#TPTG32

The next day, I was surprised when Nicholas visited me at my condo. I just woke up and haven't taken a shower when I opened the door for him.

"Goodmorning Attorney," he greeted with a warm smile on his lips the showed me two paperbags. "I bought lunch. Kumain ka na?"

Kinusot ko ang mata ko at sinundan siya ng tingin papunta sa dining area. He looked at me from head to foot. His lips curved into a smile.

"Seems like you just woke up."

Nahiya ako sa itsura ko. I'm wearing my white silk pajamas. Meanwhile he looks fresh with a simple t-shirt and pants. I tied my messy hair to look more decent. It's his first time seeing me bare face and my real self than the Attorney look.

"Tinanghali ka na ng gising. It's past lunch."

Napakurap-kurap ako. "Really? I overslept maybe that's why I'm still tired."

"Where's your mom pala?"

I looked at my condo and only realized now that mom wasn't here. Tumingin din siya sa paligid. I took my phone from the table and saw a message from her.

"Oh, she went to the grocery to buy food and supplies. Maaga siyang umalis."

He nodded then continued to prepare the food. Nilapitan ko siya.

"Don't you have work? What are you doing here?"

"I don't. Gusto kitang kamustahin. I thought you were sick yesterday. Nawala na ba ang migraine mo?"

"Uh, sort of.."

"Hindi ka na nakakapagpahinga nitong mga nakaraang araw. I'm worried. Do you have work today? Can't you take a day off?" he asked worriedly

Tipid akong ngumiti. "Day off ko."

"Oh, good. Let's eat now. I actually cooked this for you," he said and looked at the food on the table. It looks delicious. Dalawang klase ng ulam ang niluto niya. Nilagang baboy at isda na may kasamang gulay

My stomach grumbled by the smell of it. I can't wait to eat it. "I'll just brush my teeth quickly." I excused myself then went to the bathroom to brush my teeth. When I returned, everything was set up

He pulled the chair for me and I sat down. "Thank you."

Umupo na rin siya sa tabi ko at nagsimula na kaming kumain. Humigop ako ng sabaw nung nilaga. I noticed he was watching me.

"Is it good?"

I nodded. "Yeah."

He held his chest and sighed in relief. "Buti nalang."

I chuckled. "Why?"

"I was nervous baka hindi mo magustuhan. I'm confident with my cooking skills but I feel like you're hard to please," he smiled awkwardly

My brow raised, amused. "What? I'm not hard to please. I'm just...a perfectionist," I said and took a bite of the meat. "But the food tastes better than I expected."

His smile grew wider. "Thanks."

Bumalik na ako sa pag kain. Napansin ko panay ang tingin niya sa'kin. I suddenly felt conscious of my face.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked, covering my mouth filled with food

He gulped. "You just look beautiful kahit na bagong gising ka," he shyly said

I felt my cheeks heated up. Umiwas ako ng tingin. I'm used to receiving compliments about my beauty but coming from him felt special.

"Attorney."

"Call me Fey. Wala naman tayo sa trabaho."

He nodded. "Fey."

"Hmm?"

"If I could, uhm, stay here for a while if it's okay. Hindi kasi ako kampante na dalawa lang kayo dito ng mom mo lalo't na hindi pa namin nahuhuli si Joel. Patuloy na iniimbistigahan ang kaso pero hindi natin alam baka balikan kayo dito."

My lips parted. "Oh, may mga security guards naman dito-"

"Pero hindi mahigpit ang security dito."

I avoided his gaze and thought deeply. I suddenly remembered when someone sent me a box with blood and a dead rat. Since then, I knew it wasn't safe to stay here. "Right."

"Regarding naman sa kaso ni Vince-"

"Can we take a break with the case for now?" I cut him off. "I'm sorry. I just have a lot of things inside my mind."

Tumikhim siya. "I'm sorry.."

After we ate, he helped me clean the table. He also offered to wash the dishes. I was hesitant at first but then I just let him. Inayos ko nalang ang kama.

"What do you usually do during weekends?"

