The Maid's Secret

Chapter 5: Lack of Luck

"Master, as I have reported, someone... or even a number of people had been able to track down the client's whereabouts although we have blocked both online sources and information network roots."

"Hmm. That's quite a catch, huh. They were able to pass through to our first stage of defense. Looks like Derek has capable kidnappers, hasn't he?" he responded as I have concluded my report to him.

I was certain that that cat is a part of a warning. I've been in this line of work for a decade, I know better. That is why I decided to consult Master Phoenix's opinion about it. There are not so many people who can get through to the first stage of our system's defense. Being aware of these two concerns, I could no longer stand by and clean the house as I usually do for the past four months.

It's a lifesaver that the Phoenix Organization had built a branch here in the Philippines. Aside from the properties, I purchased here, this place is a great hiding place if ever there would be more alarming occurrences in the future. Anyway, I haven't seen Mark yet. Is he busy again with new software or something?

I sighed as I wait for him to give his mandate on this case. "On my point of view, Derek's kidnappers are not just capable. There's a reason more than his family's money as to why they keep on doing this. This is not just a mere k********g plot, master," I stated as I continue to show him the pieces of evidence that I've got.

Sa totoo lang, matagal ko na itong napansin. Gayunpaman, kumalap muna ako ng iba't ibang patunay para masuportahan ang hinala ko. Just like everything else, k********g also has rules and limitations. k********g is mostly done for a purpose. A purpose to gain something from the one who stole from his or her rightful place.

But... is money enough to fulfill that purpose? Or they have an even bigger purpose and another goal? If it's money they want, those kidnappers could have shifted to other rich families and well-known personalities. De Guzmans are not the only wealthy people in this country after all. And to think that Derek has been harassed by death threats for almost a year, it seems too off.

Why would the kidnappers waste their time for one whole year to chase after him?

There's nothing more I could even think of other than those kidnappers having a bigger motive.

"I understand. I got your point, Rieda. There's probably one good reason why they keep on hunting Derek down. In addition, they could use snipers to shot Mr. De Guzman's head anytime, anywhere, even before you came. However, they didn't use that method but rather wait for a particular timing. With this, the client's case seems to be more intriguing than I thought it would be."

Master Phoenix's right. Mayroong sandamakmak na pagkakataon para mapatay ang nag-iisang tagapagmana ng De Guzman Enterprises. Pero hindi nila ginamit ang mga iyon. Ano ang rason nila kung bakit patuloy nilang binabantaan ang buhay ni Derek? Bakit parang may hinihintay sila na kung ano?

"Nevertheless, you have to guard him closely, Ishtar. Derek is oblivious to all the danger that he is about to face. He's pretty much confident that those childish plays with his g**g would save his life forever. The youth's too ignorant. They are into liberating themselves too much that they weren't able to notice the knife placed on their necks."

"Understood, sir," I answered.

Wherever I look, Derek doesn't have any single idea of what is going on. Hindi niya alam kung gaano karami ang naghahangad sa yaman ng pamilya niya. At mas lalong hindi niya alam kung gaano kadeterminado ang mga ito makuha lang siya.

Sa katunayan, binabalak na nga ipasa ni Mr. Romuel De Guzman ang posisyon niya kay Derek sa kumpanya dahil nga sa tumatanda na ito at may nililihim na sakit sa puso. Kaso, nananatiling problema niya ang pagiging rebelde ng kanyang anak. Paano niya mapapakawalan ang tungkulin na hinawakan ng ilang dekada nang maluwag sa loob kung nagkakaganito ang tagapagmana niya?

Sa kahit saang anggulo tingnan ng kanyang ama, hindi pa handa si Derek.

Nang hindi na muli pang nagsalita si Master Phoenix ay napagdesisyunan ko na na magpaalam upang puntahan naman ang isang mahalagang pagpupulong sa kumpanya. Siguro ay nauna na si Mark sa akin doon. I can't afford to let him wait for me or else he'll ask nonsense questions again.

I was about to step out when the master called out for me suddenly.

"I have a request, Rieda."

