Once In A Lifetime

Chapter 45: Face to Face

"Let us not pray to be sheltered from dangers but to be fearless when facing them."

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It was strange to be talking to a person you literally known through an investigation report handed to you  few minutes ago by one of your staff.  Mr. Aragon heard a voice talking inside his mind.

"I think we can help each other to protect Denise Romano. How about meeting each other to discuss this matter at 7 tonight, Peninsula Hotel?" Arturo asked.

You don't know him too well. You can never tell his motive. What if it's just a trap? Don't you ever compromise. The voice was too loud in his mind but he accepted Arturo's invitation.

Do you really think he can be trusted? The voice was quite disturbing but he never gave in to its promptings.

When Arturo ended the call, Mr. Aragon pressed and released the switch hook button and contacted Carlo who was at the third floor. He asked him to post security guards at Denise' room in the hospital and told him to be at the Peninsula Hotel lobby  before 7 in the evening. He gave him all the needed security instructions for such unexpected meeting. After making important calls, he proceeded to meet Pastor Romano in his office.

The minister was expectant of the latest updates regarding the case. Mr. Aragon provided him copies of the report along with the recorded conversation in the house.

"We got him wrong, Pastor."

"If he's not the one, who do you think is behind it?"

"I think that's where he can help. I'll be meeting him​ tonight."

"Are you sure?"

"Read this first before you doubt him..." He handed him the latest report, followed by the complete recorded conversation. "And listen as well. Then, hold your breath..."

"It sounds like there's something surprising in here."

"Surprising is an under statement. Heartbreaking fits pretty well."

Pastor Romano scanned the documents for a while and set them aside inside the drawer.  He lead him outside his office to the adjacent church he was pastoring. They got inside and walked towards the receiving area near the front door.

"I can't thank you enough for saving my daughter."

"Your prayers are enough. Ever since you prayed for my Caroline, she's becoming religious. I will not be surprised if one day, she'll leave MVU and enter the seminary."

They both laughed.

"How's Inang?" He asked curiously.

"Knowing Denise is alive  helps her a lot. She ate and took her medicines before I left earlier."

"That's good news. Well,  I better keep going."

"Thanks again. Would you mind if I pray for you before you leave?"

"I would be glad."

They were standing side by side with closed eyes as Pastor Romano raised his right hand and uttered a prayer.

Father, thank you for Mr. Aragon who has been instrumental to bring my Denise back safe and alive. May you continue to wrap your arms around him for guidance. Lead him to the right persons that will give answers to all the mysteries surrounding us. Lead him to where peace, love, faith and truth reside. In the loving name of Jesus. Amen.

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Carlo was already at the hotel lobby when he spotted Mr. Aragon coming. He headed right away to the revolving restaurant, took a seat in one corner where he could see Mr. Aragon at some distance. Mr. Aragon followed him, intentionally positioning himself near Carlo's table. Anything could happen, although, both of them were convinced Arturo is not a dangerous man.

Later, an old sporty man was ushered to Mr. Aragon's table. He was wearing a dark blue t-shirts, paired with light brown short pants and a pair of rubber shoes.  By his looks, he's in his early 60's, although a pair of thick eye glasses made him a little older. Small strands of silver hair were visible near his temple. Obviously, he just emerged from the gymn.

Seeing the old man face to face, definitely, he's the same man he saw from the black limousine buying Sampaguita from the street children when he was caught in a traffic a week ago.

"You must be Mr. Wilfredo Aragon, right?, " extending his hand for a shake which the investigator warmly received as he said his "yes, sir" and they took their seats.

Arturo was facing Carlo who was seated beside a woman a table away from them. The woman is one of Mr. Aragon's spy angels who came as instructed. The conversation between the two men across their table could be heard by each of them through a bugging device attached to Mr. Aragon's suits.

"Crispin's descriptions fit very well. You're exactly what he said... a handsome man. Your looks remind me of someone."

"Oh, I never guess, you're generous as well  for compliments. Thank you. You too is a gorgeous man. Not many from your age is too lean and fit like you are now."

"Oh man, forget it. I'm old enough for such flattery. Let's do serious talks.

"Forgive Crispin for denying he never knew Denise. It's my instructions to never tell anyone about her for security reasons."

"Now, I understand. I would do the same if caught in the same position like he was then." Mr. Aragon assured him.

"Even if you won't admit, you smarted the people in the house with these." He showed him the button-size devise Carlo placed on the windows to monitor the conversation inside the house.

Damn! I told you, it's a trap. The voice is around again.

"And I admire you for using Karla. But unfortunately, she is too young to be able to keep a secret."

So, they discovered them. Tensed and speechless, he's ready for the worst to come.