Tumayo ako at humarap sa kanya. "I, uh, just stay at home and taking care of my plants. Sometimes I read books or listen to podcast. I hit the gym at least twice a week. I also go for plant shopping. Sa ngayon, hindi ko na masyadong nagagawa iyon since I'm loaded with work."

I then showed him the small plants I own. Natuwa siya ng makita iyon.

"Mahilig ka pala talaga sa halaman. Parehas tayo. We have a small garden at home," he said while observing each one

"Really? Malaki yung garden namin sa-" I paused when I remembered the days where I used to live in the mansion. I was always watering the plants. The garden was the only part of our house that I felt at peace

Napatingin siya sa'kin.

"I mean, back at home." I shifted my gaze back to my plants. I took my mini water sprinkler and watered them

"What's your favorite?"

"This little succulent plant. It looks like a flower," I smiled. "And also this cute cactus."

"Cute nga. You take care of them really well despite your busy schedule."

"I always make time for them. Sila nalang din yung nagpapasaya sa'kin. It's so calming and healing. Akala ko rin noong una mapapabayaan ko sila."

He chuckled softly. "Sana pala naging halaman nalang ako."

Napahinto ako at napatingin sa kanya. "What?"

Napailing siya at palihim na ngumiti. Bumalik ako sa pagdidilig sa halaman. He moved to the other side where my other plants were. I was shocked when I accidentally knocked one of my plants. He was about to save it but then he hit the cabinet and the box with heavy stuff that was above it fell on him. Napatakip ako sa bibig ko sa gulat. Agad ko siyang nilapitan.

"Nico! Are you okay?" I asked worriedly

Unti-unti siyang umayos ng tayo. He was holding the vase in one hand before it could hit the floor. Some of soil was scattered on the floor. Binalik ko ang paningin sa kanya. He smiled but then winced in pain as he held his shoulder.

"What's wrong? Anong masakit?" I held his shoulder and checked his face. I also checked his head. Mukhang sa likod siya natamaan. Hinanap ko ang paningin niya

"I'm okay. Don't worry-" he shut his eyes in pain. I looked at his right shoulder and held it gently

"No you're not. Come. Let me check," I said and tried to look closely at his shoulders but he moved it away

"It's okay. It's just-"

"Nico. Please?"

I didn't wait for his answer anymore and I removed his hand from it. I carefully pulled the collar of his shirt and I was surprised to saw a bandage around it. He has an injury all along. Malakas siguro na bumagsak ang kahon sa area na iyon.

Binalik ko ang paningin sa kanya. "Nico.."

"I can manage."

"No. I want to check if it's alright. Come here," I ordered then held his hand. Sabay kaming dumiretso sa banyo. Agad kong hinanap ang first aid kit

"Fey.."

"Bago lang ba 'yan?"

"Uh, oo."

"Saan mo nakuha?" I then turned around to face him and opened the first aid kit

"I do mixed martial arts. I injured myself during training."

"Dapat pinagpahinga mo nalang 'yan sa bahay. Can I see?"

He moved closer to me. He couldn't look at me in the eye. I looked closely but it was hard for me to see it fully. "Can you uhm, take off your shirt? Let me change the bandage."

His lips parted. There was an awkward silence between us. It seems like he didn't want to do it. Tumingin ako sa bandage na hawak ko. I waited for a few seconds then he slowly took off his shirt. He put it on top of the sink behind me. I smelled his perfume.

Unti-unti kong inangat ang paningin sa kanya. I tried my best to look at his face instead of his body. I admit. He has a well defined abs and muscles in the right places. It wasn't too big. The veins in his arms were popping. He felt shy. He turned his face to the right instead which made his sharp jawline more obvious.

Tumingin na ako sa injury niya. I slowly took off the new bandage and saw that the wound was still fresh. It was slightly swollen and the color was a bit purple. I began to treat his wound.

"Does it hurt?"

"Konti."

"Ayaw mo pang icheck ko e kung hindi, malamang namaga na ito lalo."

He finally looked at me. "I'm sorry."