Napatigil ako sa paglalakad at muling binigyang tingin ang kaisa-isang paraan upang makausap siya. "What is it, master?"

It was a short while before he dropped the request that he wanted to ask from me. Even so, I just realized that it is rare of him to ask something in addition so I held my head high and I confidently look at the camera which transmits my image to Master Phoenix's monitor. I want to show him that I would always devote myself to serving him. That I would live up to his expectations.

For he is the reason why I am still alive...

"Change him."

Agad na napakunot ang noo ko sa dalawang salitang binitiwan niya. "Change him, you say?" pagkukumpirma ko muli sa mga narinig ko. Bakit sa lahat ng hihilingin niya mula sa akin ay iyon pa? Sa lahat ng kaya kong ialok para sa kanya na siyang umayos sa buhay ko, ito ang pipiliin niya?

"My contract with his father is only about protecting him, not changing him, sir," apila ko nang may impit na sama ng loob. Hangga't maaari, ayokong mas lalo pang mapalapit sa lalaking iyon. Hindi dapat. Hindi pwede.

Isang matalim na buntong hininga ang pinakawalan niya bago niya balikan ang naging tugon ko. "You are very much aware of the reason why he needs you, aren't you?"

Napatikom ang bibig ko nang banggatin na naman niya ang bagay na iyon. I very much know what he is pertaining to. A male who is cold-hearted, arrogant, and boastful. He is like that because of something regarding his past.

What happened to my declaration of teaching him a lesson, I asked? I guess the reason why I allowed him to be whatever he wants to be is that I want to know the real him. To know the real one, you have to see what's different from the usual and the unusual from the common.

Mrs. Sarah De Guzman, Derek's mother didn't die from breast cancer. She was killed on the exact day of her son's birthday a long time ago. What's more devastating in it was that Derek saw how the criminal pulled the trigger without hesitation, killing his mom in instant in front of his own eyes. The thud that was heard due to his mother's fall, the sight of flowing blood, and the laughter that killer made... They formed the facade he is sticking with now.

Those outrageous acts and stubborn attitude, I know he's not doing it just because he likes it but because he's so lost. Lost in sadness and fear. He can't find his true self again thus struggling to find it with all he has. Nakakalungkot isipin na ang isang taong may malaking potensyal ay nagkakaganito.

And when I say potential, I mean the Derek De Guzman is a child prodigy. A constant honor student and a well-known athlete of track-and-field. That's what I found on his records. He could alter the world if he'll use this potential to contribute to society. But until he has found what he is searching for, people would only treat him as a good-for-nothing son of a rich businessman, a brute, and a worthless citizen of this country.

"Ngayon pa lang nagsisimula ang tunay mong tungkulin, Agent Ishtar. Don't you ever disappoint me. I am expecting a lot from you."

Hindi lang yata ang mga balikat ko ang bumagsak kung hindi pati na rin ang kumpyansa ko sa sarili ko. What should I do to make that bastard return to his real self? What should I do to make him be a person his father would be proud of to present as his heir?

Or do I really have to do something if Derek... as what Martin stated, has changed because of Jenny?

My conversation with Master about the extension of my horizons was cut short when a new report came from the other agents who just returned from the respected missions. I can't help but envy them. I used to be bored with the cycle of finishing the mission and then send a report of it to the office. Now, I just want to have the usual missions that I used to have. This case of the De Guzmans is different but... It's asking too much from Rieda Fernandez, the identity being covered by Agent Ishtar.

It would be better if the mission is just asking for Ishtar's skills. But to request Rieda's help? No way. As much as possible, I want to distinguish these identities that I have on the palm of my hands. If I messed up, everything will be in trouble as well.

Despite it, it's still a request from him so I won't be able to decline. I can't decline.

As I was walking towards the elevator, my gear watch beeped. Awtomatikong naiangat ko ang kaliwang kamay ko para makita kung anong balita ang ihahandog nito sa akin. I used my index finger to swipe the lock and my watch immediately projected a vision of Derek on his way home.

