16: THE FIRST FEW STEPS

4 HOURS BEFORE THE KIDNAPPING....

"Eto na ang lahat ng ebidensyang kailangan sa case ni Ms. Garcia, sir. I've already attached here the video with Frederico attacking his supposed victim last night."

"Buti naman kung ganun, Javier. As always, maasahan nga talaga kita." He said with a nod without taking his eyes off at my report.

Probably curious with it. Of course, sa hirap ba naman ng pinagdaanan ko kagabi, it should really be worth it to read. 

"Judge Agustos. Siya' yong kapit ng subject sa batas kaya laging nadidismiss ang lahat ng kaso laban sa kanya."

Agad itong nagtaas ng tingin sa'kin and looked at me in confusion.

"Are you saying na si Judge Roel Agustos ang tumutulong sa kanya?"

"Yes sir. Siya nga ang judge na'yon na laging naghahandle sa lahat ng trials ng subject so I traced the suspect's phone conversations and confirmed, magkasabwat nga talaga ang dalawa."

He nodded while stroking his chin, as if he was giving it a deep thought

"So ito pala ang kapit ng gagong 'yon.." he said after a few seconds of his silence.

Tumango lang ako saka hindi na umimik.

"Sinigurado mo na bang hindi tayo mahihirapan sa judge na yon, Javier?"

"Nagsisimula na'ko sir at bago pa matapos ang araw na'to, maaayos ko na ang issue tungkol sa judge na 'yon. Hinihintay ko nalang ang magiging sagot nito."

"At pa'no mo naman gagawin' yon, Javier? Sigurado ka bang wala tayong magiging problema sa judge na 'yon bukas?"

I just slowly nodded at that and smiled before I answered him.

I think now's the best time para sabihin ang kailangan kong sabihin sa kanya.

"Kaya nga may hihilingin sana akong pabor sainyo, sir. Just in case na bumaliktad ang gagong 'yon."

His brow creases at that in confusion. He didn't answered right away and just leaned against his chair while studying me with his curious eyes.

"Say it, Javier. I'm all ears." He said after a few seconds.

I nodded and took that heed.

"I've found out and even got a video footage habang binabayaran ng suspect ang judge na 'yon, paying him to dismiss the case against him."

"You did?" Manghang taong niya sa'kin now leaning on his table.

Now I think I've got his attention.

"Yes, sir. And to use that video against that judge, gusto ko sanang ibigay mo ang bagay na 'yon sa media mamaya.."

"Media?"

"Yes, sir. Before 4pm, kapag wala parin kayong matatanggap na tawag mula sa'kin to cancel that plan, then you can proceed to that sir."

"Hmmm.. I think maganda nga ang plano mong 'yan, Javier. As I had expected from you. Okay. Copy. Maaasahan mo ko rito..."

I couldn't help but gratefully smiled at him when he proudly complimented that.

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"Ano? Alam mo na ba kung sinong P.I ang kinuha nila?"

"Yes."

"Good. Gawin mo ang dapat mong gawin to stop that P.I."

"Dinala mo ba ang kailangan ko?"

"Of course."

Then agad na inilatag ni Frederico ang suitcase na dala niya kanina sa center table then he grinned.

"Check mo muna kung kompleto..."

'Ilan lamang yan sa videong nakunan habang ang isang kilalang judge ay tumatanggap diumano ng suhol galing sa isang suspect na nagngangalang Frederico Asuncion, Chief Administrator ng Enriquez Construction Corporation na siyang nakikita niyo ngayon sa video para idismiss lahat ng kaso laban sa kanya. Ayon sa aming nakalap na impormasyon, makailang ulit ng sinasampahan ng kasong sexual assualt ang taong ito subalit laging nakakawala sa batas. At ayon sa reliable source natin, ang judge sa nasabing video ang siyang laging humahawak sa lahat ng trial------'

"Sam! Bat mo naman inioff yon?" Allan chided nang bigla ko nalang ini-off ang pinapanood nitong balita.

