Cases Uncovered

8 | Checkmate

"If a person can't answer directly to your question, it's either the answer is too painful for you to know or too hard for them to admit."

-Ai Haibara

-----

Chapter 8:
Checkmate

· · ────── ·𖥸· ────── · ·
RAINE

Accepting the case seemed like a straightforward decision at first, but little did I know it would be seeking my own buried troubles.

Despite my best efforts to stay farther and farther, my history refuses to stay buried, haunting me at every turn.

𓇢𓆸𓇢𓆸
7:32 p.m.

"Auntie, you can have our leftover adobo," I said, trying to sound casual as I entered Mrs. Nuñez' flat upstairs. On my right hand was the delicacy I cooked which I secretly laced with enough sleeping chemicals intended for her as part of the plan I made.

"Thank you, dear," she replied warmly. "Come in!"

As my eyes landed towards the room, my mind began to figure out what was currently happening. Mrs. Nuñez' flour-covered hands and batter-stained clothes said she had been busy in the kitchen, perhaps preparing a special treat for herself or for the gathering she was talking about earlier.

"Who's your visitor later?" I asked.

"An old friend I haven't seen in a long time," she explained. "We bumped into each other at the grocery store the other day, and he mentioned that he wanted to come over, so I agreed. Besides, I could use some company."

"Isn't your nephew here? You could talk to him," I suggested, noting the mix of emotions in her eyes.

"Sit down, dear," she invited as she gestured to me at the dining table in the living room. As we settled, I sensed a blend of smiles and sadness in her expression. "You wouldn't understand. Our connection with each other is deeper."

I nodded, my eyes fixed on Mrs. Nuñez as she reached for a spoon to dive into the adobo. "Wait, Auntie!" I blurted out. "We can have a proper feast together later after we talk."

"Alright," she replied as she returned it beside the plate.

A ring from my phone interrupted the moment. Taking it from my pocket, I saw Detective Ferrer's name with an urgent message.

You were right, Raine. They do have a connection.

Connection: Vehicular collision (minibus and car). February 6, 2022. Six survivors. 22 deaths.

After a few moments, he sent me the profiles of the victims.

I was pulled into a new responsibility, but deep down, I still felt pride. Once again, I would be using my talents to help others. Besides, I had missed these feelings immensely.

·−//·−··/·/−/−/·/·−·//···/·/−·/−