Chapter Two: Behind the Mask

Elliot

I took three deep breaths as I heard my dad's voice inside Seaway's massive conference room. It seems he's frustrated when one of the boards asks for me. But as my father always did, he defended me and made an acceptable excuse, even if he was fuming mad and wanted nothing but to punch me in the face.

"You know that my youngest is a lawyer, and he has a lot of things that need to consider too. I'm sure he is on his-"

Dad's words hung in the air as I opened the door, and he gave me a suspicious look. My brother Ezekiel motioned for me to take the chair across from him. The room falls silent as if a threatening angel has passed through and showered them with flowers."F*ck! Do I look like an angel or a flower? Sh*t! Stop that thought, Elliot, you know you'll be in a hot seat after this meeting."

I cleared my throat and began to make my way to my waiting chair. "Please accept my apologies for being late; I simply need to resolve some issues with a client," I explain. At the very least, that could be a better alibi.

"No. You're too early for the next meeting," my brother teased me.

I took off my aviator and stared at him with steely eyes. He knew our father was enraged, but he wanted to heighten the tension. "I've already apologized," I whispered. But my f*cking brother is still staring at me with a poker face. "What, you expected me to kneel? That will never happen even in your dreams." My burning eyes want to set him on fire when our father gives us a threatening look and speaks like thunder.

"Gentlemen, in case you forgot we were in the middle of an important meeting, please stop embarrassing yourselves, or I will kick you both out of this room."

Everyone stops talking, bows their heads, and pretends to be reading some inane artist's portfolio. Ngayon ko naalala ang mga nakakalat na gallery sa lobby. Hindi lang pala si… pucha! Ano nga pangalan no’n? Ibig sabihin lang nito ay may exhibit ng mga paintings para sa bagong cruise ship ng kumpanya, at sa lobby gaganapin. Hindi ko napansin dahil sa pagmamadali ko kanina. Pero sana nga ay wala na ang babaeng iyon sa baba mamaya dahil dumagdag pa siya sa pagkasira ng araw ko.

T*ngina! Akala ko naman kung ano na itong importanteng meeting na ito. Para sa paintings, kailangan ba talagang gawing big deal ng mga puking ina ang bagay na ito.

My lost thoughts returned when I heard my dad's voice again. "Please continue with your presentation, Mr Navarro."

Iniwasan kong tumingin sa kaniya, alam kong galit na galit na ito dahil nakikita niyang wala ako sa sarili.“F*ck those drugs.”I try to listen seriously to the man presenting his work in front using the projector and white screen. That made me realize that every invited artist will showcase their works today. “Boring,” bulong ko.

Pero narinig yata ako ng katabi kong si Mr. Farias, isa sa mga Board of Directors ng Seaway. Ngumiti lang ako sa kaniya, ngiting aso.“Hayop na ‘to, baka gusto niyang lumutang sa Pasig River."I smirked with those thoughts.

Twelve of the country's most well-known artists displayed their masterpieces. Now, the boards are debating and voting on who will supply our cruise ship with paintings. We require eight artists in total. I guess I'm right, wala na nga rito sa lobby ang babaeng may malakas ang loob na sugurin ako kanina.

From my peripheral vision, Tito Adam is approaching me. He taps me on my shoulder and sips his wine. I turn around and pretend that I'm so pleased to see him. "Hey, Tito Adam, how's everything? Why aren't you with Devon?" I ask.

"Hmm, you know your cousin. She's not fond of paintings, but I'm expecting to see Daxon here, do you know where he could be right now?" his eyes shrink as if he spots something on my face. If he's not Daxon's father, and the husband of my mother's sister, I've already shot him in the face.

"No, Tito. I'm not sure where Daxon is right now. The last time we spoke was in Las Vegas a few weeks ago," I lied. Yes, I always f*cking lie to him about my cousin. It's to defend Daxon from his litany of how he blames him for his wife's death. Anong silbi ko bilang abogado kung hindi ko ipagtatanggol ang pinsan ko sa kasalanang hindi niya ginawa, lalo na, hindi niya ginusto.

Mabuti na lamang at nilapitan na ito ng sekretarya niya kaya agad ding nagpaalam. Dahil kung may sasabihin pa siya tungkol kay Daxon na hindi ko magugustuhan, baka makalimutan kong ama siya ng mga pinsan ko.

