Sunshine

XVIII

UNLIKE the usual almost seeming like something impossible to happen, the policeman who practically lives at the police station is running late today for his duty. Carlos Ignacio pant his way inside as he joined his team gathered around Captain Rivera at Adrian’s table. He wasn’t given the chance to ask what was going on as Rivera was in the middle of explaining something. He still could have the explanation he needs this way so it doesn’t really matter.

“Here. There is a thief currently on the loose targeting women store owners. The thief usually works on closing time and especially targets quiet and dark places and as mentioned, women. This modus has been ongoing for three months and has already victimized 5 people. Here are the investigation documents done by the previous team. Review it and take actions accordingly.”

“Wait that sounded familiar. What was it?”

“The alibi. Alex’s mobbing.”

It turned out that what Adrian made as an alibi with Alex’s mobbing is actually an existing case. But of course, Alex was not a victim of it as it is happening in a different part of the city. Carlos nodded at Adrian’s answer but then quickly realized something.

“But wait, why are we assigned with a different case? I thought the Special Task Force Team was formed to focus on the serial killings? Or are we helping out again like the last time?” Carlos referred to the drug raid they did last time where they met Ben, to which he said. “And speaking of Ben, I think I should check on them some other time.”

“Yeah, you can do that. And to answer your question…” Marie dragged Carlos out of the police station and busied him with talking. Carlos unknowingly came along, and only noticed they were out when Marie let go of his arms and smiled at him saying…

“Yeah, it just turned out that way.”

“SO care to explain?”

The team decided to spend their time at their favorite snack stall right outside the police station over some kwek-kwek and orange juice. Carlos was done scanning the documents they just received from their Captain and, as expected, demanded an explanation. “And you probably requested this. Capt won’t do this.”

“Capt had his paycheck deducted.” Marie worded while chewing her food. That shocked Carlos who obviously didn’t know. “I don’t know for how long, but it will be for three months at least. We at least need to do this if we want to avoid suspension. That will be worst.”

“You should have told us!” Carlos shouted while mouth still full. Juan Valencia who also didn’t know almost did the same. “What would that make us?”

“Sorry we didn’t had the time. But we assumed this won’t be a problem to you.”

Carlos did a what face. Marie shrugged at it and went on eating.

“I’m not so sure, but I’m actually quite sure about this.” Adrian immediately shook his head as if realizing the contrast on what he said. “Well whatever. But what I’m saying is, I think I know now why Romero was the next victim.”

Adrian decided to open up after a while of silently eating. Juan did the asking. “Why?”

“Because he doesn’t have a fotogram account.”

Juan put down his stick and faced Adrian. The eagerness he’s been seeing on his face since yesterday still hasn’t fade. That made Juan’s face sour adding to the already present confusion. “You’ve been giving that so much importance since yesterday, just why?”

Adrian chewed his last piece of kwek-kwek and gulped his juice in one go. He tossed its wrapper on the nearest bin.

“They chose someone who doesn’t have a fotogram account so we can’t stop the crime. They must have known we found out about the pattern. I suspect Romero wasn’t the planned victim but since we caught on, they had to change plans.”

“Okay? But what made you so sure?”

Carlos and Marie listened to both munching on their own food. The quail eggs and hunger succeeded on making them quiet for a while despite the kind of conversation currently on.

“Because the appearance of a third party is suspicious enough.” Adrian asked for another set of juice and again gulped it in one go. “And because we only have Love Lingerie to connect the victims and nothing else. And I am sure they’re the ones who kills, or at least involved with the serial killings.”

“Okay I agree, let’s say I agree. If it’s true that they know, then does that mean we can’t use the fotogram account anymore to possibly trace their next move?”

“Probably.”

The tone of their voices gradually went down. The fire igniting between them died before it finally boiled. Carlos and Marie altogether lost interest and focused on eating more. Juan too started eating again.

“But who? That third person? You already have a guess?”

“No, not yet.”

Silence took over as the team busied themselves eating. But not until Adrian exploded with Juan’s last question.

“Are we really not considering removing them from the suspects list?”

“What’s with you seriously? Are you becoming Carlos now? Why do you keep on retaliating!”

ADRIAN and Marie decided to go interview all victims of the mobbing incident saying “they’ll be out pretending to do their jobs” after their meal. Carlos and Juan on the other hand took their time at the park near the police station with coffee on hands. Aside from them, the park is also filled with kids playing on their school uniforms. It must be recess time for the school nearby, they altogether assumed.

“How’s everything with you? I mean. How does everything happening now making you feel?”

Juan’s question made Carlos stop sipping on his coffee. He also took a quick glance at Juan who just shrugged after casually drinking his own coffee. That made Carlos chuckle.

“Hmm…” Carlos thought. “I think I got tired. I just want to flow with the currents now more than anything. I honestly can’t wrap my head around it these days. Well, unlike before.”

“Seriously you should have done that earlier.” Carlos saw a small corner-smile from Juan. He raised an eyebrow on it. “I don’t actually know why you guys broke up but no matter how it ended don’t be too guilty about it. Especially now when she’s doing well for her own good.”

Carlos suddenly burst into laughter which made Juan look at him in utter confusion. Juan immediately realized it wasn’t because of what he has said.

“I know this is something we actually do---checking and asking each other if we’re okay since we were young. We did this since forever but this is still awkward.”

“Opting to mention its awkward will actually make it less awkward, you know?” Juan stood up and shrugged like a salted earthworm. “You should have known better.”