The Sleuth Project ✓

Chapter 36: A Twinning Swindle

/36/
A Twinning Swindle

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THE ATMOSPHERE inside Jarrell's vehicle was serious, but added with a deadly hint of determination that thrilled each of the six as they drove down the bumpy road, heading back to Castillo High with Jarrell steering the wheel. 

"We only have one shot if we want to bring Mayer straight to Principal Lilia." Rein muttered, who was sitting by the passenger's seat, glancing at the rearview mirror to see Ann, Sera and the twins who were sitting cramped at the back seat.

"At magagawa lang natin yun next week -- kung kailan gaganapin ang Foundation Week ng Castillo High." Tuloy ng binata habang napahawak sa roof handle grip ng sasakyan nang biglang kumaliwa si Jarrell.

"Everyone -- and I mean everyone -- the professors, the student council, the seniors -- lahat sila magiging busy next week dahil sa mga booths and activities, so no one will be focusing their attention on us for the time being. It will also be a perfect opportunity since Mayer would be busy as well, which means it'll be easier to catch him off-guard. So we have to grab that chance."

 "There's just one flaw to that," Quinn said in a warning tone. "Kung matatandaan ninyo, Mayer was suddenly there behind us with Professor Zaldiga while we set out the trap for Tyra. Now that we know he's the culprit, it makes sense that he appeared out of the blue. He was watching his own pawn from afar -- making sure that she would continue to pull the strings for him. Kaya niya tayo nakita. He probably tried charmed the professor to a conversation, guiding him until they both could see us to expose us of course."

He then adjusted his glasses. "But that's not important now. Ang ibig kong sabihin ay alam ni Mayer na okay na tayong anim -- that we're back to the investigation. Naalala niyo yung pagkatapos tayong kausapin ni Professor Zaldiga sa control room para i-check yung  CCTVs? Diba hinihintay niya si Ann nun? He saw the six of us together again. And with someone as smart as him, I'm sure Mayer has already deduced by now that we're back into action."  He then let out a huff. 

"What I'm trying to say is, now that Mayer knows we're back in track, how are we sure he's not setting out a trap for us?? And if we're really going to set him another bait like you've said Rein, pa'no tayo makakasiguro na hindi tayo magiging kahina-hinala sa mata ni Mayer? Because I'm sure he's watching our every movement now like a hawk after realizing we're back on the case again. To hell, baka nga sinusundan na niya tayo ngayon."

Quinn shuddered, the hair on skin rising at the thought. Napalingon ito sa likuran kung sa'n tinignan niya ang sasakyan na nasa likuran nila.

"He could be driving that car right now, following us." Quinn murmured, rubbing his arms up and down.

"That's true." Ann agreed quietly, glancing at the car behind them as well. "Pero wala na tayong magagawa. He has always been one step ahead of us."

"What we can do now is make him feel secured -- make him feel overly confident that he knows what we're up to." She smiled, the curve of her lips forming into a mysterious grin.

"That's a perfect idea." Sera nodded in agreement beside Ann. "Dalawa lang ang weakness ng mga lalaki: their balls, and their ego." She chuckled, wrinkling her nose.

"Hoy," Simangot ni Jarrell habang nag-dadrive. 

"Exactly." Ann replied, gesturing enthusiastically at Sera as they ignored Jarrell's complaints. "We have to make Mayer feel egotistical --- that he'll be able get away with his plan, before surprising him at the very last minute."

"Alright, but how are we going to do just that?" Queenie, who had been quiet all of this time, trying to regain her strength, asked the others. "Hindi naman pwedeng halukatin natin yung gamit nila at hanapin dun yung mga nawawalang--"