Simula kahapon paglabas ko mula sa club na 'yon, trending na sa lahat ng media ang pangalan ng manyak na 'yon. They had blurred Mr. Agustos' face at the video but nonetheless, I know pumuputok na ang butsi nito ngayon sa galit dahil tapos na ang career nito. I'm certain the Chief Justice won't just turn a blind eye on this issue.

If hehad just picked the right answer, then he could've saved his dirty career.

"Stop watching that. Al. Oras ng trabaho ngayon so enough with that now.." I casually answered  as I placed the remote control back to its place saka naglakad na pabalik sa cubicle ko with him on my heels.

"My God, Sam. Matinik ka nga talaga. Akalain ba namang matatapos mo ang case na'yon ng walang kahirap-hirap----"

He clamped his mouth shut when I suddenly wheeled around and faced him with my eyes throwing a laser beams at him.

He tried to smile but it just came out a grimace.

"May nasabi ba'kong mali, Sam?"

"Nakikita mo ba ang black eye ko na until now, visible pa rin Al? At alam mo naman sigurong nakidnap ako kahapon ano but you still think na hindi 'yon mahirap?"

Napapakamot na lamang ito ng ulo and smiled guiltily at me.

"Yeah. Medyo halata pa nga ang black eye mo." He agreed with a nod. "Pero atleast 'di ba? Tapos na ang case na 'yon and your client had won the case. At hindi 'yon mangyayari if not because of you, Sam."

I just stared at him with pointed look.

Yes. Nanalo na nga si Ms. Garcia sa case na 'yon just this morning, pero may mga bagay pa'kong kailangan gawin. At isa na dun ang responsibilidad ko bilang Private investigator ng del Fuerong yon. And ECC being mentioned in the news, I'm sure mukhang magiging magulo to.

"Yes. Because of me, Al." I agreed while nodding.

"At dahil sa'kin, tiyak pumuputok na ngayon ang butsi ng ECC with their company name being dragged into this issue. Thanks to me." I added then turned and walked towards my cubicle with Allan in tow.

"So what kung galit ang ECC, hindi mo naman kasalanan 'yon."

"Oo. Hindi nga. Kaya bumalik ka na sa mesa mo and stop pestering me! So shoo, shoo!"

I heard him groaned behind me, probably not liking being shooed away like a dog. And I can even imagine him now scowling.

I just shook my head at that and I sat on my chair as I have to focus on what I have to do next.

Face that bastard Del Fuero's case. Kailangan ko ng puntahan ito before he himself would appear here again.

Agad ko ng kinuha ang car keys ko saka inayos lahat ng papers na nagkalat sa mesa before I headed outside and drove off to DFCS.

And it didn't took me long to get there. Pagkababa ko palang ng sasakyan ko, I was greeted by the blinding building before me habang tinitingala ito.

Damn. I didn't know ganito pala talaga kayaman ang gagong 'yon. Abot langit ba naman ang tayog ng building nito!

DEL FUERO CONSTRUCTION AND SUPPLIES, CO. was displayed right above the entrance, telling me that this was exactly owned by that bastard.

Like ECC, this building was surrounded with glass walls as well. Looking like a luxurious hotel than what it really was. Buti nalang hindi masyadong mainit ngayon kaya hindi masyadong nakakasilaw tingnan ito.

Mentally shaking my head, naglakad na papasok sa building na'yon.

Once I was inside the lobby, dumiretso na'ko sa reception area with women in their fitted work attires, faces caked with heavy make ups.

Gods. Ganito ba talaga dapat ang mga employees dito?

Shrugging those thoughts off my head, lumapit na'ko sa mga ito.

"Good afternoon. Pwede ko bang malaman kung saan ko makikita si Mr. Del Fuero?" The bastard.

The woman in a ponytail frowned at that and then turned to the other woman beside her, wearing the same look as she, confused.

"Do you mean, the owner ma'am? The great Mr. Del Fuero?" Sagot ng isang babae with a bob cut hair with boobs ready to pop out of his blazer.

