"Are we all here?" Rio asked.
"Count them Rio, not asked them."
Nasa loob na kami ng eroplano at nagbabasa ako ng magazine. Anyway, nasa business class kami.
Four hours lang ang flight namin kaya may time pa ako matulog.
"Miss? We're here." Rio.
Tinaggal ko ang eye mask at face mask ko. I'm wearing a cotton poplin shirt tucked into black stretch denim mid rise skinny jeans and a wool and cashmere flannel. I also included a tassel brooch chain.
Nakalabas na kami ng eroplano at nag papicture ako kay Rio.
I posted it on Instagram and my caption is cute.
"@oneokrockofficial, where are you? I'm starting to hunt you guys."
I refresh it at umabot agad sa 114,504 likes.
I'm more popular than celebrities thanks to my Goddess face. Nakita ko na nag liked din si Leon. @Alexeon ang name niya sa instagram. Speaking of Leon, tinawagan ko siya.
"How's japan?"
Na excite ako lalo business akong aasikasuhin dito pero mukhang bakasyon ang pinunta ko dito.
"As you can see from the image I posted, I'm excited!" I chuckled.
"Did Han Sung Min send someone to deliver the black envelope earlier?"
Natinag ako. I almost killed that man but I spared his life.
"Yes. But he ran away when I caught him." I lied.
I'm at a loss for words, I'm so sorry I lied to him. I know he doesn't deserve it, but I need to keep my identity hidden.
Magkamatayan na kapag binunyag ni Mr. Han ang nalalaman niya sa akin. But there will be no thrill kapag napaaga iyon. I'm just letting him and I'm playing all along.
Kausap ko pa din si Leon hanggang dumating kami sa tutuluyan naming Hotel. Nakakita ako na pamilyar na imahe at nilapitan ko ito. Bago kami makapunta sa Hotel, I ready something just in case.
Pati ba naman dito?
"Well, well, well, what do we have here?"
Napalingon sa akin ang matangkad na lalaki na may kagwapuhan pero may demonyong utak.
"Mirus Estelle." the man smirked.
"Han Sung Min." I matched his smirk but more smug.
"Palagi tayong tinatadhana Mr. Han. Are we for each other?" Pang-aasar ko sa kanya.
"I guess?"
"But, matanda ka na para sa akin. I don't want you to be my sugar daddy." Pigil ang tawa ko.
"We're only eighteen years apart Mirus. I can still make you my wife."
His wife and two sons were murdered by assassins, which is how he ended up in this state. But I'm not a sucker for guys like him.
"Do you like the present I gave you?"
Nagpanggap akong nag-iisip habang nanginginig ang kamay ko sa panggigigil.
"Ah! The love letter." I snapped my fingers.
"Wait for my letter too. You'll be surprise." I can't keep my fucking sarcasm.
"You mean like this?"
He pointed a gun at me kinasa niya ito. At nilabas ko ang tactical knife na nakatago sa cashmere flannel ko. Reverse grip ang hawak ko at tinutok ko sa leeg niya. Isang maling kilos, isa ang patay sa aming dalawa.
"Is that it?" I said in boredom.
"I've been itching to kill you..." he says with an ugly laugh.
"It would be boring if you do that now."
In agreement, he laid down his gun. Tinanggal niya ang scarf niya at binigay sa akin.
"You might catch a cold."
"What the fuck are you doing?"
Binabalot niya sa akin ang scarf at marahan niya akong sinasakal.
"I'm just worried about you."
"See you around, Mirus."
Umalis na siya sa harap ko kasama ang bodyguards niya.
"Fucking old man." saad ko sa kanya habang palayo na siya.
Pinasok ko ulit ang tactical knife sa cashmere flannel ko. Pumasok ako sa loob at tinapon ko ang scarf na binigay niya.
"Hello?" inis kong sabi sa kabilang linya.
"Hey, bigla mong binaba 'yung tawag."
"Yeah, sorry about that."
Binato ako ng mga staff at pilit ngiti ko binati hanggang sa makasakay ako sa elevator.
Nakarating na ako sa floor ko and I saw some Japanese maid cleaning my room.
"Wait a minute."
"Konbanwa misu kaerumu. Anata no heya wa junbi ga dekite imasu." The maid said.
(Good evening, Miss Caelum. Your room is ready.)
She looked like a teen which is true.
