CHAPTER 3 : Arson Case

“Mr. Gonzales, how are you?”

“Chief, I’m fine. Thanks for the concern.”

“I told your father about what happened to you.”

“What? No, I mean. They will worry about me.”

“And you don’t want that to happen? Hijo, your life is in danger. I saw how that woman looks at you.”

I stopped and remembers the woman. Nothing bad will happen to me. It can be that she’s just crazy or that’s just empty words.

“I’m fine uncle. No need to worry about me. I’ll be more vigilant.”

He heaves a deep sigh. Chief Kang is my father’s cousin. My uncle is like a father to me beside the reason being my father entrusted me to him.

“What if you go on a vacation for a while, or go to US. You’ll be safe there. As long as it is not known who the woman is referring to.”

“No uncle. I’ll stay here, handling cases and so. I’ll never run away just to be safe. Maybe it’s just a prank.”

“Prank that can lead you to death?”

“No uncle. My decision is final. I’ll stay here.”

“If that’s what you want. But please Rheam, take more care.”

“Yes uncle, thank you.”

He just nodded and left me in my room. I’m in the hospital. There is still a tube attached to me for blood transferring. I was dumbfounded when my cell phone rang.

“Hello?”

[Baby, how are you? Oh God. Please be safe.]

“Mom, I’m fine. I only got a short one wound. Don’t worry.”

[But please Rheam Khean Gonzales. Be more careful.]

“Yes dad. I will. Sorry for making you worry.”

[It’s fine baby. Your dad and I want you to be safe, so please.]

“Yes mom. Sorry again.”

[Okay, we’ll hang up. Bye baby, take care. I love you.]

“I love you too mom and dad.”

Then the connection went dead.

Is life really like this now? Tss. But I'm not afraid of whoever that person is. He/She’ll be in jail and I’ll stay alive or I’ll be dead and no one will be in jail. Either of the two will be the result.

“Sir, are you okay?”

“Justine. I’m fine. By the way, you did a great job.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“By the way, what happened to that girl?”

“She’s already in jail, but the chief of the police are planning to transfer her in the mental institution.”

“She’s crazy.”

This case isn’t new after all. So there’s a possibility that she’s just playing a prank with me when she said those words. No one wants my attention.

Days had passed. I'm out of the hospital and I'm going to the office now. I’m in the parking lot of my condo unit when someone called me.

“Rheam!”

“Hey, Timothy.”

“I heard what happened to you. How are you?”

“I’m fine. Thanks for the concern.”

“It’s nothing. You’re going to the office already?”

“Yeah, I have to.”

“i guess so, uhm Rheam, I want to invite you for dinner later, if that’s fine with you.”

I thought about what he said. He's Timothy Anderson, a Doctor. His unit is right next to mine, so we got to know each other. He wants to court me but I refuse. He is a guy, I mean, we both know our gender preferences and mine is actually a guy.

“I’ll think about that Timothy. I’ll let you know.”

“Thank you. I also have to go, take care.”

I just nodded and got into my car. Hoping that no one will file a case now. While in my way to the office, my phone rang.

“Hello?”

[Hey sweetie, how are ‘ya?]

I frowned.

“Who’s this?”

[Oh, sorry dear but this isn’t the right time to introduce myself yet. I just want to know if you’re still alive.]

“Well, as you can notice. I am still alive and kicking. Tell me, are you the one who wants to be noticed by me?”

I can hear him laughing on the other side. He or she is not using his or her own voice.

[Take care always sweetie. We’re not yet done.]

I looked at my phone when the call died. Who could that person be?

“Hey dear! I’m glad you’re fine now.”

“Thank you Ms. Sanchez.”

She just giggled and gave me a cup of hot chocolate.

“Here, drink this, your favorite.”

I just nodded and went straight to my office.

“Good morning, sir.”

“Good morning, Justine.”

I have arranged my things and my table. I still have many cases that have not been completed yet.

“Sir, chief Kang wants you to handle an arson case.”

“Again? We already have a lot of cases in our hands.”

“Unfortunately, sir. He was here earlier, but there was an emergency that's why he just rely to me to tell you.”

“Okay, where are the files?”

“Here, sir.”

He handed me a thick folder. A lot of work to do, and I love this.

“And another thing sir. Here’s the copy of the case for the kidnapping of the babies.”

“Ah thank you.”

He handed over the folder of the case we finished. I opened it and was about to put it in my finished case files. Although the case is not totally closed, I already handed the case to to the lawyers. While arranging the files, something caught my eye. The pattern of targeted houses. I was suddenly nervous when I saw the whole thing. Triangle with a dot inside, then I remembered the last digits of the addresses. Seven.

“That girl.”

“Sir? Did you say something?”

“Ah nothing.”

I stood up and brought the folder. I need to know.

“Where are you going?”

“I have something to do. Stay here and review the case of arson.”

“Copy that, sir.”

I nodded at him and went out. I need to talk to that girl. The case wasn't closed yet but because of the immediate investigation, it is already in its trial, besides, I think it is connected to the one who wants my attention. It might lead me to that person.

“You will be home early, sir?"

"I'm just going somewhere."

I just smiled at him and went straight to the parking lot of the agency. This is where I met the girl with the tattoo. I was about to get into my car when someone spoke.

“Leaving so fast?”

I looked at the one who speak.

“It's you. What connection do you have with the kidnapping case?”

She just laughed and turned a little into the light. I can see her tattoo on her left arm now. I was right, the tattoo matched the pattern of the targeted houses.

"That kidnapping case was only a cover. Be ready for the big event Khean.”

She walked away from me.

"Wait! Are you behind them? The kidnapping, and the person who wants me-“

“That's not me. But I'm warning you. Be careful, that person wants to get you for good. Not just your attention.”

I stopped following her. I don't know but I felt nervous.

“Weird.”

I decided not to leave to follow the girl. I just walked out to go to a nearby park or mall, I don't know. I'm confused. I saw a park and just sat on the bench first.

“Who are you?”

I asked. I am totally at lost as to whom is that person they are talking about. Is he or she dangerous? Should I fear him? Should I just follow what my parents and uncle said? Just who the fuck is that person?

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