She Died at 18

Chapter 3

"Welcome back, Detective Shawn," I smiled warmly at Trigger, one of my trusted teammates, as I pulled my luggage bag.

"I just got back from the airport. Ano bang gagawin ko at napaka-urgent?" I asked Trigger, a sense of curiosity mixed with urgency in my voice as I quickened my pace towards the Director's room.

"Yan ang hindi ko alam. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ikaw pa," frustration colored Trigger's voice as he spoke those words, leaving me with a sense of intrigue before I finally entered the room.

"Detective Shawn," Director Jin, our team leader, greeted me with a nod and a tired smile. We had a connection to the CIA in the States, which meant frequent trips back and forth.

"I guess mayaman ang client, that's why napaka-urgent," I mused, taking a seat across from Sir Jin. Slightly cynical, I couldn't help but let out a sigh.

"Ganyan naman talaga ang mayayaman. Pinapagalaw nila ang lahat ng bagay gamit ang pera," my voice carried a touch of annoyance as I leaned back on the couch, frustrated by the predictability of the wealthy.

"Anyways, kailangan mo agad puntahan si Mr. Dela Vega for your new case," I frowned at Sir's words, my curiosity now at its peak.

"Dela Vega? As in the billionaire Dela Vega?" Disbelief laced my tone, my memories of once admiring his wealth and success now clouded by the darker side of the wealthy elite.

When I was younger, I admired Mr. Dela Vega and aspired to be like him. He was a very wealthy man. But when I learned about the shady side of the rich, I stopped dreaming of becoming one of them. They would do anything for money, and they didn't care who they stepped on.

I shook my head and chuckled, remembering the typical problems of the wealthy: money, business, and personal vendettas.

I picked up the envelope that Sir Jin had handed me and began reading the details inside. It seemed like the possible suspects included rivals in Mr. Dela Vega's business, personal enemies, or someone with a grudge against his daughter. It was the usual.

I shook my head and chuckled again, recalling the drama that often unfolded in my university.

I read the contents of the envelope once more.

Kearra Dela Vega, 18 years old, 3rd-year student at Neville University. I blinked twice to make sure I was reading it correctly. Neville University was the school that had turned my life into a living hell.

"Good morning, Sir," I greeted the man sitting beside the hospital bed. He glanced at me and gave a bitter smile.

"Good morning. Who are you?" He spoke weakly, as if he had no energy left. I noticed the tears welling up in his eyes, and he was still wearing the black tuxedo with a red rose on the pocket that he had worn since yesterday.

"I'm Detective Shawn, Sir," I introduced myself, offering my hand, which he accepted.

"Glad you came. Sabi ni Jin nasa US ka pa? I told him not to pressure you, and he could choose someone else, but he insisted that you were the best," there was a hint of relief on his face when he recognized me.

He stood up, and I faced him formally. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of bitterness towards Mr. Dela Vega. He looked like a mess, but he was still managing to fake a smile to protect those around him. It was only now that I saw his softer side. He was a good father, and I could genuinely say he was a good person.

I nodded to him. "It's okay, Sir. It's my honor to be chosen for your daughter's case."

He smiled, but it quickly faded, and he turned to look at his unconscious daughter.

I stared at her peaceful face as she slept. She looked pale and fragile with her round face, pointed nose, and pale, thin lips. Yet, her beauty remained intact, making her look like an angel peacefully sleeping.

But I firmly believed that looks could be deceiving.

"She's my daughter, Kearra Chanel Dela Vega," Mr. Dela Vega spoke again, his gaze fixed on his daughter.

"She's my only daughter, my princess," he said with a hint of sadness, as if trying to hold back tears. But in the end, he bent down and sobbed.

"Please help me. Help me find and put in jail the person who did this to my daughter," he pleaded.

"I will, Sir. I won't stop until I catch the culprit," I said firmly before walking out of the room.

I've handled many cases, both here and abroad, involving powerful and dangerous individuals like mafia and gangs. I was confident that this case would be resolved quickly, and I could return to the States.

'No one even came to visit her,' I couldn't help but think as I walked out. She must have had many enemies at school.

"Ouch," I paused when I bumped into a girl.

"Sorry, Miss," I apologized, but my eyebrows furrowed when I noticed her smiling at me strangely. 'Creepy,' I thought.

"Hehe... It's okay," she said in a soft voice, flipping her hair before walking away. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her attempt to look cute.

"Psh... So flirty," I muttered, turning to leave. It was clear that she was trying too hard to get attention.

"Hey, what are you staring at?" She suddenly yelled at me, bursting into laughter. I sighed and continued walking out of the hospital. 'Maybe she needs medical attention for her odd behavior rather than Kearra.'

I froze as I remembered something. I quickly turned back to the girl, but she was no longer where she had been.

I breathed a sigh of relief, but my unease remained. 'Maybe my eyes were playing tricks on me?' I thought. I shook my head and ran out of the building. That was just plain creepy. 

Who was that girl who suddenly started talking to me out of nowhere?