Chapter 12
Sunod-sunod na pagputok ng fireworks ang nakapagpigil sa kalagitnaan ng pagliligpit ni attorney Collins.
Napangiti nalang ito ng mapait ng maalala ang huling bagong taon, kapiling ang ama.
Labing-apat na taong gulang ang batang si Grey sa taong 2005. Nakaupo ito sa kanilang mahabang sofa katabi ang ama. May hawak itong chips na pinapapak niya habang naghihintay sa pagsalubong ng bagong taon. Hindi kasi ito pinapayagan ng kaniyang ama na kumain sa hinanda nilang Noche Buena hanggang hindi pa pumatak ang alas dose.
Saktong alas dose ng madaling araw ng sunod-sunod na nagputukan ang mga fireworks na kita sa terrace ng kanilang ikalawang palapag.
Nagdulot ito ng malaking ngiti sa batang si Grey at mabilis pa sa alas kuwatrong inubos ang kaniyang chips.
Tumayo ang batang si Grey at hi ila ang ama papunta ng k
Chapter 13 At the same day, at 10: 00 am, nagising si attorney Grey Collins. Namamaga pa ang mata nito galing sa matinding pag-iyak. Unan ang naging karamay niya sa mga oras na 'yon. Kumot ang siyang yumayakap sa kaniya na para bang sinasabing okay lang minsan na maging mahina. Man. He never cried even once after his father's death. And it was the first time he shed tears since then. Masakit, oo. But he got used to it. Nasanay na ito sa sakit na para bang manhid na ito sa sobrang sakit. He gotnumb to all pain and sorrow. That's how he dealt with his life. He never cried since wala naman daw'ng mangyayari kahit iiyak pa siya. His tears won't get back his father's life. But earlier, he got so emotional. Sa ilang taong pagkikimkim niya sa sakit at galit ay tuluyan na nga itong sumabog. He missed his father so dam
Chapter 14 Days passed by rapidly, ngayon ay balik trabaho na naman si Attorney Collins. Tahimik ang daang binaybay niy, tila ba ang mga tao ay hindi pa tapos sa pagdiriwang at pagsalubong ng bagong taon. He was on his way to work when someone blocked his way. A black Ferrari. The car in front of him is quite unfamiliar. Sa pagkakatanda niya ay hindi niya pa nakasalamuha ang may-ari ng sasakyan. Nakakunot ang noo nitong binalingan ang pintuan ng sasakyang humarang sa daan niya. As far as he know, wala naman itong nilalabag na batas. He follows all the safety precautions in driving. Nasa tamang bilis ang pagmamaneho niya. Nakasuot ng seat belt at may driver's license. Kumpleto rin sa mga papeles ang sasakyan nito. Inaabangan niya kung sinuman ang bababa mula sa pintuan ng sasakyang humarang sa kaniya. Naningkit ang mga mata niya sa dahan-dahang pagbukas n
Chapter 15 “This case... Is a murder case.” Mga salitang narinig ni Mr. Winston mula sa bibig mismo ni Attorney Collins. He heaved a relieve sigh. Akala niya ay tatanggi rin ito na kunin ang kaso. But upon observing Attorney Collins' thrilled expression which he had seen in just a spur of the moment, he knew that his case was being taken care of. He does not know why Attorney Collins seems excited about taking the case. Was it because of personal matter? A self-wanting revenge? To feed his wrath to those murderers? Or did he just seen it wrong? Mr. Winston asked himself. He was doubting if what he saw from Attorney Collins was true or just a product of his imaginative mind. Not sure if his eyes was deceiving him a while ago. Truth be told, the moment Attorney Collins finished reviewing the case and knew that it was a murder case.
