December 21, 2012, ang naibalitang itinakdang paggunaw ng mundo ang pinag-uusapan sa telebisyon, internet at laman ng konbersisasyon ng mga taong nakakaalam.
Ang iba ay balisa, ang iba naman ay naghahanda na. Pero meron din na patuloy pa rin sa mga ginagawa. Sa ibang parte ng mundo, takot at pangamba ang namuo dahil sa mga baha at iba pang natural na kalamidad.
Ngunit si Devon Michael Richardson ay iba ang pinagkaka-abalahan.
“Project 6751?” sabi ni Devon.
“Yes. That is your new case. It seems that Doomsday provided a great opportunity for some to become rich. I want you in this case and I want to receive good results in less than three weeks. You still have to handle the other cases involving those threats against Donald Trump.” Sabi ng Director.
“When should I go?” tanong ni Devon.
“Today at five. Someone will pick you up. Stay undercover. That will be all.”
Kinuha ni Devon ang envelope na naglalaman ng records sa mga naganap na nakawan sa loob ng isang linggo at ang mga larawan ng posibleng mga gumawa nito.
Matapos mag-impake ni Devon, pumunta na siya sa Chicago O’Hare Airport kung saan sinalubong siya ng isang kasamahan.
“This is a map of the location of Project 6751.” Sabay ni John sa kanya.
“Thanks. See you later.” Tinanggap yun ni Devon at nilagay sa loob ng kanyang backpack. Naka-suot lang siya ng maong na pantalon, putting sneakers, puting T-shirt at itim na hoodie.
Sumakay na siya sa eroplano at umupo sa Economy class. Kinuha niya ang Tagalog Dictionary sa loob ng kanyang bag at nagsimulang magbasa.
***
“Hey! Are you Mr. Richardson? I’m Mikaela Gutierrez. You can call me Mika” Sabi ng isang magandang Filipina.
“Hi. Nice to meet you.” Sabi ni Devon at nakipagkamay kay Mikaela. “Devon would be fine.”
Sumakay na sila sa loob ng SUV ni Mika.
“So, you’re friends with my Uncle?” tanong ni Mika.
“Yeah.” Ikling sagot ni Devon.
“Are you here for vacation?” tanong niya ulit.
“Yeah. I guess.”
“You sound unsure.”
“Really? You think too much. Anyway, what’s with all those people?” tanong ni Devon nang makita niya ang nagmumukhang stampede ng mga tao.
“It’s because of that Doomsday prediction. There are people who think it is real so they are buying things if in case there will be natural disasters coming.”
“Do you believe in that?”
Nagkibit-balikat lang si Mika. “I don’t know what to believe. All I can do is hope that it isn’t true. As for those people, they also don’t know what to expect but the media has got them worried.”
“Is that so?”
“Yep. Well, here we are.” Sabi ni Mika. Nakarating na sila sa condo nito. Nakakunot ang noo ni Devon. “What is it?”
“Umm—to be honest, I kind of thought you live in a house with your family.” Sabi ni Devon.
“Well, I used to. But I sold the house a year ago so now I’m living alone. My dad and mom died in a car accident. I’m an only child so I get to decide after that.” Sabi ni Mika habang hinihila ang isa sa mga dalang maleta ni Devon.
“Ah! You don’t have to. I can carry that.” Sabi ni Devon na tangkang agawin ang maleta.
“No. it’s okay. It’s not heavy anyway. Just bring the other luggage.” Sabi ni Mika.
“Ah—okay. Thank you.” Sabi ni Devon.
“You’re welcome.”
Dinala na nila ang mga gamit ni Devon sa condo unit ni Mika. May two bedrooms ito, isang bathroom, isang storeroom, kitchen, at living room.
“While you’re staying here, you can use this room. There’s a closet and a study table. Just tell me if you need more pillows or whatever. I’ve got to go to work. So feel free to use anything.” Sabi ni Mika.
“Okay. Thanks a lot.”
“Sure. No problem.”
“umm—I haven’t asked. What do you do?”