"The person you are tracking is now on his way home. It will took him exactly seven minutes and 43 seconds before he reaches the area."

Halos mapamaang naman ako sa kung ano ang bumungad sa akin. Ba't ang aga naman niya yata ngayon? Oo at may dalawang klase lang siya para sa araw na ito kaya dapat bago magtanghalian ay nasa mansyon na siya.

But who am I kidding? Si Derek De Guzman? Didiretso ng uwi?

Anong himala ang naganap para maisipan niya na umuwi ng bahay nang maaga ngayong araw? s**t. I still have an executive board meeting today and I'm quite sure that it won't end shortly. But if I ask Mark to proceed on my behalf again, the directors might think that I'm slacking off as a president.

You are ruining my plans for today, Mr. De Guzman.

Argh! Bahala na nga. I guess this could be the best opportunity for Martin to prove that he's a capable back-up. Now, that I mentioned it. I hope he could stand on his ground against Derek's questions until I arrive. Good luck to you then.

****

"Thank God! Dumating ka na rin sa wakas! Hurry, you still have a lot of oldies to impress," bungad ni Mark sa akin pagkapasok na pagkapasok ko sa opisina ko.

Naabutan ko siyang may kung anu-ano na namang kinakalikot sa laptop niya gaya ng dati. Hindi ba talaga siya nauubusan ng gawain pagdating sa mga computer niya? Anyway, let's get to work.

"Where are the—"

"Here you go, president. I've arranged everything you'll need later. So, all you have to do is to speak smart and brilliant as you always do," Mark told me, tapping the set of folders he put on my desk.

Did he really do this much for me? Hindi ako makapaniwala. This bastard best friend of mine.

"What is it? Why are you looking at me like that? You look like an idiot, you know."

"Aww!" he exclaimed when I jumped on him. Sorry, I'm just so happy that I have a friend to depend on right now. Now that Derek is messing my schedule up.

****

"Bakit ba tingin ka nang tingin diyan sa relo mo? Kanina ka pa. I-deactivate ko kaya ang guardian mo," iritadong komento ni Mark habang pabalik na kami sa opisina ko.

Kinurot ko naman ang braso niya sa pagbabantang i-deactivate si Vanna. Vanna is my gear watch's guardian. Guardians are the virtual assistants of agents programmed within the watch's system. The voice guiding me from my missions with excellent accuracy and suggestions was her's. She is also the one that manages all the devices I activated through her connection.

And of course, I won't let anyone pull Vanna out. It's almost like losing my eyes.

"Paano ako mapapakali 'e mag-aalasingko na ng hapon? Lagot ako nito pag-uwi. I will get scolded again by that young master of mine," at ipinasok ko na ang susi sa seradura upang tuluyang buksan ang pinto.

"Eh? You sound like a wife who has a curfew."

"Shut up."

Pagkapasok na pagkapasok ko ay ipinatong ko na ang mga ginamit kong materyales at mga papeles kanina sa lamesa ko. Sa awa ng Diyos ay natapos na rin ang trabaho ko sa kumpanya para sa araw na ito. Pasalampak akong napaupo sa swivel chair ko. Mariin kong pinikit ang mga mata ko nang tinamaan na naman ako ng sakit ng ulo. f**k.

"Kaya mo pa ba?" nag-aalalang tanong niya. I quickly raised my right hand to shut him up. I just want a little moment of silence to cool my head down from all of the stress I'm being subdued to.

"You're really dumb, Rieda. Just admit that you're tired and I'll do the rest for you. Master Phoenix won't know anyway," suhestiyon pa nito.

"Just shut up, Mark."

Napabalikwas na lang ako ng upo nang malakas na tumunog ang telepono sa tabi ko. Iritableng kinuha ko ito at handa na sanang murahin ang kung sinumang nagtangka na manggambala ng sandaling katahimikan ko nang umabot sa pandinig ko ang pagtawag sa akin ng 'Jenny'.