I heard my cellphone's message tone; I pull it from my back pocket. It was Dad. "Bunker. Now!"

I raised my brows and slid my phone back into my pocket. I sighed as I finished the last drop of my brandy. "All right, Elliot, let's get started."

He's referring to our secret room at the bottom of the Seaway building. The bunker is soundproof and made of a heavy metal sliding door and thick walls. The hidden elevator behind Dad's library cabinet in his office is the only way into the bunker. I told Sabino, and we quietly exited the lobby.

ITINAPAT ko sa eye scanner ang dalawang mata ko para mabuksan ang malapad na metal sliding door ng bunker. Pagpasok ko pa lang ay ang galit at nanlilisik na mga mata pa rin ng ama ko ang sumalubong sa akin, at nasa magkabilang baywang ang mga kamay habang nakatayo sa pagitan ng lamesa at L-shape couch sa loob ng kuwartong iyon.

"What happened, Elliot? Why are you f*cking 1 hour late?!" bungad niya sa akin.

"It's the first time, Dad. Could you please grant me an exception just this once? Pagod pa ako galing isla, gusto ko nga munang matulog." Sabay higa sa couch na naroon. The meeting earlier took five hours, and here I am, another meeting with the man of our house. Makakailang meeting ba ako ngayong araw?

Ngayon ko naramdaman ang pagod nang mailapat ko ang aking likod sa sofa. Nang ipikit ko ang aking mga mata ay parang may nag-flashback sa akin sa mga nangyari kagabi sa party, kaya napabalikwas ako nang bangon

"Aargh! F*ck this burning head!" sigaw ko habang sapo ang ulo.

"What happened to you last night Elliot? Balisang-balisa ka. Kanina ko pa iyan napapansin." Tanong ng magaling kong kuya sa akin.

"Sige Zek, kausapin mo iyang kapatid mo bago natin umpisahan ang importanteng pag-uusapan. Mukhang wala pa rin sa sarili ang batang iyan!" ang dumadagundong na boses ng ama ko.

Inabutan ako ni Sabino ng malamig na tubig at naubos ko iyon. "One more," I said. Pagkatapos kong ubusin ang laman ng pangalawang baso ay tumayo ako at naglakad-lakad. Nakakaramdam na ako ng ginhawa kaya naupo na ako sa upuang nakalaan para sa akin.

"Trace drugged me last night. I woke up this morning naked, with three cats in my bed. That is why I'm late."

"Cats?"

Nilingon ko ang kapatid kong bihasa na sa pag-popoker face. "Feeling innocent? Hindi bagay sa ‘yo," iritable kong sagot.

"I was just wondering how did Trace do it. Naisahan ka n’ya?"

Halos sabay naming nilingon ang aming ama dahil sa pananahimik nito habang binubuklat ang mga papel na nasa loob ng folder na hawak niya. So, I seriously asked him what is this meeting all about, pero hindi ito sumagot. Iniangat niya ang likod sa sandalan at hinarap kaming magkapatid.

"Tapos na ba kayo? Puwede na ba nating pag-usapan ang negosyo?" seryosong tanong ng matandang pinaglihi sa galit. Dahil hindi kami sumagot, malakas na inihampas niya ang kamay sa lamesa bago salitan kaming dinuro. "Umayos kayong dalawa, hindi ko kayo pinalaki para lang magsagutan na parang mga babae. Umayos kayo kung ayaw ninyong gumamit ng ice bag at idampi sa mga putok ninyong nguso."

Iniabot sa akin ni dad ang folder. Binuklat ko iyon kasabay ng ilang detalye na siya mismo ang nagsasabi. "Mr Rex Pellegrini is our newest business client. He is a notorious mafia boss of the Italian underworld-"

"Dad, everything is written here, will you please allow me to read his profile? Hindi mo na sana ibinigay sa akin ito kung ikukuwento mo rin lang," napailing ako.

"Go ahead, son," he leans back from his chair while waiting for me to finish reading.

"Elliot, please show some respect to dad. Siya pa rin ang dahilan kung bakit dumarami ang mga kliyente natin," sermon pa ng s****p kong kapatid.