After treating the wound, I gently wrapped the new bandage on his shoulder. It was hard at first because he was too tall. He crouched a bit so I can put it properly. I swallowed hard. The tension between us grew. Sa wakas ay natapos na rin ako.

"Thank you," he said huskily

I gave him a small smile. "You're welcome. Be careful next time. I hope you let it heal first bago ka pumasok."

"Mas delikado pa rin ang trabaho ko."

"That's why I'm saying you should always be careful."

We stared at each other for a few seconds then he slowly nodded. Nailang ako sa lapit namin sa isa't isa. Sumandal ako sa sink. His eyes lowered down to my lips. He slowly moved closer to me. My heart began to raise. I looked down on his lips. His adam's apple moved up and down. Just when our lips are just inches from each other, I heard a knock on the door.

"That must be mom," I said underneath my breath

He stopped and lifted my eyes on me.

I looked away from his face and lightly pushed him away. He cleared his throat and took a step back.

"I'm sorry."

I took his shirt and gave it to him without looking at him. "Magbihis ka na."

Tinanggap niya ang damit niya. Lumabas na ako ng banyo at dumiresto sa pinto. When I opened it, I saw mom.

"Fey. Sorry. Nakalimutan ko dalhin yung susi," she said when she entered inside with her groceries

"It's okay mom."

Tinulungan ko siya sa dala niya. I put the paper bags on top of the counter. She noticed the food on the dining table.

"Kanino ito?"

"Oh, it's from my friend Nicholas."

Sakto ay lumabas na si Nico sa banyo at naglakad papunta sa dining area. Nakabihis na siya ngayon.

"Goodmorning po Mrs. Guevarra," he greeted politely with a smile

"He's a police officer and he's helping with the case."

Tumango siya at nakipag-kamayan kay Nico.

"Would you like to stay for dinner Nicholas?"

Nico looked at me then back to my mom. "Sure po. Thank you," he replied shyly

I smiled back and began to fix mom's groceries in the cabinet.

Kinagabihan ay nagising ako around 2am in the morning cause I was thirsty. The lamp on our bedside table was open. My mom was sleeping beside me. I got out of bed and saw that Nico was still awake in the living room. Nilapitan ko siya. He's in the couch working on his laptop.

"Nico.."

Inangat niya ang paningin sa'kin. "Oh, Fey."

"Bakit gising ka pa?"

"Hindi ako makatulog e. Nagkape kasi ako. I decided to just work on the case."

"Hmm."

"And you?"

"I just got thirsty," I replied then went to the kitchen and drank a glass of water. Kumuha din ako ng tubig para sa kanya. Bumalik din ako agad kay Nico. Seryoso siyang nakatingin sa laptop. "If you're hungry, merong snacks sa cabinet."

He looked at me again. "Sure. Thank you."

"Are you seriously gonna guard us the whole night?"

"Lagi akong nightshift," tipid siyang ngumiti

I looked at the glass of water in my hands then gave it to him. Tinanggap niya iyon at uminom doon. "Thanks."

"Don't stay up too late."

"It's already late."

"At least matulog ka rin kahit ilang oras. It's your day off yet you're still working."

He smiled and nodded. "Matatapos na rin ako."

I pressed my lips. "I'll get back to sleep then. Goodnight."

Babalik na sana ako sa kama nung bigla niya ulit akong tinawag.

"Uh, Fey."

I turned around and faced him. "Yeah?"

He licked his lips. "About what happened earlier, I'm sorry."

My brows raised. "Hmm?" I tried to recall what he meant then I remembered he's referring to the bathroom incident. The time we almost kissed. My cheeks heated at the thought of it and the sight of his well built body

"Fey?"

I got back to my senses and looked at him. "Oh, it's alright," I smiled awkwardly

His lips parted. "I just...don't want us to get awkward with each other."

I gulped. "No. We won't. Don't worry. It won't affect the case too," I assured him

A small smile formed on his lips. "Thank you. Goodnight Fey."

I smiled back. "Goodnight."

Bumalik na ako sa kama para matulog. For some reason, I find it hard to sleep. I thought my insomnia was kicking in again or maybe I just couldn't forget what happened earlier between us. Nonetheless, I'm at ease and felt safe knowing that Nico is with us tonight.

