Case 4: Money or Life?
(The Book Two Chapter,
Part Three)
ROSALINDA
"YOU'VE been reading that for days now. Surely, you must have found something that could shed light on the mystery of why a book from 2013 would contain a drawing of Harriet when she was 17 years old," I asked, resting my hands on the desk.
He set his book down and stretched his back and arms, mimicking the movements of a cat. "How am I supposed to know? Am I the author of this book?" he asked sarcastically.
Napapikit ako ng ilang segundo saka humalukipkip. "So, what's the plot?"
"The story is about a girl who has been missing for two weeks. Her mother is worried about her child as she tries to find her. She discovers a letter on her bed, written by the kidnapper demanding five million. In her attempt to seek police help, every officer she approaches dies in front of her. Frustrated, she gives up on asking for assistance and focuses on finding the money for one week.
"One day before the due date, she stumbles upon a poster while walking along a dark street. The game advertised is a Russian roulette gambling game, known as Money of Life. Despite hesitations, upon learning the prize for the winner, she decides to join the game."
Umirap ako. The story is pretty predictable. "The one who posted that poster is the kidnapper, and the kidnapper is a part of the organization."
Doyle laughed. "Pretty predictable, right? However, don't focus on the story. Focus about the characters, villains, and the author."
Tila ba'y napako ako sa'king kinauupuan. Focus on the three of those? Don't tell me he's trying to say that my father has something to do with what is currently happening about Mammon's game?
"Also..."
His mischievous smirk widened more than before. Nagkatitigan lamang kaming dalawa at ni isa sa amin ay walang balak na magsalita.
"Continue, bitch." Wika ko habang nakataas ang kanang kilay.
Nanatili lamang itong tahimik, na para bang pinapakiramdaman ang buong paligid. Ilang segundo ang nakalipas ay nakarinig ako ng pagpihit ng doorknob, pagbukas ng pinto ay iniluwa iyon si Clark at ang isang babae na base sa siya'y isabg college student dahil sa puti niyang uniporme at may paldang umabot sa tuhod ang pumasok sa loob.
"Can you guys help us, help my cousin?" Clark asked with full of seriousness in his face, while the lady is secretly wiping her tears off.
Doyle motioned his hand to make them sit on the other stools on the other side. Umupo naman sila ay magkaharap kaming dalawa ni Clark.
"What's wrong?" Doyle asked.
"The police might be doing their job, however it's been two weeks now, pero wala paring progress." Aniya saka, pinagtagpo niya ang kaniyang mga kamay at niyuko ang ulo na para bang nagdadasal. "Please, help her. Help us find her little brother." Paghingi niya ng tulong habang nakatingin kay Doyle.
"Yeah, yeah. I'll help." Doyle rolled his eyes as he put his his foot on the table. "When and where did you last time you saw your brother?" He asked, boredly.
"Napipilitan ka 'ata," sabi ko saka humalukipkip. "Don't tell me you're lazy again and don't want to help this missing case."
Ngumisi ito. "What if I say yes?"
Nang dahil sa sinagot niya, napakagat na lamang ng labi ang babae, ngunit wala parin itong tigil sa pagpapahid ng mga luha. Losing a brother, I can feel the pain she's dealing right now. I can't blame her for showing her vulnerability to us.
BINABASA MO ANG
Erudition of Doyle: Volume One
Mystery / Thriller(UNDER EDITING) Rosalinda Almazan's life has been chaotic again after a music blasting on the school, that gives everyone trauma and as a signal that the demons came back. She meets so many people that lead to a dangerous organization, who named the...