"Hijō ni kōsoku? Ikimasu. Chinamini anata wa kawaīdesu." Nakita ko na namula siya sa sinabi ko.
(So fast? I'm going in. You're cute by the way.)
"Arigatō, misu kaerumu."
(Thank you, Miss Caelum.)
Nginitian ko siya at gusto ko kurutin pisngi niya.
"Dōitashimashite."
(You're welcome.)
Tuluyan na ako pumasok sa kwarto at on call pa din kami ni Leon.
"You're good in Japanese."
"I'm a big fan of Japanese at sa lakas ng trip ko, I also learned their language."
I press the loud speaker at nilagay ko sa lamesa. Isa-isa ko tinanggal ang damit ko at mag papalit ako ng panibagong damit.
"What occurred in your earlier interview? Enzo privately informed me about it before I left," I questioned.
"The defendant's parents mourned his death, declaring that he committed suicide." he's enraged.
"Then, why are you still mad?"
"The defendant died while the lawsuit was underway."
"When a defendant dies during the course of a lawsuit, the plaintiff must act to keep the case alive."
"They must file a timely motion to replace the defendant with the person's personal representative."
"What a shame."
"Right now, I'm studying a new case." he said in bored tone.
"I know you can do it. The most famous lawyer around the world. Bakit hindi ka na lang umarte kung ganyan kalakas ang appeal mo sa buong mundo?"
"I know I'm handsome, 'wag mo na ipagkalat. Earlier, some teenage girls came to me and they wanted my autograph and they also want to take a picture of me."
Hindi ko na napigilan ang tawa ko! It last three minutes halos hindi na ako makahinga sa sinabi niya.
Leon is a multibillionaire based from what I read about his information he graduated from Harvard and he also passed the bar exam at pasok siya sa top ten.
Gano'n siya katalino, I knew that Hollywood celebrities wanted Leon to be their attorney, Ace Law Firm is also a know-it-all around the world, and his handsome face. Aside from the cases, he also wins the hearts of women.
There he earned the title of King of the law.
"Hey, I'm going to take a sleep."
I ended the phone after he simply hummed his voice.
I can't take my eyes off Mirus photos. I've been guessing how excellent the photographer is pretty good in hiding.
I took the cards out of my pocket and playing it while in deep thought.
Mirus received a BS in Aeronautical Engineering and a BS in Aviation Business Administration from University of Oxford at the same time. She is also a licensed pilot and aeronautical engineer, so she understands the mechanics of an airplane and how it works.
She became Chairwoman at the age of twenty-three because of her Goddess face, brain, figure, how she handles big business and particularly her amber eyes, which make many guys fall in love with her despite her fiery personality. Mirus' popularity surpassed that of his brother, Rigel.
And she is well-known by the world's most powerful and wealthy business young woman. Her family also owns several other businesses in addition to her airline. And a multibillionaire.
That's why she earned the title of Queen of the sky.
My phone is ringing until I answer it.
"Hey, boss Leon?"
"Enzo? How was it?"
"It's clear but I sent you a video."
I opened the video he sent.
Such a drag.
"Gusto mo na ba bumalik?" tanong ko.
"Kahit dito na lang ako tumira, boss."
I'm still studying the new case I have and it's bothering me as fuck.
"Then, tatanggalin kita sa trabaho mo."
"Biro lang boss! Babalik ako kapag nag bigay na ho kayo ng signal."
"Fine. Be back when it's done, I want to rest. So... stop waking me up sa madaling araw. And don't forget what I said, got it?"
"Copy that."
I stop studying the case, gusto ko ipahinga ang utak ko. Napatingin ako sa evidence board ko nag-iisip ako kung paano ko aayusin lahat.
"What a drag."
Lumabas ako sa study table ko at bumaba ako sa living room. I saw Stella sleeping peacefully sa couch.
I sigh in annoyance. Kinuha ko ang susi ng kotse ko saka ako lumabas. Mabilis ako nakarating sa underground parking. And I saw the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1, blood red that quietly parked beside me and waiting for the owner to drive this beast.
She has a taste, huh?
I'm curious that who wins the race between the two of us. I can see that she's no ordinary driver. Sinakop niya ang daan, she drived smoothly kahit nag mamadali siya.
I read her information. She is a motor and car racer. Mirus is also a good cook based on my experience, enjoys music, and according to the information, she was the former captain of the Oxford volleyball team.
I just can't imagine.
