#TD13

"I'm not responsible for your father's death Atty. Lopez. Gano'n na ba kasama ang tingin niyo sa'kin? When something bad happens, sa'kin niyo sinisisi lahat?"

I tilted my head on the other side and cracked my knuckles. I can't believe that the governor is standing before me. I remained a few steps back, making sure he can't lay a finger on me. How did I suddenly find myself in his premises when I should be at work, working on my father's case.

He looked over his shoulder as I watch him pour wine in his glass. "Hmm? Would you like some wine?"

"No thank you," I declined coldly

He finally faced me. The corner of his lips tilted as his eyes scanned my body from head to toe. He looked at his glass and swirled it.

He then gestured me to take a seat on his sofa. "Take a seat Atty. Lopez. I may be rich, well-known, and one of the most influential people but I'm also renowned for my hospitality especially to professionals like you," he said with a warm smile

"I expected to see you in a hospital instead but," I said and took a seat. "Here we are." I kept my back straight, knees closed, and both hands on my lap. My bag was right beside me.

He let out a chuckle. I returned with a fake smile.

"Malakas na malakas pa ako. I don't have any sort of illness. I'm healthier than before. Thank you for your concern," he replied sarcastically

"Really? Physically, you look fine but mentally, I doubt it."

His lips twitched. He finished the wine in his glass then looked at me seriously.

"Let's cut to the chase. Bakit mo ako pinatawag dito?"

He loosened up a little by reclining back on the sofa. "I want to help you."

"In exchange for what?"

I know this man is by far, the greediest man ever existed. I know for a fact he wants something in return.

He smirked. "Sa ilang taon kong naging governor, marami na akong natulungan na mga tao. Mula sa mahihirap, mga kaibigan, mga kapwa ko na nasa posisyon, even lawyers like you. I've dealt with all kinds of people. I made their life-"

I arched my brow. "Miserable?"

"You're mistaken," he corrected

"Am I?"

He leaned closer without breaking eye-contact. "Hindi mo pa alam kung anong kaya kong gawin. It seems to me like you're curious."

I swallowed hard. My whole life. I've never come close to someone who's in power, a politician...but the rumors were true. Even if he doesn't say anything, his presence was enough to keep someone's toes on the ground. He always makes sure his presence is known. At first, he can be a great ally but once you betrayed him or once he's done with you, he can easily end your life in just a snap of his fingers. He can be the worst enemy.

"Hindi na bago sa pandinig ko ang apelyedo mo. Your father, Atty. Benjamin Lopez, was a very well-known lawyer. A great one too. It's quite unfortunate how he died in a car accident," he sighed in dismay

I frowned. His voice sent chills down my spine when he mentioned my dad. "How did you know him? My dad would never want to associate with someone like you," I said firmly

A soft chuckle escaped his lips. "Like I've said, he's a well-known lawyer. Basta magagaling, kilala ko."

As far as I can remember, dad never mentioned anything to me about him or the people he worked with then I realized I was young back then but also curious. I just hope they didn't have history with each other.

"If you're wondering if the two of us had a history before, you're wrong. We're not on the same level Attorney. I have more experience than him. Well, actually, I could have helped him with his career but he was stupid to reject it. Karma served him right."

I clenched my fist in anger. "He was smart enough because he didn't want to earn power from you. He never stooped that low. You may feed me with lies but I know him. He won't let himself be controlled by you."

His expression remained stern as if he wasn't provoked nor triggered but deep down, it must hurt his pride. "And what did it cost him?"

You monster.

"Sa oras na malaman ko na may kinalaman ka-"

"Why would I kill him in the first place then offered you help in his case then? You really put the blame on me," he cut me off

I looked away and shut my eyes tight then I heard him spoke again, this time his voice was filled with grief and anger.

"My nephew just died. I need a good prosecutor to help with the case. Gusto kong mabigyan ng hustisya ang pagkamatay niya."

"Why do you need my help when you can always choose a better and more competent lawyer."

"Kasi alam kong may kailangan ka sa'kin."

I looked at him in disbelief. "Wala akong utang na loob sa'yo. That's the problem with politicians like you, hindi kayo tumakbo para kusang loob na tumulong at maglingkod sa bansa kundi para sa pera at kapangyarihan. Wala kaming utang na loob sa inyo."

The disappointment in his eyes was evident as if I should take back my words. I didn't know if he already gave up convincing me but then I realize that he'll do everything with his power to get what he wants.

"This is not about me but my nephew. Lahat tayo ay dapat magkaro'n ng hustisya. My nephew is no exception. I'll do anything for him. Naiintindihan mo naman siguro ako."

