The Three Nonsense Questions

Kabanata 9: FRANZ

Richard's POV

One day ago,

"What did he do? He fucking called the agency in Madrid to rescind the contract?!"

It was early in the morning when my secretary informed me that Paul had a meeting with the agent who offered my company a partnership in Madrid. I was dumbfounded. I couldn't believe he would do that. I couldn't think of any reasons that would answer why he'd stop that offer. Is he that mad at me?! He's a fucking asshole!

I tightened my jaw and I closed my fists. I should talk to him. Goddamnit, I couldn't believe he's capable of such a thing. It's a big offer for my agency, it'll not even affect his marketing agency, so why would he fucking do that?!

My hands were shaking when I pressed the numbers through Paul's secretary. I need to talk to Paul, and he better tell me a damn valid reason.

"Raul Bartolome from YNC Marketing Agency. What can I do for you?"

"I need to talk to your president."

The secretary must be waiting for my call. My lips are tight as I wait.

"Where's Paul? I need to talk to him."

I couldn't help but speak once again. It's true that they had a meeting.

"I'll direct your call from the President, Sir."

I waited three minutes until I heard Paul's deep voice.

"Richard," he acknowledged.

I tightened my grip on the telephone when I heard his voice.

"Why did you do that? Are you still mad at me from investigating on Freya's death?" I said clumsily.

I shut my eyes when I realized what I just said. I cursed loudly.

"Huwag mong idamay si Freya rito. You didn't tell me you got an offer from that agency? Are you at least planning to, man?"

I could feel the anger as he spoke.

In fact, it is my fault that I didn't say that I had such a contract with another agency. Since we had our fight last week, I haven't talked to him. I didn't want to keep it a secret, but I knew he would be mad.

What a fucking petty reason. He's my best friend for a long time. He's the closest friend of mine. But every time we talk about Freya, it always ends in an argument. I let out a deep sigh and started my apology.

"Paul, I'm sorry about last week. I didn't want to hide this contract from you, but I had to. You seem distant from these past few days. I don't want to have a fight with you again," I said.

I took a deep breath.

"Hmm. I apologize too. But I won't tell you the reason why I ended the offer with that agency," he answered seriously.

I closed my eyes. Bakit nga ba? I nodded in disbelief. I let out an exasperated sigh before answering back.

"But I still need a final disclosure with them, it's still an irrespective way of ending a big offer in a big agency."

"I'll go with you," mabilis niyang sagot.

Nangunot ang noo ko sa sagot niya. "Why do you need to? I don't need your help. This is not your business but mine."

I could hear his disagreement. I don't understand why he wanted to come with me. Does he need to tell me something?

"Fine," he answered and cut our call.

I shook my head.

I must book a flight to Madrid. I let my secretary fixed my schedule for next week. I couldn't help but regret that big offer, it was one of the company's vision and suddenly, it's gone. And now, I couldn't figure out the real reason Paul was interfering with my contract. He seems affected.

The next day I flew to Madrid. It's my first time traveling to Spain, I've only been to Southeast Asia. I was on the plane when my second secretary called.

"Good morning, Sir. I heard from Sir Paul's agency that he also booked a flight to Madrid."

My mouth opened. Why does he need to follow me in that agency?

"Thank you, Chris."

Still confused, I just stopped myself and read Freya's notebook again. There are only three research respondents I haven't read. So far, it's still dark and heavy, it's hard to hold back my guilt.

Tony hasn't talked to me or asked me about this investigation, I just think that this research didn't affect Freya. Yes, it's hard for her not to keep this on her own. But I feel that this was just too lame.

Dahil lamang sa mga sekretong nababasa niya, magpapakamatay na agad siya? Hindi niya ba inisip na masasaktan kami sa ginawa niya? That's too fucking lame, Freya. I let out a heavy sigh to calm down. I need to stay focus. There must be an answer. There's always an answer.

After reading the three more, I was discouraged. I dropped the notebook in my leg, I'm starting to lose hope.

The notebook almost dropped. I turned my attention in the back portion of it. There are several pages written. I creased my forehead. Bakit hindi ito nakasulat sa unahan at sa halip ay nasa likuran?

When I started to read the first letter, I knew this was it. This must be.