I'm just strolling around town. Until I decided to squander my time in the coffee shop. The night is still young kaya umupo ako sa tabi ng glass window without knowing someone I know sipping her coffee sa harap ko.
"Mr. Leon?"
It was Miahri. Pumipirma siya ng papeles and searching something through her laptop.
"Why are you so busy?"
"I'm always busy." she lightly laugh.
"Hindi ka ba tinutulungan? I mean, Miss Caelum?"
"She helps me. Pero hinahayaan niya lang ako. I won't learn if Ate is backing me up. I don't need her help." Mirus said while tapping through the keyboard.
"I know that Ate Mirus was also stressed sa trabaho niya. Lalo na sa pinasukan niyang gulo."
I looked at her, she was calm but anxious about her sister.
"Do you know her enemy?" Hindi ko naiwasan mag tanong.
I think it's my chance.
"Yeah. They have known each other before."
I slowly drink my latte while looking outside.
"For how long?"
I was right. But I want to know their past.
"Nagkakilala sila noong nasa college si Ate Mirus."
Interesting.
"What relationship do they had?"
I don't mind if I posed an improper question. She told me to wait until she finished her work.
"Pareho silang kasali, but I don't know kung saan."
"What are they doing?" I asked bluntly.
"She never told me."
I sigh quietly in frustration. Mirus is diverting my focus away from others. I didn't press Miahri on Mirus any further.
Nag paalam ako sa kanya and I'm spacing out. Dumeretso na lang ako sa Extreme Racing pag mamayari ng kaibigan ko.
Nag park sa tabi nila at they are shocked.
"Wow! Long time no see, pre!"
"You're noisy Dominic. Where are the others?"
Tinuro niya sa akin kung nasaan sila. Well, may karera.
"Castriel vs Cross."
Two more laps but Castriel won the race. Nakita ko bumaba si Cast at niyakap ako.
"Leon, My man? Iisa lang ang building natin pero hindi kita nakikita." Cross.
"I'm busy. Making a living."
"Cut the shit, Lozano." Cross chuckled.
"Hey, are you exhausted from work? Why don't you look into more cases?" Cast remarked sarcastically.
"Yeah? How about we switch roles? I deserve a rest buddy."
Nagyakap kami once again. I missed these guys.
"Sali ka?" Aya ni Cast.
"Sino next?"
"The Drift King and Zoren vs James and Lennox."
"Kayo ni Dominic ang maglalaban."
Pinanood ko ang laban ng apat and nanalo sila Zoren.
"Leon! I missed you pre!" Daisuke.
Kadiri naman nito.
"Lozano! It's been ages! Gago ka hindi ka man lang dumalaw!" Nagtatampo na sabi ni Zoren.
"Kapag pumanaw ka na, saka kita dadalawin."
"I'm still young to die!"
Niready ko na ang kotse ko sa starting line. Drag race ang gagawin namin.
"The Lawless Lawyer is fucking back!"
I raise my middle at them at nagtawanan silang lahat.
"Leon, my friend I won't make you upset."
"Dom, this is not my best car so far. You should be thankful for that."
I started the engine. Making a burnout same to Dom.
The traffic light sets go pantay lang ang laban.
So, I predict my winning already.
Napansin ko ang curves kanina so I managed to drift for five times. Naiwan na si Dom. After three laps, this round goes to me. I won.
I did the burnout while spinning. I just wait to disappear the thick smoke at lumabas na ako ng kotse.
Lumapit ako kay Dom at we do High five.
"No hard feelings, just race."
Binatukan lang ako ni Dom at biglang nagyaya si Cast.
"Tara! Inom tayo? It's been a while since Leon joined us."
I just shrugged at bumalik ako sa sasakyan with their disappointment faces.
"Whoever is last, you'll fucking pay." I said as I waved farewell.
Ako na nauna umalis at naririnig ko sumisigaw si Daisuke.
Ako ang nauuna nakasunod sa akin si Cast, Daisuke, Dom, Zoren and Cross.
Nakita ko lumiko sa kaliwa si Daisuke sa kanan naman si Zoren.
The betrayal starts now.
Nasa 150 ang takbo ko. Nakikita ko na ang Duchess Tavern Bar kaya nag park agad ako. Sunod-sunod sila nag park si Daisuke at Zoren na lang wala.
"Damn that Japanese. Hindi na nag bago." Cross said while texting with his phone.