"Will you please stop lecturing me? Hindi ko kailangan ng sermon mo," I smile sarcastically.

"Tama na iyan!" sigaw ng aming ama. Mukhang pikon na naman ito sa pagsasagutan namin ni Kuya Ezekiel. "Finish reading Elliot, I’m waiting." Dugtong pa niya.

Nilingon kong muli si Kuya Ezekiel na masama palang nakatingin sa akin. “Laki ng problema nito. Dapat sa kan’ya ay mag-asawa na nang nababawasan ang kasungitan at magkaroon ng tamis sa katawan.”

I finished reading Mr Pellegrini's profile in five minutes. D*mn! This man is a great find. I was wondering how Dad knew this Italian mafia boss. The man is more than that. Rex Pellegrini is the Italian Mafia lord of the Pellegrini and Agosti clans. Pellegrini also deals with guns, drugs, and smuggled cars. Rex desired to destroy Julianna's businesses to gain complete control of the Agosti. He is also a business partner of the Russian group Petrov and the Brazilian group Silva. And now Pellegrini wants to collaborate with us.

"So, what do you say?" my dad asks.

I stroke my chin as I plan my next move. I cannot let this big fish down, and I must devise strategies for gaining this man's trust, which I know I can undoubtedly obtain.

Tumango-tango ako bilang pagsang-ayon kay dad. "Of course, I can close the deal. Let me know when Mr Pellegrini will arrive."

"This evening, at Sta. Monica Port, He'll be arriving by private plane." Si Ezekiel.

Napalingon ako sa kan’ya habang magkahiwalay ang mga labi at iiling-iling. "You've got to be kidding me."

"No. I’m not," muli niyang sagot.

"What the f*ck!" I cursed.

***

WE ARRIVED in Sta. Monica precisely at 7:00 in the evening. Except for Sabino, my father insists on bringing a few of our bodyguards. Ganito palagi, hindi ako hayaan ng ama ko na mag-isang humarap sa mga katransakyon ko kahit na kilala naman namin halos lahat ng kliyente. Isa pa itong si Sabino, kahit sa isla lamang ako pupunta ay hindi sila pumapayag ng magaling kong ama na bumiyahe ako mag-isa.

Simula ng mabaril ako noong si Kuya Ezekiel pa lamang ang humahawak ng lahat ng transakyon, ay nawalan na nang tiwala ang aking ama sa lahat ng taong makakaharap ko. Kaya heto at dalawang SUV ang palagi kong kabuntot sa tuwig may malaking transakyon o tao akong haharapin.

Nasa mahabang runway kami ng aming private port sa dulong bahagi ng isla Sta. Monica. Dito napiling itayo noon ng lolo ko at kapatid niya ang port para hindi sagabal sa bayan ng isla.

Sakto ang dating namin, dahil ayon sa Air Traffic Controller na nasa tower ay paparating pa lamang ang pribadong eroplanong sinasakyan ni Mr Rex Pellegrini. Hindi naman tumagal ng trenta minuto ay natatanaw ko na ang papalapag na eroplano sa runway.

Bahagya kong inilapit ang bibig ko sa may tainga ni Sabino at may kalakasan na boses akong nagsalita dahil rinig na namin ang ingay ng eroplano. "That might be him," tumango naman siya nang humarap sa akin. Sinenyasan niya ang mga bodyguards na lumayo muna at bumalik sa tower. Maaari kasing ikabahala ni Mr Pellegrini ang pagkakaroon ng madaming bodyguards. Baka isipin pa ng italyanong iyon na pagkakaisahan siya.

The plane touched down a few kilometres away and began approaching us. The engine came to a halt, and a crew opened the door in a few moments. Two men dressed entirely in black emerge, followed by a man dressed in a suit.

They are now walking toward us, so we approach them. The man is an inch taller than me, has hands inside his side pockets, has deep eyes, and is very detailed. Finally, the famous underground mafia of Italy is in front of me.

I extend my hands, and he accepts them. "Buonasera, Mr Pellegrini, and welcome to the Philippines," I greeted.

"Buonasera! You must be Elliot, Eullis's youngest son. A well-paid and sought-after defense lawyer in the country. Correct me if I'm wrong, Attorney," he seriously stated.

