Elite Wars

Chapter 16

GUSTAVE

Enrique stopped in an unfamiliar place. It looked like it was in the middle of the slums. I was so tipsy that I didn't mind it that much.

"I know just what you need." Itinuro niyo ang isang lumang gusali sa labas.

I looked at it with a blurry vision and I saw a bunch of women and some men. The women are wearing revealing clothes, their hair fixed and their make up is thick. I saw a woman putting a cigarette on her mouth and a bunch more just laughing.

Napailing ako at dismayadong nilingon si Enrique.

"Why would you bring me to a place like this, Enrique?" I asked looking at him like a lunatic.

"Gustave, women here are illiterate. They don't know what they're doing. Hindi ka na nila hahabulin basta bigyan mo ng limang libo. Can you imagine? Five thousand? How much are high end escorts?" Aniyang hindi alintana ang pagkairita sa mga mata ko.

"I don't need an escort!" Sigaw ko.

Nawala ang ngisi niya at inalis ko ang tingin ko sa kanya. I took my phone from my pocket and tried calling Sandrine once again hut her phone is off now. I grasped my phone so hard I almost crushed it.

"Fine! But they'll keep you company. You don't have to fuck them. Jesus, what's with you? You used to be so cool with this." Muling untag niya.

"That was before I became CEO, Enrique. Whatever I do, it will reflect the company." Sagot ko na hindi ko na ipagkakailang dahilan lang. The truth is I don't want to be here. I really just don't care! Kahit sino pa iyan. I just want to know where my wife is.

"Dadalhin ba kita dito kung hindi safe? I've been going here for years! Did you see any article about me? Wala diba? Sino bang mag-aakala na makikita nila rito ang bilyonaryong katulad mo? I don't think they even know you." Sabi niya pa pero hindi ko na siya pinakinggan.

"Hey! Give me your phone. Your wife doesn't care about you. Okay? Just loosen up for one night. Come on! A little conversation wouldn't hurt." Hinablot niya sa kamay ko ang cellphone ko.

I clenched my fist and I swear I almost punch the motherfucker. Pinigilan ko ang sarili ko dahil lumabas na siya at pumasok sa punyetang lugar na iyon. Wala akong nagawa kundi sumunod.

Sinalubong kami ng isang middle aged na babae. Katulad ng karamihan sa mga babae doon, ay nakaayos din siya at naka damit nang-aakit. I felt my head heavy and I didn't feel good so I didn't pay much attention to them talking.

"Sir Enrique! Naku! Sino naman itong kasama mo? Madami akong mga bagong recruit. Ano bang trip niyo ngayong gabi?"

"Nandiyan ba si Mara?" Tanong ni Enrique.

"Nako, oo naman! Hindi ko na pinapa-table sa iba ang isang iyon. Pumasok na kayo sa VIP room at papasunurin ko siya. Magpapahatid na din ako ng alak!" Sagot ng babae at humalkhak.

Umikot ang mga mata ko. Is this place even legal? Are they trafficking women here? I need to leave this place. I have to find my wife.

"Enrique. Give me my damn phone!" Untag ko kay Enrique habang nag lalakad siya patungo sa umano'y VIP room daw.

"Na-uh! Not until you blow some steam." Aniya.

Pumasok siya sa isang pinto. Sa loob noon ay isang malamig na kwarto na may leather couch at lamesa. Mayroong party lights at tv screen na sa tingin ko ay para sa karaoke. Hindi ko na matandaan ang huling beses na napadpad ako sa ganitong lugar. Huling beses pa ata nung college ako.

Sumalampak si Enrique sa couch at prenteng umupo. Sa bigat ng ulo ko ay napaupo nalang din ako sa tabi niya. Ilang sandali pa ay may mga waiter na pumasok dala dala ang mga alak. Kasunod ang isang babae na may maiksing buhok at kakapiranggot na damit. I wasn't really interested at all. Sulyap lang ang iginawad ko sa babae.