Last-Minute Changes (2nd)

Chapter 30

Third Person's POV

FLASHBACK 

"Mr. Razon, I apologize for taking some of your time. I know that this is a busy night for you." Tumayo si Zie para salubungin ang matandang lalaki.

"No need for apologies, Attorney. I'm honored to be graced by your presence tonight. I'm beyond glad that you spared me some of your minutes. It's a rare opportunity that the ever elusive Attorney Zie attend this kind of insignificant birthday party." Balik tugon ni Mr. Razon kahit na ang totoo ay naguguluhan siya sa biglaang pagdalo ng hindi inaasahang bisita.

Mailap sa mga pagtitipon ang mga Schertz lalo na't kung maraming kamera ang nakapaligid.

"Oh please, Mr. Razon. It's your 60th birthday. It is something to be celebrated. You just acquired another citizenship," nakangiting turan ni Zie.

"Please have a seat, Attorney." Iginiya siya ni Mr. Razon sa sofa.

Nasa loob sila ng library ng mansion ng matanda. Napakatahimik sa loob. Hindi naririnig ang anumang ingay na nagmumula sa kasayahan sa labas.

"Mr. Razon, I would like to get down to business," pormal na sambit ni Zie nang makaupo sa sofa na nasa kabilang panig ni Mr. Razon.

"I really hope that we won't be discussing any business-related matter, Attorney. This is the time to have fun. I don't want to be reprimanded by my wife." Tumawa nang marahan ang matanda.

"The same goes for me, Mr. Razon. Ayoko ring pagalitan ng asawa ko kapag mahuhuli ako sa flight namin ngayong gabi. My daughter wants to go to Disneyland."

"I understand, Attorney. We all want what's best for our daughter," pagsang-ayon ng matanda.

Tumango naman si Zie bago ngumiti. "We would do anything for our daughter, Mr. Razon. I'm glad that we're on the same page on that matter. We would even do the unthinkable for her welfare," makahulugan niyang sabi.

"As long as it is within the bounds of legality, Attorney. You're an agent of justice. You know that limitation more than I do."

"You think too highly of me, Mr. Razon. But just like you, I'm also willing to take away lives for my daughter's sake. However, unlike you, I think talking to them should be the first step."

"I don't think I understand what you are trying to insinuate, Attorney." Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ng matanda. Nagugulumihan.

"We're both busy persons, Mr. Razon. Let me get straight to the point." Nilapag niya sa kaharap nilang mesa ang isang brown envelope na may kakapalan. "Feel free to open my present for you."

Kinuha ng matanda ang nasabing sobre at binuklat ang laman nito. Inatake siya ng kaba nang makita ang mga larawan na nakasalansan nang maayos. Nanlalamig ang kanyang katawan at pakiramdam niya ay hindi na siya makahinga nang maayos. Hindi niya matukoy kung dahil ba iyon sa suot niyang kurbata o talagang kakaunti lang ang hangin sa loob ng silid.

Sumeryoso si Zie bago nagsimulang magsalaysay nang walang emosyon sa tinig.

"November 20, 20xx. Two SUV vans with plate numbers ABC 5631 and ABC 8329, respectively. All registered under your name. Five men. One target who was a female student of the same university you owned. Objective: to cremate her remains and throw her ashes in the ocean after killing her. Reward money: a measly amount of one million pesos," natawa pa ng pagak si Zie.

Hindi nakasagot ang kanyang kausap dahil ang mga titig nito ay nasa mga dokumento at mga larawang nasa harap niya.

"Do you still remember the name of the child you tried to destroy for being romantically involved with your daughter, John?" Kalmadong tanong ni Zie na hindi kababakasan ng anumang emosyon. Para lang siya nakikipag business meeting.