***

As soon as I woke up the next morning, I went to the bathroom and took a bath. When I got out of the bathroom, I smelled something cooking from the kitchen. I walked my way there and saw my mother who's busy cooking in the kitchen. I looked at the table and saw the dishes she cooked. My stomach growled in hunger.

"Oh Fey. Gising ka na pala," she said and gave me a warm smile

"Yeah. I overslept again."

She nodded. "Tinanghali ka na ng gising."

I sat down on the chair and massaged my temple. "Where's Nicholas by the way?" I looked around when I noticed he was gone

"Ah, maagang umalis at pumasok ng trabaho. May importante raw na aasikasuhin. Pinakain ko naman muna siya ng almusal," she answered then showed me the food she prepared on the table. "Eat. You must be hungry." She sat on the chair in front of me and began to eat. "Kain na bago lumamig ang pagkain."

I stared at the various dishes in front. Nagluto siya ng adobong manok, sinigang na baboy, chopseuy, pinakbet at iba pa.

"Why did you cook so many?" I asked
and looked at her

She smiled. "I just want to prepare the best dishes for you."

I slowly nodded.

"Paborito mo ang sinigang 'di ba?" she asked and pushed me the bowl of sinigang

I grabbed my spoon and took a sip from the soup. Mainit-init pa iyon. I looked at her and she was waiting for my response.

"Tastes good."

She smiled. "Kain ka lang diyan."

I was surprised when she put some rice on my plate. Pinanood ko siya habang ginagawa iyon. She also poured water from my glass. She smiled at me before proceeding to eat.

Bumaba ang mata ko sa plato ko. Kinuha ko ang serving spoon at nilagyan ng ulam ang plato ko. I took another sip from the soup and it tasted even better a while ago. This time, I can taste the sourness of it. Mas nanuot iyon sa lalamunan ko. Sinamahan ko din iyon ng gulay.

I bit my lip and started to tear up. I can feel the lump forming inside my throat.

"Are you okay Fey? Hindi ba masarap? Napaasim ba masyado? Pero diba ayun yung gusto mo?" she worriedly asked

Yumuko ako at malungkot na ngumiti. "I just missed your home cooking."

My vision started to blurr. I don't want her to see me cry. I took a deep breath and forced a smile to her.

Tipid lang siyang ngumiti habang nakatingin sa'kin. I sniffed and continued to eat.

Before, when I'm still at the mansion, it's always the maids that cook for us. Bihira lang si mama ang magluto pero kahit na ganoon ay sa luto niya ako pinaka-nasasarapan. Even if she rarely cooks, hers will always be the best for me. I got emotional because I missed her more than ever. It brought back the memories. Parang ngayon nalang ulit ako nakakain ng masarap na pagkain.

You know living alone here in the condo did not make me a good cook. Yes, I learned to cook various dishes but it didn't taste good or maybe because I just don't have someone to eat with. Mas masaya nga naman kapag may kasamang kumain, mas naeenjoy ko ang pag kain.

"This is the best food I've eaten over the past years."

I heard her chuckled. "Kumain ka pa anak. I mean look at you. You're so thin. I can't even recognize you anymore. Ang laki ng pinayat mo simula nung huli tayong nagkita."

I got myself another cup of rice. Malapit ko nading maubos ang ulam kong singang. "I'm naturally thin Mom."

"No you're not. You look like you've lost a lot of weight. You don't look sexy anymore," she joked

I chuckled. "Ngayon nalang ulit tayo nagkita tapos iyan pa ang sasabihin mo?"

She smiled and drank from her glass. "Tikman mo din 'tong adobo tsaka kumain ka din ng gulay," she scolded

"I'm already full," I replied with food  inside my mouth

Umiling siya. "Hindi. Kumain ka pa. You need to gain weight. Ano bang mga kinakain mo?"

I slowly chewed the food inside my mouth. "I cook...sometimes...pero madalas nagpapadeliver nalang ako."

