Chapter 2 Caught in the Act

Playing the voice recorder, I can't help but feel frustrated. How will I give this to my client? Looks like that Falaguerra knew I was recording. What a smart trash.

I bite my lip when I heard his deep voice in the small device again. I don't know why his voice makes my tummy rumbles. Maybe I'm just hungry. I immediately turned it off and run my fingers through my hair.

My eyes landed on an envelope. Inside is the folder I brought all the way here in my apartment.

Right. His criminal record.

I hurriedly open the wrinkled envelope to grab his record. I scanned the information written on the paper. My forehead creased. Aside from his name, everything is blank. The only thing in his crime record is "The Vanisher" case.

I heard that the people he abducted and possibly killed disappeared with no traces at all. They vanished into thin air. That's how he got his alias.

They were clean crimes.

Just like his personal information.

Ring! Ring!

I glanced at the loud telephone. It's my client. I released a deep sigh before picking up the call.

"Hell—"

"You incompetent piece of shit! You should have back out if you can't do this job properly. I've been waiting since last week. Why there are no updates?!" he frantically yelled. I moved the phone away from my right ear. It has been two days only. He's overreacting.

"Sir—" He cut me again.

"You think I can't replace you? I don't care about what kind of familial relationship you have with the Police Commissioner. There are lots of people who could do better than you. I can replace you anytime I wan—"

"I went to see him today." I cut him off before he used my uncle's position against me again.

The other line turned silent from what I said. I paused for a moment before continuing.

"He's Cole Falaguerra," I closed my eyes to visualize him. "He has a good built. He looks young. About twenty-five to thirty, I guess?" I told him, trying to remember every small details about him.

"You don't sound so sure..." he doubted. I knew he'd noticed.

"I don't know, Sir, but it seems like even their best IT specialist can't decipher his true identity. I don't even know if Cole is his real name. An officer told me that the name is provided by him. He could be lying. His personal background is literally nothing, but a blank sheet."

Silence filled us. I know that his mind is battling whether he should believe me or not. He offered me big money. I can't blame him if he'll doubt the information I'm giving him.

But I need that money. I have plans for that money.

"Fine..." He sighed. "I'll give you that, but I'm not satisfied. Schedule another interview with that Falaguerra. I want every little details about him. If you have to strip him off to get more information. Do it."   

That's the last thing he said before dropping the call. He didn't even let me say goodbye.

I weakly sit on my office chair with both of my hands covering my face. This make me want to cry in frustration. The facility where Falaguerra is currently contained is very strict. I had to fabricate a lot of documents just to get through the entrance. Doing it for the second time will cost me suspicion.

But it's like I have a choice anyway. I just have to do my best and not get caught.

I diverted my eyes to the picture frame on my desk. It's a picture of me and my lost sister.

I looked at the ceiling when my vision starts to get blurry.

It has been eight months since she disappeared. I managed to get a video of her abduction. Two men forced her inside a white van in front of our apartment building. The plate number was fake. I couldn't trace it. The only clue I have is this peculiar cabbage looking flower printed on the trunk of the van. Motive? I don't know.

My sister is mute. She can't speak. Everyone loves her. I see no reason for someone to do something bad to her.

My theories? It could be a large crime syndicate who sells girls to illegal human traffickers. Someone who's influential enough to control the police. Thinking about it makes me want to regret leaving my sister that day.

She disappeared on my birthday.

Sisa went out to see me.

It was my fault.

My melancholic mood was interrupted by my growling stomach. I heaved a deep sigh. I skipped lunch to meet Falaguerra. I couldn't afford to be late. It's past seven and I haven't eaten anything yet.

I lazily walked to the kitchen to check the fridge. Water.

I didn't bother checking the cabinets for I don't even remember the last time I went to the grocery. I grabbed my wallet and went out. There's a nearby convenience store in my apartment. I'll just feed myself with some Chinese noodles.

Having nothing to eat is not new for me. I don't do groceries. It was my sister's job. I am the provider and she's the one who do all the chores in the house.

But everything is different now. I'm all alone now.

The lights were flickering when I entered the elevator. This building is old and needs a lot of repairs. This is the cheapest apartment in the center of Felona City. I'd rather stay here than pay more money on five star ones.

"Anything else?" The old cashier lady asked. I shook my head and gave her the money. She put my cup noodles in the paper bag and give it to me. She was about to put the canned beer there too when I stopped her.

"I'll drink it on the way."

She looks at me.

"Suit yourself."

I drink my beer as I head back to the apartment. Same flickering lights. Same nasty soiled floor. Same dead silence in the hallways. I sighed.

Maybe having great observing skills is not that good at all. I tend to notice the least interesting details too.

I was about to go straight to the kitchen to boil some water when I noticed the changes in my living room. The position of my carpet is changed.

My body froze in place.

I'm not alone.

Someone is inside my apartment.

"FREEZE!"

The next thing I knew is my face is pinned on the soiled floor as the spilt beer starts to wet my astounded face.