Present Day Manila, June 18th,
Dr. Miguel Flores was browsing through his books when he heard a knock on his door. It was 11 pm in the evening and he wasn't expecting any guest tonight. Dr. Flores is an expert in Philippine history and lore. He also happens to have expertise in old Philippine maps and its topography, in other words, an expert cartographer. The knocks keep coming and feeling irritated Dr. Flores yelled, "Who is it?!"
Nobody answered. Another round of knocks came in quicker duration.
He dropped his glasses off and in an irritated voice said: "I'm coming please wait!"
He opened the door. And there was no one outside, curious he stepped outside and that proved to be a mistake. He never noticed from his backside the intruder hit the back of his head with his cocked gun. The good doctor never knew what hit him as he fell on his knees and immediately lose consciousness. Two other men carried him off, as to where no one knows for sure.
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Inspector Luis Legaspi was woken from his sleep by a ring on his phone. It was the wee hours and he has barely slept. With his head still on an eternal loop, he almost fell getting his phone in the living room. Rubbing his eyes and yawning he said hello. On the other line was Aubrey Flores, Dr. Flores' daughter. She was crying.
"Aubrey, it Four O'Clock. What's biting you?"
"Pa, he's gone"
"Your daddy is always gone," Luis answered curtly.
"This is different. Every night before going to bed he calls me, every single night since the annulment..." Aubrey briefly stopped. Dr. Flores and his wife had a messy annulment procedure. The Doctor didn't want the proceedings but he, admittedly, has somehow neglected his family because of his work, his wife has had enough. She has put up with him with his work for years. Aubrey was their only daughter, their only child. Only 24 years of age, she was beautiful as the word would insist. Although having morena features, her nose was of straight edge. She was doe-eyed and had a supermodel smile. She was a dead-ringer for Carrey Mulligan if she was brown. Men who saw her were always mesmerized by her great looks. Even Luis can't deny that he loves seeing her.
"...He never called. I went to his apartment and saw traces of blood. His papers are everywhere as if someone searched his home. You know Pa, he's never left a mess of his area. I am here now, please come quick." Aubrey followed through.
"I am coming," the inspector offered. Dr. Luis was his instructor on Topography in military class. He became friends with the doctor and met the family where he became a family friend of sorts. Sometimes he makes an excuse to visit the doctor because he also wanted to have a glimpse of Aubrey. He cannot help the attraction and often sees himself with her. A relationship. He knocked his head. Now is not the right time to daydream. This is serious. In an instant, his demeanor changed. This time he wanted to solve the disappearance of his friend. He wanted to, for Miguel and for Aubrey.