Sunshine

XXXIV

THE usual cold night breeze blew the quiet land of Kahilom. The clock just ticked 6PM, but everyone is already indoors while the remaining outside hurried themselves to go home. People were either running, fighting with each other to get a cab or a jeepney home, and those with own vehicles accelerated to the best they could.

Everyone still believes one is safer in their own home.

But then there are still a handful of hard-headed ones. Either they don’t believe what the media is “scaring” them of, was not scared of their life and didn’t really cared if they die or not, or just simply didn’t care. But none of those were unaware.

But what do you think one is more prone to believing? That they are in danger or that they are still safe?

It depends on how one reacts to the news of serial killings that has actually nothing to do with them.

Of course it is inevitable to fear for your life. After all no one is totally not scared of death. Fearing for your life will never make you a coward―it is the most natural response of a human when put on a place they don’t feel safe anymore.

But one’s pride will say no one deserves to be butchered to death, especially themselves. Their lives are still bigger than a certain shithead acting god.

But then everyone is entitled to protect their own lives.

Anyhow never wander alone at night.

Because that’s how a murder case for everyone to fest on is served the morning after.

“WHO was it?"

That was how Olivia barged in. The office of the Queen’s Spear as usual is dark and freezing with the blast on air-conditioner. Olivia shivered together with her seeping anger.

“Who among them? Who did you sent out to kill?”

The swivel chair turned around to face her. That’s when she noticed the bright green tube dress the Queen’s Spear is wearing which is very inappropriate for the room’s temperature. The cold never bothered her, anyway.

She wasn’t Queen Elsa. Just another cold-hearted woman. After all nothing could be colder than the heart of the gorgeous lady in front of her.

She is gorgeous as anyone could tell. And she’s as evil.

“You’re asking if I changed my dog, or was still with the first, or just added a different breed? What do you think?”

“I thought you’re giving us our freedom finally.” She said in a low voice. It sounded hurt and hopeful which made the Queen’s Spear laugh.

“We ain’t dogs!” And that laugh made Olivia shout. Her roaring voice trembled. “I’m doing all the god’s work for you! I am the one doing everything for you! You’re the one who needs me.”

She swallowed the lump on her throat together with the forming fear on her heart. “Everything I’m doing for you will stop here.”

The Queen’s Spear stopped laughing. But more like because she didn’t find anything funny to laugh about anymore.

She stood up from her chair and let her heels click-clacked on the floor. She stood in front of Olivia. On her first attempt to bravery Olivia didn’t look down. For the first time they met eye to eye.

“You can’t hostage me, Olivia. I have your life.”

That made Olivia look down. And then she cursed. As loud as she could, as many as she could.

She just cursed, and then left.

THE Queen's Spear watched as the scene of Olivia earlier unfolded in front of her. She lifted both her legs to the table and crossed her arms, paying close attention as the scene looped in front of her. That went on until the door opened.

“Daughter,”

“Hey there, Dad.”

They exchanged greetings. The Queen’s Spear stayed in her position until the scene faded in front of her. That’s only when she looked at her dad already cozied on her sofa. “Hey.”

“I heard that.”

“Hmm?”

Her father looked at her. He lit a cigarette and put it in his mouth, blowing its smoke all over the place.

“Olivia.”

“Oh, her?”

She took out her feet from the table and sat properly. She also lit a cigarette for herself. “What about what she said?”

“Aren’t you scared?” Her father talked with the cigarette hanging on his mouth. It moved with his words. “She might be your dog, but her barks are directed to you now. She can already bite the next time.”

“I did not go this far just to be scared of betrayal. Dogs are leashed for a reason. I can just choke them to death when they start biting the one holding the leash.”

She blew another smoke. “And dad’s still scared of betrayal after where I put you? I have to work harden then.”

Her father’s phone rang. She sensed it’s from his secretary, a new one.

“Now go and do your duties, Mr. Mayor.”

Mayor Romualdo Costales let his phone ring for a while as he bid goodbye to his daughter. “Take care always, Stephanie.”

— — — — —

“W H A T’ S H A R D T O understand that you can’t join this investigation? You lost your integrity in the force. Now just continue to catch those riding-in-tandem the serial killing is not our only problem.”

Sigh filled the room, a quiet one. That made Police Inspector Simon Rodriguez hush his sermons.

“Oh, that was easy. Which is rare for this team.” He made a comment to himself. “Anyways since you know your job now go move.” He said one last time then left. Right after the door closed, the now Team 3 gathered up to the center table.

“Here’s what we need to do.”

Captain Rivera started, putting a white stained folder in front of them. Among them is the case file, witnesses and families statements, evidences both crucial and circumstantial―the complete version of what they turned-over during the suspension.

“I’m giving you more if you solve this.”

Carlos read the text handwritten on a brown mail envelope inserted at the folder, a new addition to the collection. His eyes flew to the small words written at the bottom.

Olivia Magbanua.