"Affirmative. You appear to have done thorough research on me." I smile without exposing my teeth. F*ck! Ang hirap basahin ng italyanong ito. Bakit kasi hindi pa si dad ang humarap dito.

He deeply sighed and looked at me without even blinking. "If I'm going to entrust my business worth of billion dollars, I need to make sure that I won't waste my time. So, if in any consolation, yes, I did some research about you. And I don't have any regrets about my decision to work with you and your company."

What he said is like music to my ears. This important meeting, I believe, was not in vain. All I need to do now is persuade this man that his business is safe with the Seaway, particularly with me.

"Excellent. Thank you very much, Mr Pellegrini. As a token of our appreciation, we would like to take you on a ship and port tour. Should we?"

He nods and summons his men. " Flavio, Stefano," and motioning to follow him.

We arrived at the port ten minutes after leaving the runway. I show Mr Pelligrini our largest ship, which the company uses to transport cars in various countries of our long-term clients. I also introduced him to our ship's crew and captain, who would be in charge of all of his smuggled car supplies throughout Europe. I also discuss with Mr Pellegrini the transportation and how we deliver the units without any trouble.

We're now on the fifteenth floor of the port office building, standing near a glass window and watching our hardworking crews doing their job.

"I'm impressed, Attorney Hart. Please expect our signed agreement this week, and I will send them to you along with an extra gift."

Matapos naming pag-usapan ang ilan pang importanteng detalye sa mangyayaring transaksyon sa pagitan ng aming mga negosyo, ay nagpaalam na rin ang mga ito. Hindi sila nagtagal ng tatlong oras na pabor para sa akin. Ang importante ay naisara ko ang deal sa kaniya. Sa kagaya kong pilosopo kausap, ay hindi ko matatagalan si Mr Pellegrini. Masyado itong seryoso at hindi man lamang ngumingiti. Nahawa na nga yata sa kaniya ang dalawa nitong bodyguards. Pinahatid ko na lamang sila kay Sabino pabalik sa runway.

I called dad and informed him that Mr. Pellegrini had agreed to our terms and that the contract would be delivered this week. He praised me for being the firm foundation of our business. Dapat lang, mukhang sinadya niya akong isalang sa gera ng hindi handa. Sa Italian mafia boss pa na hindi yata tinuruan ng nanay niya kung paano ngumiti.

***

IT’S BEEN two days since my meeting with Mr Pellegrini. Today is another day to celebrate as Jake, and I, close another deal with a client. Mr Warrens, wanted us to supply imported liquor and cigarettes to several of his gambling establishments in Germany. The shipment will begin early next month. Mr Warrens paid in full payment for a six-month supply.

Pagkatapos ng meeting kanina ay nagyaya si Jake sa bar ni Logan para raw mag-celebrate but I’m not in the mood, kahit pa bilyon ang pumasok sa mga account namin. Gusto ko na lang muna magpahinga, dahil pakiramdam ko ay hindi na ako pakikinabangan sa susunod pang mga araw kapag inabuso ko ang katawan sa kakatrabaho. Well, an illegal job to make this clear to you. Isabay pa ang pagiging abogado.

Dito sa private resort namin sa Tagaytay ko napiling magpahinga ngayong araw. Tinawagan ako ni dad para magpapunta ng mga bodyguards pero tumanggi na ako. Hindi na ako bata para palibutan ng mga laruan. Baka malaman pa ito ng mg kaibigan kong malalakas ang tama sa katawan, siguradong nasa akin na naman ang atensyon ng mga ito para asarin. Sabino is enough. Pakiramdam ko ay mas ligtas ako kapag siya lamang ang kasama ko.

I dove into the pool naked and swam to the other end. I emerge from the under and find a pair of 4-inch heels on top of the pool's rock-designed edge. I looked up to see a stunning woman dressed in a navy blue above-the-knee dress. She has curly blonde hair. I frowned at the thought that my dad might be the one who sent her here.

"Who the h*ll are you?" I ask irritably.

"Ciao," she greeted. She sweetly smiled and offered her hand. "I'm Fabiana. I was sent here by Mr Rex Pellegrini."

Ah, another Italian huh. Mukhang mapapalaban ako rito, hindi lang ako sigurado kung sa kama ba, sa damuhan o sa lengguwahe nilang mga Italian.

