Prologue
“You are under arrest. Anything you say can be used in court. You have the right to remain silent and to have a lawyer. If you cannot afford one, the government will provide one for you.”
“You’re arresting the wrong person!” he protested, pointing to himself.
“There is nothing wrong with arresting someone capable of killing innocent and unarmed people,” came the firm response.
“You don’t have solid evidence against me,” he insisted.
“We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t have enough proof to point you out,” Corpuz replied with a smirk. “Bring them all in—especially him!” he ordered, pointing at the man standing in front of him.
The suspect took a few steps forward, glancing around before fixing his gaze on Corpuz.
“P.O.1 Corpuz, let me remind you that I’m not the only one capable of killing,” he said, his tone unsettling. “Even someone with an innocent face has the potential to be a murderer.”
Then, he turned his attention to me. “Am I right, ma’am?”
Why is he asking me?
“As if I care,” I scoffed. “Don’t involve me in this.”
“Then confess your crime as well.”
“Have you heard anything from me?” Corpuz shot back, his face serious.
“Enough with the talking. We’ll settle this in the Supreme Court.”
“Tsk!” The suspect clicked his tongue in frustration.
“Sir!” one of the officers suddenly called out.
“You need to see this,” P.O.1 Corpuz nodded and walked away.
“Garcia, keep an eye on him. Watch him closely,” Corpuz ordered.
“Yes, sir!” Garcia saluted as Corpuz left.
“Pretending to be innocent, even though you’re a giant,” the suspect muttered.
I narrowed my eyes. “Are you talking about yourself?” I asked, raising a brow. “Now I see—you want us to go down together.”
“Don’t worry,” he smirked. “One day, I’ll be watching as you lead me to where you truly belong.”
His words didn’t shake me. “Then I’ll wait for that day. But for now, enjoy your new home—it suits you well.”
His smirk vanished.
“You’re up against the wall, Saphira.”
“And I can tear it down,” I shot back before he could respond.
“You have no power now. Accept it. You’ll never win. At least let them have their peace,” I added, raising a brow. “Isn’t that what you wanted—to keep them safe?”
“Don’t you dare touch them!” he suddenly shouted, drawing the attention of officers and onlookers.
I merely gave him a taunting smile.
“You’re not just a murderer—you lack basic respect too,” Corpuz muttered. “Ma’am, are you all right?”
“Don’t worry, young man, I’m fine,” I reassured him.
“A man who can kill hundreds loses respect for himself—let alone for others.”
“P.O.1 Corpuz, your words won’t tarnish my reputation. Choose them carefully.”
“Then say that in front of the Supreme Court,” Corpuz countered. “Let’s see how brave you are then.”
“Ma’am, did he say anything to threaten you?”
Threatening, yes. Scary? No.
I have nothing to fear from this man. But you, P.O.1 Corpuz—you should be afraid of him.
“He didn’t say anything unusual—just mentioned an escape plan.”
“You can’t even wrap your hands around the railings, and now you’re planning to escape?” Corpuz scoffed.
“You really are something else.”
“That’s my talent,” the suspect smirked.
“Sir, we’ve secured everything,” Garcia reported.
“Then what are you waiting for? Take them in!” Corpuz ordered, grabbing the suspect by the collar and shoving him into the police car.
“Take care, ma’am.”
Should I be the one to be careful? Perhaps.
I turned away, ready to leave, but before I could take another step, his final words made me glance back.
“P.O.1 Vince Corpuz to Lt. Vince Corpuz—doesn’t that sound better?” he said, but his eyes were locked onto mine. Our gazes met, and he flashed a sinister smile before stepping into the car.
Then, the police cars disappeared from sight. The once noisy scene had now turned eerily silent, like a cemetery.