23: Off to the truth

SAM's POV

A sigh of relief escaped from me while pacing back and forth around my tinee tiny sala nang walang kahirap-hirap. Mga ilang araw na rin ang nakalipas mula ng muntikan ng mapaaga ang libing ko. And it's been days now as well since I've read that article in the newspaper.

'Ayon sa asawa ng biktima, katatagpuin sana ng babae sa pinagyarihan ng krimen ang may-ari ng DFCS. Wala pang naging tugon si Mr. Del Fuero tungkol dito at kasalukuyan pang tinitingnan ang mga nakuhang video footages na maaaring makatulong sa paglutas ng krimeng ito. Sa kasamaang palad, may mga ilang nawawala---' and then the damn article was unfortunately being torn! at hindi ko alam kung sinadya ba ito o inaasar lang talaga ako. Hinanap ko ang parte ng napunit na article but as lucky as I was, hindi ko mahagilap ito.

Even the internet didn't help me at all. Parang binura ang lahat ng mga article na related sa case na'to and I think Mr. Del Fuero has something to do with it. And now I think kailangan ko na namang kausapin ang taong 'yon.

I know this wasn't connected to my case pero 'di ko lang mapigilang mapaisip why dad kept those newspapers with him. An article about this murder case was in every newspaper he had kept so something was really off about it. Why would dad kept it? Is his case connected to the file? Or is dad knows kung ano talagang meron sa case na'to.

He was probably having a secret affair with that victim that' was why magkikita sana ang mga ito sa hotel noon.

I abruptly halted with my steps when that thought came in mind. Brows creases in confusion as I blankly stare at the newspaper na kasalukuyang nakalatag pa rin sa mesa.

Secret affair... Pero ayon sa diyaryo, nasa late thirties na ang babae and that crime happened more than ten years ago so that means Cameron Del Fuero was only eighteen or nineteen that time.

So ang ibig sabihin ba nito, that woman was his sugar mom? I suddenly shuddered in pure disgust just the thought of him doing Godknows what kapag nakikipagkita ito sa babaeng 'yon.

I quickly shrugged that disgusting thoughts away from my system saka naglakad papasok sa silid ko. Kung anumang ginagawa ng taong 'yon sa buhay niya, especially his lovelife, wala akong pakialam. Ang kailangan ko lang ngayong malaman ay kung anong kaugnayan ng kaso niya sa kaso ng daddy ko at ano 'yong mga nawawala na tinutukoy ng diyaryo.

I quickly took my black leather jacket na nakalatag sa kama kasama ng baril at phone ko saka 'yon isinuot and then pocketed my phone. I slid the gun inside the waistband of my jeans behind me, making sure it was hidden well underneath my jacket. Then without wasting a second, tumungo na'ko sa pintuan but not without picking up some newspapers from the table before I rushed outside.

Over a week of just doing nothing but hasten up my recovery was enough and it's time for me to move lightning fast bago pa'ko tutuluyan ng kung sinumang gustong sumagasa sa'kin.

I've already called Allan about it last week para imbestigahan ito and I'm still waiting for his feedback since the bastard was still out of town for his case.

Shaking my thoughts off, I started the engine and just drove off to my destination.

To where I can get the informations I want Mr. Del Fuero would never ever give me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It didn't took me long to get to that place given na malapit lang naman 'yon sa apartment ko. Agad na'kong bumaba after I parked my car sa harapan ng pamilyar na building with MONTERO HOTEL was displayed right above the entrance.

I don't think makakalimutan ko ang lugar na'to. This was where I've met that bastard for the very annoying first time. I just hope na hindi ko na naman makikita ang taong 'yon dito.

Shaking my head, I walked towards the entrance with purposeful stride and with newspaper in my hand. Pagkarating ko sa may lobby, the same luxurious interior from before greeted me. Dumiretso na'ko sa reception area where again, two women in their fitted uniform, so alike with Mr. Del Fuero's, were sitting there.

I mentally rolled my eyes at the thought of that. I guess men really loved seeing women in their sexiest and shortest short outfits. And given how playboy Liam is, I think this was expected from him and I even think that Liam love women in nude form more than his life.

Shrugging that thoughts, I headed towards them and was fortunately greeted with a wide smile ng isa sa kanila while the other one is busy typing something in the computer.

"Good morning, ma'am. May maitutulong po ba kami sa inyo?"