"I don't think you need my help. You can easily get the justice you deserve," I said coldly. I looked at my bag and saw my phone was ringing. It was from Attorney. I should be at the office right now. "May mas importante pa akong dapat unahin. Isang kaso na matagal ng nabaon at noong una palang, nabigyan na ng hustisya." I got my bag and stood up, ready to leave but he spoke again

I didn't look back. Ayoko na. I felt like it's just a trap. I shouldn't have gone here in the first place but I just needed to clear my head if my dad and the governor had something in the past. If I stay here longer, maybe I wouldn't even realize that he already tied a collar around my neck.

"Perhaps Atty. Sanchez is a better option. Right. Siya naman talaga una palang."

My body froze on the ground by the words that came out of his lips. This man has shown no mercy at all. Perhaps his rage and pride completely took over him when his nephew died. It's like he got everything planned. It's like he's playing chess and we're the last pieces standing.

I turned to face him again. "What did you just say?"

His eyes were filled with hope and victory as if he already won when he caught my attention again then his expression turned dark and cunning.

I scoffed. "Siya pa talaga una mong naisip? Atty. Sanchez is the least person you should have expected to deal with you. May sakit ka nga sa utak," I mocked

He shook his head, telling me I was wrong. "Atty. Sanchez will most likely accept my offer without any hesitation."

"You seem too confident."

"Because I know what he wants."

"You don't know him."

He snorted. "It's like hitting two birds in one stone."

My hands were already itching to slap this man in the face. I took a deep breath to calm myself down. "Wala kang makukuha sa kanya."

"Don't worry, kung ayaw mong lumabas ito sa kanya, you can simply accept my offer. I know you'll change your mind. I'll give you time to think Atty. Lopez. I will keep my promise that I'll help you-"

"No."

He arched his brow. "No?"

"Not Atty. Sanchez," I gulped

Keith has already suffered a lot eversince we were little. He always puts his loved one's first before himself. He has lived to other people's expectations. He suffered the consequences of other people as well. His name also got tainted by his father's mistake in the past. Now, people see him as a bad person. I don't want him to suffer anymore. This will only make him feel more guilty.

"Pardon?"

I didn't realize that the governor was already standing in front of me. I can feel his eyes on me, studying my movement. The small distance between us was suffocating like I was sinking in a black hole.

"Not him, please," I said, almost like a whisper. My voice sounded weaker than usual but my feet remained firm on the ground

"It's okay Atty. Lopez. You're not a bad person. I can already say that you're better than your father."

"Hindi pa ako pumapayag."

He released a breath. "Very well then. I'll wait for your answer." He then took a step back and gave me a small smile. "You're free to go."

Freedom?

No one gets out of here alive. It's either you're dead, life is on the line, or he's already in control of your life.

One thing's for sure, no matter what power I possess or where I'm currently standing, he can never eliminate me.

***

"Are you sure we're going in the right place, Tris?" Keith asked while I was driving

"Yeah. He sent me the address. We're almost there," I answered

"Why can't he just meet us at the office? Waste of gas.Tsk."

I smiled a little. "Have you talked to the governor yet about the case?"

He casually placed his elbow on the window. "No."

"So you still haven't told him that you'll accept the case?" I glanced at him. "Nagdadalawang isip ka pa ba? I told you I'll just...accept it instead," I said and held the wheel tightly

Now that Keith already knew about it, makakahinga na ako ng maluwag. At first, I was scared to tell him because I knew we'd fight. He deserved to know it. The governor also spoke to him. I thought maybe the reason why he didn't tell me right away was because he declined his offer right there and then. But Keith being Keith, he carried the burden again by himself.

There's a lot of things going through my mind but I tried to focus on one thing...

To find this witness and to stay alive.

We're close. The case will close soon and justice will be served.

But what happened that day only led me closer to death.

"Trisha?"

I turned around when I heard my father's voice. "Dad?" my voice echoed. I roamed my eyes to my surroundings. Everything was white. Nothing but white. This place felt like heaven or maybe, I am in heaven. It can't be.

"Trisha! Come back here!"

My feet automatically moved, following that voice then all of a sudden, I heard the waves crashing, birds chirping, and my own laughter. I was in my childhood memories. A smile formed in my lips when I saw my dad and I on the beach. I was running with my feet on the sand, too close to the water and my dad was chasing me, afraid that I might get crashed by the waves.

My five year old self laughed when he finally caught me. I noticed that the waves got his other slipper. I pointed at it but he just let it go. Dad made sure I was okay. He fixed my dress and wiped the sand under my feet then he carried me all the way back to our spot. I followed them and realized that my mom was happily taking a video of us.

