Twisted Fixation

『 Chapter 37 』

Manila is the capital city of the Philippines and one of the most populous cities in the world, known for its thriving culture, historical landmarks, and vibrant urban atmosphere.

And that was where Yuri used to live before his family moved to the United States. She never imagined that she would need to go back there because a person who seems to have a connection to his father's death is there.

With how his father died under mysterious circumstances and the fact that the last person he was talking to in the precinct returned to Manila, she couldn't help but think that perhaps those two were indeed related.

There's just no way that Crisanto Domingo, who was at the peak of his career and living the American dream, would just decide to leave his good life here without a heavy explanation.

So that leaves the possibility that maybe he was running away from something or was ordered to do that to protect someone.

"My men are already doing an investigation on this Crisanto Domingo. The plane is at your disposal, whenever you are ready to leave, Signorina," Giancarlo said, but she couldn't help but feel uneasy.

"I need to talk to my mother first before we go, so that if something happens to me, she knows what to do."

"You do not have to worry about him, Yuri. I'll make sure that she will be safe, and I am sure Mr. Costa here will take care of you," Cassius said reassuringly and even looked at Giancarlo, but she shook her head at that.

"We cannot risk you being seen with my mom as we do not even know what exactly we are dealing with already. Is it even possible that there are some other powerful people controlling the police? Did you hear anything like that, Cassius?" Yuri asked curiously as it hit her that perhaps there are other possible people involved here. More powerful and more eager to kill in order to protect what they do not want to be revealed.

Cassius shrugged his shoulders at that. "Of course, it is a given fact that a lot of them in the force are corrupted, but proving what you said could be difficult. If it's not just them doing it on their own, the only people I know who are above the law are the mafia."

There was a flicker of anger that passed across Giancarlo's eyes. "There are indeed some pigs on my payroll, but I am not really interested in working with them directly as it will bring more harm than good. It's not as if they could also do something for me that my men cannot do."

"You are not just the mafia family that exists here, Mr. Costa. There are other powerful and influential families in this city who may not be bound by the law either, and I am certain that you are aware of that fact considering that you are included in La Commissione."

Yuri narrowed her eyes as confusion and curiosity flickered across her face. She had heard rumors of other families, but she had always assumed that the Costa family held the most power in the city.

"What is this commission you mentioned?"  she asked.

"It's the governing body of the mafia. It was created by Joaquin Guzman to oversee mafia activities here in the country and would also serve as a mediator if there were conflicts among the crime families," it was Giancarlo who answered as he sipped on his whisky.

"I cannot be sure yet whether there is another mafia family involved here, but it's better to be ready than to be surprised. Well, I guess I will try to dig deeper to see if I can find anything," Cassius responded as he gulped down the glass of brandy without blinking an eye.

"I admit that what you said could be possible, so maybe we have to stir something up to test that possibility. You did say last time that your precinct is equipped with security cameras. Is the captain's office included?"

Cassius shook his head at that. "That is the only room in the precinct, aside from the comfort rooms, that doesn't have cameras."

Yuri smirked at that as an idea started to formulate in her mind.

***

It had been three days since their meeting with Cassius, and now that they also have the details about Crisanto Domingo, all that's left for Yuri to do is talk to her mom about her departure. For a moment, she considered just leaving without telling her, but she couldn't risk her mom being in danger if things didn't go as planned.

She just packed one suitcase, only bringing the essentials: a change of clothes, her passport, and some cash. She knew that traveling light would make it easier for her to move quickly, and it's not as if she would be there for a vacation.

As she zipped up her suitcase, there was a sound that came from her phone, and when she checked, it was a message from her dad's phone carrier, which showed the bill that she had to pay. She sighed at that and made the payment right away.

No one else knows about it, but even though her dad has been dead for years now, she still pays for his phone services for one particular reason: to keep his phone number active. She had saved countless voicemails from him and couldn't bear the thought of losing that connection. Most of the time, when she misses him terribly, she will just dial his number to hear his voice on the recording of the voicemail, and sometimes she will even hope that he will answer.

The monthly payment was a small price to pay for the comfort it brought her.

There was a knock on the door, and it opened, revealing Giancarlo, who seemed about to say something to her, but he suddenly stopped and furrowed his eyebrows.

"What happened?" he asked as he walked in her direction and cupped her face gently in his hands. Giancarlo's concerned expression deepened, and when he wiped the sides of her eyes, that's when she understood why he was acting that way.

"You look upset; is everything alright?" he inquired; his voice filled with genuine worry.

She smiled weakly at that. "I just suddenly miss my father," she answered.

Giancarlo's eyes softened with empathy as he held her closer. She doesn't really want to cry, especially not in front of him, but she couldn't help but feel comforted by the warmth in his embrace, which made her remember his father even more, causing a bittersweet ache in her heart.

"Do you want to go to him before we go?" Giancarlo asked softly.

The offer was tempting, but she shook her head. "I promised myself that the next time I would visit him, I would already know what really happened to him."

The mafia boss smiled at that. "Then I guess it wouldn't take long for you to do that."

She wanted to believe that, but she knew that it would be hard to fight a battle she knows little about but still, she is thankful for the support that Giancarlo has shown her. 

She let the maids take care of her suitcase, as she needed to go to her mother before going to the airport.

Giancarlo wanted to accompany her, but she said that she would prefer to talk to her mother alone. He respected her decision by staying in the car as she went on her own.

She was about to knock when the door was already opened and her mother welcomed her.

"Mr. Costa called and did mention you were arriving. Have you eaten already?"

She just nodded at that as she kissed her on the cheek. "Yes, and I am not going to stay here for long. I just want to let you know that I am leaving for a few days or maybe a week."

Agatha narrowed her eyes at that. "And where are you going? Is he going to be with you?"

"Yes, and we are going to Manila."