"I'm here to talk with Mr. Montero and I haven't set an appointment with him but I know he'll meet me kung alam niya na nandito ako."Diretsang saad ko rito which she fortunately answered with a nod and not with a sneer.

"Tatawagan ko po muna siya, Ms...?"

"Javier. Sam Javier." I supplied when she trailed off. She quickly nodded then took the phone and put it to her ear.

"Ms. Javier. Tatawagan ko muna siya."

"Sure."

Then I waited for her while she make a call. Alam kong busy ang taong 'yon but I know he's busy with his women too. So I think he can spare a few minutes for me.

He better be. Because aside from Mr. Del Fuero himself, siya lang ang makakasagot sa mga tanong na gumugulo sa isipan ko ngayon.

"She said she's Sam Javier, sir. And--okay, sir. Paaakyatin ko na po siya." She said while nodding saka ibinaba ang telepono then looked at me with a smile, an indication of good news.

"Pwede na po kayong umakyat ma'am. Naghihintay na po siya sa inyo. Nasa huling floor po ang office niya."

"Thank you." I answered saka tumalikod na and then headed to the elevator.

When I got inside the cabin, I quickly pressed the button for the last floor of this building then I'm off to his floor. Mga ilang sandali lang, the elevator had took me to the last floor. Agad na'kong lumabas and then was greeted with another female specie but not in fitted uniform at medyo may edad na ito. She's standing in front of a door, the CEO's office door, while warmly smiling at me.

Don't tell me Liam was interested in old women too? Another shudder of disgust came into me, remembering Mr. Del Fuero's relation to that dead woman in the newspaper. Agad ko nalang na iwinaksi 'yon sa isipan ko, I'm not here para isipin 'yon.

"Good morning, Ms. Javier. Naghihintay na sa loob si Mr. Montero. You can get in now."

Even her voice sounded warm and motherly, quite the opposite of how I've painted her to be. Probably I'm wrong about her being Liam's sugar momma.

Tumango lang ako rito and gave her a small smile before I opened the door ane get in.

"Samantha, Samantha! To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit??"

That cheerful voice greeted me pagpasok na pagpasok ko palang, causing me to groan just hearing how he had just called me. He was on his desk, leaning against his seat with his folded arms under his head habang nakangising nakatingin sa'kin.

"How's your injuries? I guess you're too eager to see me kaya maayos kana ngayon. Way too fast for a recovery." Pagpapatuloy nito with a wide grin still pasted on his face.

"And let me guess, you've enjoyed my predicament too much nang ipinasundo mo'ko sa kaibigan mo!" I sneered habang naglakad palapit rito.

The bastard just arched his brows up, as if he had no idea about it but after a few seconds na matiim lang akong nakatingin rito with pure disapproval in my face, his lips curled up to the side then chuckled, confirming my suspicion.

This shit!

"Well, you can say that. Alam mo namang I do love seeing you two together and maybe in the future, sa harap ng---"

"Shut up, Liam. Hindi ka yata masyadong busy ngayon given that you seems to want to have a not so short chitchat with me." Putol ko agad rito when I know kung saan na papunta ang sasabihin nito. Nang makalapit nako sa kanya, I freely sat at the vacant seat before his desk without waiting for his invitation.

"Hmm. I'm crazily busy but for you, I can spare some time." He muttered with a wink.

I just rolled my eyes at that, planning to get down to my business here knowing na hindi ito titigil sa kakaasar kung papatulan ko pa ito.

"Good then. May mga ilang katanungan lang naman ako Liam na tingin ko ikaw lang ang makakasagot no'n."

"Then ask me now."

I studied him for a few moment when he said that, he was still in the same comfortable position. And when I think he was serious enough and have no idea kung ano ang ipinunta ko rito, I took a deep breath before I started.

"Anong nangyari Kay Mr. Del Fuero--"

"Ahuh! Sabi ko na nga ba!" He said, cutting me off as he snapped his fingers. As if he had suddenly solved some puzzle nang sabihin ko 'yon.

"You're here to ask me about, Cameron because you're finally into him, Samantha! Oh damn! Sabi ko na nga ba! I'm sure Cameron..."

He suddenly halted with his nonsense when he noticed my eyes, my eyes full of warnings. His Adams apple bobbed before he cleared his throat saka inayos ang suit nito.

