My PI Lady

42: The news

SAM'S POV

"Let's make a deal.."

I frowned when he suddenly stated that habang palapit sa gawi ko.

"Deal? At ano naman kaya yon? A deal that I won't gain anything?Thanks but no, thanks! Sinabi kong tutulong ako sa'yo but not to talk to the press. That would be the last thing I'd do now."

His lips automatically turned in a pursed line when I sarcastically commented that.

"I know you'd say that, Ms. Javier kaya nga gusto kong makipagdeal sa'yo. A deal between two professionals."

Now it's turn for my brow to arch up when he mentioned that 'professional' thing.

Being reminded with something about that word.

"The last time you've mentioned that 'professional' word, pinapagalitan mo'ko because I was no professional with you."

The bastard just shrugged his shoulder then folded his arms bang makalapit ito sa'kin.

"Whatever you say, Ms. Javier. Just hear me out now. You won't know, magugustuhan mo rin pala ang deal na'to."

"Huh! How could I like this deal kung alam ko naman na dadalhin mo 'ko sa harap ng media and let my face be plastered all over the news at hayaan nalang ang lahat ng tao na pag-usapan ako?! Hell no!"

"You said you'll do anything to help right? Then do that. That's the deal." Matigas na saad nito which I just answered with folded arms.

"Yes. I had said that pero hindi ko sinabing gagawin ko ang gusto mo. And then what? Kung gagawin ko yan, ano namang mapapala ko kapag maaayos ko ang bagay na'to aber? I'm sure the press would just pester me everyday after I advertised myself in the public so no. Ayoko." I strongly declined while kept shaking my head.

There's no way na gagawin ko yon!

"Then here's the deal, Ms. Javier. Kung gagawin mo ang pinapagawa ko sa'yo at magagawa mong ayusin ang gusot na'to...."

When he trailed off, I just glared at him while waiting for him to continue that.

"What? Anong magiging kapalit nun?" Atat na tanong ko sa kanya, wanted to know what I would get in return after I do his bid.

"I won't tell, Atty. Maximillan na ikaw ang pumasok at nagnakaw sa loob ng cafe nya. That's the deal here, Ms. Javier. Fair right?"

Hearing that, a growl instantly escaped from me as my glare now literally pricking needles in his dark eyeballs!

This bastard!

"Ito ba ang sinasabi mong deal, Mr. Del Fuero? Then why does it feel like you're blackmailing me right now? " inis na angal ko rito, not liking 'his so-called 'fair deal' one bit!

He just shrugged then folded his arm.

"Call it whatever you like, Ms. Javier but that's the deal here. And besides, you're the one who caused this mess in the first place so nasa sa'yo na ito kung tatanggapin mo ba ang inooffer ko ngayon o harapin ang galit ni Max. Hindi mo alam kung paano magalit ang taong 'yon. He could even let you rot in jail kung gugustuhin niya... your choice."

I didn't answered him right away and just gave him a narrowed look.

Now really regretting coming in here and hating the fact that he had a point!

Tiyak na hindi palalampasin to ni Atty. Max. Especially when this bastard was a friend of him. Tiyak didiktahan na naman niya ito kung anong mas dapat gawin sa'kin to punish me and it would surely be something I would never like!

Hindi ko maiwasang mapabuga na lamang ng hangin out of frustrations while gritting my teeth hard, despising the fact that this situation gives me no other choice but to accept his deal.

Pero hindi naman pwedeng wala akong mapapala sa gagawin kong 'to.

Right! Well, kung gusto niya talagang ayusin ko ang bagay na'to then be it! Gagawin ko kahit nakakatakot harapin ang mga gutom na paparazzis na 'yon.

"Fine." Mariing saad ko na rito after a few seconds, now determined na gawin ang kalokohang 'to.

"I'll accept your deal."

Hearing that, a satisfied smirk appeared in his face while nodding his head.

"Good to hear that then. So now, let's go down to the lobby now so that you can start telling your tale now sa harap ng press. But first thing first, Ms. Javier. Hand me the CD tapes first." Saad nito as he held out his hand to me.

Oh yes. Muntikan ko ng makalimutan.

Agad ko ng inilabas yon mula sa loob ng jacket ko then handed it over to him which he quickly hid it under his coat.

"Let's head down to the lobby now. Ayusin na natin ang gusot na'to." And then with that, he ushered me to the door.

