FORTY-TWO

GALE'S POV

"Any news about her?" I asked the man who was sitting in front of my desk.

The middle-aged man held his cap, and removed it. He looked at me with a sad face and shook his head. Pang-limang private detective na siya na ni-hire ko para mahanap si Dominique.

"Still no lead on her, Sir. It's like she's gone without a trace," naguguluhan nitong tugon.

Kumunot ang noo ko. Paanong bigla na lang mawawala ang isang tao? Not unless someone messes up with her records.

"It's okay. You did great. By the way, this is your payment. Tatawag na lang ulit ako," I said and handed him an envelope containing the amount of money we agreed.

"Thank you, Sir," aniya, saka siya tumayo upang lumabas ng opisina ko.

The moment he closed the door, I heaved a deep sigh. Kinuha ko ang cellphone ko at tinitigan nang matagal ang mukha ni Dominique. I touched the screen of my phone, wishing it was her face that I was actually touching. Pinahid ko ang butil ng luha na kumawala sa mg