“I’m a journalist. And you?”
“Ah? I—uh—I’m—a—“ nauutal na sagot ni Devon. Hindi niya napaghandaan ang isasagot niya sa ganitong tanong. Di pa niya alam kung pwede niyang sabihin kay Mika na isa siyang Detective.
“Well, you don’t have to answer that. Anyway, there’s food in the refrigerator and in the pantry. Got to go. Bye.”
Natulala si Devon. Umalis na si Mika at iniwan siyang mag-isa sa condo unit nito. “Uh—Bye.”
Tumunog ang telepono sa loob ng condo ni Mika. Kinuha nito ni Devon.
“Hello?” sabi ni Devon.
“Richardson, have you just arrived?” tanong ni Liam Rivers, ang Director ng Agency.
“Yes.”
“Where is Mika?” tanong ni Liam.
“She went to work.”
“Okay. Good. I have sent two new videos from a robbing incident that happened an hour ago. Two security officers were killed, and five people were injured. The vault has been wiped clean.” Sabi ni Liam.
“Are there any leads as to who’s behind all these?” tanong ni Devon.
“Unfortunately, everything’s vague. But there are people who might be able to help.”
“Who? Where can I find them?”
“They are part of the NBI. Undercover agents that surround the noted important places in Philippines especially there in Manila.”
“Alright. Just send me their profiles and I’ll work on it. Anything else?” sabi ni Devon.
“No. That would be all.—Ah. Send my regards to Mika for me. That would be all.” pinutol na ni Liam ang kanilang pag-uusap. Dumeretso na si Devon sa silid na tinuro ni Mika at kinuha ang kanyang laptop at mga files. Sinimulan na niya ang pag-iimbestiga.
Kinabukasan, nakita ni Devon na nagluluto ng almusal si Mika.
“Good morning.” Bati ni Devon kay Mika.
“Hi. Good morning. Do you like eggs and ham?” tanong ni Mika.
“Yeah.” Sabi ni Devon.
“There’s some bread on the shelf, can you get it for me, please?” sabi ni Mika.
“Okay. Do you have bread toaster?”
“Yup. It’s next to the coffee maker. You can also make coffee if you like.”
“Okay. Want some?”
“Sure. Black, please.” Sabi ni Mika. Tinapos na niya ang pagluluto habang ginagawa ni Devon ang kape.
“What are your plans for today?” tanong ni Mika.
“I guess I’ll just go to some of the famous tourist spots.” Sabi ni Devon.
“Hmm—some people are panicking about the Doom’s day which is a week away and you’re here for vacation.” Sabi ni Mika.
“Well? Is there something wrong about that?” tanong ni Devon.
“No. it’s just that it seems—weird for some reason. But—who am I to judge right? Well, good luck and enjoy. I got some work to do today as well.”
“Any interesting scoops?”
“Nah—just politicians using the Doom’s day to boost their political power. And the frequent robberies.”
“Robberies?”
“Yeah. Anyway, I got to go. See you later.”
“Okay. Bye.” Sabi ni Devon sa paalis na si Mika.
Nagbihis na rin si Devon ng casual na kasuotan at sinuot ang isa sa mga dala niyang mga wig. Pinili niya ang itim na wig. Sinuot niya rin ang dark sunglasses niya at bonnet.
Sumakay siya sa taxi at bumaba sa Luneta park kung saan makikipagkita siya sa isa sa mga undercover agents.
“Here are the pictures I took recently. And this one is just from today. I took clear shots so you might be able to find it useful.” Sabi ng agent.
“Does the police know about this?” tanong ni Devon.
“No. Not yet.” Sabi ng agent.
“Do me a favor. Release the photos that are unclear. I have a plan.” Sabi ni Devon.
“I’m not sure where you’re heading with this. But, fine. As long as you solve this.” Sabi ng agent.
“Sir, when will you be able to catch the criminals?” tanong ng pamilyar na boses sa police na malapit sa kung saan malapit sa pinangyarihan ng pagnanakaw. Tinanaw ito ni Devon at nakita na si Mika ito. Nakita niyang natulak si Mika ng isa sa mga reporter at natapilok. Muntik na itong madapa sa kalsada pero sinalo ito ni Devon.
