✔ 02 | Flames Of Madness [Soon To Be Published Under PSICOM]

CAPITULUM 15

Kingstone Industries
9:15 p.m.

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"You just shouted at my boyfriend, bitch."

Para bang nabingi si Detective Briannova Carlos sa narinig niya. 'Wait, boyfriend?' Agad niyang nilingon ang sinigawan niyang lalaki at napansing napapakamot na lang ito sa kanyang ulo. Oh, shit. She screwed up!

The man sheepishly smiled at her, "Ah, ayos lang po, ma'am. Naiintindihan ko naman pong nag-aalala kayo sa partner niyo. We'll save him, don't worry!" Pagkatapos 'non, mabilis na kinausap ng lalaki ang team leader nila at ipinagbigay-alam dito ang sitwasyon. Samantala, hindi na umimik si Nova.

'I guess the stress is finally taking its toll on me,' Huminga siya nang malalim at inayos ang kulay rosas na buhok.

District Offier Rizee Mariano watched her for a few seconds before sighing. Nawala na rin ang galit sa mga mata ng babae at nag-iwas ng tingin kay Nova, "No need to be worried, Ms. Carlos. Katulad ng sinabi ko sa'yo kanina, kailangan mong magtiwala sa partner mo. Detective Yukishito earned his title for a reason." Malumanay nitong sabi. Gumaan ng konti ang loob ni Nova, but she still felt guilty.

She glanced at the burning building again.

'She's right. Nico earned his title as the #1 detective in Eastwood and I'm pretty sure he has more surprises up his sleeves.' isip-isip niya at bahagyang napayuko. 'But did I earn mine?' Hindi na alam ni Nova. Sa inaasal niya kanina, alam niyang lumabag na siya sa ilang etiquettes ng pagiging isang detective.

She lost control of her emotions and used her authority to boss people around.

"Olympia would probably be disappointed with my behavior," mahina niyang bulong sa sarili. Sa kanilang kompanya, nagsisilbing pangalawang magulang sa kanya ang kanilang senior consultant. Huminga nang malalim si Nova at iniangat ang mga mata.

At the same time, someone appeared by the burning building---no, someone was walking out of it!

Bumilis ang pintig ng puso ni Detective Nova nang makita ang nakakairitang mukha ng kanyang partner.

"Sorry I took so long, I did some investigation while I was inside. Isa nga itong murder, and it looks like the Robinhood Arsonist---I still think that's a stupid name---is on the move again." Napapailing na lang si Detective Nico Yukishito at pinagpag ang jacket na para bang hindi siya nanggaling sa isang nasusunog na gusali. He remained calm as he continued, "Nahanap ko na ang biktima."

Nova pushed aside her relief. "Nasaan siya?"

Sumeryoso ang mga mata ng binata.

"He's dead. It was too late when I arrived.. he was crucified at the bathroom door of his own office."

Kinilabutan si Nova sa narinig, at mukhang pati si Officer Mariano ay hindi naging kumportable. Walang-emosyon namang ibinalik ni Nico ang kanyang mga mata sa Kingstone Industry office kung saan inaapula na ng mga bumbero ang apoy. Pinipigilan nila itong kumalat sa kalapit na residential area.

"Mr. Kingstone's body was nailed and posed like Jesus Christ. Gumamit ng malalaking concrete nails ang arsonist at walang-awang ipinako katawan ng biktima sa pinto ng sarili nitong banyo. He probably even used materials present at the nearby warehouse since Kingstone Industries manufactures materials used for construction. Nagiging resourceful na ang serial killer slash arsonist natin."

Officer Mariano shook her head in disgust, "Noong una, may isinaksak siyang rosaryo sa wasak na ulo ni Mr. Jones, now he just crucified his victim? What's this for? Mocking religion?"