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes when I heard that term. Great? Great man my foot.

"Yes. Siya nga."

When I answered that, Ms. boobs gave me a head-to-toe kind of look first before she answered. A look which I wanted to wipe out from her darn face.

"May appointment po ba kayo sa kanya, ma'am?"

Although gusto ko ng sundutin ang mga mata nito, I stopped that urge and opted to just ignore this useless excuse of a citizens.

"Yes. Can you tell me now kung saan ko sya makikita? I'm sure hindi niya magugustuhan na late ako sa appointment namin just because of his foolish----"

"You're late again, Ms. Javier."

My eyes instantly rolled skyward nang marinig ko na ang boses na 'yon.

"Good afternoon, sir." the two women greeted in unison habang nakatitig sa boss nila with bloody hearts in their eyes.

Damn. So even these women were being fooled by this bastard's charm.

I whirled around to face him and found him in his usual perfect suit. Now he was in black suit habang nakatingin sa'kin with his raised brow.

"I am not late, Mr. Del Fuero. Sadyang excited ka lang talagang makita ako that's why you've waited too painfully long for your taste.."

I smirked nang biglang sumimangot ang mukha nito then shook his head after awhile.

"Keep dreaming, Ms. Javier. Tyak masasaktan ka lang sa huli." Sagot nito saka agad ng naglakad patungo sa elevator. His private elevator.

Bongga.

I just grinned at that and followed his lead, keeping up with his giant steps.

"Don't worry.. I always have a dream pero hindi naman 'yon tungkol sa'yo so I'm safe." Sagot ko sa kanya nang maabutan ko ito.

"I don't think so, Ms. Javier. Sa trabaho mo, being safe was closed to impossible at 'yong black eye mo ang isa sa mga proof doon."

My eyes quickly glared to his way nang marinig ko na naman yon. Hindi ito lumingon sa'kin ang just continued walking with straight face.

The bastard.

"At isa din ang ECC sa mga proof na kahit kailan, 'di magiging safe ang company mo."

"I know. Kaya nga nandito ka ngayon to make my company safe.." Saka agad na itong huminto sa tapat ng elevator. Standing like a fencing post sa harap ng pintuan.

Well, he had a point there so I stayed silent.  Hindi naman ako nandito para makipagdebate sa taong 'to.

Nang bumukas ang pinto, agad na syang pumasok with me on his heels. I saw him pressed the 40th button.

Bloody rich bastard.

The trip to Jerusalem--ay este to the 40th floor was just too silent. Wala ni isa samin ang nagsalita.

Well, mas mabuti na nga 'yon because if we will, baka sa bangayan lang /yon mapunta.

Nang nasa 30th floor na kami, our silence was broke with my phone vibrated inside my pocket.

Agad ko na itong sinagot without even checking the caller.

"Ms. Romero?"

That made me frowned when I heard my last name. My father's name.

"Who's this?"

"I'm Ricky Vista, 'yong interested buyer ng bahay mo, Ms. Romero. I've got your number from your aunt and she said  na ikaw nalang ang kausapin ko. I believe she had already informed you about this?"

Naipikit ko na lamang ang mga mata ko nang marinig ko 'yon as my hold at my phone tightened, frustrated with it.

I let out an exasperated sigh before I answered him straightforward.

"Hindi ko binebenta ang bahay na 'yon, Mr. Vista. That's final so I hope--"

"Why don't we set up an appointment instead, Ms. Romero? Pag-usapan natin 'to in person. Para mapaliwanag ko naman ng maayos ang offer namin sa'yo."

Bloody persistent people!

"Mr. Vist---"

"Ms. Javier?"

My gaze was snapped to him na nakatayo na pala sa may pinto ng elevator, turning to my way with impatient look on his face.

"Hindi ka pa ba lalabas diyan?"

Oh yeah. Hindi ko man lang napansing nasa 40th floor na pala kami. Tumango lang ako sa kanya then followed him outside the lift.