"What the hell is happening there, Woods?" iyan ang una ko na lang na naitanong sa natatanging tao ngayon sa bahay na nakakaalam ng numero ng telepono ng opisina ko. Kung hindi ko lang siguro narinig ang sigawa at pagbabasag ay binabaan ko na ang isang 'to.

"Nasaan ka na ba? Nabubugnot na 'yung prinsepe dito! My awful excuses have failed! He's interrogating the damn household about your whereabouts." Oh my God.

Obviously, if I don't want to witness the worst, I have to go back as soon as I can. "O sige, uuwi na ako. Ako na ang bahala. Basta sabihin mo na lang sa kanya, parating na ako diyan." 'Yun lang at binaba ko na ang telepono upang makapag-ayos na sa pag-alis ko.

"Looks like it's worth of an emergency, huh?"

Hindi ko na pinansin pa ang sinabi ni Mark at sinimulan ko ng ayusin ang mga gamit ko. Napakabugnutin talaga ng lalaking iyon kahit kailan! Even so, I am also at fault.

Pero hindi ko rin naman pwedeng sabihin sa kanya na...

'Young master, I am sorry for not letting you know but I just did my job as a secret agent and a CEO of a big company. I hope you don't deduct my salary as your maid.'

It keeps getting harder and harder for me to manage everything at the same time. If only I can cut myself into three halves then it would be convenient. Heh, I wish.

"Goodbye, Ishtar. See you later!" dinig kong pamamaalam ni Mark bago ko nilisan ang opisina.

Mabilis na akong sumakay ng elevator papunta sa parking lot. The matter is, I'm from the 25th floor of the building. Sabayan pa ng mga empleyado kong papauwi na rin sa ganitong oras. Ayos, nagkakasabay-sabay pa kaming lahat.

Rieda, patience is a virtue. Refrain from stomping your foot or else the employees might think something negative about you.

Nang sa wakas ay nagbigay senyales na ang elevator na naririto na ako sa palapag ng paradahan ng mga sasakyan ay dali-dali na akong lumabas upang hanapin ang sasakyan ko. Alright, this is so frustrating. I'm wearing a five-inch heels and I have to find that freaking car. Great.

Nasa kalagitnaan na ako ng pagmamaneho nang maalala ko na Biyernes ngayon. Right, rush hour. My phone rang in the midst of my patience getting shorter and shorter. Thanks to the traffic I was able to get my phone from my bag on the passenger seat with no difficulty. Yeah, thanks.

"Hello?"

["'Yung totoo, Rieda? Kaninong santo pa ba ako magdadasal para dumating ka na?"]

"Can't you calm down first? I got caught in a traffic jam, you see. Anong gagawin ko? Lumipad?"

["How could I calm down if anytime soon, the young master will surely pick these million-worth vases to ease his anger?! Sabihin mo nga sa akin!"]

"Martin Woods, listen to me. I am already so damn tired from all the shitty works for today. I've got only f*****g two hours to sleep last night and the pair of dark circles are bitchying my eyes right now. So could you please stop your irritating remarks and get that bastard to zip his freaking mouth."

Nauutal at tila pabulong na nagdadasal siyang nagpaalam sa akin matapos niyang marinig ang mga maririin kong salita na sinamahan pa ng mura. Napabuntong hininga na lang ako ulit. Hinilot-hilot ko muna ang ulo ko dahil medyo dinadalaw na ako ng antok.

For the second time around, my gear watch beeped to give me another notice.

Walang kaene-enerhiya kong binuksan ang lock upang tingnan kung ano pa ang susunod na balitang darating sa akin ngayon araw. I mean, come on, if you have something to inform me then give me the worst!

Kaso nang binasa ko na ang impormasyon ay halos inulit-ulit ko pa ang pagbasa rito dahil parang ayaw tanggapin ng utak ko ang nakalagay sa mensahe ni Vanna.

"Five male intruders are on their way to the De Guzman Mansion. They are armed and their appearances are likely the same to the assassins. I repeat, five male—"

Holy mother of pearl. How many times do I have to cuss just to let all of my frustration out?

Vanna has really given me the worst news. She's quite a very obedient guardian, huh. Ugh.