But I didn't moved an inch. Causing him to turn and frown at me with questioning eyes.

I just smirked at him then take a step back away from him.

"Mr. Del Fuero.. May konting sasabihin lang muna ako tungkol sa deal na'to."

His frown deepened more at that.

"And what was that, Ms. Javier? Alam mong kailangan na nating ayusin ang gusot na'to ngayon so spill whatever you have to say now."

"Well, aside sa hindi mo'ko isusumbong kay Atty. Maximilian, may maliit na bagay pa sana akong hihilingin sa'yo after I fix this mess. Just a little request.."

Agad na umarko ang kilay nya saka tuluyan ng humarap sa'kin.

"What request? Tell me now."

"Well, maliit lang naman 'to at tingin ko kayang-kaya mo namang gawin yon---"

"Wag ka ng magpaliguy-ligoy pa, Ms. Javier. Time is ticking and your wasting it! Kaya sabihin mo na ngayon din ang gusto mong sabihin!"

I groaned when he suddenly snapped that with irritated voice.

Calm down, Sam. Calm down. Kahit na gustung-gusto mo ng upakan ito, calm down. Remember you're here to make friends with him and ask him to help you with the case. At para hanapin ang bagay na maaaring pag-aari ng ama nito.

I mentally nodded at that thought saka huminga na lamang ng malalim and just answered him.

"Well, gusto ko lang sabihin na kung pwede, tulungan mo'ko sa bagong case ko."

"What case?"

"I'll just tell you the details pagkatapos kong ayusin ang bagay na'to. So ano na? Deal?"

He made no answers to it and just stared at me with an annoyed look.

"Okay. I guess I'll just take your silence as a yes. Let's go now!" Then without waiting for his response, nauna na'ko ritong lumabas sa solid na'yon.

Okay! Time to face the press now. Kahit na kinakabahan ako sa maaaring mangyari sa baba at pagkatapos nito.

I couldn't help but bit my lower lip just the thought of the possibilities.

Hindi ko na pinansin ang dalawang receptionists when I'd passed their table, too caught up with my thoughts now.

Ano naman kayang sasabihin ko sa harap ng camera?

I was never comfortable with my face being advertised on TV before because the last time I've appeared on TV, I was being interviewed about my parents' death... Kung ano talaga ang nangyari.. At ngayon naman, I have to face them again to let those people bombard me with questions again na tiyak magpapakulo na naman ng dugo ko.

"Hey everyone! I'm that woman na pinaghahanap niyo at kahalikan ng gagong kasama ko sa video and blah blah bla----"

"Just try to tell that to the press then I would never help whatever case you have right now."

I scowled when he suddenly interrupted that beside me, stopping me from my little practice, not even sensing na nasa tabi ko na pala ito while stiffly walking towards the elevator with his usual meter-long steps.

"Then ano sa tingin mo ang dapat kong sabihin mamaya, Aber?" Inis na tanong ko na rito as I tried to keep up with his steps.

"Wala akong ibang maisip dito and do you think people would believe me kahit na sabihin ko pang----"

"Sabihin mo lang kung ano ang totoong nangyari kanina and you're done with it, Ms. Javier. Nothing else." He cut off as he was now pressing the arrow down button of the elevator.

Pagkabukas ng pinto, agad na itong pumasok which I hastily did the same.

"Yong totoo?" kunut noong tanong ko rito which he just answered with his silence as the elevator started to move down.

"You sure about that? Sasabihin ko talaga that we've really fought back there and kissed you to stop you from---"

"Don't ever try to tell that to the press, Ms. javier!"

I groaned and glared at his way when he'd snapped that.

"Ang alin ba ang hindi ko dapat sasabihin dun? Yong Pakikipag-away ko sa'yo o yong 'kiss'?"

Pagkarinig dun, a loud growling sound can be heard from him while glaring down at me. Growling like a mad lion.

"Anything but the 'kiss' part."came his tormented voice.

And I think I already know kung anong ikinapuputok na naman ng butsi nito.

He's allergic with that 'kiss' topic.

My, my, my... Kung siniswerte ka nga naman ano...

I smirked when I realized that.

"Just tell whatever you'd think that could fix this mess but not that! Gumawa ka nalang na kahit anong kwento which you think effective para maayos ang bagay na'to. Nagkakaintindihan ba tayo, Ms. javier?"mariing pagpapatuloy nito.