Chapter 16 Napaawang ang bibig ni Mr. Winston sa biglaang konklusyon ni Attorney Collins. Hindi na rin kataka-taka at kagulat-gulat. It's Attorney Collins, after all. Attorney Collins analytic skills and fast logical thinking are quite impressive. It deserves an applause. Halata nga siguro sa kinikilos ni Mr. Winston kaya nagkaroon nang ganoong konklusyon si Attorney Collins. “I get it. I know this is not the right place to talk about crucial information. Let's meet in your convenient time and chosen place. Here's my calling card. Just give me a call,” walang paligoy-ligoy na saad ni Attorney Collins. Pansin kasi nito ang pagiging hindi komportable ng kausap. Dahil na rin siguro sa kadahilanang hindi lang sila ang tao sa loob ng apat na sulok ng kuwarto. Ramdam niya ang pakiramdam ni Mr. Winston na parang may nagmamasid sa paligid. He cannot blame him. Impo
Chapter 17 Napangisi si Attorney Collins matapos lakbayin ng kaniyang isip ang nakaraang pangyayari kung paano niya nakuha ang loob ng mga opisyales at ni Detective Lim para magkaroon siya ng easy access mula sa mga awtoridad. Kinuha niya ang kaniyang cellphone para tawagan si Detective Nathan Lim para humingi ng ilang pabor. Unang ring pa lang ng tawag ay agad itong sinagot ng tao sa kabilang linya. “Detective Nathan Lim, speaking.” Words Attorney Collins heard from the other line. “011301,” pagsagot ni Attorney Collins. He used their code to indirectly introduce himself to Detective Nathan Lim. “Attorney Grey Collins,” saad ng nasa kabilang linya, confirming his identity. “Can I ask you a favor, Detective?” malumanay na tanong ni Attorney Collins. Attorney Collins is always like that. Telling what he needs directly without saying unnecessary things. “Sure thing.
Chapter 18 Matipid na tango lamang ang ginawad nila Attorney Collins at ng lalaking kararating pa lang sa isa't-isa. Their own way to acknowledge each other's presence. Bahagya pang lumingon sa likod ang lalaki at sinenyasan ang kung sino para pumasok at kunin ang lalaking nakamaskara. The man who came just minutes ago didn't wear his usual attire. He was currently on disguise to hide his identity for some reason. They cannot take the risk to reveal his identity in the midst of situation they were in at baka ikapahamak niya pa ito. Lalo na ngayon na may intruder silang kasama. His identity might be used against them at ayaw niyang dumating sila sa punto na ganoon nga ang mangyayari. The case he and Attorney Collins currently working is no ordinary. At lahat ng involved sa kaso ay walang kasiguraduhan ang kaligtasan. You just have two choices to make. Either to reveal yourself and attract
Chapter 19 Napabuga lang ng malalim na hininga si Mr. Jared. Kasalukuyan silang nasa secret quarter kasama si Attorney Collins, Mr. Winston at ang dalawang tauhan ni Mr. Jared. Prente at tahimik lang na nakaupo si Attorney Collins sa isang swivel chair. Malalim ang iniisip at tila ba nasaang lupalop na naman ng mundo tinangay ang naglalakbay na isipan nito. Si Mr. Jared ay nanatiling nakakunot ang noo at pabalik-balik ang lakad sa harapan, hindi mapalagay at tila ba balisa. Ang dalawang tauhan nito ay nakatulala lang sa gilid at nagmumuni-muni kung ano ang sunod na gagawing habang. Naghihintay lang sa utos ni Mr. Jared. On the other hand, Mr. Winston was on his phone... probably calling his most trusted staff to take care of the restaurant while he is still not around. “Hello, Ms. Maggie?” unang bungad ni Mr. Lee sa kabilang linya. Ms. Maggie, his cashier and his most trusted staf
Chapter 20“Good day, Mr. Lee! Glad to finally meet you,” Attorney Collins greeted.Kasalukuyan silang nasa loob ng interrogation room and it was the first time they met to talk about the case. Palapit na rin kasi ang kaso kaya kailangan nilang mag-usap dalawa para makagawa na ng plano.“Nice to meet you too, Attorney Grey Collins. I heard about you a lot,” balik na bati ni Mr. Lee. He was returning the favor, he treated Attorney Collins with respect and someone he looked up to.Mr. Lee was on his jail uniform, he is still under the police custody until he is not yet proven innocent and not guilty. Just until then, they held him captive.Attorney Collins nodded.“About the case... Mr. Winston gave me a short briefing about your situation,” Attorney Collins paused as he wander his eyes around, being careful not to be heard by someone. Their case is confidential and the informat
