave," he said nervously.

Cole wore a mask, sunglasses, and a cap. It's kind of hard to not be recognised when you're tall and blond and famous. "We're not leaving," he said.

"If you caused a commotion, it could be broadcasted nationwide," Cassandra said. "You sure you want to continue?"

"News die in a week. T'is is t'e last time I'd see Anna."

"He's right," I said.

"The coffin's closed already," Laevateinn said, showing up behind us.

"How did you know?" Futhark asked.

"I... went there." Laevateinn shrugged. "I just walked in, really."

"Did you see Anna's parents?" Joyeuse asked.

"How would I know who they are?"

"Did you see people crying?"

"Yes. There's a woman howling at the coffin."

"That's the mum. Did you see a man crying nearby?"

"No."

"If 'er Da's not t'ere," Corey said, "maybe I could ask her Ma nicely."

"Actually, we have nothing to worry about, let's go," Joyeuse said.

We cautiously blended in the crowd.

"Edward, Futhark, Laevateinn," Cassandra called, "you stay here at the back. Ako na ang sasama kina Jules at Cole sa harap. It's better that they're accompanied by an adult."

"You're around Corey's age, what adult are you saying?" Joyeuse said.

"It's better that they're accompanied by someone responsible and professional," Cassandra corrected herself.

We all nodded and stayed behind. Joyeuse, Cole, and Cassandra made their way to Anna's coffin.

I received a text message from Elise.

Where are you? Pol has escaped. Make sure my boys are away from trouble.

Your boys are walking right into trouble, ma'am.

Bumulong ulit alo kay Futhark. "Nakawala raw si Pol."

"Hala."

There was a sudden hubbub. I tiptoed to see what's happening, but I could only see the people's heads. Thankfully, Futhark filled me in. "Pinabuksan ulit 'yong kabaong," he said. "Pinayagan ng mama ni Anna si Cole."

"Buti naman."

Since I can't see what's happening in front, I decided to observe the people's reactions. Most of them were touched, but some were simply thirsting for tea. Some of them were shocked to see Cole, some of them were frowning.

And some of them were—

"POL!" I screamed, pointing at the tall, bulky security guard glaring at Cole.

Everyone turned to me.

Click.

Pol cocked his gun.

"JOYEUSE!" Futhark screamed, running in front. Joyeuse was wide-eyed and shocked to see that Futhark would ran to his aid first.

I didn't know how to react. Maliit at payat ako at hindi ko kayang makipagbakbakan.

Luckily, Laevateinn was quick to lunge at Pol. He managed to disarm and pin a man bulkier than him, down to the ground. We, SMS boys, ran to them.

"So, I see I'm right," Joyeuse said, in a villainous tone. Honestly, he's the detective but he sounded like a full-blown criminal.

Futhark defensively stood beside him. Cassandra, thank goodness, had handcuffs with her. She cuffed Pol but Laevateinn kept him pinned to the ground. I glanced at Cole. He didn't bother looking at us, he cried and spent his time saying goodbye to Anna.

Joyeuse crouched in front of Pol, certain that no one could hurt him with Laevateinn around. "You're sent to kill Cole, aren't you?"

Pol snarled at him.

"I'll take that as a yes." Joyeuse went on, "That day you've learnt that there's an Uresonderry with an appointment with Anna in her private studio, let your niece, who's a fan of Cole, join Anna so she could see Cole before you murder him. How you're planning to murder him, I have no idea."

"Balak kong dal'in sa tala'iban," Pol said, struggling to stand up. Laevateinn sat on his back. "Sabi ni Patring 'wag ko na raw gawin."

"But Anna heard you, because you carelessly talked about the plan in her presence, not knowing that she's only mute, not deaf. That's why you had to kill her with the nearest weapon you can find, a putty knife, innit? Because a gunshot would grab everyone's attention."

Pol's scowl was hideous.

"Then you and Patricia cleaned up the crime scene with bleach and paint thinner, then you let paint spill on the floor. However, you forgot to completely clean the bloodstain outside the room, which gave us the print of that shoe you're wearing right now."

Everyone was silent.

I noticed the GB6 crew recording what's happening.

"You tried to buy Laevateinn with candy, so we'd think you're a good guy," I added.

"I am not cheap," Laevateinn said, shaking his head.

"I thought the shoeprint and the connection to Patricia, who confessed earlier and tried to cover up for you, were enough to convict you of the crime, but this right here is bloody grand."

Pol stopped struggling, accepting his defeat.

Joyeuse stood up and laughed. "A case finally solved!"

Futhark leaned closer to him and whispered, "We're in a funeral."

It didn't stop people from gasping in awe, anyway. Anna's mother came closer and tearfully asked Pol, "Ikaw ba ang...?"

Pol nodded.

"Sino?!" The mother knelt in front of him, shaking his shoulders (which would hurt with Laevateinn sitting on his back). "Sino ang nag-utos sa 'yo?!"

"S-Si Sir dela Cruz po, ma'am," Pol confessed.

The mother bawled her eyes out and eventually collapsed. Some relatives helped carry her to a chair. Pinaypayan din s'ya.

Police arrived. Ang weird dahil ang aga nila ngayon.

Elise was with them. She ran to us and some of her officers arrested Pol, taking him to their mobile. She smiled proudly at Joyeuse. "Your plan worked. We arrested Anna's father too, per your instructions."

Kaya pala wala rito 'yong tatay.

AT KAYA PALA ANG LAKAS NG LOOB NI DRAMA QUEEN NA SUMUGOD RITO.

Elise patted Joyeuse's head. "I know you can do it." She went on to be there for Cole. The GB6 crew kept recording us.

Cassandra chuckled fondly at us. "You boys did good. Hindi nagkamali ang Coronado University sa pagpili sa inyong apat para sa special curriculum."

••• FIMBULWINTER •••

"IT WAS CASSANDRA!" I screamed at everyone in 372A High Street.

"What?" Joyeuse asked, scratching Fenrir's ear. Futhark set some bread, butter, peanut butter, and tea at the coffee table.

"Cassandra was the one who mentioned that we're in a special curriculum! Nakuhanan ng camera ng GB6!"

Thank God, it wasn't me!

"Oh yeah," Joyeuse recalled. "She also called us Seven-Minute Semblance when reporters came to our house this morning."

"Wow, for the first time, hindi tayo ang may kasalanan sa nangyari," Futhark commented. He sat on the floor across Joyeuse and handed him a sandwich.

"Should we call her?" I asked. Futhark gave me a cookie.

"No need," Joyeuse said. "Let her dig her own grave."

"Your love is confusing," I told him. "Should we celebrate and order food?"

"Korean noodles?" Joyeuse asked.

"Perkele, ilayo n'yo nga sa 'kin ang mga kapatid n'yong babae!"

We all shared laughter and tea.

I think the trip to Pampanga, murder aside, was fruitful. I think we'reall better and closer now.

••• FIMBULWINTER •••

Sender: Casey
Receiver: JL Uresonderry

Bad news. Yukio Okada was murdered in his cell this morning.