"I mean, ano nga uli 'yong tanong mo, Sam?"

Sighing exasperatedly, inilapag ko na lamang ang diyaryo na kanina ko pa hawak, making sure to display the headline about that woman.

He frowned and then looked at me with questioning eyes.

"Hindi mo naman siguro iniisip na ako ang suspek sa murder crime ng nasa lumang diyaryo na'to ano?"

"Well, kahit na gusto kong isipin 'yon dahil sa reputasyon mo sa mga babae but no. Gusto ko lang sabihin mo kung anong kinalaman ni Mr. Del Fuero sa kasong 'yan. His name was mentioned in that article so I guess may kinalaman siya sa kasong 'yan."

"Mentioned? At ba't naman madadawit ang pangalan niya rito?" He asked with creased brows saka dinampot ang diyaryo and then inspected it.

"You said it happened more than a decade ago at pa'no naman masasang.....kot..."

"Something wrong?" Agad na taong ko rito when he suddenly trailed off saka walang imik na nakatitig lang dito.

And by just looking at his reaction now, I think may naalala na ito. Of course, bestfriends knows almost everything about each other at tingin ko, Cameron trusted this man here.

"Tell me now, Liam. Kaano-ano niya ang babaeng 'yan? And why---"

"No." Agad na putol nito sa'kin sabay baba ng diyaryo with determined look on his face. Determined to deny what he knew.

"Wala akong sasabihin tungkol dito, Sam." He uttered, now shaking his head.

"Hindi ako ang dapat na tanungin mo nito. It should be Cameron."

"And you think he'll tell me if I'd do that? I wouldn't have been here now if that bastard will do that, Liam."

He sighed and he seems disturbed about it. But knowing that I was right, I know bibigay din ito if I persuade him more.

"Liam, alam kong may alam ka tungkol dito kaya kung pwede, sabihin mo na Please. Kailangan ko lang malaman 'yon. How is he related to that murder case and that woman?? Is she his--"

"At bakit mo naman kailangang malaman ang tungkol dun, Sam? May gusto ka ba sa kanya? Or perhaps...gusto mo na ang gagong yon?"

Napasimangot agad ako rito when he suddenly asked that while waggling his brows, his eyes suddenly turned playful again.

Oh God. I have to stop myself na sakalin nalang ang gagong ito if I want him to give me the information I need.

"Basta kailangan ko lang malaman 'yon. It's connected with the case I am handling right now and no, hindi ako interesado sa kanya at mas lalong hindi ko gusto ang ang kaibigan mo. I'm only interested sa kung ano ang kinalaman niya sa murder case na 'yan, Liam. So please, sabihin mo na sa'kin ang nalalaman mo."

He just folded his arms on his chest and leaned against his chair, smirking face stupidly studying me.

"Well, kung ganun man. Then I have no reason para sabihin sa'yo ang nalalaman ko, Sam."

Can I kill him now? Don't stop me God please.

Inhaling deeply for the nth time, I keep myself calm.

"Liam, hindi ako nagbibiro rito kaya sana sagutin mo na 'yong tanong ko."I said with gritted teeth while staring at him with pleading and determined look in my eyes which I think effective naman dahil agad na sumeryoso ang mukha nito.

"Kahit na mukha akong nakikipagbiruan sa'yo, pero hindi Sam. Gusto ko lang rin namang malaman if there's even a chance na magkagusto ka sa kaibigan ko. You know, medyo matagal naring walang girlfriend ang gagong 'yon and I'm worried na tatandang single 'yon. Buti nalang na dumating ka so kampante na'kong malabo ng mangyari 'yon.."

"Oh please, Liam. As if that bastard would even be interested with me kahit sabihin ko pa ngayon that he had!"

"I know he will. And I'll make sure that he will. 'Yon lang naman ang gusto kong kapalit sa sasabihin ko sa'yo, Sam. Cameron would definitely kill me kapag nalaman niyang sinabi ko sa'yo ang nalalaman ko so it's just fair na bigyan mo'ko ng kapalit no'n that worth to know if he ever decided to rearrange my handsome face." Pagpapatuloy niya while stroking his treasured face.

So that's what he want? Well then, ba't di ko nalang ibigay sa kanya yon? My mind commented when my patience had reach to its non-existent endpoint.

I studied his face again, sizing him up and his childish negotiation.