Chapter 26"I thought we are here to talk things out, not to get you drunk," Attorney Grey Collins lectured, as he snatched the glass of whiskey out from Attorney Phoebe Quinnʼs grip."You won't understand," Attorney Quinn responded, trying to snatched back the whiskey she was drinking but Attorney Collins was too quick to notice so he moved it out of her reach."Then, let me understand," he fought, still holding the glass away from her reach.His voice was too gentle that you cannot detect irritation in it."Talk to me. Explain it to me," he asked."Let me understand, hmm?" he uttered trying to convince her to open up."It wasn't that easy!" she shouted as tears started to poured down from her poor little eyes.Attorney Collins nodded understandingly and drop the case. He is trying to be the big man here. He knew it wasn't the case Attorney Quinn is trying to convey, she didn't mean to shout at him. He knew, it was perhaps the alcoholʼs doing and he was trying hard to ignore it.He s
Chapter 25“Are we all set now?” the middle-seat-judge asked. "If yes, then can I request the attorney of the both partys to step forward?" he added."Yes, Your Honor!" Attorney Collins and Attorney Quinn answered in unison."As we start our court session today, I'm expecting you both to do your best. You may not be in the same page but you can still work in line of your job description. To uncover the truth and let the justice prevail," the middle-seat-judge paused as he eyed both of the judges to warn them to not do stupid things."I'm rooting for the both of you. Together, let's solve this case and finally put an end to it..." he announced.Citizens were all gathered around to witness how the court will give its conviction.This case was long overdue, a lot of people lives got tangled with this case and ended up being framed up and worst, killed.As a public court servant, their aim is to let the people live in peace. Not to be anxious everyday of what danger could be waiting for t
Chapter 24“Welcome to our law firm, Attorney Rouge Dwayne. It is indeed an honor to have you here with us. Feel free to roam around,” Attorney Collins welcomed.Pormal na pagbigay bati ni Attorney Collins. Ang gaan ng pakiramdam niya sa araw na 'yon sa kaisipang wala itong bitbit na gawain o tungkulin na dapat gampanan.It feels like the weigh he was carrying throughout the years has been lifted up. For how many years he have been working hard, it will be his first time to take a leave for a longer time. And it feels so good to be freed from work.Para siyang nakawalang ibon sa hawla, pagkatapos ng ilang taong pagkakakulong.Today
Chapter 23“You did well. Thank you for your hard work, Attorney Collins,” the presiding judge congratulated.The presiding judge was impressed by him. Indeed, he trusted the right person.“I did what I ought to. Thank you, Your Honor!” Attorney Collins responded as they exchange handshakes.Attorney Collins may be cold but he appreciates all their compliments in a way that makes him proud of himself.It melts his heart knowing that he accomplish something not just for himself but for anyone who needs help. That alone helps him find his purpose in life.He failed to save his father's life. So he decided to give them the favor. In them, he can at least do things that he is capable of doing.It is his way to console his younger self for not doing his best. Now that he was given a chance to showcase his talent in court