"Nasa dugo na niya 'yan." Cast tilted his head.
Napasandal na lang ako at iniisip kung kaninong kotse ang mauuna.
Five minutes passed, nakita na namin ang Aston Martin Vantage. Lumapit ang tatlo at kinutusan nila si Daisuke.
"Ouch! Masakit ha!"
"Nasaan na si Zoren?" Dom worriedly asked.
"On the way na." Daisuke is smirking like an idiot.
Another minute passed, we saw the Lexus rushing to park besides us. Mabilis lumabas si Zoren at sinapak niya si Daisuke sa tiyan but weak punch.
"Gago ka! Naligaw ako sa 'yo." Nakasimangot si Zoren.
Naghiyawan sila dahil ang kuripot ay magbabayad sa iinumin namin ngayon.
"How are you with Miss Caelum?" Cross asked me.
Napatingin silang lahat sa akin.
"We're good."
"Is that so? How about the case between Miss Caelum and Mr. Han?"
Can't they stop hot sitting me?
"I don't have any updates yet." I said as I playing the ice cubes.
"Really?"
"She might get into accident. I believed sinundan ni Mr. Han si Miss Caelum." I said.
"Damn, Mr. Han wanted to destroy Miss Caelum. He wanted a war." Dom said.
"A bloody war." Zoren added.
"Naririnig din namin na bagay kayo ni Miss Caelum, right? Well, she's really hot and she also carries the gangster vibe." Castriel said.
"And there's this word going around that Miss Caelum reportedly beat Mr. Han's people alone, I don't know if that's true." Castriel says once again.
Tch. The hell are you talking about?
I knew it as well. I didn't tell Mirus she'd be upset about it. But how did she manage to beat those guys?
Mirus, you are really stressing me up.
"What? That's cool." Daisuke amazingly exclaimed.
If Miahri knows their past. I might learn why they turned into enemies.
"Nag pirmahan kayo, hindi ba? What's her attitude kapag kasama mo siya?" Daisuke asked.
"Miss Caelum, on the other hand, has a serious, menacing vibe but a clumsy, sleepy head, is snarky and hot headed and headstrong, naughty and charming. She only becomes serious when it comes to business."
Binilang ko pa sa kamay ko ang nakita kong personality niya. She's always pouting which I found it really cute.
"Earlier, Miss Caelum is rushing papunta sa Law Firm. Nagkataon na pabalik na din ako."
"And I saw her new Camaro ZL1. She drives liked she owned the whole highway. Suddenly, inaya niya ako to race with her. And the result? It's a tie." I still remembered that she's mad at me.
"And I accepted her rematch." I smirked.
"Heaven's, our Leon is in love!" Daisuke.
"No, I'm not. I've already fallen in love with someone." I scoffed.
"I'll go with Miss Caelum, whoever she is."
"Shut up, Cross." Pagbanta ko sa kanya.
"Indeed." Dom.
"They are lovely together." Castriel.
"I wish they end up together." Zoren.
May gusto ata sila kay Mirus? What a drag.
Naghihiyawan sila at nananahimik lang ako. It's not too late to confess.
Lumapit ang lima bukod sa akin. Humiwalay sila sa akin mukhang may pag uusapan sila.
"Guys, our deal is for only the five of us." Dom.
"Act like your age. It's not funny anymore."
"I'm going to kick your ass, when our hunch is right Lozano." Cast.
Why do I had these kinds of friends?
Nag-usap pa kami sa future plans and our business also love life. May hinuhuli sila sa akin and I don't know what it is and I completely ignored it.
After few more hours, umuwi na kami. Halos lahat walang natamaan. At humabol pa kami at nag take out pa kami, thanks to Zoren. I'm on my way while watching the stars. It's beautiful.
I loved watching the stars since I was little.
It's three o'clock in the morning. And the supermarkets and fast food restaurants are still open. There was no traffic, and I am still wide awake. I drove slowly because I can't get my case out of my brain.
"I haven't used my vacation slots yet..." I muttered, annoyed.
These days, I've been stressed out. I haven't gotten a date in a long time.
What's the deal?
When the traffic light turns red, I must come to a complete stop. I keep tapping my fingers until someone hits my car.
Tumilapon ako hanggang sa mag dugo ang ulo at bibig ko.
I gradually grab for my phone. I need to call right away. It began dialing until I absolutely lost consciousness.
