The Missing Link

026. It's Coming

As Zane approached the nearby restaurant, the familiar aroma of Mr. Tan’s cooking wafted through the cold air as the tricycle stopped. Near the back, away from the chatter of other patrons, Andrea sat poised, her red crop top and fitted black skirt accentuating her confident air. Her red doll shoes tapped lightly against the tiled floor as she scanned the room.

“Mr. Nuñez!” she called out, her gaze locking on Zane, who was dressed in a blue checkered shirt and gray trousers. He smiled, his strides steady as he reached her table and took the seat across from her.

“Ms. Mercado,” he greeted. “I’m grateful you made time to join me. I hope I’m not pulling you away from anything important.”

“It’s no trouble,” Andrea replied with a thoughtful smile. “I actually owe you for leaving so abruptly last Sunday evening.”

Zane tilted his head slightly, curiosity and concern sparking in his eyes. “What happened, if you don’t mind me asking? Of course, it’s alright if you’d rather not share.”

Andrea’s smile faltered, her shoulders drooping slightly as she sighed. “It was my mother,” she began. “She fell ill that evening, and I had to look after her. My siblings… well, they’ve all moved out and are busy with their own lives.”

“I see,” Zane replied, his voice softening. “I hope she’s doing better now.”

He glanced over his shoulder, raising a hand to catch the attention of a nearby waitress, who had just finished serving another table. The waitress nodded and approached briskly, ready to take their order.

“She’s better now, thankfully,” Andrea replied.

“That’s good to hear,” Zane said with a warm smile, taking the menu handed to him. “So, what will you have? My treat!”

“Yours? Really?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Of course. You treated me last time, so it’s only fair I repay your kindness,” he said, keeping his tone light despite the nagging thought of his dwindling savings. “Besides, I wouldn’t be much of a gentleman otherwise.”

Andrea chuckled. “You’re so sweet,” she said. “I’ll just have the carbonara.”

“Would you like some wine as well?” Zane asked, tilting his head slightly.

“Whatever you prefer,” Andrea replied, her smile never wavering.

Zane handed the menu back to the waitress, but as he glanced up, his gaze froze. The woman in the gray uniform, with her hair tied in a neat bun, bold red lipstick, and pink square glasses, struck a chord of familiarity. His eyes lingered on her a second too long, searching her face for answers. She caught his gaze, smiling awkwardly.

“Uhh…” Zane mumbled, quickly looking away and clearing his throat. “We’ll have a carbonara, tapsilog with rice, and a bottle of red wine.”

The woman smiled politely and made her way back to the counter. Zane's eyes lingered on her retreating figure, a flicker of curiosity playing across his face.

“You know her?” Andrea asked.

Zane’s eyes widened as if caught out, and he quickly bit his lower lip, shifting his focus back to Andrea. “No,” he replied, shaking his head. “I thought I did, but… you know what? Never mind.” He forced a smile, brushing off the moment.

“You say so,” Andrea remarked with a playful grin. “While we’re waiting, let me ask—how are you and Ms. De Verra getting on with your casework?”

Zane swallowed hard, a faint unease creeping into his posture. The discreet earpiece nestled in his ear reminded him that every word was being heard, and the thought nagged at him. For all he knew, someone within the restaurant might also be eavesdropping.