Dahil biglang nag-init ang pakiramdam ko kahit nakababad pa ako sa tubig ay naka-isip ako ng kalokohan. Hinila ko ang kamay n’ya at nahulog s’ya sa swimming pool kaya napasigaw siya. Pag-ahon niya ay nakangiti pa rin siya sa akin.“Holy f*ck! She looks more beautiful and attractive.”Hindi ko palalampasin ang pagkakataon na ito, at hindi ako papayag na hindi siya dadaan sa mga kamay ko.

I forcefully grab her nape and kiss her like a hungry beast. I heard her moan, encouraging me to keep going. I take off her wet dress and toss it on the grass. I was surprised she didn't wear lingerie or a brassiere. I smirked. "It appears you expected this, so let's do this."

But before I kiss her again, she stops me with her long forefinger. I frowned, and she smiled. "Before we proceed, I'd like you to know that I also have your signed agreement with Mr Pellegrini, which you may want to sign first."

I growled in disappointment. "That agreement can wait, but this can't," I didn't give Fabiana the chance to speak again.

I pulled her hair and bit her neck. I grab her legs and walk to the wall while rainshower kisses her chest. Cupping her firm bre*st that looks moulded for my palm, I pinch both of her crowns. Fabiana released a loud moan when she felt my full length enter her dampness. I was now biting one of her pinkish bossoms while thrusting hard. Her nails are digging into my shoulder until we both find our release.

"Ciao! Attorney Elliot Hart, mi amor," now, I offered my hands to her. She burst out while shaking my hands, so I did the same.

"I'm amazed at how a sexy lawyer introduced himself. S*x, before revealing your name, I like that," she winked.

I smirked again. "Only this time. Now, let's talk about business. But before that, I want you to bend over at the billiard table there, have the signed agreement with you, and put it beside you with the pen. I'll be right behind you."

Umahon si Fabiana sa tubig nang walang saplot. Bahagya pa siyang nagulat dahil nakita niya si Sabino na nakatayo lamang malapit sa swimming pool. Sumunod na rin ako sa kan’ya at humarap siya sa akin nang may pagtataka.

"Is he watching us all this time?"

Nilingon ko si Sabino na parang estatwa habang nakasuot ng kaniyang sunglass. Nginitian ko ito at tumango naman siya sa akin.

"Yes," I replied. "Now, go to the billiard table and do as your told."

Nagpatuloy sa paglalakad si Fabiana nang hindi inaalis ang tingin kay Sabino, at ng makarating sa cottage kung nasaan ang billiard table ay inihanda na niya ang mga dala niyang dokumento. Nang matapos na niya ang pinahahanda ko sa kan’ya ay dumapa na siya sa billiard table.

I positioned myself behind her, sp*nked her sexy ass, and gradually circled my forefinger in her c*re. She's already wet, d*mn it! I continued to play with her dampness and abruptly inserted my two fingers into her.

"Hmm, Attorney, you’re so good at this," she moaned.

I bend a little so she could hear me. "Hmm, then feel me again baby," I whisper.

I noticed her legs trembling. I removed my fingers, inserted my still-alive manhood, and slammed hard back and forth.

"Harder amore, please!" she yells.

Tangina! Inutusan ako ng p*****a.

We reach the pinnacle of unexpected ec*tasy after a few hard thrusts. I slowly drew out my shaft, held the pen, and signed the contract.

Sabino handed us two bathrobes as well as a glass of wine. He also gave me an envelope with my name written on the back.

"Kanino galing ito?" tanong ko.

"Dinala lang iyan ng isa sa mga tauhan natin. Pinadala raw ni Mr. Pellegrini kay President Hart. Tumawag daw sa kaniya si Mr. Pellegrini at sinabing para raw sa iyo ang nasa loob niyan," paliwanag niya.

Nagtataka ako kung bakit hindi pa kay Fabiana pinadala ni Mr. Pellegrini ang sobre na ito. Alam kong madami siyang pera para mag-utos sa sandamakmak na tao. Pero gaano ito kaimportante at hindi ipinagkatiwala kay Fabiana? Pucha! Para akong tanga, puwede ko naman buksan.