"In the Name of great pilots around the world, they spread their wings for freedom and peace. I, Mirus Estelle Caelum, I'm genuinely giving you my sincere gratitude. I'm glad that you chose Solis Airlines and you made the right decision, Cheers."
Inangat ko ang champagne ko and said it for a toast.
I'm completely exhausted. Many people in higher positions want to speak with me. We're leaving after this party. And I'm curious what Leon is up to. I'm unable to use my phone. It would be inappropriate if I was using my phone at the time.
Sa hotel ang party actually, sa lobby at sobrang dami nila.
"Rio." I called her.
Lumapit siya sa akin at kinutusan ko.
"Miss naman!" Sigaw niya sa akin.
"Huwag mo landiin si Mizushima Kai, nandito ang girlfriend niya."
Siya ang isa sa mga bagong piloto na pinakilala sa amin. Mukhang type ni Rio.
"I am not." Depense niya.
"If you say so," Nginisian ko siya at nakuha niya agad ang pinupunto ko.
"Miss Caelum naman? 'Wag mo akong tanggalin sa position ko. Gwapo kasi niya eh."
"Inamin mo din. Lumandi ka sa walang girlfriend." Pinaalis ko siya at umakyat ako sa terrace. I stared up at the night sky. The stars only shine when the conditions are favorable.
What are you saying?
Nag pahinga muna ako saglit at bumalik sa lobby. It's been five hours since the party started.
I've been walking around at sumandal ako paharap sa railings while looking at them. Laughing, happy and excited at the same time. I just smiling I did smile like this because of the hardship I went through.
I shouldn't celebrate early.
I'm still smiling while wondering kung ano ang mangyayari sa akin sa future.
If it's good or bad as long as I'm alive. Hindi madaling kalabanin si Han Sung Min. Halos pantay lang kami sa lahat. But he lacks hope.
The party ended maayos na ang gamit ko at nauna na ako sa Airport dumaan muna ako sa duty free.
Fuck.
Nakita ko ang Hibiki Suntory Blossom Harmony Whiskey. Nag-iisa na lang iyon at binili ko agad. It's my favorite drink at nahihirapan ako mag hanap dahil laging out of stock.
Masaya akong bumalik sa eroplano at hinihintay sila makabalik. Five minutes later pumasok na din sila.
The plane finally took off going back to manila. Nagbabasa lang ako ng libro pamatay oras and I can't wait to drink the Whiskey.
Nakalapag na kami sa NAIA and may sasakyan na nag aabang sa amin. Pinauna ko na sila Rio and the rest at nag paiwan ako.
Sumakay ako ng taxi halos isang oras lang ang biyahe papunta sa Orion Castle. Mabilis lang ang biyahe kaya nakarating na kami.
Hila-hila ko ang maleta ko papasok sa lobby. Gusto ko na humiga dahil sa jet lag ko. Nakarating na ako sa floor ko at tumapat sa pinto ko.
"Is Leon asleep?" I asked myself.
I just shrugged at tuluyan na pumasok. Tinapon ko ang sarili ko sa kama at tinanggal ko ang blazer at puting polo ko.
Nag palit ako ng itim na tank top na may biglang pumindot ng doorbell sa labas.
Who the hell rang the doorbell at three in the morning?!
Kinuha ko ang long royal blue na bathrobe ko at nag madali ako bumaba. Binuksan ko ang pinto at nagulat ako sa nakita ko.
"Enzo?! What the hell?"
Hinihingal siya at humarap sa akin.
"What happened to you?" Nangunot ang noo ko.
"Miss Caelum, I need your help!" Enzo is panting terribly.
Nangunot ang noo ko sa ginagawa niya at he said something shocking. Kinuha ko ang susi ko sa lamesa at hinila si Enzo palabas.
"Get in!"
Pumasok agad siya at binuhay ko ang sasakyan ko. Pinatay ko ang cellphone ko bago ako makasakay sa eroplano kanina. Binuksan ko ang phone ko at nakita ko nag missed called sa akin si Leon.
Fuck!
Kinuha ko ang earpiece ko at tinawagan ko ang cellphone niya.
Please answer it.
"Hello?!"
"Is this Mirus Caelum?" The nurse asked.
"Yes, it's me! Where is Mr. Lozano?!"
"Kakadala lang ho sa kanya sa Emergency Room." Nanginginig ang boses niya.
