Eyes, Nose, Lips

05

Predator and Prey
_________

"Cypher Agoncillo."

Napako kaagad ang tingin ko sa babaeng nasa harap ko ngayon. Hindi ko pa rin maipagkaila na magkamukhang-magkamukha talaga sila. There's no doubt of it, as if she was reborn again.

"Is there anything you need, Deputy Chief?" kaswal kong tanong sabay upo sa orihinal kong pwesto.

"Don't you just sit down there, Officer Agoncillo. You're still disobeying your Deputy Chief. Nakita ka ni Officer Mendoza last Saturday, and guess what she saw?" pasimpleng sambit niya saka bahagyang napatalikod sa akin. Kitang-kita ko pa rin naman ang repleksiyon niya sa malaking salamin na nasa harapan ko ngayon.

"I don't know what you're talking about. . ."

She chuckled. "Stop acting like you didn't know. Because you did! You went to the victim's family and interview them. You're really stubborn, hindi mo ba alam na ang killer ay posibleng buhay? Do you even understand Officer Agoncillo? The killer might be alive!"

"Alam ko naman iyon pero. . ." I groaned and just murmur gibberish things because I don't want Deputy Chief to hear it.

"One last warning and I'll suspend you from this case. One more disobedience, and you are out!"

"Wait? What!" reklamo ko pero halatang hindi niya naman pinakinggan so what I did was just shut my mouth for good.

"I said what I've said. Now you are dismissed."

I left the police station earlier. It was exactly quarter to ten when I was about to drop by at the apartment. Just as I was about to enter, I noticed a shadow miles away. I followed it's direction but didn't see anyone. I went inside my apartment, and to my surprise, there was a letter left on the floor by the door.

"What the hell is with this letter!" I mumbled and saw the the blood written on it.

The predator will hunt its prey. All of you are my target. All of you will die in my own hands.

I rushed down the stairs of the apartment, thinking the murderer might still be there. What surprise me more was when I spotted Eva Colado wearing a hoodie jacket, slowly walking outside the entrance.

"What are you doing here Deputy Chief Eva Colado?" bulong ko sa sarili.

I tried to follow her, but she suddenly disappeared from my sight. I had no choice but to return to the apartment. When I arrived, I found Shyra waiting at the door. It was so strange; she was also wearing a hoodie jacket.

"Damn it! I might be losing my mind." I whispered in frustration.

"Nakakunot na naman ang mukha mo? Something happened? Are you okay?" sunod-sunod nitong tanong.

"Just shut it, Shyra. I am totally fine. What brings you here?" pagak kong tawa habang binibuksan ang apartment.

"Concerned citizen lang bess, bawal ba? Ang init-init naman kaagad ng ulo."

"Who wouldn't? That Deputy Chief is in my way. Kung hindi sana siya nakialam, kilaka ko na ang killer ngayon."

"Chill, okay? We're not the only ones who's working on this case—"

I broke the conversation between us. Her voice got in my head that I got so furious. My voice become sharper than I intended to. I sighed deeply and ended up talking to her again. I know it was rude but it was just frustrating, and the fucking atmosphere was setting in. But I couldn't afford to let up now—not when the clock was ticking.

"Stop, Shyra, you don't understand what I need to know. . ."

"For Pete's sake, Cy! I know you want to find out if that woman is still alive. Come on, it's all about her, right?"

I don't even know if this is the right thing to do. Wala rin naman akong kinalaman sa babaeng iyon. I don't understand myself, it's upsetting.

"Cut it out with your nonsense!" I hissed in frustration.

"Okay, fine! I'll just shut up," I saw her rolled her eyes.

Hindi na umimik pa si Shyra bagkus binuksan niya na lang ang dala niyang pagkain. Mag-isa niyang kinain ang burger at fries na dala, she even throw a hateful stare at me.

I smack my forehead in frustration. "Alright, listen. I'm contemplating about something Deputy Chief will never know. I'm actually considering keep on interviewing the victim's family on secret. But I need help, you gotta help me. . ."

"Fine! But can we eat first? I know you've been hungry for a while," Shyra said, offering me the burger and fries she bought for the two of us.

"Alright, but let’s just grab a quick bite. I have something to do after this, so you should head home after we eat."

While we were eating, my cellphone suddenly rang. I immediately took it out of my pocket and saw that it was an unknown number calling.

"What?" tanong ni Shyra.

"Should I answer this unknown number?" pagdadalawang isip ko sa kanya.

"Sige, go." mahinang sensya niya sa akin.

Kaagad kong pinindot ang answer button. Matagal din bago itong magsalita.

"Who is this?" I asked through the call and turned on the speaker while recording it.

I am the predator and you are my prey.

I was surprised when I heard the words predator and prey again. They were exactly written on the bloody letter I had received earlier.

"What do you want?" I replied immediately.

"Your life."

"I think you are calling the wrong number. . ."

"I'm calling the right person. You'll see; many will die because of your curiosity, Officer Agoncillo."

I was about to ask more questions, but the call immediately ended. After that, there was a moment of silence, and so many thoughts flooded my mind. I don’t even know where to start investigating. One thing I’m sure of is that the murderer is still out there, lurking and waiting to strike again— waiting to attack each one of us.

"Uy, anong nangyari? Sino ba kasing tumatawag?" paulit-ulit na tanong sa akin ni Shyra but I didn't bother to answer her.

"I have no doubt about it, Shyra. The murderer is alive. That person is fucking alive!"