"At kung sasabihin ko ba na gusto ko nga ang gagong kaibigan mo, are you sure na sasabihin mo rin lahat ng nalalaman mo, Liam?"

The side of his mouth instantly curled up into a smirk, saka ito tumango-tango. Excitement visible on his face.

"Of course."

"Then fine. Interesado nga ko sa kanya." I snapped at him which taken him in surprise.

It wasn't as if that was too hard to do.

"Nasabi ko na kaya sabihin mo na ngayon ang alam mo, Liam."

He just grinned saka tumango-tango, as if that wasn't a news at all.

"Sabi ko na nga ba. My matchmaking talent was---"

"The info Liam. Tell me now." I cut him off with bored tone, wanted him to get straight to the point.

"Oh yes, of course. Sasabihin ko naman talaga but I just have to let you know how happy..."

"Yeah, yeah. You're happy and whatever." I cut him off again while waving off my hand.

"Sabihin mo na sa'kin ngayon. Tama ng paliguy-ligoy, Liam."

"Okay. Okay. Sasabihin ko na. Ano bang gusto mong malaman?"

"Sino ang babaeng 'yon? Anong kaugnayan ng kaibigan mo sa kanya? Anong nangyari sa---"

"Wooh wooh. Hinay hinay naman sa mga tanong mo, Samantha. Sasagutin ko naman lahat 'yon so just ask me one at a time." Awat nito sa'kin while holding up his hand to stop me.

I just nodded at him and then with that, his face suddenly turned serious before he started.

"Ang totoo niyan, wala naman siyang kinalaman sa kasong 'yon. How could Cameron be connected to that case when he was in overseas that time?"

"Wait. He wasn't here that time pero bakit nasa article ang pangalan niya??" I asked in confusions.

The bastard just rolled his eyes saka sumagot.

"Of course, nag-aaral siya nang mga panahong 'yon, 'abroad'." He said, emphasizing the last word. "At hindi naman siya ang tinutukoy ng article na 'yon but the old Mr. Del Fuero, Ronaldo del Fuero, his father."

That info made my forehead creases than ever.

His father? So hindi ito ang taong pwedeng makakasagot sa mga tanong ko kundi ang ama nito? And he was not the one who was having an affair with that woman but his father?

Oh no.

"At ayon kay Cameron, that woman was his father's ex-girlfriend pero 'di ko alam kung bakit sinabing makikipagkita sa papa niya ang babaeng 'yon. " he stated while stroking his chin, deeply thinking about it.

"Probably para pag-usapan ang status nila or they were having a secret affair and they're supposed to meet up that time to have a tryst?"

When I said that, he suddenly chuckled at me. As if I've said the funniest idea ever. Obviously amused with me.

"No Sam. That's impossible." he said after he recovered from his amusement.

"His father may be harsh but never a womanizer. Kahit matagal ng patay ang asawa niya, Cameron's mother, hindi na siya nag-asawa pa uli and just devoted his life on his company."

Hearing that, I nodded with understanding.

"So what happened to his father after that case? I couldn't find any news related to him in the internet so someone must've probably took it down on purpose."

"Yes. You're right.The old Del Fuero himself ordered the media na ipull out lahat ng article na'yon. Siguro dahil nakakaapekto 'yon sa image ng company, especially when all of them assumed that he was the one who was responsible of that crime."

So that was the reason kung bakit galit na galit sa'kin ang gagong del Fuero na 'yon after he'd saw this newspaper. But why would he? Hindi naman ito ang pinagbibintangan ng lahat na gumawa no'n but just his father.

'No one would dare to choose you once everyone would find out that you're a son of a murderer.'

When Enriquez' words suddenly echoed in my head, understanding slowly dawn on me. Okay. I think that was the real reason kung bakit galit na galit ito. It was because he'd been tagged as a son of a murderer and no one would want to be tagged like that. Especially from his arch enemy.

I saw Liam leaned his elbow on his table with his still serious face, as if he had something confidential to share with me which caused me to feel thankful sa katabilan ng bibig nito.

"At sa pagkakaalam ko....hindi natapos ang case na'to, Sam. Even before Cameron's father's death, hindi naiclose ang case na 'yon until now."

That caught my interest more, making me confused with it and at the same time curious.

"Death? Are you saying na patay na si Mr. Del Fuero--I mean the old Mr. Del Fuero?" I asked with creased brows, wanted to confirm kung totoo ba ang naririnig ko.