Sinabi ng nurse ang location at mas diniinan ko ang pag tapak sa gas.
"Oh, my god! Miss Caelum slow down!"
Nag simula na mag sign of the cross si Enzo. I ignored him.
"Aba Ginoong Maria napupuno ka ng grasya ang panginoon ay sumasaiyo..."
Nagdadasal na si Enzo at hindi ko siya pinansin. 278 ang takbo ko mas lalong humigpit ang hawak ko sa manibela as I gritted my teeth.
Who did this to him?!
I swear to god, please control myself not to hurt the one who did this to him. Mas binilisan ko lalo ang mag drive I don't care kung mahuli ako. I just want to see Leon.
Thirty minutes at nakarating na kami sa tapat ng hospital sa bilis ng pagmamaneho ko nag drift ako para hindi masubsob si Enzo sa harap. Lumabas ako ng kotse at tumakbo ako sa Emergency room.
"Where is Leon Lozano?!" Galit kong tanong sa nurse.
I follow her lead kung saan siya ginagamot. Nakita ko siya, he's unconscious but duguan siya. I clench my fist pinilit ko pakalmahin ang sarili ko.
"Doc, how was he?" I asked the doctor impatiently.
"Terrible. He drank alcohol, but he appeared to be fine; he was not affected by kalasingan. His injuries, however, were minor, and we are still examining his body. We'll let you know when it's finished."
Did he drink?!
I just nodded. Wala siyang damit sa taas at nakita ko ang mukha ng mga nurses na tuwang tuwa sa nakikita nila.
"Enjoying the view?" I said sarcastically.
His wounds are now clean at pinadala ko siya sa VIP room hospital. Ako na din nag bayad sa hospital bills and gamot niya.
Nilabas ko ang cellphone ko at tinawagan ang number ni Mr. Forsythe.
"Mr. Forsythe, please come to the hospital."
I sent the address at napatingin ako kay Leon. He's still unconscious at naupo ako sa tabi niya. Mabilis nakapunta ang Lozano at umiiyak si Mrs. Luciana.
"Leon?! Oh, my goodness, my son!"
Pumasok silang lahat except for Mr. Forsythe signaling me to come out.
"Who did it?" he asked calmly.
"I don't know, and I'm on my way to where he got the accident." I tried to be calm.
"Call me when you arrive. Thank you, Mirus."
I nodded in agreement at sinama ko ulit si Enzo. Tinuro ni Enzo kung saan siya na aksidente at malapit iyon sa Duchess Tavern Bar.
Nauna lumabas si Enzo at may kinuha ako sa ilalim ng upuan ko at tinago ko sa likod ko.
Lumabas na din ako I even saw his car. Nadurog ang kotse niya sa gilid ng kalsada. Pumunta ako sa police at nag tanong.
"Do you know who made it?"
Tinignan ako ng police at pinapaalis niya ako.
"Hindi kayo pwede dito. Nasa crime scene po kayo." nauubusan siya nang pasensya habang kausap ako.
"That's why I'm fucking pleading with you. Because I'm going to find out who did it to him."
Tinuro ko ang kotse ni Leon at tumingin ulit sa akin.
"At least you should tell me the plate number." I'm getting impatient.
Aligaga silang kumilos at binigay nila agad sa akin.
KEX 7845.
Iniwan ko si Enzo at tinawagan ko si Corvus.
"Miss?"
"Locate the KEX 7845 plate number."
"The KEX 7845 is driving towards the hospital."
"Color and car?"
"Honda Civic and Titanium color."
Isa lang naman ang hospital na pupuntahan niya. I smirked devilishly at pinaharurot ko ang sasakyan.
Mabilis ako nakarating sa highway at hinahanap ko ang kotse na sinabi ni Corvus. Nakita ko na din ang kotse niya at pinaharurot ko ulit ang kotse ko. Lumagpas na ako sa kanya at humarang ako sa harap ng sasakyan niya.
Bumukas ang pinto at lumapit sa gawi ko. Kinuha ko ang itim na face mask sa tabi ko at lumabas na ako. Masama siya nakatingin sa akin at ng hinugot ko ang baril na nakatago sa likod ko ay umatras siya.
I better use this gun than my katana.
Nasa gilid kami ng highway at sumandal siya sa kotse niya.
"What did you do?"
I can feel my anger at hinawakan ko siya sa kwelyo.
"It doesn't mean you're a woman I can still hit the shit out of you." pananakot ko.