“I—ikaw—“ umpisa ni Mika. Pinutol ni Devon ang kanyang sasabihin.
“Ssshh. Talk to you later.” Bulong ni Devon.
Sa gulat ni Mika sa nakita niya na nakasuot si Devon ng wig, hindi niya na napigilan ang pag-alis nito.
***
“Mind telling me who you really are?” sabi ni Mika kay Devon habang nakaupo sa sofa.
“I’m Devon Michael Richardson. What else do you need to know?” kalmang sabi ni Devon.
“What’s with the wig earlier? I didn’t think you’re that kind of guy.” Sabi ni Mika.
“What kind of guy am I then? Mind telling me who I really am?” sarkastikong sabi ni Devon.
“Tang’nang buhay to! Baka nagpapatira na ako ng criminal nang hindi ko alam.” Sabi ni Mika sa sarili.
“I don’t understand all of it. But I get that you think I must be a criminal. Well, I’m anything but that. So you can stop asking a lot of questions and just know that I’m not dangerous.” Sabi ni Devon. “Well, goodnight Mika. I have a lot of touring to do tomorrow. Oh—by the way, your uncle says hi.”
Pumasok na si Devon matapos sabihin yun. Ni-lock niya ang pinto at binuksan ang laptop niya. Kinuha ni Devon ang mga larawan na binigay sa kanya ng mga agents na naka-usap niya sa buong araw pati na rin ang mga na-i-send sa kanya sa e-mail. Kinumpara niya ito at ginawan ng mapa kung saan nangyari ang mga robberies. May nakita na siyang pwedeng gawing susunod na target ng mga criminal.
“Time to catch the rats.” Ngumisi si Devon habang tinatanaw ang larawan sa laptop.
Kinabukasan, paggising ni Mika, wala na si Devon.
Kinatok niya ang pintuan ng silid nito pero wala ito doon. Pero nandoon pa ang mga gamit niya.
“Phew! Akala ko nagalit talaga nang todo yung taong yun.” Sabi ni Mika sa sarili.
***
“Sir, pa’no niyo nalaman na may robbery na magaganap ngayon?” tanong ni Mika sa isa sa mga pulis.
“May mga officer kami didto na nagmamatyag kaya hindi nakakapagtataka na napigilan naming ang mga may masamang loob.” Sagot nito.
“Pero bakit ngayon n’yo lang sila nadakip? Hindi ba nangyayari na ito nang magsimula ang buwan?” sabi ng isang reporter.
“Kulang lang kami sa leads noon. Yun lang, kung may tanong pa kayo, maaari niyong itanong sa mga kasamahan ko.” Sabi ng pulis.
Nagsimula nang magsialisan ang mga reporter at journalist.
“Case solved for today huh.” Sabi ni Devon.
Nagulat si Mika kaya muntik na siyang mahulog sa hagdan pero nahawakan siya ni Devon sa bewang.
“Can I buy you coffee?” sabi ni Devon.
“Uh—sure.” Sabi ni Mika.
Pumunta sila sa Starbucks at bumili ng kape.
“Do you know about Project 6751?” tanong ni Devon kay Mika.
“The time capsule?” sabi ni Mika.
“Yes. That one.”
“Umm—yeah. Kind of. It was launched four months ago.”
“Can you gain entrance to the location next week?”
“Next week? You mean on the exact same day Doom’s day is said to happen?”
“Uh-huh.”
“But I don’t think it will be open for guests.”
“No. But a journalist might be able to pull it off.” Sabi ni Devon.
“I don’t understand how your mind works.” Napabuntong hininga si Mika. “I guess I can give it a try.”
“Thank you.” Ngumiti si Devon. Namula si Mika.
“So, do you really want to see this place?”
“Yes. Absolutely.”
“Mind telling why?”
“Top secret.”
***
May kumatok sa pintuan ni Devon.
