Hide And Seek With Mr. Devil

Report 009

Artiona Novaliege.

"Drop your other missions, Nightshade.", Nirva said in a very serious tone after I just entered our meeting room.

Kakarating ko lang at galing sa pag-oobserba kay Alevarez, the Mayor, when they called me and told me to report anything na nakuha ko. I cannot tell them all pero I submitted the evidences, pictures, and every little information that could help the agency to find something more.

Pagpasok ko at tumambad sa'kin ang tatlong tao. Si Nirva, master, and another agent who looks like from the investigation team or in laboratory. They are sitting in a long table in the middle of this cold empty room. I looked at them and didn't say anything nor greet them. Umupo lang ako sa pinakadulong upuan na malayo ang distansya sa kanila. They didn't mind it, I guess. I sat comfortably at sumandal bago ngumiti.

"What do you mean?", I casually asked while all eyes on me. "Sinabi ko na di'ba? I want to distance myself in the agency. I am playing with De Niro.", mabagal at nagpapaintindi kong sabi. Nirva looked at me like she's too exhausted to argue with me.

Hindi naman nagsalita si Master at nakatingin lang sa table. "Stop playing with that Mafia.", sabi ni Nirva like it's more like a threat than advice.

"Why not? He is the center.. No.. The roots of all of this.", seryoso kong sabi. Umiling naman s'ya. "Mhm? Nakarating na ba sa inyo ang ginawa ko? Well, I found out that they found out about me. This Mayor that I am investigating is one his partners or.. I am still not sure but they knew each other.", I explained. Sa nasaksihan ko nang gabing 'yon, talagang hindi ko masasabing si De Niro at ang mga negosyanteng 'yon ay nasa maayos na deal. And seeing them, mukang ngayon lang din nila na-meet si De Niro ng personal.

Nanahimik sila saglit. "That's the problem, Nightshade.", panimula ni Master at nanahimik naman ako para makinig. "Looks like they are up to something.", he said while his eyes are fixed on mine.

I cannot question Master that's why tumango nalang ako. "What do you mean?", normal kong tanong, hindi dahil hindi ko alam ang ibig n'yang sabihin kundi para malman ang alam nila sa sitwasyon.

Master pushed some folder in front of me at tinanguhan ako para basahin 'yon. Nagtatanong ko muna s'yang tinignan bago kinuha 'yon at binuksan. It's a laboratory result from a drug pero it's still identified. Lahat ng naroon, the chemicals, substances, and even the ingredients are not all present which makes it weird.

"What is this?", hindi-makapaniwalang tanong ko habang binabasa ang mga naroon. "This is.. the worst.", mahinang bulong ko.

"Our team found it near the explosion after nilang ma-clear. The water is tested and lahat ng nakita nilang parts ng yacht ay tinest. Different kinds of drugs are discovered pero 'yan ang nag-iisang hindi malaman kung saan gawa.", paliwanag ni Nirva na mukang namomroblema. I put down the folder at hindi alam ang sasabihin. Lahat ng laman ng capsule na 'to ay masasama ang tama sa katawan ng iinom. Worst thing is, hindi pa lahat ng ingredients n'on ay legal to claim.

They further explained kung paano kinuha ang result no'n at kung ano ang epekto ng kaunting amount sa halaman. The agent in suit told that it died na expected naman na. Nag-usap pa kami kung saan pwedeng kunin ang mga nakalagay doon but the only market that offers such things ay ang blackmarket sa underworld. Now this is exciting.

"This mission of yours will now be a top secret, Nightshade. Your other missions will me pass on someone. Mag-focus ka na lang dito.", may pagpapaalalang sabi ni Nirva nang matapos ang usapan namin. Tumango ako sa kanya. "And be careful, that man is dangerous.", dagdag pa n'ya at inayos ang salamin.

I smirked. "That Mayor?", natatawa kong sabi at inalala kung gaano kapayat at kaliit ang Mayos na 'yon.

"De Niro.", may pagbabantang sabi ni Nirva at sinamaan ako ng tingin. Nawala naman ang ngisi ko at tinanguhan s'ya.

I sighed at hindi na nagsalita pa.

"What's with that silence?", mataray na tanong ni Nirva. Nakataas ang kilay n'yang hinintay ang sagot ko.

Nagkibit-balikat naman ako. "What?"

"You didn't complain o kaya naman ay bumawi. Don't tell me you're afraid to him?", naghahamon nyang tanong na ikinainis ko naman. "They also said he's fatal. Fatally handsome.", mahina n'yang sabi sabay pekeng umubo.

Inirapan ko naman s'ya at hindi na sumagot. I don't have a time for her. Heh! Fatally handsome? And me? ME? Afraid of him? Not quite right. "Kung wala na kayong sasabihin, I will now go.", kaswal kong paalam at tumayo.

"Your mission is to find out what drug it is.", paglilinaw ni Nirva. I nodded. "Distance yourself with that man."

"Why?", kalmado kong tanong kahit gustong-gusto ko na s'yang sagutin ng pabalang. "Why would I avoid him? Is it because of Master's new rule? For what reason? Why?"

"He could be your downfall.", sambit ni Master na hindi ko naman sinagot.

Bago pa man ako tumalikod ay may ibinato namang card si Master na agad ko namang nasalo.

"Save the children then stop following that man."

When I looked at it, I immediately knew where it came from. It's a red credit card-shaped invitation paper na may red theme and golden lace designs. The font is in corporate and all letter are in black with silver like shimmer. Muka talagang mamahalin. There's a huge name in the middle that says 'Diabolo's Casino'.

Hindi ko na dapat tanungin pa kung para saan 'yon kaya naman nagpaalam nalang ako sa kanila at umalis na sa agency. I decided to buy some outfits for when I visit De Niro. I don't want something too fancy at ayoko ring isipin n'ya na I am there to play. I decided to wear a below the knee black coat at under no'n ay fitted white shirt and black means. I also wear a chanel boots and a set of jewelry. I need to flaunt my money pero I still need to be mindful sa susuutin ko and in case there will be battles.

"We'll see how far could this go."