"Hey! Can I use your shower room?" Fabiana asks almost shouting.

Nagulat ako sa bahagyang pagsigaw ni Fabiana. P*****a! Kung hindi n'ya lang ako pinaligaya ay baka nasakal ko na ang babaeng ito.

"Tangina! puwede namang hindi sumigaw," bulyaw ko sa kan'ya.

"What?! I don't get what you said." she frowned.

Ano ba itong dinala mo sa akin satanas? Baka puwedeng sa susunod ay 'yong hindi ko na kailangang mag-aral ng ibang lengguwahe. Nakakasira ng ulo.

"Nothing. Come, I'll take you to the shower room."

Nasa loob na nang banyo si Fabiana ng mapagdesisyunan kong buksan ang sobre. Naupo ako sa dulo ng kama habang binabasa ang nakasulat doon.

Pagkatapos kong basahin ay ibinalik ko sa loob ng sobre at itinago sa drawer ng side table at nag-isip ng gagawin. Kaya pala hindi si Fabiana ang may dala ng sobre. Kawawang babae.

I went outside to talk to Sabino while Fabiana was still in the shower, wearing only a bath towel covering my lower half. "Call Isauis, he has a job tonight, and tell him to wait in the library," I instructed. Sabino nods and takes out his phone to call Isaius.

I sit on a single couch while waiting for Fabiana to finish her business, drinking my Russo-Baltique Vodka and thinking how aggressive Fabiana is in bed. I close my eyes and lean back against the backrest. "Aah feels good," I mumble.

A closing door jolted me out of my reverie. I opened my eyes to see Fabiana seductively approaching me. She's still naked, and water is dripping all over her. "F*ck!"

The f*cking fellatio starts as Fabiana kneels in front of me. She unclasps the bath towel that covers my lower part. Isauis emerges from the library, dressed in his favourite black ensemble, complete with a leather jacket and gloves. He's holding a thick black rubber that I'm sure he'll put to good use. He stands behind Fabiana while hammering my full-length shaft, watching and waiting for my signal.

"Ride with me, baby," I said. Fabiana looked up and smiled sweetly at me. She jumped to her feet and climbed on top of me. She slid her wetness into my full length, allowing me to feel her hot nerves, tighten and embrace my f*cking mad shaft.

Her full-size bre*st bounces as she rides hard up and down. Yes, f*ck! What a stunning view. I cupped both of them, pinching one of her pinkish crowns and biting the other, which caused her to yell my name and beg.

"Ah! Elliot! Suck me hard, please!"

I bit my lips as I heard her pleading. Tangina! May mas higit pa kaya sa kan’ya? I like the way she makes me go wild. I pulled her hair and sucked her neck, sensing that the fire was ready to burst. "Harder, baby. I'm near." I growled.

"Si amore," she moaned.

Fabiana performs well in bed. She has a voluptuous body that every man desire, including me. I can keep her if the situation permits, but doing so will cost our business a billion dollars. Mr Pellegrini might know what kind of woman I prefer. Sending this fuckable babe with a signed agreement of our business and pleasuring me with Fabiana is one of the best gifts Mr Pelligrini had sent me.

After a few hard ups and downs, I squirted my juices inside her while she was still hammering on top of me, and in a few seconds, I felt her hot liquids enveloping me.

She collapses and buries her face in my neck. I look at Isauis and signal him to start working. Isauis slowly walks toward us while shaping the rubber in a circle.

I cupped Fabiana's face. "I like the way you make me satisfied in bed, I want to spend more nights with you, but I'm afraid this will be the last. Thank you and I'm sorry baby," I bitterly smile while she's frowning.

"What?" she asked.

Isauis placed the rubber band around Fabiana's neck as if he was putting a necklace on her. As he tightens the rubber, Fabiana gasps for air. She fell to the floor and tried to loosen the rubber that Isauis was keeping in its grip.

Sabino handed me my bathrobe and another glass of brandy as I rose from the couch, waiting for Fabiana to take her last breath. Isauis continues to tighten the rubber until he is satisfied. Fabiana gives up and closes her eyes.

Tumayo na rin si Isauis pagkatapos masigurong hindi na humihinga si Fabiana. "Boss, nasunod ko naman ang gusto mo, ‘di ba? Malinis na trabaho. Walang dugo, wala ring ingay," habang hinubad ang gloves ganoon din ang leather jacket na suot niya.