"Mommy," I cried

"Trisha. Are you okay sweetheart? Pinagod mo naman ang daddy mo," she jokingly said

"It was fun mommy!" I cheered and raised my hands in the air

"Our baby girl is truly a runner. Sumakit tuhod ko doon ah," dad complained then laughed it off. Dad then put me down. "Let's stay here okay?"

"But I want to play in the sand," I pouted

"Later. Malakas pa yung alon. Let's stay here and admire the sunset," dad smiled and looked at the sky. The sun was setting. The three of us then faced it. I was between the two of them.

Life was simpler back then. I wish we can stay like that forever. I envy that little girl. My vision became blurry. I thought my memory was disappearing but it turns out, it was my own tears. I closed my eyes, hoping I can relive that moment...and when I finally opened them, I saw myself sitting between my parents, watching the sunset.

"Daddy?" I looked up to him

He looked at me and his smile, warm like the sun. It reflected his eyes. "I love you princess. I'll always be in your heart. To the person you are today and to the person you will become someday, I hope you fulfill whatever your heart desires."

My heart burst with overwhelming emotions that I wish I can say something back to him but all I did was smile and hugged him. I have so many things to say but this was just a memory. I can only see him in my dreams. I don't want to wake up anymore. This felt right.

"Please come back to me dad." I closed my eyes and hugged him together

Please come back.

Come back to me Trisha.

Please come back.

My voice was replaced by the sound of the machine next to me. Slowly, I opened my eyes and first thing I saw was the white ceiling. My whole body felt numb. All I could move were my eyes. I felt tears in the corner of my eyes. I managed to move my finger. I knew I was in the hospital but I didn't think I made it alive.

"Come back to me."

My hearing became more clear than a few seconds ago. I moved my head to the side and saw a man sitting in front of me. His head was laying down on my bed and his hand was on top of mine.

"Kai.." my voice was too weak and quiet that he barely even heard. I didn't intend to call him but I simply wanted to say his name to make sure that I'm actually alive. I didn't know if he's dreaming or praying that I'll wake up. I felt relieved that he's with me. I heard his voice in my dreams. He made me come back.

I wanted to touch his head or move my finger to let him know but I still didn't have the energy to do so. In just a few seconds, I fell into a deep sleep once again.

"**

"I really don't think this is a good idea. You still should be resting in the hospital," Keith said

"What's that? We're workmates today Atty. Sanchez, not friends." I tried to sound serious but failed. I couldn't help but to laugh which made my side ached so I held it and winced in pain. Keith immediately sensed my discomfort so he checked if I was okay

"Trisha.."

"I'm fine." I took deep breaths. "I can do this."

"Your stitches aren't fully healed yet. How can you even-" he sighed and messed up his hair

"Sabi ng doctor, pwede na daw. I took enough rest. Nagpalakas na ri ako," I said. "When I was resting at the hospital, all I can think about is when will I get back to work again? I want to go back as soon as possible."

His brows furrowed. "The doctor never said that you can already go back to work. He just allowed you to rest at home."

"Which I did."

"No you didn't."

"I did!"

He looked away. "So we're just friends now huh?"

My forehead creased. "Huh? What does it have to do with.."

"We're workmates today, not friends," he repeated what I said earlier with the exact tone but his sounded a bit bitter

I wanted to laugh but I remember my wound will just get hurt again. This time, I might start crying from the pain. I just bit my tongue instead and tried my best not to smile. Keith looked like a child while giving me the side eye.

"H'wag mo muna akong landiin ngayon. We're at work," I said in a serious tone to shut him up. I then straightened my back and focused my attention on the cases on my desk. I also moved a little bit away from Keith who's also busy with his cases

He scoffed. "How can you even have the energy to argue with me-"

We were interrupted when our senior Attorney entered our office. We both stood up and greeted him formally.

"Atty. Lopez. What are you doing here? You're supposed to be resting in the hospital. Pinayagan naman kitang hindi muna pumasok ng ilang araw."

Keith and I exchanged looks. His brow shot up as if he's telling me I should have listened to him. I looked back at Attorney and smiled. "I'm doing better Attorney. I can't rest at this time now that we have finally caught our guy. Malapit na po ang trial 'di ba?"

He nodded. "Ah yes. That's why I'm here to inform you about it. First and foremost, the person who shot you is now behind bars after filing him attempted homicide. He refused to be interviewed by the media but the police talked to him and he gave his statement. He also testified in the court."

