MISSION & SECOND LOVE

CHAPTER 9 – Is it the Male Receptionist or the Janitor?

I

A message in his f******k Messenger made Rodelio’s eyes narrowed. He does not want to believe it. Never in Cresilda’s life did she cheat on him. She is a very refined woman, decent, and most of all, she loved him very much. She might be mad now for his act of infidelity last time, but he knows that when she cools herself, she will come to him and beg him to come back.

Rodelio replied to his friend who sent him a message in his messenger. “Thanks, Brod. But I won’t believe it. I know my wife.”

When his phone beeped again and saw that it was the same friend who sent him a message a while ago, he shook his head in irritation. He anyway opened his friend’s message. His eyes widened and his jaw tightened as he saw a picture of her wife with another man. He could not believe it. All throughout the day, Rodelio was not able to focus on his work. He was thinking about Cresilda.

He decided to take a leave from his work the next day. He needs to talk to Cresilda and confirm the matter. He cannot take it. No man could ever touch his wife!

Rodelio visited their house but Cresilda and their son were not there. He wanted to check them at his parent's in-law’s house but thinking that they might be hating him for what he did, he decided to return to his apartment, frustrated.

Cresilda that day left her parents’ home early. She will be reporting to Senior Inspector Albas. William will be there too.

As she reached the police precinct, she immediately alighted from the grab car that she booked. While walking on the patio where car parking is on its left side, she noticed William getting out of a silver metallic gray and shining Volvo car. She furrowed her forehead; sometimes, she finds William so mysterious. How can a simple, down-to-earth guy who even self-support his law school in a public yet well-known university would be driving such a very expensive car? Is he also doing some part-time driving job for a wealthy boss? Still, in her curious state of mind, Cresilda entered the police station.

William saw Cresilda’s back as she entered the precinct. He smiled. “Even her back is beautiful,” he murmured.

“Oh, hey William, good thing you are here now.” Senior Police Inspector Albas exclaimed when he saw William entered his office.

Cresilda looked at William and nodded at him.

“We assigned one of our investigators to check on with the background of that male receptionist in the hotel. According to the report of our secret agent there posing as one of the female receptionists, she noticed a lot of things pointing out that such man might be the serial killer that we are looking for.” Senior Police Inspector Albas narrated.

William nodded and replied, “We did notice too Sir. As a matter of fact, he was showing rudeness already to Cresilda, thinking most probably that Cresilda is cheating on her husband through me.”

Senior Police Inspector Albas, who is in deep thoughts already, instructed both William and Cresilda, “You’ve got to continue then in your mission; if you could check-in there tonight, please do and observe further.”

Both Cresilda and William nodded.

II

Cresilda and William were able to immediately hail a cab in going to the secluded, old and cheap hotel. On their way, they had a little chit-chat, until suddenly William remembered the gift that he and his father needs to buy for his Mom.

"Cresilda, what do you think is the best birthday gift for a Mom who is about to be in her senior year?" William asked smiling.

"Hmm, it depends. If your Mom loves to cook, then buy her something that she can use in the kitchen. Mothers love that. But make sure that the kitchenware is something out of ordinary, like a porcelain set of bowls from small to big sizes with a pair of a soup spoon, plates, and/or Teapot with cups and saucers. If she has another hobby then buy something related to that or a set of jewelry that she does not have yet." Cresilda joyously stated with twinkles in her eyes. If she's already in her sixty years of age, she would love to receive any of those she mentioned.

William nodded. "I would buy Mom with everything that you mentioned." He winks at Cresilda making the latter laugh out loud.

Around seven o’clock in the evening, William and Cresilda were already checking in at the secluded, old, and cheap hotel in the city.

As usual, the male receptionist sharply looked at Cresilda and William. William did not back down; he sharply looked back at the man as if challenging the man for a one on one duel. It was the male receptionist who lowered his gaze first.

As the male receptionist handed the key to their booked room at room 308, William snatched it immediately and then sweetly put his arms around Cresilda’s shoulder. He made a final sharp glance at the male receptionist.

As William and Cresilda were walking going to the elevator that will bring them to the third floor, the male receptionist shot their backs with a deadly stare.

The janitor, who was approaching then the reception area to get the trash can in there, saw the angry look that the male receptionist shot at William and Cresilda. “Boss, something’s wrong with that couple?” he asked with narrowed eyes.

The male receptionist grinned wickedly, “They are not a real couple; the man is the woman’s paramour, you know, the woman is a married one.”

The Janitor’s face grew red; furiously he said, “Don’t worry Boss, one day they will be found dead also because their names have been written already in the serial killer’s lists of next victims.”

The male receptionist intensely looked at the janitor, “Yes, you are right. Let us wait and see.”

The janitor laughed out loud as he got the trash can beside the reception desk.

The female receptionist, who has been listening to them, got confused now. In her mind, she is asking, “Why is it that the janitor seems so confident that William and Cresilda will be the next targets of the serial killer? Is she missing something? Who is the possible serial killer? Is it the male receptionist or the janitor?” She sighed in confusion. She needs to report this new development to Senior Police Inspector Albas.