"Ang alin, Mr. Del Fuero? Yong kiss?" Nakangising tanong ko rito which caused him to squeeze his eyes out in obvious frustrations hakbang kuyom ang mga kamay nito sa gilid. Obviously stopping himself to throw me out from the elevator.

"Pwede ba, ms. Javier! Tigilan mo na yang mga kalokohan mo bago pa magbago ang isip ko to possibly consider your request later."

Pagkarinig dun, my mouth snapped shut as I quickly straightened up myself.

"Aherm! Aherm! Ang bagal naman ng elevator na'to oh! Ba't ba kasi ang bagal-bagal nito!" Reklamo ko agad sabay patid sa pinto ng elevator, pretending that nothing had happened.

Mahirap na, iba pa naman ang topak ng gagong 'to baka totohanin pa nito ang sinabi nito and I don't want that!

He didn't answered and just stayed silent beside me throughout the ride.

Mga ilang sandali lang, the 'ding' had finally sounded, an indication na nasa may lobby na kami. And I have to face the press now. Causing the crazy butterflies inside my stomach wreak havoc again.

Ano nga uli yong sasabihin ko?

Mr. Del Fuero quickly got out of the elevator whereas me, nagdadalawang isip pa kung tutuloy pa'ko sa kalokohang 'to.

"Ms. Javier, lumabas kana diyan."

When he ordered that, agad na'kong lumabas saka lumapit rito and instantly let out a curse nang mamataan ko na ang mga nagkukumpulang tao sa may di kalayuan, causing me to feel more unsettled now.

"Ah, Mr. Del Fuero. A-Ano nga---" s**t! Nauutal na naman ako!

"Ano nga uli yong sasabihin ko??"

"Just be creative, Ms. Javier. And for God's sake! Stop stuttering! At kung pwede, " then his eyes eyed me down with disgust in his eyes. "Take that disgusting uniform off of you. Tiyak pagtatawanan ka ng lahat once you'd appear like that in the camera." He continued saka agad ng tumalikod at naglakad na patungo sa direksyon ng mga pesteng mga reporters na'yon!

And because I don't want to appear ridiculous in the press, hinubad ko na agad ang uniform na 'yon but not my cap saka agad ng sumunod rito habang bitbit ang hinubad kong damit. This is Suzy's uniform kaya di ko pwedeng itapon na lamang 'to.

Mas binilisan ko nalang ang paglalakad ko seeing Mr. Del Fuero walking like an addict robot dahil sa laki ng mga hakbang nito.

Kahit na gusto kong magback out nalang sa kalokohan na'to, but no.

I've already gotten myself into this hellhole so I have no choice now but to face this.

Ang kailangan ko lang namang gawin ngayon is to create a tale in front of the camera at siguraduhing maaayos ang bagay na'to nang hindi

No matter what.

With that thought, I mentally nodded my head at mas lalo pang binilisan ang paglalakad hanggang sa maabutan ko na ang gago.

Di bale ng macocompromise ang identity ko nito as long as I could fix this mess. Para rin naman 'to sa hihilingin ko sa kanya mamaya after this show.

The moment those people had noticed us, agad ng nagsitakbuhan ang mga ito palapit sa'min saka dinumog kami sabay subsub sa kani-kanilang mikropono and cameras to our faces.

"Mr. Del Fuero! Mr. Del Fuero! May masasabi na po ba kayo ngayon tungkol sa isyung kinakaharap nyo ngayon? Nahanap niyo na po ba ang----"

The woman stopped when Mr. Del Fuero suddenly held up his hand to stop her habang matalim niya itong tiningnan.

Seeing his hand, no one had dared to open their mouth, just their cameras who kept flashing their lenses through our faces.

"Everyone, you have wanted to find that same woman na kasama ko sa video right?" He began, dahilan para magbulungan agad ang mga 'to sabay tingin sa direksyon ko.

I quickly gave them a tight smile.

"Then here she is now kasama ko. She can give you the information you all want kung ano talaga ang nangyari kanina why that 'unfortunate' incident happened gaya ng napanood niyo sa video."

I smirked when he sounded so tortured when he'd said the 'unfortunate' incident part habang nasa tabi ko.

Tsk, tsk, tsk... Parang hirap na hirap nga ang gago na banggitin ang halikan na nangyari kanina.