"Ms. Romero?" Narinig kong tanong mula sa kabilang linya which caused me to groan.

"Mr. Vista, why don't we just talk about this next time? May appointment pa'ko. So if you please, just not now." Saad ko habang tiim ang mga bagang, annoyed with him habang nakasunod lang kay Mr. Del Fuero papunta sa office nito siguro.

I heard the man sighed on the other line, probably sensing my annoyance. Then good.

"Okay, but Ms. Romero, pwede bang bukas tayo mag-usap? Sa free time mo? Gustung-gusto lang talaga kitang makusap sa offer namin.."

Gods. So ganito talaga sila ka desperado na mabili ang bahay na'yon. Pero dahil may gagawin pa'ko, I have no choice but to fucking agree with him.

"I'll just text you the time and place, Mr. Vista. Bye." And without waiting for his answer, I ended that call and followed Mr. Del Fuero to his office. No doubt.

Once I was inside, I heaved up a deep breath, calming myself dahil baka mabalingan ko pa ng inis ko ang gagong 'to.

I took a quick scan of his office. Mas malaki ang silid na'to compared to Michael's. Probably double the size of Michael's office.

Floor-to-ceiling transparent glass window behind his oak desk at the center and from that window, tanaw rito ang buong siyudad. Cube cabinets and book cases at the right corner with files meticulously arranged on it. At the other corner, there was the receiving area with plush seats, center table and wide TV.

The interiors were a combination of black, white and brown colors. So him.

I noticed him sat at the plushed seat, sitting with his crossed legs.

"Do I still have to invite you to seat, Ms. Javier?"

My eyes instantly rolled upward when I heard that sarcasm from him, looking at me with his raised brow.

"Hindi na. Alam ko namang 'di mo yon sasabihin." Sarkastikong sagot ko rito saka umupo sa kabilang upuan.

He smirked then crossed his arms.

"Now, ba't di mo nalang simulang sabihin ang 'first few steps' na sinasabi mo sa'kin kahapon? I don't have a whole afternoon for this."

Oh yeah. Nandito nga pala ako dahil dun. Kung hindi lang sana sa pesteng buyer na yon, hindi sana yon nawala sa isipan ko.

Tumango na'ko rito before I started with my elbows rested on each of my legs while staring at him. 

"Firstly, Mr. Del Fuero. Kailangang walang makakaalam that you're hiring me as your P.I.."

"Consider it done. Such a waste of my precious time."

Though killing him was much more preferable to do right now, pinili ko nalang na tumango-tango and waved off my hands.

"Then good. Dahil ayokong madamay sa maaaring gawin ng mga kalaban mo laban sa'yo. Kung may balak silang taniman nalang ng bala ang malaki mong ulo, then mas mabuting ikaw lang, hindi 'yong pati ako."

Agad na dumilim ang mukha nito. Of course, hindi nagustuhan ang sinabi ko but to hell with him.

"Mag-uusap ba talaga tayo tungkol sa case ko o mag-uusap tayo kung pa'no nila ako dapat patayin, Ms. Javier?" Galit na tanong nito with his jaw kept twitching.

The latter bastard.

"Although I'd like the latter, but I guess it would be better to do the former, Mr. Del Fuero."

That made him groaned more as his face darkened more. He didn't answered and just adjusted his necktie.

A reaction which made me smirked before I continued.

"Ayokong malaman ng kahit na sino na nagtatrabaho ako sa'yo bilang P.I mo para makakilos ako ng maayos sa pag-iimbestiga ko without them suspecting me. Alam mo naman na may mga tauhan ang ECC under your employ kaya possible na malaman yon ni Mr. Enriquez and I don't want that to happen dahil mahihirapan na'kong lumapit sa kanya---"

"You're planning to get close to that bastard??"

"Yes. And can you please shut your mouth for a while? Patapusin mo muna ako before opening that big mouth----"

"Wag mo ng ituloy na sabihin 'yan, Ms. Javier. Hindi mo na ko kailanga pang insultuhin just to stop me."

