Erudition of Doyle: Volume One

CHAPTER 13: CASE IV - MONEY OR LIFE?

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 2013 book contains a drawing of Harriet when she was seven," I asked, resting my hands on the desk.

He set his book down and stretched his back and arms, mimicking a cat’s movements. "How am I supposed to know? Am I the author of this book?" he asked, dripping with sarcasm.

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, worried about her child, tries desperately to find her. She discovers a letter on the bed, written by the kidnapper, demanding five million. When she seeks help from the police, every officer she approaches dies before her eyes. Frustrated, she gives up on asking for assistance and focuses on gathering the money within a week." He paused. "One day, just a day before the deadline, 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 her 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 part of the organization."

Doyle laughed. "Pretty predictable, right? But don’t focus on the story. Focus on the characters, the villains, and the author."

Focus on those three?

"Also..."

His mischievous smirk widened even more. Nagkatitigan lamang kaming dalawa, at ni isa sa amin ay walang balak na magsalita.

His mischievous smirk widened even more. Nagkatitigan lamang kaming dalawa, at ni isa sa amin ang walang balak na magsalita.

Nanatili siyang tahimik, na para bang pinapakiramdaman ang buong paligid. Ilang segundo ang nakalipas, narinig ko ang pagpihit ng doorknob. Pagbukas ng pinto, iniluwa niya si Clark at isang babae na, base sa suot niya, ay isang college student, puting uniporme at paldang umabot sa tuhod.

"Can you guys help us, help my cousin?" Clark asked, seriousness etched on his face, while the lady discreetly wiped her tears.

Doyle motioned for them to sit on the stools across from us. Nang nakaupo na sila, nagsalita na si Doyle. "What's wrong?"

"The police might be doing their job; however, it's been two weeks now, pero wala pa ring progress," aniya, saka pinagtagpo 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, resting his foot on the table. "When and where did you last see 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 them."

Ngumisi ito. "What if I say yes?"

Dahil sa sagot niya, napakagat na lamang ng labi ang babae, ngunit hindi pa rin siya tumitigil sa pagpapahid ng mga luha. Losing a brother—I could feel the weight of her pain, the quiet tremor of it in her hands and eyes are familiar. I couldn’t blame her for letting her vulnerability show us.

"I don't care, help them," pautos kong sabi. Akmang tatanungin ko na ang babae nang biglang may isiningit si Doyle.

"Oh, come on," sumandal ito sa likuran ng upuan, ginawang rocking chair iyon. "We have a field investigator here," he said, looking at Clark. "Act your role. I didn’t give you this position for nothing. Get up, investigate the place, and report everything back to me. I’m the acting detective, after all."