The Ace of Hearts

Chapter 61: Mute

(A/N: A short chaptie for my 3a3ies)

"Can you confirm your whereabouts on the night of the bombing at the Razons' mansion?" tanong ng isang pulis sa lalaki. There's the two of them inside an isolated room. Nakaupo silang dalawa sa tig-isang metal na upuan, isang metal na lamesa naman ang nasa pagitan nila.  Tanging ang ingay lang mula sa bentilador na nasa pinaka-sulok ang naririnig sa kabuuan ng kwarto, ni bintana ay wala.

Isang pulis, at isang naka-white tshirt at black shorts na lalaki. Magkatapat silang dalawa. By the side of the accused criminal, there were two police guards with their long guns na kasalukuyan nilang hawak, guarding the criminal with all their might. Baka kasi bigla na lang itong tumakas o gumawa ng kung ano.

Hindi sumagot ang lalaki at prente lang na nakaupo. His arms are crossed while his eyes are locked on the police man, "For three years, binansagan kang 'mute.' Do you know why?" napatingin ang lalaki sa lamesa nang maglapag ang pulis ng isang wine glass at wine roon.

"Because you never speak," binuksan ng pulis ang wine at nilagyan ang wine glass.

"Now, for the next question," uminom ito at muling inilapag 'yon sa lamesa, "Were you aware of any plans or discussions regarding placing a spy within the Razons Corporation five years ago? The secretary involved?"

A minute passed by and the police man enjoyed his drink. Nakuha na nitong maubos ang laman ng wine ngunit napunta lang sa wala ang kanyang paghihintay nang manatiling tahimik ang lalaki, "Did you have any involvement in organizing or orchestrating the bombing at the Razons' mansion?" he asked.

"Mute," ibinaba ng pulis ang hawak na wine glass at ipinatong ang mga kamay sa lamesa bago nagpakawala ng isang malalim na buntong-hininga, "You've been in this cell for the past three years. Ni isang beses, wala kaming nakuhang sagot sa'yo, all because of your silence. Only if you tell us the truth, baka sakaling matagal ka ng nakalaya rito but no," pag-iling nito.

"Mukhang mas ginusto mo rito kaysa sa labas ng preso. Look at yourself," tinignan siya ng pulis mula ulo hanggang paa, "You were poisoned. You are pale. Ang laki na ng pinayat mo. Puro bugbog at pasa ka. All of this happened pero bakit mukhang hindi ka apektado? Ano bang kailangan naming gawin para magsalita ka? Mahirap bang sagutin ang mga tanong ko? Just answer me, baka matulungan pa kita," mukha ring nauubusan na ng pasensya ang pulis ngunit ang tono ay nakikiusap.

Muli itong sumandal, tanging tingin lang kasi ni Mute ang isinagot nito sa kanya, "You are unbelievable. Sino bang pinoprotektahan mo at hirap kang magsalita?" again, silence for a few seconds.

"Were you acting alone, or were you part of a larger group or organization in planning and executing the attack?"

"Can you provide any information on the individual or individuals responsible for physically harming Mrs. Razon?"

"Have you had any previous conflicts or grievances with the Razons' Corporation that might have motivated your actions?"