"So you mostly eat fast food? That's unhealthy Fey," she sighed

"What am I gonna do? I don't have a lot of free time to cook," I said and tasted the adobo

"You can visit the mansion. I can cook for you...pwede din kitang padalhan," she slowly said

I looked at the dish in front of me. "You know that when I left, I will never come back again to the mansion...ever."

Binalot kami ng katahimikan. I slowly lifted my eyes on her. "Did you wait for me to come back?" nag-aalinlangan kong tanong

She avoided my gaze. "I did. I thought you would come back or even pay a visit."

Inaamin kong may pagkukulang din ako sa kanya. It breaks my heart seeing her like this. I felt guilty.

If only she knew that I come to the mansion every once in a while. I would just stay inside my car while I stare at it from afar. Wala pa kong lakas ng loob para harapin siya. I'm still hurt by what she did to me. I never regretted leaving the mansion, I regretted leaving her.

I remember thinking countless times that I would go back to her. Naisip ko na subukan ulit. I thought of convincing her again, maybe, just maybe she'd agree...but I got scared. I got scared that she might reject me and that would hurt me over and over again. I don't want to experience that kind of pain again. 

It took me a long time to accept it...and I've come to a point where I realized that maybe she's better of at the mansion. At least doon nakakain siya ng maayos, nakakatulog. She didn't have to worry financially unlike me who's struggling to make a living.

"But you never visited me too..."

She looked at me. "Yes I did. You were just—"

"You're with Archie that time and I didn't want to see him," I swallowed hard. "I thought you'd come back the next day."

Hindi na siya nagsalita. She's just staring at her plate.

I licked my lips. "I wanted to ask you how you've been..."

I don't know how to tell her that I know that she's being mistreated at the mansion. I want to know the details but I don't know how to brought up the topic without making her uncomfortable. I got a feeling she would deny it. Pakirmdam ko hindi niya sasabihin sa'kin ang totoo.

"I heard from Vince that...uhm...Is it true that you're—"

Nagulat nalang ako nung bigla niyang binitbit ang plato niya at dumiretso sa kusina. She's obviously avoiding the topic. I stood up and followed her.

"Why can't you answer me mom?" I firmly said

"Because I don't want," she replied and put the dishes on the sink

"Why?! I just want to hear it from you. I want to know the truth."

She couldn't look at me in the eye. Nakaharap lang siya sa lababo.

"Is he abusing you? Sinasaktan ka ba niya? Ginawa ka ba niyang alipin?" sunod-sunod kong tanong at lumapit sa kanya

She avoided my gaze.

"Answer me please," I begged

"Mali ka ng iniisip Fey—"

Umiling ako. "Don't deny it mom. I can still vividly remember the bruises on your body the last time I saw you."

She swallowed hard. "Those were just accidents. It's my fault."

I scoffed. Umiwas ako ng tingin at minasahe ang ulo. Why does she always lie to me? Why can't she just tell me the truth? Is she trying to defend him again?

"You're lying mom. Did he brainwash you or something? Is he blackmailing you?" I bluntly asked

"No..."

I grabbed her arm and checked if there's scars or wounds. I can still see some but it's barely noticeable. She immediately yanked her arm from me. My hand, left hanging on the air.

Umiwas siya ng tingin at nilagpasan na ako. I swallowed hard while staring at the wall. I sighed and placed my hands on the sink. Bumalik ako sa lamesa at niligpit ang pinagkainan namin. I went back to the kitchen and start washing the dishes.

Pagkatapos kong maghugas ay bumalik na ako sa kwarto. Pagkasarado ng pinto ay sinandal ko amg ulo doon. I walked towards my bed and sat on it. Nakita ko ang envelop na nakapatong sa side table ko. It was the envelop that Nicholas gave me, from Vince. I haven't opened it yet. I actually forgot about it.

I took it from the desk. I was about to open it when my mother suddenly barged into my room. I quickly hid the envelop behind my back.

"Yes?" I asked, brows raised

"Mag-grogrocery lang ako. You're already running out of supplies. Isa pa ay magbabayad nadin ako ng bills mo."