Hmm... Eh kung ganun man, ba't di ko nalang ienjoy ang moment na'to at ayusin ang bagay na'to ng walang kahirap-hirap? And at the same time, to annoy him more.

I quickly pasted a tight smile at them, wanted to appear that they are very much welcome to throw some questions at me.

"Miss! Pwede mo bang ilahad sa'min kung ano talaga ang tunay na nangyari sa inyong dalawa kanina??" Tanong ng isa sa kanila sabay subsob ng hugis lollipop nitong mikropono malapit sa mukha ko.

"Miss, sa ano pong kadahilanan kung bakit po nangyari ang bagay na'yon kanina?"

"Kayo po ba talaga ang babaeng yon na nasa video, Miss?"

Again, mas lalo ko pang nilakihan ang pekeng ngiti ko sa kanila before I answered that last question.

"Yes. Mr. Del Fuero here was right. Ako nga talaga ang babaeng 'yon and I'm here to reveal what had really happened between us this morning." kalmadong sagot ko sa mga ito nang hindi tinatanggal ang matamis na ngiti sa labi ko. So sweet that could rotten their faces!

"Ang totoo nyan, nagkatuwaan lang talaga kami nitong si Mr. Del Fuero kung kaya't nangyari ang bagay na'yon kanina. We are just doing some...wrestling practice back there---"

"Wrestling practice? At ba't naman kayo magpapractice ng wrestling sa lugar na yon, miss? You're a woman kaya nakakapagtaka naman kung yon lang ang dahilan nyo."

At the mention of 'woman', I can't help but glare at the piggy man na syang nagtanong nito, suddenly wanted to give him a headbutt nang masampolan ko naman ang baboy na'to.

"Eh ano naman ngayon kung babae ako? Women are free to do anything they want even doing wrestling, Sir. I could even give you a sample now kung gusto mo. To let everyone know that any gender could do the wrestling." I uttered in between with gritted teeth.

"And Mr. Del Fuero here is one of my coach kaya naman kung anumang nangyari kanina, walang kinalaman yon sa kung anumang akusasyong binabato niyo sa kanya."

"Miss! Miss! Then what about that kiss?? Are you having a secret affair with Mr. Del Fuero?"

That question made me snapped my head to that person as it f*****g caught my attention!

An affair?!

Seriously??!

"You two have kissed each other kaya posible bang may namamagitan sa inyong dalawa?"

"NO!"

Napalingon agad ako sa tabi ko when the bastard suddenly snapped that.

Aba, aba.. Kung makareact naman ang gagong to, para bang hinihingi ng mga taong to na bigyan nya ito ng maagang pamasko.

"Walang namamagitan sa'ming dalawa. Hindi ko siya hinalikan and she just kissed me first!"

This s**t! He really have the gall to make me appear as some maniac here at may pagnanasa sa kanya! How dare he!

They seem surprised about it saka lumingon uli sa'kin ang mga ito.

"Totoo po ba yon, Miss? Everyone wanted to know kung ano talaga ang kaugnayan mo kay Mr. Del Fuero."

"Tell them now, Ms. Javier. Tell them now na wala talagang namamagitan sa'ting dalawa and that kiss was just nothing!" He firmly demanded beside me in a whisper, not even sensing my annoyance towards him.

Satan knows how much I wanted to bit his head off now.

Siya pa nga 'tong tinutulungan, sya pa talaga tong may ganang gawin akong manyak sa harap ng camera!

Well, he want me to be creative with my tale right? Eh ba't di ko nalang kaya simulan 'to ngayon?

With hands tightly balled in fists, I straightened my body then answered them.

"You all wanted to know the truth right?"

Sabay-sabay na nagsitanguan agad ang mga 'to, now looking more desperate to receive an answer from me.

Then good. Dahil ako hindi!

Then I quickly turned to Mr. Del Fuero then tightly clung to his arm na siyang ikinagulat nito with his brows creasing in confusions.

"What are you doing, Ms. Javier?" Galit na bulong nito sa'kin habang matalim na nakatingin sa'kin.

I just raised my brows at him and then turned to the camera again now with no nonsense face.

"Everyone, we are actually dating."

A surprised gasped instantly escaped from their mouths the moment I've uttered that. And then in a second, mas lalo pang nagkagulo ang mga 'to and then blinded me with the flashes of their cameras.