暗影的面纱 (Veil of Shadows)

Chapter XI (Sweet)

Arriving in Bamban, Tarlac, the team inspected the place to continue the ongoing operation concerning X-23. They positioned themselves a few meters away from the warehouses, ready to gather information about the area. Fiscal Salazar, a police prosecutor, collaborated with the local authorities, and fortuitously, one of them was a former colleague of his.

"Fiscal Salazar" De Leon and Salazar shook hands, greeting one another with familiarity and a hint of nostalgia.

"Asawa mo?" The police officer referred to the woman standing next to Gabriel. She was tall and fair-skinned, dressed in white trousers and a black long-sleeve polo, with her hair down. Her face was cold and serious as she gazed intently at the man.

Gabriel gave him a serious grin.

"Anyways, ito yung ilang record sa warehouses karamihan sa mga pumapasok ay mga raw materials, ang ilan naman ay mga tambakan ng mga magsasaka, at paupahan" He changed the topic, and Diego took the envelope Officer De Leon was handing over.

"But if we want to inspect it, we can't inspect everything. Those warehouses have different owners, and some of them are not from Bamban."

He gave them detailed instructions, emphasizing that some of the warehouses were owned by influential investors. Disrupting operations in these warehouses could have significant repercussions, affecting not only the local economy but also the reputations and financial interests of powerful stakeholders. The team needed to proceed with caution to avoid drawing unnecessary attention and creating conflicts with legitimate business activities.

"Kailangan ninyo ng tulong ng munisipyo" The police officer gave them an advice "Kung kailangan ninyo kami andito lang kami"

"Salamat sa mga impormasyon"

"Walang anuman alam mo namang maasahan mo ako Fiskal Salazar"

Then both officers bid their goodbyes.

They were on their way to where Stacey's vehicle was parked, just a few minutes' walk from the warehouse, near a covered court.

As they made their way, they passed by the warehouses while walking. The three rascals were gathered, chatting animatedly behind Reyes and Salazar. Stacey's black Mercedes G-Wagon is just nearby. She parked a short walk away and then pressed her keys to flash its indicators to signal that the car was unlocked.

While the three were chatting, Marco signaled Isabella and Diego to look across the road. There, a woman with Chinese features, wearing black Ralph Lauren shirt and jeans, with her hair tied in a casual ponytail, was having a program with children.

"Hindi ba si Mayora Tan yun?" He asked them

"Siya nga" Isabella responded

"Mayora!" Marco shouted and waved at the woman across the road.

Alice waved back.

"Fiscal Reyes, punta tayo sakanila" Diego was asking the fiscal's permission. "Marami pa tayong gagawin" She didn't even look at him.

"Please" He begged

"Stop wasting time"

"Kalma lang Stacey" A familiar, sweet voice called out, making everyone turn their heads. It seemed as if she had magically appeared in front of their eyes.

A small world indeed

The woman walks towards the fiscal, who is about to open the door. Without hesitation, she slams it shut, cornering the prosecutor. Leaning in close, she tilts her head, bringing her face inches from the fiscal's. Their eyes lock as she imposes her presence. "Anong ginagawa mo?" The prosecutor asked