"Ahuh. A few months pagkatapos ng insidenteng 'yon, nadatnang wala na itong buhay sa sarili niyang higaan. They said stroke daw ang dahilan nito." He answered with a nod.

Oh shit. Then that leaves me no one now na posibleng makakatulong sa'kin . Mr. Del Fuego could probably help me but I'm pretty sure, he'd never do such thing.

But given that I couldn't think of anyone that could help me but just him, then that leaves me no choice but get him help me at any cost.

"Liam, bakit nga pala hindi nasolve ang case na'yon? Wala bang ginawa ang mga pulis or even Mr. Del Fuero's father? Sa hotel suite nangyari ang krimen na 'yon, wala bang cctv cameras sa lugar na 'yon or anyone na posibleng nakakita sa kung sinong may gawa ng krimen?"

"Meron naman. But unfortunately, may bumura sa mga footages na kuha ng mangyari ang krimen and no one came out na nakakita ng mga pangyayari. That was the reason why this became a cold case until now. 'Yan lang ang alam ko." He answered with a shrug before he leaned his back on his chair again.

"Only Cameron can answer all your questions, Sam. We were may be friends for so long but he's the type of a friend na hindi nagsasabi ng mga nangyayari sa buhay niya and I know only 'you--'" he said while pointing his finger at me with a knowing smirk on his mouth. "..can possibly get that from him because----"

He wasn't able to finish his statement when suddenly, the door in his office burst opened and then the same old woman earlier rushed inside.

"Excuse me for my interruption. I just wanted to remind you William na may ilang minuto ka nalang to prepare before your lunch meeting with your client."

Liam suddenly stood up from his seat at that saka dali-daling napatingin sa relo nito and then cursed out under his breath. Obviously not liking what he was seeing.

"Oh fuck! I hate to say this but I have to go now, Samantha. I still have meetings to attend now."he said with remorseful look in his eyes as he opened his suitcase on his table and then rummaged through it.

Though I still have more questions to ask him, tumango na lamang ako sabay tayo mula sa kinauupuan ko.

"I guess kailangan ko naring umalis ngayon. May kailangan rin akong asikasuhin and thank you for the informations anyway." paalam ko na rito and then began to head for the door.

I guess kailangan ko ng simulan ang paghahanap ng sagot ngayon.. By getting that from the only person na posibleng makapagbibigay sa'kin no'n...

Cameron del Fuero. That asshole.

And to start that, I should visit that bastard now and talk to him.

At that thought, I smirked and nodded at the woman at the doorway.

"Ah by the way Sam.."

That made me turned at him with expectant look.

"Remind ko lang pala sa'yo that Cameron will be out of his office for a few days since he'd be out of country from today. I just wanted to let you know that dahil baka pupunta ka sa office niya." He stated without looking at me, still rummaging through his suitcase.

Out of country??? Does this mean, I couldn't get to ask that bastard that long? Just the thought of that, my hand mentally slapped my forehead out of aggravation.

"That long? Then what about his company? Iiwan niya nalang ba ng ganun ganun ang kompanya nya with no one---"

"Iniwan niya muna sa'kin ito kung yan ang pinag-aalala mo Sam. It's in my good and pretty hands so rest assured na walang mangyayaring masama rito." Putol nito, now looking at me with again, a stupid grin on his face.

Again, my eyes rolled upward as a loud sigh escape from me.

"Whatever, Liam. Aalis na'ko. Marami pa 'kong gagawin imbes na---"

"Don't you want to bid Cameron a sweet goodbye, Sam? Sa pagkakaalam ko 1pm pa ang alis niya and it's only 11:55 am kaya may oras ka pa."

That made me stopped on my track and looked at him with creased brows.

"I thought nakaalis na ito?." I trailed off when an idea came in, dahilan para mapakunot ang noo ni Liam and hastily walked towards me.

"If you're thinking about coming with him, then do it, Sam. This is your chance to ask him whatever question you have for him and you still have an hour before his flight. I have to leave now. May meeting pa'ko. Please don't think about it. Just do it." Liam uttered with a playful grin before he took his leave.

Leaving me with those tempting thoughts.

Yeah right. He had a point. That bastard can possibly give me the answer I want so why not do it then?

Without giving it another thought, nilisan ko na agad ang lugar na'yon as I made up my mind.