“Devon?” sabi ni Mika sa labas ng silid.
“Umm—just a sec.” sabi ni Devon habang mabilis na tinago ang mga files sa loob ng bag niya at saka binuksan ang pinto. “Yeah?”
“There’s an exhibit tomorrow and everyone’s required to wear formal attire. I was invited but I have to bring someone with me. So, if you don’t mind—will you be my escort?” tanong ni Mika.
Medyo natulala si Devon sa sinabi ni Mika.
“Umm—okay. Where’s it going to be held?” tanong ni Devon.
“It’s umm—at the Manila South Cemetery.”
Nagulat si Devon sa sinabi ni Mika kaya napakayap siya dito.
“Whoa. Umm—Devon?” naguguluhang sabi ni Mika habang namumula.”Are you that excited?”
Naalala ni Devon ang kanyang ginawa kaya mabilis niyang inalis ang kanyang pagkakahawak kay Mika. “Ah-hemm. Sorry about that. Anyway, are you free today? I need to buy a suit.”
“Umm—sure. I’ll just go change.” Umalis na si Mika at pumasok sa kanyang sariling silid habang si Devon ay iniisip pa rin kung bakit niya yun ginawa.
***
“Wow. This party’s awesome. Except for it being at the center of the graveyard.” Sabi ni Devon kay Mika.
Tumawa nang mahina si Mika.
“Clink! Clink! Clink! May I have your attention please.” Sabi ng host. Tumahimik ang lahat. “Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, four months ago, we launched the Time Capsule Project 6751 which lies buried underground. As you all know, it is called Project 6751 because it will be opened in that year which is 4, 739 years from now. Our descendants or future inhabitants of our world will be able to remember us even if we who are now present in this event are gone. This time capsule contains some of our country’s most valuable treasures which are worth millions. And in the near future, we will launch a new time capsule which will contain what we will have starting next year. This time capsule will symbolize a new beginning for all of us if what they have predicted about today is not true. “ sabi ng host. Tumawa ang lahat. “Though of course, if it is true. Then let’s have a toast. For those who will remember us!”
“Cheers!” sabi nilang lahat.
Pagpatak ng alas-dose ng gabi, nag-ingay ang mga putok ng mga baril. Naghiyawan ang mga tao. Nagsitakbuhan ang lahat.
Kinuha ni Devon ang kamay ni Mika at inilayo ito sa gulo bago balikan ang nagaganap na barilan.
Dumating na rin ang back-up ng mga pulis at nagsimula na ang labanan habang si Devon ay papunta sa kinaroroonan ng Time Capsule.
Nakita niya ang dalawang mga naka-maskarang mga tao na pilit na binubuksan ang pinto na gawa sa makakapal na mga metal.
“Hold your fire! Put your guns down and surrender.” Sabi ni Devon. Nagsimulang binaba ng isa ang kanyang baril ngunit nagbago ang isip nito at pinutokan si Devon na dumaplis sa kanyang kaliwang braso. Pinutokan niya ang dalawa at saktong dumating na ang mga pulis at inagaw ang mga baril ng dalawa.
Dinala sa ospital si Devon at ipinaalam kay Mika ang nangyari kaya dali-dali siyang pumunta sa St. Luke’s Medical Hospital.
Nakita niya si Luke na nakapikit ang mata na nkahiga sa kama. May benda sa kaliwang bahagi ng kanyang braso at maputla ang kanyang kaanyuan.
Hindi napigilan ni Mika na umiyak. Kinuha niya ang kanang kamay ni Devon at inilapit nito sa kanyang mukha. Hinagkan niya ito habang humahagulhol.
“Gusto kita. Di ko pa nga nasasabi sa’yo ang nararamdaman ko tapos ganyan na ang ayos mo. You have to get well. I shouldn’t have brought you. This wouldn’t have happened.” Sabi ni Mika.
Gumalaw si Devon at minulat ang kanyang mga mata. “Hi.”
“That’s it?” sabi ni Mika.
“Umm—what happened?” sabi ni Devon.