Uminom muna ako ng alak bago siya sagutin. Napagod ako ng husto dahil ibang klase ang enerhiya ng babaeng nakahandusay sa paanan ko. Idagdag pa ang buong araw na trabaho sa opisina at meeting sa bagong kliyente namin ni Jake ng mga alak at sigarilyo.

"Isauis, you always did an excellent job. Here," sabay abot ko sa kan’ya ng tseke.

Napailing at napasipol naman si Isauis sa nakikita niyang halaga na nakasulat doon. "Oh f*ck! Hello, fifty million pesos!" halos sigaw niya. "Baka may sasakalin pa ako Boss Elliot, hindi ako tatanggi," dugtong pa ng loko.

"I’ll let you know," I chuckled.

Inutusan ko na sila ni Sabino na alisin na sa salas ang katawan ni Fabiana. Pinakuhanan ko rin muna ng litrato ang hubad pa rin nitong katawan, at pinahubad ang kaisa-isang singsing na suot ng patay na dyosang pinagsawaan ko. Pumasok muna ako sa kuwarto at dumeretso sa banyo para linisin ang sarili.

Itinapat ko ang aking katawan sa tubig na nagmumula sa shower at malayang umaagos sa hubad kong katawan.“F*ck! A lot of evil deeds happens today. Should I say, thank you Satan?”bulong ko sa sarili.

Nagbibihis na ako pero hindi pa rin mawala sa isip ko ang sinabi ng kliyente namin ni Jake.“Don't put too much faith in anyone; even your closest companions can betray you, although you share the same blood that ran through your veins.” Ipinagtaka namin ni Jake iyon, kung hindi lang malaking kliyente ang taong iyon ay baka napatay ko na. Kotang-kota na ako sa mga riddles ng mga baliw naming kliyente. Kung minsan pa ay ginagawa itong biro. Hindi nila alam na hindi ako natutuwa sa mga puking inang riddles na iyan. Pera ang kailangan sa negosyo at hindi ang mga walang kwentang palaisipan.

Paglabas ko ay hinihintay na ako nina Sabino at Isauis. Iniabot na rin sa akin ni Sabino ang printed pictures ni Fabiana na nakalagay sa envelop kasama ng singsing at mga hibla ng blonde nitong buhok na nakalagay sa maliit na plastic. Kinuha ko iyon at tinitigan. "Whose idea is this?" tanong ko habang nagpapalipat-lipat ng tingin sa dalawa.

Isauis slowly raised his hands. "A-ako boss. Baka lang mas matuwa si Mr Pellegrini kapag may buhok ng italyanang iyon ang pinadala nating pruweba," mahinang turan niya.

"Nice. Job well done," ang nangingiti kong sagot sa kaniya. Tinapik naman siya ni Sabino sa likod bilang suporta.

"How did she get here?" baling ko kay Sabino.

"She arrived in a red Ferrari. The car was purchased yesterday by Mr Pellegrini. I've already run an investigation, and it was named under you, Elliot. I assumed it was another gift," Sabino explained.

I sighed. "Okay, Isauis, ikaw na ang magdala ng sasakyan sa penthouse. Patatawagan na lang kita kapag may ipapagawa ako muli sa ‘yo."

"No problem, boss. I’ll go ahead." Paalam niya.

Naglalakad na kami ni Sabino sa hallway ng resort house ng tumunog ang aking cellphone. Kinuha ko iyon mula sa bulsa ng aking pantalon. Tumatawag si Mr. Cristobal.“Kailan ba ako makakapagpahinga. Tangina!”Huminga muna ako ng malalim para maibsan ang inis ko bago sagutin ang tawag ng matandang ito.

Pero hindi ko pa man nasasagot ang tawag ay isang malakas na pagsabog ang aming narinig. Agad namang inihara ni Sabino ang kaniyang katawan sa akin para proteksyunan. Sabay naming binunot ang aming mga baril at naghanda kung sakali mang may mga kalaban. Tanaw namin mula sa glass wall ng resort house ang nagliliyab na sasakyan.

My red Ferrari, Mr Pellegrini's gift to me, is now on fire.