"Kaya nga dapat mo ring itikom 'yang bibig mo kahit ngayon lang. Patapusin mo muna ako." I muttered under my breath habang patalim na nakikipagtitigan rito.

There's no way na magpapatalo ako sa gagong 'to.

He just sat there while staring at me with murderous eyes while his veins ready to pop out from his temple with his knuckles now turning white.

Tsk, tsk. Halatang di galit. Yes. Definitely not.

"So now, magpapatuloy na ba tayo o magtititigan nalang muna tayo rito buong araw? You choose." I asked after a few seconds habang sarkastikong nakangiti rito.

I noticed him took a deep breath and adjusted his neck tie again before he nodded.

"Continue now.." came his annoyed voice.

Tumango lang ako rito and continued kahit gusto ko pa sanang inisin ito.

"Hindi talaga maiiwasan na kailangan kong lumapit sa taong 'yon kapag gusto nating makakuha ng mga kailangan nating impormasyon."

He nodded habang nakakibit balikat with his closed mouth.

"And to avoid everyone's suspicions as to why I am meeting you here now, you have to hire me as your employee here--"

"And why would-----" 

His mouth clamped shut when I held up my hand to shut him up while glaring at him.

"Hindi pa'ko tapos, Mr. Del Fuero."

He just groaned loudly saka patalim na tumingin sa'kin but chose to close his mouth anyway. But I know deep in his thick head, he was strangling me now.

"I have to pretend as your newly hired employee para madali kong mabantayan lahat ng kilos ng mga tauhan ng ECC rito dahil hindi sila makikipag-usap sa'kin nor even try to be near me kapag alam nila na iniimbestigahan ko sila."

Para namang naiintindihan ito ng gago kasi tumatango-tango agad ito, gone was the annoyance in his face now.

"So pwede na ba'kong magsalita ngayon?"

"Go ahead."

"So ano nga bang pwedeng position na bagay sa'yo, Ms. Javier?"

"Just anything, as long as makakakilos ako rito ng hindi pinagdududahan." I said with a nonchalant shrug.

My brow shot up when a smirked suddenly crept into his mouth and eyes glinting with mischief habang tatango-tango. As if alam na nya kung anong position yon.

I know that look.

"Quit with that look, Mr. Del Fuero. Kung anuman yang kalokohang iniisip mo, 'wag mo ng ituloy." I warned at him.

He just shook his head saka sumeryoso ang mukha nito.

"I think alam ko na kung saan kita ilalagay. Tiyak makakakilos ka rito ng maayos. Kahit libutin mo pa ang buong building ko, no one will ever suspect you as someone na nag-iimbestiga."

"At ano naman kaya 'yon?"

"JANITRESS...." Then he snapped his fingers while nodding his head as if that was a great idea.

"A perfect position for you, Ms. Javier."

A great idea indeed, you shit!

Nanatili lang akong nakatingin rito ng patalim habang tiim ang mga bagang at kuyom ang mga kamay. Ready to bury him ten feet below this damn building.

I held my breath as I tried to calm my nerves. And once I was slightly calmed, I answered his bloody proposal.

"Yes. What a great idea from you." I commented with sarcasms in it which he just responded with a satisfied smirk 

"That way, pwede akong magtutulug-tulugan nalang kahit saang sulok man ng building na'to and just let yourself investigate your own case. How about that? So great right? Great thanks for your 'great idea' then. I'm sure we'll succeed with this!"

His smirk suddenly turned into a deep scowl.

"So now? Why don't you try to joke around me again? Nang 'di na tayo matapos pa rito."

"Anong position ba kasi dapat?"

"Assistant secretary. That position."

Agad na kumunot ang noo nito as he studied me.

"Care to explain kung why that? May secretary na'ko and I don't need another one.."

I shook my head and leaned my back against my seat.

"Just give me that damn position, Mr. Del Fuero. Just trust me with it."

Hindi ito agad sumagot at nanatili lamang na nakatingin sakin, probably studying me if I was to be trusted. 