“You don’t remember? You were shot.” Sabi ni Mika.
“Yeah. I figured that. But what happened to the criminals?” sabi ni Devon. Matapos siyang tamaan ng baril, dinala na siya agad sa ospital kaya di niya nalaman kung ano ang mga nangyari.
“They caught them all. The Time Capsule is still intact but they will do some major repair.” Sabi ni Mika.
“Oh. That’s good to hear.”
“Why did you go there anyway? You should have left the task to the police.” Sabi ni Mika.
Tumawa si Devon kaya naguluhan si Mika.
“I’m a detective. It’s my job as well.” Sabi ni Devon.
“What?!” gulat na sabi ni Mika.
“Yep. I’m your uncle’s apprentice.” Sabi ni Devon.
“I can’t believe this. So that’s the reason behind those wigs?”
“Yep. Anyway, what do you want for Christmas?” tanong ni Devon.
“What makes you think there will be a Christmas?”
“There is. Look at the clock. It’s already three o’clock. That means it’s already December 22nd.”
“Doom’s day didn’t happen.” Ngumisi si Mika.
“Yup. So what do you want?”
“Umm—I’ll think about it.” Sabi ni Mika habang pinaglalaruan ang kamay ni Devon.
***
Laman ng telebisyon, internet at dyaryo ang balitang kumakalat tungkol sa politikong nagpasimuno ng nakawan. Ginamit nito ang estorya ng Doom’s day para mangamba ang mga tao at makuha ang kanilang tiwala para sa susunod na eleksyon. Nakita sa kanyang resthouse ang lahat ng mga nanakaw na gamit sa Wack-Wack Golf and Country Club, Heritage Park at Luneta Park. Nalaman din na hindi nila nanakawan ang Malacañang Palace dahil nabigo sila sa kanilang misyon. At ang huli nilang misyon ay ang Manila South Cemetery kung saan sila nadakip.
“So, is the chicken ready yet?” tanong ni Mika kay Devon.
“Yeah. Done with the pasta?” sabi ni Devon.
“Yup. I’ll set the table.” Sabi ni Mika.
Nilagay na nila ang roasted chicken at pasta sa mesa kung saan may lighted-candles, wine at wineglasses.
“Let’s have a toast.” Sabi ni Devon.
“Okay.”
“To a new beginning for all of us.” Sabi ni Devon. “Cheers!”
“Cheers.”
“Oh. This is my gift. I hope you’ll like it.” Sabi ni Mika.
Tinanggap iyon ni Devon. Nang mabuksan, nakita niya na may relos sa loob at mukhang mamahalin.
“Wow. This is great. Thank you.” Sabi ni Devon at isinuot niya ito.
“That’s to remind you every second is important.” Sabi ni Mika.
Ngumiti si Devon. “And this one’s for you.”
Binuksan ni Mika ang regalo ni Devon para sa kanya.
Muntik nang malaglag ni Mika ang kahon nang makita niya ang laman nito.
“Does this mean—“ umpisa ni Mika.
“Yeah. I know it’s too fast but you just said that every second is important. So I’m not wasting any time. I am sure about this.” Sabi ni Devon.
Nagsimulang pumatak ang luha ni Mika. Tumayo sa upuan si Devon at niyakap ang kanyang kasintahan.
“Is that a yes?” tanong ni Devon.
Tumango si Mika. Kinuha ni Devon ang singsing at isinuot ito sa kanyang magiging asawa.
“I love you.” Sabi ni Mika.
“I know. But I beat you a million times more.” Sabi ni Devon at hinalikan ang kanyang mahal.
“Merry Christmas.” Bati ni Devon kay Mika.
“Merry Christmas.” Ngumiti ito at hinila palapit. Niyakap ni Mika si Devon nang mahigpit.
“This is probably the best Christmas I’ve ever had.” Sabi ni Devon habang inaakay si Mika sa kanilang silid.
Sa labas ng condo, nagkakantahan at nagsasayawan ang mga tao patunay na patuloy pa rin ang buhay.
WAKAS