It's funny because she acted like nothing happened, like we didn't argue a while ago. It suddenly felt awkward between us.

"Okay then wait for me. Sasamahan na kita," sabi ko at tumayo

"No need. It's better for you to rest."

"But—"

"Let me make it up to you Fey. Alam kong marami din akong pagkukulang bilang ina," wika niya

My lips parted. I didn't expect that from her. I ran my fingers through my hair and nodded.

She smiled. "Do you want anything? I can buy you snacks or..."

"It's okay. I'm...fine."

She nodded. "Okay. I'll get going," sabi niya at unti-unting sinara ang pinto

"Wait!" I called

She looked at me, brows raised.

"Be careful...at umuwi ka din agad," I awkwardly said

Tipid siyang ngumiti bago tuluyang sinarado ang pinto. Bumuntong hininga ako at humiga sa kama ko. Nakapa ko ang phone ko sa likod ko. I looked at it and saw messages from my workmates. Kinakamusta nila ako. I didn't reply to any if them, instead, I tried to call Nicholas. He's out of reach. I wonder why. I tried to call him again but he still wouldn't answer. Humikab ako at ramdam ang unti-unting pagbagsak ng mata ko.

I woke up by the continuous ringing of my phone. I slowly opened my eyes and checked it. I saw Nicholas' name appeared on the screen. Ngayon ko lang napansin na gabi na pala. My room is dark and cold.

"Hello?"

"Attorney."

"Speaking. Why?" my voice still raspy

"I've got some bad news," he said in a serious voice

Nagising ako bigla sa sinabi niya. "Why? What happened?" my heart started to pound. I got nervous all of a sudden

"The killer is dead. Joel Madrigal. He's dead."

Napabangon ako bigla sa kama. "What?!" I yelled

"I'm on my way now to the crime scene," he said. I heard the loud noise of cars from the background

"Wait...wait. What do you mean he's dead?! I mean..how—why all of a sudden?!"

I was already losing my mind. Tumayo ako at dumiretso sa cabinet ko. I placed my phone properly on my ear while finding a coat.

"I still don't know the details yet. It's all over the news," bakas din ang gulat sa boses niya. We weren't expecting this to happen

I wore my black coat as fast as I can. "I'm coming there. Send me the location," I said

"Hindi mo na kailangan pumunta. It's too dangerous—"

I didn't let him continue his sentence and immediately hung up the call. Inayos ko ang pusod ko sa buhok. I didn't care what I look like right now. Dali-dali akong lumabas ng kwarto. I took my car keys from the kitchen counter and went to the door.

Pagkabukas ko ay tumambad sa'kin si mama. She was holding some plastic filled with groceries on both hands. Tinignan niya ako mula ulo hanggang paa.

"Fey? Why are you all dressed up? Saan ka pupunta?" agad niyang tanong

"Not now mom. Listen to me, stay here alright? Huwag kang magpapapasok kahit sino. Lock the doors," I said while holding her shoulders

Umawang ang labi niya. "What? Why? Ano'ng nangyari?"

"Not now mom. I really have to go. I'll talk to you later," sabi kot nilagpasan na siya

I found myself running in the hallways. I heard her call me but I ignored her. I clicked the button of the elevator aggressively. Pagkabukas na pagkabukas no'n ay pumasok ako sa loob.

When I arrived at the parking lot, I pressed the button of my car keys. Tumunog ang kotse ko at umilaw ang ilaw. I ran towards it and went inside. Agad kong binuhay ang makina at nagmaneho.

My phone kept ringing inside my coat. I saw Nicholas on the caller I.D. Hindi ko siya sinagot. I focused myself on driving. My grip tightened on the steering wheel. I pressed on the gas even more. I overtake some cars so that I could arrive sooner.

Sobrang daming bagay ang tumatakbo sa isip ko. I want to get there as soon as possible. My phone beeped and saw a message from Nicholas. He sent me the location. Maslalo kong binilisan ang pagmaneho.

