Alice's POV:
The day of the hearing had arrived. I woke up early, a knot of anxiety already tightening in my chest. I laid out my clothes, a simple, neutral outfit, and carefully reviewed my statement one last time as my lawyer, Atty. Cruz, had advised. The thought of facing Atty. Roque made me feel uneasy. He was known for his sharp questioning, and I was terrified of making a mistake.
Theresia wasn't here with me today, and the absence of her support felt heavy. She always had a way of calming my nerves, of making me feel safe and protected. I knew she'd be supporting and fighting for my rights, even if she couldn't be physically present. I reached for my phone before heading to the kitchen. A message from her popped up.
From Theresia:
Good morning. You've been on my mind lately, and I'm sorry I can't be with you right now. I want you to know I'm here to support you always. I know you can do anything you set your mind to. Take care, and don't forget to eat before you leave. I love you so much.
My cheeks flushed as I read the message, a goofy grin spreading across my face. I could almost hear her voice, full of warmth and sincerity. It was a sweet gesture that I needed to boost myself up.
~ end of Pov ~
THIRD PERSON POV
Sa kabila ng lahat, determinado pa rin si Senador Estrada na pigilan si Attorney Cruz na makarating sa pagdinig. Alam niyang delikado ito dahil maaaring maibunyag ang kanyang lihim kung makadalo si Cruz. Kailangan niyang matiyak na si Alice ang masisisi, at hindi siya.
"Pigilan niyo si Attorney Cruz na makarating sa RTC," utos ni Senador Estrada. "Sa anumang paraan. Kung kailangan, pasabugin niyo ang sasakyan niya gawin niyo."
"Masusunod, Boss," sagot ni Quiboloy. "Naka-pwesto na kami sa labas ng village nila. Inaantay lang namin na lumabas ang sasakyan nila."
"Siguraduhin niyong hindi kayo papalpak," banta ni Senador Estrada.
"Huwag kang mag-alala, Boss," ani Quiboloy. "Hindi uubra ang security nila ngayon, may tinanim kaming bomba sa dadaanan nila, isang pindot ko lang sasabog sila. evil laugh.
Magaling, ganyan mabuti naman at ginagamit mo ang utak mo paminsan-minsan. Tugon ng senador.
Matapos ang pag-uusap ni Quiboloy at ng senador, kasabay naman ng paglabas ng sasakyan mula sa village ang inaantay ni Quiboloy.
"Maghanda na kayo, nakalabas na sila ng village. Sundan niyo ang sasakyan, huwag niyong iwawala sa paningin niyo," utos ni Quiboloy sa mga tauhan niya.
Hindi pa sila tuluyang nakakalayo nang biglang maghiwalay ang sasakyang sinusundan nila. Ang isa ay nag ibang ruta, habang ang isa naman ay tumungo sa tamang direksyon papuntang RTC.
"Boss, alin sa dalawang sasakyan ang susundan ko?" tanong ng isa sa mga tauhan ni Quiboloy.
"Alin sa dalawang sasakyan ang nasa tamang ruta papuntang RTC?" tugon ni Quiboloy.
"Yung puti, Boss. Yung itim mukhang iba ang destinasyong pupuntahan," sagot ng tauhan ni Quiboloy.
"Oh, yung puti ang sundan mo, bobo. Nasa tamang ruta pa RTC diba? Sigurado ako na isa si Attorney Cruz sa mga sakay niyan," nakangising sabi ni Quiboloy.
