Once In A Lifetime

Chapter 35: Disagreement

"You are always responsible for how you act no matter how you feel."

-------

The team was still on the audio bugging apparatus. They heard everything inside the house. Although the audio transmitting device installed in the vicinity worked only at a limited range, Carlo was smart enough to place them in places where there would be no distortion.

"So, the letter was your idea. Would you mind telling us what's your plan?" Carlo looked at Mr. Aragon, trying​ to read his mind.

"Just wait and listen."

"Don't tell me, we'll be stuck​ here for few more hours just listening? Haven't any idea to get Denise inside?"

"I'm not after of Denise this time. I am after of that Arturo. I have a strong feeling, that he is the same guy we are looking for, together with Bautista. I can sense, there will be a great reunion for those individuals in that house very soon."

"That's bullshit, Fred! You are putting Denise in hot water if they are really the bad guys. Are you out of your mind?"

"Trust me, Carlo. I know what I'm doing."

"Yes, you do. You're using the girl as bait to pin down those shits!"

"Look, Carlo. You've spent a great deal of efforts to trace the old man for the past days. But he remains a mystery. Now is the chance to know whether it's him."

"Yeah. But for heaven's sake, there are innocent kids in there. I don't want them to get hurt."

"Nobody will get hurt that's a..." The argument between them stopped when suddenly, the agent shouted at them saying,

"The phone is ringing! Quick!" The two men rushed to his side, set their head phones and listened.

Hello.

Hi, Pacita. How's your patient? Is she okay now?

Arturo, please let the girl go.

I thought, I have made everything clear to you. Why a sudden changed of heart, Pacita?

She's a nice girl Arturo. Please, let her go.

Of course I will let her go, after I talk to her regarding some important matters. See you then, Pacita.

Please, leave her alone. Please...

--------

When Manang Pacing placed the receiver, she was surprised to see Denise standing on the living room.

Denise could not understand what she heard, yet feeling alarmed, she confronted the old woman.

"Manang, I know there's something happening here that I don't know. What is it? Who is Arturo?"

"Oh, I told you, he's the one who brought you here from the accident."

"Who is he to you?"

"Denise, what's wrong with you?"

"Please answer me, Manang. Who is Arturo to you?"

"He's my brother." Denise was not surprise at all to hear it from the old woman.

"What does he want from me?" She demanded.

"I'm sorry, Denise." Manang Pacing approached her in an attempt to hug her but the girl dismissed her trembling hands and distanced herself from the old woman.

"Sorry? Sorry for hiding me from the people who are looking after me?" She exploded with anger.

"What are you saying, Denise? Nobody's hiding you from anyone?"

"Then how come, Crispin denied that he never saw me when somebody from the NBI came over here in search for me?"

"I didn't know what you're talking about?"

"But you know, there was a man who came here from the woods last night, right?"

"That's right. But Crispin did not tell me, who the guy was."

"What else I didn't know, Manang?"

There was a long​ paused. Denise was waiting for her response. Manang Pacing came closer to her and looked straight to her angry eyes, saying,

"I want you to know that I love you, Denise. I love you just how much I love your mom." She said as the tears run freely and uncontrolled. Denise was unmoved with those words. She remembered some lines from the letter.

They are the same people who were prospects for the death of your mom. Don't believe in everything they say. Be careful Denise.

"When I first saw you, I know you are Linda's daughter. Everybody in town knows that you are dead together with your mom. Until, you came and lived with us. You may not believe me, but those were the happiest days of my life. I never thought of seeing and knowing you before I die. But God is so good, He heard my prayers."

"After locking me for few days, do you think, I will believe you?"

"I have reasons for doing that. But I don't have the intention to detain you, Denise. Believe me, it's for your good." She pleaded.

"Oh, really? Are you sure, it has nothing to do with my inheritance? I know you are interested with it from the start, right Manang?" Her voice was filled with sarcasm as she accused with these piercing words.

"Stop it, Denise. Stop it...please... You can go now... just go."

"Oh, I thought, I need to see Arturo first and maybe thank him personally for saving me. But I'm so sorry, if I don't have the reward now for him neither for all of you for taking good care of me."

"I said enough!" Then she slapped the girl across the face.

"I maybe a house maid to you, but don't I owe some respect for being an old woman?" She was breathing heavily, tears of frustration came flooding her cheeks, but with a firm voice she continued,

"Don't push me too hard, Denise. Because, if there's one person living, who knows who you really are, it is I and no one else."

------

Oh my! I can't believe I'm crying as I write this chapter. 😥😥😥 Hope you enjoy this one. 🌺🌺🌺