After a few minutes, I've finally arrived at my destination. Unti-unti kong binagalan ang pagmaneho ko pagkakita sa mga kotse ng pulis sa tapat ko. There was also an ambulance as well. Hindi ko inalis ang paningin doon at agad na bumaba sa kotse. My footsteps started to slow down as I got nearer at the scene. There were police officers and civillians everywhere. Nagkukumpulan sila a gitna.

I swallowed hard as I walk. Habang papalapit ay unti-unti ko nang naaaninag ang bangkay. My body froze on the ground. My hands turned cold. I felt a lump form inside my throat and I couldn't utter a word. My mind can't accept what I'm seeing right now.

"Attorney," Nicholas suddenly appeared out of nowhere and blocked my view.

Hindi ko siya tinignan. Nilagpasan ko siya at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad pero bigla niyang hinigit ang braso ko.

"Attorney—"

"Let go of me," I warned while staring at the lifeless body in front

I tried to remove his hand off my arm but his grip only got tighter. Sinubukan ko pading maglakad hanggang sa makita ang bangkay.

My lips slowly parted at the sight. The body was found at the roof of a car. The car was damaged and there were shattered pieces of glass all over the place. There were also splatters of blood on the ground. I diverted my attention back to the body. Hindi ko inalis ang paningin ko doon at lumapit pa ng konti.

"You can't come nearer," Nicholas said and held my shoulders

Umiling ako. "This c-can't be happening. Hindi...hindi siya pwedeng mamatay."

I bit my lip and went closer but Nicholas kept on pushing me and blocking my view.

"Let go of me!" I shouted at him. He didn't budge.

I watch as his body is being removed from the car. Umakyat ang isang medic doon at inalis ang katawan niya.

"H-hindi pwede," sabi ko at mabilis na umiling

Hindi ko pinansin ang mga tinginan ng tao sa'kin. I don't care if I look like a crazy woman right now. Nicholas continued to push me away from the horrible scene.

"Calm down Attorney," mahinahon niyang sabi

I heard the siren of the ambulance and the conversation of the police as well as the civillians.

"Tell me this isn't real!" I yelled in pain

Gulong-gulo na ang utak ko. Pagod na pagod nadin ako. I can't believe this is happening. I wish this is all just a bad dream.

"He can't die Nicholas! He's our only hope. He's the only one who can tell us about the governor and..." I paused to gather all my thoughts. "Kailangan niya pang humarap sa korte at pagbayaran ang ginawa niya kay Vince!"

I shut my eyes tightly while holding onto his shirt. "They all need to pay. They all need to pay," I weakly said

He gently squeezed my shoulders. "Mabibigyan din ng hustisya ang lahat."

No matter how hard he tried to comfort me with his words, it's still weren't enough to reduce the rage and hatred I'm feeling right now. Mas lalo lang iyon nag-alab. The fire inside me ignited even more and I became so eager...so eager to fight.

***

"I want to know happened," I calmly said. Andito kami sa loob ng kotse niya.

"He might have committed suicide. He jumped off the building."

Nakatingin lang ako sa harap na bintana. "I have a strong feeling that he didn't commit suicide."

"Hindi pa natin alam ang buong storya. Unfortunately, there was no cctv at the rooftop of the building...pero sana may nakakita nung insidente."

I swallowed hard. "They're monsters."

Nakita ko sa gilid ng mata ko na lumingon siya sa'kin. "You think the governor is responsible for this?"

Hindi ako sumagot.

He sighed. "It's all my fault. I'm sorry. I could have..."

Unti-unti ko siyang nilingon. "What do you mean?"

"Malapit ko na sana siyang arestuhin nung nakaraang araw lang bago siya namatay pero...nabuking ako. They found out I was hiding an investigation from them. Hindi ko alam kung paano nila nalaman. Baka nahuli nila talaga ko o pwede ding may nagsumbong."

He avoided my gaze. "I was so close...we were so close to put an end to all of this."

"Well, I don't think this will end anytime soon. They're already preparing for the next move. We can't lose to them. Hinding-hindi ko sila hahayaang magwagi sa huli."

I don't know how we're suppose to win against them but I do believe in karma. People like them has no place in heaven. Walang demonyong mapupunta sa langit.