"What's his statement?"

He then placed a folder in front of my table. I opened it and read it. My brows furrowed. "According to his statement, it was just an order. He was ordered to shot me. It was a set up all along. We all thought he was a witness.." I said and looked at the both of them

"There's only one person who's behind all this," Keith muttered

"Could it be?" I said and read his statement again

"You must be thinking the same person," Attorney said. "Do you, by any chance, know who Charles Nofuente is?"

I immediately diverted my attention to him. "What? Who?"

He sighed. "Since I'm helping you investigate your father's case, one of your father's old client is Charles Nofuente. He's a wealthy businessman. He owns lands, machinery, factories, stocks worth millions. Maaaring noon ay nagkaro'n sila ng hindi pagkakaunawaan. Mr. Nofuente was a greedy man. He wanted to buy and own all the lands in Negros to build more of his own infrastructure. Your father, Atty. Lopez, had failed to fulfill his wish. Nagkaro'n ng problema at panibagong kaso si Attorney kaya't napabayaan niya ito."

"It wasn't my father's fault, right? I know that he and Atty. Dominguez were also working on a case together. Mas inuna niya iyon. He's a human rights lawyer afterall. It was Michael Ping v Philippines. He was a victim of extrajudicial killings."

"Yes, I know. Atty. Dominguez was able to win that case a few days later after your father died. Mr. Nofuente must have been infuriated. Malaki na rin siguro ang pera na inilabas niya. His company was in the verge of bankruptcy as well. He had hoped that Atty. Lopez can help him since he knew he was a great lawyer," he added. "He felt betrayed and that's the price your father had to pay."

I shut my eyes tightly as I remember the video of the accident. My head turned. I almost lost balance but I felt Keith's hand on my arm. I shook off the thought and looked at Attorney again.

"He wants to take revenge that's why he ordered someone to kill me too? Could it be that the person who's driving that truck who hit my father that night, the same person who attempted to take my life too?"

He looked at the folder I was holding where the statement is then back to me. His expression turned serious. "Possibly. We'll find out once the trial is set. Don't worry. We have a big chance of winning this case. We already found the culprit."

We discussed more about the upcoming trial and after a few minutes, our meeting ended. Attorney left us to work on his new case while Keith and I were left in the office. I slump back to my chair and let everything sink in to me. If Keith didn't call me then I would have probably drowned in my thoughts again.

"It's not new in our job to have enemies. Dad must have had it too. Who knows how many they were and where they come from," I said. "I just didn't think or maybe I just refused to assume that he had since I know he's a decent man."

"Charles Nofuente is no different from Melchor Guevarra. Both are wealthy, influential and powerful people. Even us get fooled."

I lifted my eyes on him. His brows, slightly furrowed while thinking deeply as if he's trying to piece the puzzle together.

"The day when I met up with the governor, he mentioned my father. I was scared of the idea that he might be the person behind his death. To be affiliated with someone like him is like putting yourself at the edge of a cliff. He could have done the same thing to my father but I guess he didn't let him deceive him," I said. "But you're right. Charles Nofuente is no different from Governor Guevarra."

"I will never forgive him if he's the one behind this. He already threatened to kill you. I can't believe there's someone else who wanted to-"

"Keith," I cut him off. He shut his eyes with his fist clenched. "Look at me."

He slowly lifted his eyes on me. A mixture of worry and anger were written all over his face. They were the same eyes I'd always see when we were kids, when he and his family got separated. He's always been afraid. He doesn't want to be alone. He's scared of the thought of being alone in the future.

"I'm never afraid of losing Trisha. What I am most afraid of, is losing the people that I love," his voice was shaky. I felt his hand on top of mine

"You will never lose me. Win or lose. You have me until the end," I assured him with a smile

"I want to thank you for-"

"Let's reserve that later, Atty. Sanchez. For now, let's focus on the case. The battle has just begun," I said seriously. "We still have a trial to attend to."

***

Days went by and finally, the day for the final trial has come to close the case of the murder of my father, Atty. Benjamin Lopez. I looked at the people who came to the hearing. I saw my professor, Atty. Dominguez present. He simply gave me a nod. My mom and I made eye-contact. She was already emotional. I didn't know exactly what to feel. I wish she didn't come to watch but I know she has the right to. And it pains me to see her suffer. I was torn between being a professional lawyer and a daughter to her.

"After this, you should rest, okay?" Keith softly said beside me

"Rest? Uso pa ba 'yon?" I said to lighten up the mood. God! I've attended and won quite a few cases yet I always get nervous especially now. How I wish Atty. Avelino is also here with us for the final hearing but he had a family emergency. Even if he gave me strength and told me I'll win the case, there's this tiny fear inside of me that what if I mess up?