As if I was just kidding at him!. Kailangan ko ngang madaliin ang case na'to nang 'di ko na makita ang pagmumukha nito.

"Okay. I'll give you that position then. Siguraduhin mo lang na hindi mo'ko bibiguin. " He finally said after a few seconds longer of his silence.

"Noted." I said while nodding which he returned with a nod as well.

"Tomorrow, pwede ka ng magsimula and make sure to look.." He trailed off and gazed at me from my head to toe with distaste on his face.

"Professional, Ms. Javier. Kung ayaw mong magmukhang janitress rito at tingin ko kailangan mo ring baguhin ang style ng pananamit mo. "

My lips pursed tightly with that. Not liking how he had looked at me like I was just wearing such a piece of crap right now.

"Hindi mo na'ko kailangang pagsabihan, Mr. Del Fuero. Alam ko naman 'yon so stop with that look. Looking at me like I was wearing some trash."

The bastard just smirked saka tumango-tango.

"Good to hear that then. So I think tapos na tayo ngayon dito. Pwede ka ng umalis dahil may gagawin pa'ko." He said with dismissal tone sabay tayo sa inuupuan nito..

My brow shot up tat that.

Oops.. Di pa tayo tapos dear bastard.

"May nakakalimutan ka yata, Mr. Del Fuero."

That made him glanced down at me with a frown on his face.

"Anong ibig mong sabihin?"

I smiled saka tumayo before I held out my hand to his way na agad naman nyang tiningnan ito with confused look saka tumingin uli sa'kin.

"At para saan naman ang kamay na 'yan?"

Para sampal sa mukha mo. Gusto mo?

"Of course, kailangan mo'kong bigyan ng budget para sa new wardrobe ko. You specifically said that I have to change my fashion style so how do you think I could possibly do that if you won't even give me some money to spend for that?"

A disbelief scoff instantly escaped from his mouth.

"You're impossible. And you think na maloloko mo'ko rito, Ms. Javier? And why would I even do that when it is 'your' responsibility na bumili ng susuotin mo rito."

I just shook my head at that at hindi parin binababa 'yong kamay ko.

"But it is 'your' responsibility to provide everything na kailangan ng P.I mo, Mr. Del Fuero and this is after all for my investigation of your case. Remember the condition of our contract?"

I smirked nang hindi agad ito umimik at nanatili lamang na nakatingin sa'kin ng patalim.

I know he was ready to murder me now and I know so well kung anong dahilan no'n.

After awhile of just murdering me with his icy glares, I heard him let out a resigned sigh and grudgingly fished out his wallet under his coat while cursing under his breath.

Tsk, tsk..

"Here. Use this card to buy everything you need." Saad nito sabay abot sa'kin ang...shit! Black Master card bakla!

With excitement, kukunin ko na sana 'yon but I pouted nang bigla nalang niya itong inilayo mula sa'kin.

"At bago mo kunin 'to, Don't you dare to forget to buy everything what you only need!"

I just rolled my eyes at that saka nagkibit ng balikat.

"As if I'd buy a new car that worth a billion dollars! I promise."

"And mind you, ayokong sinasayang ang pera ko so make sure to spend my money wisely. Are we clear, Ms. Javier?" Matigas nitong bilin sa'kin.

As kuripot as he was, mukhang kailangan ko pang magsubmit ng financial report nito.

Tumango na lamang ako rito and took that card from him.

"Okay fine. I'd only buy everything what was only needed. And to make you feel at ease, bibigyan na lamang kita ng financial report for my expenses.. Is that enough for you?"

He quickly nodded his thick head at that with satisfaction on his face.

"Good. Aasahan ko yan. Leave now.."

I smiled saka tumango.

"As you wish my dear kamahalan.." Panunuya ko pa rito before I took my leave with an excited smile on my face. Leaving him probably frustrated dahil mabubutasan na naman ng konti ang bulsa nito.

But whatever.

NOW, IT'S SHOPPING TIME!

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