Stop your Heart✔

17

Chapter 17

I was fidgeting my fingers as I waited for anyone to talk. Para kaming nadaanan ng anghel kaya walang nagsasalita. We are currently in a conference room that Roberto rented. He can't really let my suggestion so he still push through his decision. Bahala siya. Siya naman ang gagastos, 'e.

"Bakit ang tahimik niyo?"

I whistled as Roberto started. Thank goodness! Siya ang nagpatawag sa 'min pero siya ang ayaw magsalit. Parang sira lang, 'e.

"I don't know too. Parang ayoko rin magsalita kasi baka ma-bash ko si Monique dahil sa pakikipagchukchak ganern sa thunder dome tapos magalit ka sa 'kin tapos mag-aaway tayo hanggang sa hindi na natin magawa kung ano man 'yang dapat sasabihin mo," I said without hesitation and sipped on my juice.

I heard the slight chuckle of someone and raised my eyebrows at Dastan. "Nakakatawa, pandakot?"

"Ash baby. Ang bilis mo naman ata maasar?" His voice was teasing that I can't but to look at Baste's reaction.

Napalunok ako nang makita ang masama niyang tingin at napaiwas ng tingin sa kanilang dalawa. "Paano ako hindi maaasar? This hotel doesn't even give foods, puro drinks. Masyado na akong well hydrated para sa mga inumin nila, yah know," dire-diretsyo kong sabi at nagkibit balikat.

"You still don't change. Food is life?"

Agad akong tumango at pumalakpak para makuha ang atensiyon ng lahat. "So kailan ba sisimulan 'tong meeting na 'to? I don't wanna waste my time just to sit here and have silence with the three of you."

Roberto cleared his throat and open the projector. "Let's start with Gaspar Mantarico," he stated and the information, including the pictures, of Mantarico was shown.

Patango-tango lamang ako habang nakikinig sa mga pinagsasabi niya. I was a little bit startled as I felt someone's hand on mine.

Pasimple kong tiningnan ang katabi ko at nakitang seryoso pa rin ang mukha niya. I could sense his jealousy but he still managed to make me feel giddy at his simple gesture. Lihim akong napangiti at pinagpatuloy ang pakikinig.

"... since the man has fetishes with married women, the team decided to lure him by making two of our members act as a married couple. Baste and Monique was the chosen persons to act as a couple and my daughter did what his usual victims do first, they apply on his company."

"Pakiulit nga 'yang sinabi mo," I said in a cold tone. Nagpanggap silang mag-asawa?

"She applied on the company. She, together with Baste, lured Mantarico. I still haven't heard the update so I went here instead to check," he said as he nodded his head like his daughter did her best to solve the case. She's not even doing a good job.

"Bakit.." I stopped and breathe heavier. Kumukulo ang dugo ko sa isiping nagpanggap silang mag-asawa habang nasa Pilipinas ako at inaantay ang balita niya. Hinigpitan ko ang hawak ko sa kamay ni Baste at sinigurong mananakit sa kaniya. "Why her?" I asked instead.

He blinked many times and chuckled lightly. "That's because you turn down the offer."

I scowl and raised my eyebrow. "Are you sure?"

"What's wrong with his daughter, baby?"

My gaze went to Dastan. "She's a newbie and the case was for star agents. They can't afford to fail because this was already the 37th case of Mantarico. Hindi nila basta-bastang ibibigay 'yung assignment na 'yan sa isang baguhan dahil lang sa tingin nila ay magaling siya. You know that won't work on us," I reminded him our agent life before.