Behind her Mask

Chapter Two

I nodded.

—

"I am sorry, but I don't think matutulungan kita. There was no fingerprint recorded in the samurai." Our boss, Migz Owein, voiced unperturbedly. I shut my eyes in annoyance.

"But, Sir," tugon ng isa sa mga tauhan niya. "May fingerprint kaming nakuha mula sa relo," aniya na ikinatigil ni Boss. Maging ako ay natigilan.

"Totoo?" I asked in disbelief. Pakiramdam ko'y nabunutan ako ng tinik sa lalamunan.

Tumango siya.

I looked at Alcher. Nakatingin lang din siya sa akin.

"We can use the fingerprint found on the watch-"

"To track the IP address of the owner. In that case, we will know who he is and we will be able to get information," putol ko sa sinasabi n'ya.

Tumango siya. Nanatili akong nakatitig sa kanya. Ngumiti siya kalaunan. Alam kong naiintindihan na niya ang dapat niyang gawin.

—

"I got it." Napapikit ako nang marinig ko ang mga salitang iyon ni Alcher.

"Lucas Montero, 41 years old, may business sa banking," Alcher explained habang nakatutok sa computer. Naroroon ang lahat ng impormasyon tungkol sa may-ari ng relo.

Lucas Montero...

I will find you.

May nakita rin kaming mga pictures niya. Maging ang address ng bahay niya ay nahanap namin.

Thanks to his watch, madali naming makakalap ang mga detalyeng kailangan ko.

"Ang kailangan na lang nating gawin ngayon ay maghanda," aniya pero umiling ako.

"I am perpetually prepared for any and every eventuality that may arise, Alcher."

Tinalikuran ko siya.

I shall actively pursue the attainment of justice and retribution, holding those responsible accountable for their actions.

Mom, Dad, this is all for you. I will sacrifice everything for you.

I will not stop. No one can stop me.

I sighed.

"Then let's go. I don't think we have much time left."

I wiped my tears when I felt Alcher behind me.

"Umiiyak ka ba? Okay ka lang?" I frowned.

"No."

"Umiiyak ka, eh-"

"Alcher, I am not crying. I don't cry," I cut him down. I am trying my best to control my temper. "Now, sasamahan mo ba ako o hindi?"

He remained quiet although I am certain that he wanted to say something, he knows pretty well that it is not part of his job.

He looked at me for a moment and nodded.

"Good," I uttered.

I turned my back from him and began walking out. I sighed deeply as I tried to keep my posture.

Crying?

They say if you cry, you are strong.

No, you are not.

Not for me.

The act of shedding tears is reserved for individuals who lack strength and fortitude, who are deemed as inferior or unsuccessful in some way.