All Clear, Attorney

WP

April 5, 2022

"CHECKMATE." HE LOOKED at the man in front of him. Napatitig ito sa board nang ilang sandali, napakurap, at saka tumango bago umayos nang upo.

He managed to finish him in three moves. Inaya niya muna ito ng laro matapos nitong ipakilala ang sarili. Well, that's what he always does before entertaining his clients.

Playing with them enables him to analyze their behavior and do an in-depth mental status examination.

White t-shirt. Rubber shoes. Faded jeans. A mustache.

Halatang wala rin ang isip nito sa paglalaro, and judging from his constant sighs and blank spells, he knows he's carrying something heavy.

He constantly tapped his foot, a sign that he couldn't wait for the game to end. His lips kept on twitching and pursing, a sign that he couldn't wait to tell him his problem.

Halatang balisa ito at hindi na makapaghintay na sabihin sa kanya kung ano ang pakay nito. He also didn't bring any documents with him.

Based on those observations, he's certain that the man in front of him is not here to talk about some legal matters.

Either he's here because someone is bothering him, or he wants to tell him. . . a grave crime. But based on his appearance and how he didn't hide himself, he knows it's the latter.

Konti lang ang mapadpad dito sa opisina niya para pag-usapan ang isang krimen. Usually, they're here for legal matters.

Now, he wonders what he saw.

"Where did the crime happen?"

"W-What?" Mabilis itong nag-angat ng tingin. Halata ang gulat sa mga mata nito.

"Where did the crime happen, Sir?" He leaned on his chair and sat comfortably, staring straight at the client, and tilted his head to show his interest.

"C-Crime. . ." mahinang saad nito bago napakurap at tiningnan siya nang diretso. "How did you know, Attorney?"

"I was observing your behavior."

"That's why you asked me to play with you?"

"You got it right."

Napatitig ito sa kanya nang ilang sandali bago tumango-tango. He stopped tapping his foot.

"A group of researchers asked me to join their team. . . but I could sense something off about them, Attorney."

"Proceed."

"I couldn't find them on the list of registered research groups and organizations. I think they're doing. . . something illegal.

"'Yong email din na ipinadala nila sa akin bigla na lang ho nawala sa inbox ko. It was as if they don't want anyone to know their digital footprint."

Kumunot ang kanyang noo sa narinig. "What is the name of their group?"

"Center for Sleep and Hypnos Group."

Hypnos. . . They're studying about sleep. . . and hypnosis.

Based on his story, he's certain these bunch of fucking researchers use hypnosis for their own benefit.

And it's dangerous to work with them.

"Don't accept their offer."

"G-Gusto ko po, Attorney."

"You're risking your life."

"And I'm willing to risk it."

Natigilan siya sa narinig at napatitig siya sa lalaki. There must be something in the laboratory that makes him dedicated and eager to join their team.