When Paul asked Sanno if his mutant had said anything to him about his escape, a smirk almost fell on Sanno's lips, but he managed to hide it. He was so excited to bring down the whole D.M. Cadre.
"Hmmm… I think Chrome did mention something," Sanno replied, faking his sadness. "He told me that he wanted to be free… and I thought it was just some random sentence..."
"I see… I'm just not quite sure how he contacted people outside. It's weird. We had some sort of a signal jammer in every basement room," Paul said, not realizing that he's already giving information to his enemy. He saw how Sanno's eyebrows furrowed and how tears formed in his eyes. He was almost convinced that Sanno's innocent.
"Why don't you ask Roy?" Sanno said to evade more questions from Paul, "He's close with him, too,"
"Yes. I've already told my teammate to ask him some questions," Paul told him. And while they were conversing in the lobby, he had his men inspect Sanno's car. He had to be cautious around all the people close to Chrome because he had already failed twice as the Head of the Security Team. He didn't want to have a third failure. He was proud of himself that he had planned ahead.
But Sanno had already foreseen that it might happen, that was why he asked Kayle to pick-up all his high-tech gadgets. When he saw a faint smile appearing on Paul's face, he had a hunch that his men were already in his car, searching for all traces of evidence. "What a typical move to do," he thought.
Paul kept on asking random questions just to prolong their conversation. When his men sent a chat to him that they're done inspecting his car, Paul said, "It's late. I know you're tired, Mr. Angeldame. I'm done with the questions. You may go," then he extended his arms to him for a handshake, "Thanks for your cooperation."
Sanno fixed his long-sleeved sweater, "No problem, glad to help," and shook hands with him, "Please let me know if you'd fire me or transfer me. You know… the termination fee…"
"Ah, the money," Paul said. He knew that Sanno's in grave need of money. Again, he felt proud of himself that he had investigated Sanno beforehand. He saw in Sanno's records that his mother is a nurse in Eulim General Hospital, while his father had already died. It was also in his records that he's adopted. In his essay about himself during the application process, he wrote that they were living a hard life because his father left a very huge debt. Of course, Paul also asked the bank for their records, and had confirmed that it was true. He was confident. Very confident.
But then again, before he investigated Sanno and his government records, the quick-witted hacker had already modified his records, and it was way back after college graduation. In addition to this, his clever father Dexter had hidden Sanno's real birth certificate and hospital records. He even modified them because he said that he had too many enemies which might put them in a difficult position.
Which of these information are true? Which of these are not?
Paul didn't know the answer, and he didn't know that he was being tricked. Again, Sanno had outwitted him and his team. As he walked away from the main building, he saw that some of the D.M. Cadre employees were still in shock because of the sudden blackout. They didn't know that their mysterious enemy was already marching towards the e-train, within their dear research facility that they had always thought to be safe.
It was only after a while that Paul called the Head Scientist. He knew he was already sleeping, but the matter was an urgent case. As he was waiting for him to answer the call, he was silently answering some questions that his boss might ask him. It was after five missed calls that he answered it.
"Yes?" Dr. Logan said, after properly sitting on his bed.
"Sir, something bad happened," Paul said. He then explained everything, from the blackout to the escape of the chameleon mutant. He also said that Assistant Scientist Roy and Sanno Angeldame were questioned, and were cleared already.
"Sanno… Angeldame?" Dr. Logan said, as if familiar with his name. "He's the chameleon mutant's caretaker?"
"Yes, sir."
Dr. Logan suddenly felt very awake, and stood up away from his bed, "Did you investigate him thoroughly?"
"Yes, sir. We looked through his car without him knowing."
"And you said that he lived in Newton Grand Tower, right?"
"Yes, sir."
"Hmm… Now, that's suspicious," Dr. Logan stared at the floor. He was recalling the surname Angeldame. It can't be. Sanno Angeldame can't be related to the doctor who almost ended his career. "Check his family background. I'm very suspicious of him."
"Done. I even got his records from the Philippian Statistics office. He's cleared, sir."
"Go and let your men follow him now," Dr. Logan told him. He wanted to make sure. It's not because he didn't trust his colleague, but it's because of his surname.
Paul felt that the Head Scientist didn't fully trust him. It's understandable; he had already failed him twice, and the whole D.M. Cadre Research Facility might be at stake because of it. Instead of sulking, it was better to reflect on his mistakes and follow orders. He called his men to follow Sanno discreetly.
After some time, Kayle arrived at Newton Grand Tower. Chrome transferred to Kayle's tinted car. Joshua sat on the front seat while Chrome leaned in towards them to hear the next plan.
"Chrome and I will go to Sanno's house in Makylee," Kayle said, explaining things slowly so that Chrome would understand very well. "Joshua, you stay here as a back-up for Sanno."
"'Kay. I'll return to my unit after you go," Joshua replied.
"Really? Sanno has a house in Makylee?" the chameleon mutant wondered. It was because he thought that Sanno was poor.
Kayle chuckled, "Oh no, looks like you've been scammed!"
"But don't worry," Joshua told Chrome, "From now on, you'll see who he really is."
Chrome didn't mind that he was tricked by Sanno, and he was already forgiven. Besides, if it's not because of him, he wouldn't be free. Then, as if suddenly remembering a very important thing, he told them, "Hey, I need to get some stuff somewhere. Am I allowed to?"
"Depends on the location. If it's safe, we can go there. Is it urgent?" Kayle asked.
"Hmm… Yeah," Chrome nodded. It seemed like he just had an idea on how he could help Sanno in taking down D.M. Cadre.