Chapter 8
1105 Words
Mr. Ray and Mrs. Elaine were surprised when they woke up the next morning seeing Herdon preparing in the kitchen.
"Good morning!" smiles Herdon when he saw them standing at the door.
Mr. Ray looked around asking, "What time did you get up?"
"I didn't know, sir," answers Herdon. "I just woke up and went straight here."
"Wow... We didn't know that you cook?" Mrs. Elaine was amazed after seeing the foods Herdon was almost done preparing.
"Well, I think ma'am it's because I never had the chance to cook for you," Herdon stopped chopping onions that he'll use for the pork he's preparing.
Mr. Ray went near Herdon, "Since when you addressed us, sir and ma'am?" he's not mad, just intrigued.
Herdon opens the faucet and washed his hand before answering Mr. Ray, "I only think that if I could start again, I'll begin at getting myself close to my in-laws. That maybe, I can start courting Cassandra again and pretend that we've just known each other... Maybe you'll consider knowing me more," he said comfortably.
They all went silent. It's like they're all absorbing what Herdon just said.
"Did I miss something?" Cassandra just went in there in her wheelchair. She just got up from bed and heard voices in the kitchen.
"Hey, hon! You woke up early than I expected. I guess, my surprise wasn't a surprise at all!" laughs Herdon.
"Surprise?" she furrowed, smiling.
"Yeah! I am cooking for our brunch, supposedly. But... Since you all got up early, I think this will be for breakfast now," after Herdon said those words he went to Cassandra and kissed her on her lips.
"You should've woke me up so I—"
"This should be a surprise," Herdon said cutting Cassandra there.
Cassandra felt overwhelmed. Mr. and Mrs. Lopez saw how happy their daughter is. They were also happy with Herdon's doings. But they are still uncomfortable until the investigation is over.
That morning, they eat breakfast together. Mrs. Elaine complimented Herdon's cooking. She said that it was delicious and Mr. Ray agreed. It made Cassandra happy knowing that for the first time, her parents gave compliments on her husband.
*************
Inspector Clay almost jumps on his seat when Yuno dumps a bunch of papers on her table.
"Are you kidding me?" Yuno frowned, "when did you start getting nervous?" he added before leaving Inspector Clay.
Inspector Clay sighed before checking the papers. Then he smiled.
"So, what do you think?" Yuno showed up again with coffee in his hand, Inspector Clay got startled again.
"Okay. You're really kidding, right?" Yuno looked at Inspector Clay as if he was a criminal caught in the act.
"I got nervous these past few days, okay? This thing, or this case I should say..." Inspector Clay stood up cleaning his desk, "this Facundo family, it really scares me. I just don't know why," he packed his things.
"Where are you going?" Yuno asked looking at him.
"Mrs. Facundo's house," he answered.
"Facundo's house? The one they're staying in right now or their house?" Yuno drinks his coffee.
"Herdon's mother," Inspector Clay simply answered.
"Are you sure? She might freak out. I'm afraid she's gonna sue you. You know what was her reaction the last time we visit her," Yuno warned Inspector Clay.
"We have an ongoing investigation, and Herdon's mother is still part of it, whether she likes it or not," then he left Yuno there.
"I'm your partner! Should I come with you?" shouted Yuno.
"This time I need you to stay here and get me updated on whatever you hear about the Lopez's," Inspector Clay on Cassandra's parents.
"Okay, fine," Yuno shrugged then he sat on Inspector Clay's swivel putting his feet on the table, "good luck buddy," he whispers.
"Why Herdon Facundo doesn't visit her mother after he came back..." Inspector Clay murmured before getting into his car.
************
Inspector Clay knocked three times before the door finally opened.
"You won't give up, do you?" Mrs. Lourdes Facundo after opening the door. She was not happy seeing the Inspector again.
"I'm sorry ma'am, but if you continue like this, I'm afraid you will be held—"
"Stop threatening me! I know my rights," Mrs. Lourdes clamored.
"So can I come in?" he asked passionately.
"As if I have a choice," Mrs. Lourdes widened the door for the Inspector, "help yourself out."
"Are you not lonely being alone here, Mrs. Lourdes?" Inspector Clay asked.
"It's none of your business, Inspector. Start giving your nonsense questions so you can get out here," she said in a termagant manner.
"I am not here to raise questions, Mrs. Lourdes. I am here to check your situation," Inspector Clay said.
Mrs. Lourdes laughed so hard but Inspector Clay remained calm.
"Stop messing with me, Inspector," Mrs. Lourdes's smile fades.
"Seems like your son doesn't remember that he has a mother after his return," Inspector Clay said like he wanted Mrs. Lourdes to get angry at Herdon.
"Oh, come on, Herdon got a family and they have a problem right now. So I understand if he couldn't visit me," declared Mrs. Lourdes.
"Tell me your relationship with your son, Mrs. Lourdes," demanded Inspector Clay.
"Of course, he was a good son," Mrs. Lourdes quickly answered.
"Your relationship with him, Mrs. Lourdes," demanded Inspector Clay.
"He always got my back. And when he's in trouble, I'm always there, too," she replied.
"So, when Herdon got in trouble because of drugs when he was still in college, are you there to help him?" Inspector wanted his question to be answered clearly by Mrs. Lourdes. So he leaned forward so he won't miss any word from her.
"He was a victim..!" exclaimed Mrs. Lourdes.
"Victim? Of what?"
"I thought you are not here to raise questions, Inspector. What happened to your words?" Mrs. Lourdes tried to piss him off.
"I'm afraid I lied, Mrs. Lourdes. So if you don't have anything to hide, will you please answer my question?" Inspector Clay yawned. He feels sleepy.
"What do you think a mother will do when her child is in trouble?" she feels a little bit sad.
"Help her in every possible way... Or maybe, help him even if it's impossible? I don't know... I'm his mother, yes... But what you're trying to dig here isn't here," Mrs. Lourdes declared.
"It's nice to see you, ma'am," Inspector Clay stood up and headed out. He did not bother looking back to Mrs. Lourdes. Mrs. Lourdes immediately closed her door.
At least now, he knew that Mrs. Lourdes will do anything to help Herdon...
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