Daybreak (Project:Mystery #2) [COMPLETE]

Chapter 24: Two E's and I's (Cuatro)

Chapter Four: Two E's and I's (Cuatro)

Mavis' POV
"Mama, I know you're busy but can you just not cut off our line like that? You're making me worried."

Napabuntong-hininga ako. Ilang araw na rin nang umalis ako sa mansion ng wala man lang pahapyaw na paalam sa aking mga anak. Ilang araw na rin ang nakalipas simula nang mag-imbestiga ako sa kaso ni Dad.

"Mayra, I'm so sorry. Maintindihan mo sana si Mama," sabi ko sa kanya. "We're taking some measures on how to close your Grandfather's case."

Narinig kong bumuntong-hininga sa kabilang linya si Mayra. "I know..." Sandaliang nanahimik si Mayra. "Mama?" I hummed. "Frious just got out of his treatment and is back to the mansion. And, um, can I ask one more thing?"

"Yeah?"

"Papa has also been busy lately so I can't ask him so... Does Papa have a relation to your current investigation right now?" Nang hindi ako sumagot, narinig ko siyang muling bumuntong-hininga. "Right. You'll never answer. I should've known."

Napahigpit ako ng hawak sa telepono. "Sorry, anak. I will tell you once I finish doing my job as a daughter to close my father's case."

"I understand, Mama." Malambot ang kanyang pagkakasabi ng bawat salita. "I love you, and Mare loves you as well. And Papa as well, he loves you most."

I smiled. "Bring them my love as well." I ended up the call. Sa saktong oras na 'yon ay bigla tinawag ang pangalan ko ni Tita. "Yes, Tita?"

"Someone wants to meet you," aniya at binigay sa akin ang isang puting envelope. "The address is there. I did not open it since it's not mine but the owner called on the telephone. They said they wanted to meet you."

"Alone?" tanong ko habang binubuksan ang envelope at nakakita ng nakatuping papel doon.

"Yes. Alone," sagot niya. She frowned suddenly. "I don't know if this helps to identify their identity but--"

"It's an address to a cafe," pagpuputol ko.

She cleared her throat and continued, "Well, as I mentioned, their identity is a female, maybe."

"Why a woman?"

"Based on the tone of voice and..." She knocked on the air twice na parang mayroong pinto doon. "The sound of nails."

"Nails?"

"Manicured nails. And also, the sound of noisy streets. She might have been on a telephone booth," sambit nito. She sighed. "You should go now. I'm sure you have her waiting."

"Thanks, Tita."

"You're welcome."

~***~

"Are you sure na konektado ang pupuntahan mo ngayon, princess?" tanong ni Ruxinaire. Nasa loob ako ng sasakyan niya at papunta kami sa aming destinasyon.

Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin at bumuntong-hininga. "Well, Tita said na baka mayroon siyang koneksyon so I need to get to the location somehow."

"Somehow?" He frowned. "You're unsure."

"Yeah. That's why I need to know if they have a connection to Dad's case."

Huminto na ang sasakyan sa location. I checked the card and it's the exact location. Bumaba ako ng sasakyan at sinabihan si Ruxinaire na maghintay. Pumasok ako sa cafe. Tumambad sa akin ang ingay ng coffee machines. Kakaunti lang ang mga tao na nasa cafe ngunit busy na busy ang lugar.

Iniikot ko ang aking tingin sa buong cafe. "Are you the guest?" Napatingin ako pataas. Isa iyong waiter na may hawak na tray. Nakangiti ito sa akin.

"U-Uh, is there any female here that reserved this seat's number?" Ipinakita ko sa kanya ang card at tumawa siya. Did I say something funny?