"Relax Trisha. You got this. I'm here."

"Uh, thanks sa moral support?"

He chuckled softly. "You tend to blabber on and on whenever you feel nervous."

"Who wouldn't feel nervous? First, today is the last trial. My dad will finally get the justice he deserves. Second, my mom is watching. Third, my body hasn't fully recovered yet. Lastly, may trial pa tayo sa Lunes para naman sa kaso ni Mrs. Cervantez. I don't even want to see the governor," I said in disgust

"I've told you before, I can handle that case. Kakayanin ko. Don't worry about it," he said. "As for you. Pwede ka ng magpahinga. You have fought well."

I frowned. "What are you saying? I'm not going to die Keith," I replied. "I won't let you face that case alone. I won't let you face him alone."

"Trisha.."

I shook my head. "E, mamaya na tayo mag-usap."

"All rise for the Honorable presense of Judge Brillantes."

At last, the judges have finally arrived. We all stood up. In front of us, was the man named Edmund Velasco. His hands were cuffed and his head faced on the floor the entire time as if he already accepted his defeat. Beside him is none other than, Charles Nofuente.

"Atty. Lopez, you may now proceed with the interrogation," the judge ordered

I stood up and walked towards him. The sound of my heartbeat and the clicking of heels on the floor echoed inside my ears. I stopped when I was already in front of him. Face to face with the man who killed my father. Everything flashed before my eyes. The sound of the horn and the screeching of tires was too loud, it felt so real, like I was also there inside his car and I almost forgot I was inside the court.

"Atty. Lopez. You may start."

I snapped back to reality when the judge spoke. I took a deep breath, gathering up all my strength and looked at him. "According to the cctv footage, eventhough it was only a minte and fifteen seconds when everything happened, we were able to caught the plate number of your truck that hit Mr. Lopez's car. It was around 12 o'clock midnight, no other cars were seen on the lane. You were speed driving and passed a red light. After hitting it, you simply drove away as if nothing happened. There were no other witnesses. A few minutes later, some cars passed and saw the aftermath of the accident. Reports claimed that the engine of the car was damaged and the brakes weren't working but after thorough investigation, the truth was revealed."

"Is there anything that the accused would like to say?" the judge asked

But he remained silent.

"According to his statement, he was given a job and that was to kill Mr. Lopez. By who? The man behind this is Mr. Nofuente, your honor," I added while looking at the man beside Edmund.

He was in a wheelchair. He has a cast around his neck. He's old and weak. His face covered in wrinkles and dark spots. His white hair can barely cover his head. I doubt if he can even talk. He still looked presentable with his white polo and black slacks. Too bad he can't see me properly since his head was a bit tilted on the side.

"Mr. Nofuente has numerous charges filed against him. From plunder, murder, and stealing but managed to get everything away from it due to his health conditions thus the court dropped the charges and get treated in the hospital. Now at 70, it's time to face the consequences and punishment under the law alongside his accomplice, Edmund Velasco. I rest my case, your honor."

"You did well," Keith said the moment I returned to our table

I let out a nervous sigh."You think so? Is that enough?" I looked ag mom who's calmly waiting for the final verdict. The room felt tensed and full even if I can only count in my fingers the people in the audience.

He patted my back. "We'll win this. I'm sure."

And so we waited. We waited patiently for the final verdict, praying that justice prevail. If not, I'd say there is no hope for people anymore. It is beyond our control.

"In the light of new pieces of evidence, after careful analysis and consideration, the judges hereby declared the defendant, Edmund Velasco, guilty for the murder of Benjamin Lopez."

My heart stopped beating in a split second the moment I heard those words loud and clear. I looked at the judge, then to my mom who burst into tears. My chest tightened. I wanted to ran to her and hug her.

"I told you we'll win this."

I looked at him and there's a proud smile on his face. He was happier than I am. He remained calm throughout the entire trial while cheering me silently. Meanwhile, I was in the verge of breaking down. In the end, I just smiled back.

Don't worry Keith. In our next court trials, I will also flash a proud smile with a pat on the back just like what you did today...and I hope you'd feel the same way.

Dear Diary,

After so many years, I finally saw the light at the end of this tunnel. The heavy burden in my chest that I was carrying for years have just been lifted and I've never felt more free.

Throughout my whole journey, I felt my dad's guidance. We didn't let go of each other's hands and I think that's why I've come this far.

I'm glad that I chose this path...and to be walking alongside with him, forever.