Between his arms (Azares Family Series)

BHA 16 | Fugitive

Chapter 16
Fugitives

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"You're wanted for questioning in connection to a homicide in St. Guerrero."

Halos mahulog ang bibig ni Nicholas sa sinabi niya. Masyadong kalmado si Lana ng sabihin n'ya iyon. She said it like, Nicholas you lost your dog. Or, Nicholas you jaywalked.

Nabaling ang tingin ko sa kapatid. Sinusubukan kong basahin ang reaksyon niya. Nakakunot ang kaniyang noo at halatang hindi rin naiintindihan ang nangyayari.

It's nit normal for me to see hin this bothered. Huling beses ko siyang nakita na ganito ay noong nahuli siya ni Mama na tumakas sa klase para maglaro ng soccer.

What did my brother do this time?

Para pigilan ang pausbong na tensyon at pinilit kong tumawa.

"See, I'm not the villain in this story...you are. And now it's time for the rest of your fans to catch up. Me...Not the bad guy, just terribly misunderstood. You...Bad guy. I can't believe you blamed this on me back in the airport. You even said, "This is all on you, Bro. Who did you kill?"

I meant it as a joke, because, come on, Nicholas killing someone? Ni hindi nga magawang pumatay ng langgam niyan. But still, I enjoyed the teasing so...Given that this is a very rare opportunity to see him this bothered.

Nick didn't laugh, didn't smile. Matalas ang mga tingin niya kay Lana.

"Who's dead?" Matigas na tanong ng kapatid.

Huminga ng malalim si Lana. "Tumawag ako sa Police Department ng St. Guerrero para kumuha pa ng additional info and..."

She looked at the file she returned with. She flipped a page and examined it. "The victim's name is Jade Mckinley. Does that ring any bell to you, Nicholas?"

Pinagmasdan kong mawalan ng kulay ang mukha ng kapatid sa tanong ni Lana. I felt an icy hand slid down my spine. I immediately knew what was my brother's reaction means.

"Nick," kalmado kong tawag sa kaniya na may halong pagbabanta.

"Alam kong hindi mo kaya gawin ang gano'ng bagay. But I have this gut feeling that you know him. Who is this guy? Is there something you're not telling us?"

I can see that he's trying to calm his self, but that scared look on his face is not good.

"No. I have nothing...I didn't...He was Trish's ex boyfriend." He said the last phrase like a heavy breath out of his mouth. Like a curse. Like a surrender.

"The one she dated before you? Wait, is this the same Jade Mckinley whose family owns the antique shop?" I asked remembering that tall skinny guy from the old antique shop near our house in St. Guerrero.

"Oo." Tipid niyang sagot.

At this point I'm starting to see a glimpse of fear in him.

"I don't get it. Akala ko bagong salta si Trish sa St. Guerrero nang magkakilala kami?" Tanong ko.

"She was but...Well, it's a long story."