Chapter 22“Good to see you again, Mr. Lee. Hang in there, we will get through this,” Attorney Collins comforted.They are currently facing each other, face-to-face inside the visiting room. Mr. Lee wore his jail uniform, but then, he was smiling when he face Attorney Collins.He is a lot better now, Mr. Amfed Lee they mean. Thanks for Attorney Collins, it is not possible if not for him. He did all the works and now they are too close to winning, no doubt that.Sinisigurado nilang nasa kanila ang huling halakhak. Through Attorney Grey Collins, everything is possible with him. Power and authority may have the ability to bend the law but Attorney Collins hold the sense of justice, so who will win against him?May hindi mapantayang kapangyarihan man ang nasa kabilang panig na kalaban nila, na kayang manipulahin ang batas... But Attorney Collins never feel threaten
Chapter 21“Nah, he cannot do that. Suicide, really? That's absurb!” Treton exclaimed as a matter of fact.He just cannot grasp the idea of Mr. Aaron doing that, if ever. Nakasama niya ito sa loob ng ilang taon and without any doubts, they can confidently say that he cannot do that or rather not to. He was not a man like that, the Mr. Aaron they knew despised that idea the most.“He loves his life too much. He even gave us an earful one time when we were too close on giving up on our lives,” Cheska butted in, after being silent for a long time.She stated it smiling as she vividly recalled what happened in the past, how Mr. Aaron Lee lectured them when he was still alive. She remembered it crystal clear like it only happened yesterday. Those kind of memories are one of a kind, a rare memories that is worth keeping.Iyon 'yong oras na tambak sila sa trabaho, kaliwa't kanan na reports ang kailangan nilang tap
Chapter 20“Good day, Mr. Lee! Glad to finally meet you,” Attorney Collins greeted.Kasalukuyan silang nasa loob ng interrogation room and it was the first time they met to talk about the case. Palapit na rin kasi ang kaso kaya kailangan nilang mag-usap dalawa para makagawa na ng plano.“Nice to meet you too, Attorney Grey Collins. I heard about you a lot,” balik na bati ni Mr. Lee. He was returning the favor, he treated Attorney Collins with respect and someone he looked up to.Mr. Lee was on his jail uniform, he is still under the police custody until he is not yet proven innocent and not guilty. Just until then, they held him captive.Attorney Collins nodded.“About the case... Mr. Winston gave me a short briefing about your situation,” Attorney Collins paused as he wander his eyes around, being careful not to be heard by someone. Their case is confidential and the informat
Chapter 19 Napabuga lang ng malalim na hininga si Mr. Jared. Kasalukuyan silang nasa secret quarter kasama si Attorney Collins, Mr. Winston at ang dalawang tauhan ni Mr. Jared. Prente at tahimik lang na nakaupo si Attorney Collins sa isang swivel chair. Malalim ang iniisip at tila ba nasaang lupalop na naman ng mundo tinangay ang naglalakbay na isipan nito. Si Mr. Jared ay nanatiling nakakunot ang noo at pabalik-balik ang lakad sa harapan, hindi mapalagay at tila ba balisa. Ang dalawang tauhan nito ay nakatulala lang sa gilid at nagmumuni-muni kung ano ang sunod na gagawing habang. Naghihintay lang sa utos ni Mr. Jared. On the other hand, Mr. Winston was on his phone... probably calling his most trusted staff to take care of the restaurant while he is still not around. “Hello, Ms. Maggie?” unang bungad ni Mr. Lee sa kabilang linya. Ms. Maggie, his cashier and his most trusted staf
Chapter 18 Matipid na tango lamang ang ginawad nila Attorney Collins at ng lalaking kararating pa lang sa isa't-isa. Their own way to acknowledge each other's presence. Bahagya pang lumingon sa likod ang lalaki at sinenyasan ang kung sino para pumasok at kunin ang lalaking nakamaskara. The man who came just minutes ago didn't wear his usual attire. He was currently on disguise to hide his identity for some reason. They cannot take the risk to reveal his identity in the midst of situation they were in at baka ikapahamak niya pa ito. Lalo na ngayon na may intruder silang kasama. His identity might be used against them at ayaw niyang dumating sila sa punto na ganoon nga ang mangyayari. The case he and Attorney Collins currently working is no ordinary. At lahat ng involved sa kaso ay walang kasiguraduhan ang kaligtasan. You just have two choices to make. Either to reveal yourself and attract