The Stray Kids of Edogawa Rampo

CASE 2.2: Boom?

CASE 2.2 BOOM?

Z E N Gomez

December 16, 11:12 am.

MOA grounds.

We've been here since 5 o' clock and we're now set on our assigned locations. For some reasons, even though sleep-deprived, I can't manage to doze-off or even blink an eye. Today is the day. Edgar Allan Poe will do something displeasing anytime, we should be alert at all times.

"You're so tensed," June popped a gum and looked at me from head to toe. "Chill, will you? It's too early for that."

Twelve grinned at me, he's currently slumped on the floor, doing an Indian sit as if it's his home. "Nope, he's not tensed, he's excited." He mocked. I just rolled my eyes at him.

"Nothing's too early. I want to make sure that we'll be able to stop him no matter what," I said and watched people come and go. I secured my facemask and started to feel uneasy.

June shrugged and crossed his arms over his chest, "MOA grounds is a hassle location, that's for sure. So many civilians involved." He said and talked to a police coordinator.

"The concert starts at 4 o' clock. If he plans to do something extravagant, he should be preparing that surprise now," Twelve commented and stood up, "He's always one step ahead."

I creased my forehead in annoyance. Nakakainis, 'di ko alam kung paano siya mauutakan at kung ano ang plano niya. The SWAT, the police and our agency got everything covered, from the stage, production, grounds and even the entrances of the mall. I can even say that our number causes anxiousness to the civilians, we're too many for a security troop. The management decided not to publicise the fact that we're taking that post seriously to avoid tension. Which is probably the most idiotic move to make, they're risking the safety of the public. I clenched my fist in frustration. In the end, the mayor and that fucking hotel only cares about the profit and their image. Greedy fucking humans.

"Zen," Twelve called, eyes darted at nothingness. Kanina pa kami on stand-by dito sa tabi. Our Eye is the least busy eye as usual since we're assigned in the entrance at mamayang hapon pa ang simula ng concert. "What are you thinking?"

I sighed, "I'm thinking just how the hell can Poe execute his plans. Like what you said, he's one step ahead of us. And I wanted to catch-up."

"Hmm," he nodded and a smile stretched on his lips. "Very aggressive."

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay, "I can hear your grin, it speaks maliciousness," I told him, suspicious with what he's thinking. "Ano na namang iniisip mo?"

"Iniisip ko kung may libre ba tayong Coke at shawarma mamaya. Mukhang sponsor sila ng event eh."

"Adik ka ba?"

"Hoy, ibabad mo sa chlorine 'yang dila mo ah," pinanlakihan niya ako ng mata. "For starters, I don't do illegal drugs."

"Yes, 'cause practically, you do poisons." I snickered and just shook my head. "I'll help on the other Eyes. Mababaliw ako kakasama sayo,"

Iniwan ko na siya 'don at naglakad-lakad sa grounds. Naiisip ko pa lang na mapupuno 'to ng tao mamaya, nahihilo na ako. We've been briefed on how to use ETD and metal detectors a while ago, so I think it won't be much of a hassle. Pero sa dami ng tao na posibleng dumating, siguradong kahit huminga 'di namin magagawa. I was very engrossed with my thoughts when I bumped into someone, he's running so the impact was a bit powerful. I didn't stumble though, but he did. I furrowed my brows and looked at the person. He immediately stood up, acting all so clumsy and—