Tinutok ko ang nguso ng baril sa ulo niya.
"H-hiniwalayan ako ng boyfriend ko. Uminom ako sa Duchess hanggang sa malasing ako." Nanginginig ang boses niya.
"Sa sobrang kalasingan ko, mabilis ang takbo ng sasakyan ko at hindi ko agad napansin na naging pula ang traffic light."
"Tumalsik ang sasakyan na nasa harap ko. Nawala ang tama ko at nilapitan ko ang lalaking binangga ko." Patuloy niya.
"Nanghihina siyang may tinawagan sa c-cellphone niya pero bago siya mawalan ng malay may sinabi siyang pangalan." mahinang sabi niya.
"What name?" Pagalit kong tanong.
"Mirus. Sa sobrang takot ko, tumakas ako."
Binaba ko ang baril at hindi ko pinahalata ang gulat ko and I'm glad that I'm wearing a face mask.
Why?
"You should surrender to the police. When the patient doesn't wake up, babalikan kita."
Naiyak siya at napaupo sa harap ko begging me.
"I'm ruthless. before you do something wrong, consider the implications of your future acts." Malamig kong sabi.
Tinawagan ko si Enzo na nahanap ko ang culprit at mabilis sila nakapunta dito. Agad kong tinago ang baril sa likod at hinuli ng police ang babae.
Hindi na siya pumalag nakatingin pa din siya sa akin. Tumalikod ulit ako at tinapon ko ang face mask na sakto lumapit si Enzo.
"Paano niyo nahanap?"
"The police told me the plate number and her car from the CCTV earlier." I lied.
Lumapit ang police sa amin.
"Are you the victim's guardian?"
"Yes, I am."
"Please come with us. We need your cooperation."
Sumakay na kami ni Enzo sa sasakyan ko at nauna na ako sa police station.
"What is your relationship with the victim and who are you?" Sunod-sunod tanong ng police.
Kinulong agad nila ang babae at nasa investigation room ako.
"I'm his business partner and my name is Mirus." I said while crossing my arms and legs.
"Mirus what?"
"Mirus Estelle Caelum."
"Caelum? Ikaw pa ang may ari ng Solis Airlines?"
"Is there any Caelum owner except from me?" I sarcastically said.
"Nasaan ka habang nangyari ang insidente?"
"Nasa Japan ako. And I came back here two hours ago."
Naiinip na ako. Sana nag bigay na lang siya ng test paper para masagutan ko agad tsk.
"Nasaan ka naman nung nakauwi ka na?"
Tangina naman.
"I went straight to Orion Castle, my home. The victim's secretary then approached me and asked for my assistance. When I found out what had happened, I went straight to the hospital." Mahabang tugon ko.
"You can also check my flight schedule and my phone history."
Inabot ko sa kanya ang phone ko at pinakita ko din ang flight schedule ko.
Naabutan na kami ng araw ganoon pala katagal ang so-called-investigations nila and they let me go. I start stretching my body habang nakasunod sa akin si Enzo.
"You go home and rest. Mauuna na ako sa hospital."
Tumango lang siya at hinatid ko si Enzo sa sasakyan niya. I'm kind of hungry kaya nag take out muna ako sa McDonald's. I'm eating while driving sakto naubos ang agahan na nag park ako sa likod ng hospital.
Takbo-lakad ang ginawa ko hanggang sa makarating ako sa room ni Leon. Huminga muna ako ng malalim at kumatok. Pumasok ako at nakita ko silang nag babantay kay Leon tinawag ko ang mag asawa and I need to talk to them.
"What happened?" Mr. Forsythe.
"I found the culprit."
Napahawak sa bibig si Mrs. Luciana at nagtataka naman si Mr. Forsythe.
"H-how?" Mrs. Luciana.
Napayuko muna ako bago sila sagutin.
"I used my connections to find her, galing din ako sa police station to investigated me bago ako pumunta dito. And the culprit has also been jailed. You need to go too. Ako na ang bahala kay Leon."
Hinawakan ni Mrs. Luciana ang pisngi ko at napatingin ako sakanya mag sasalita pa lang ako na bigla niya ako niyakap.
"Thank you for saving my son." Mrs. Luciana sincerely said.
Umalis na ang mga Lozano they need to cooperate for what happened. Pagod ako naupo sa tabi ni Leon and I hold his hand.
I never should have left you.