SAM'S POV
'Stop the case or you'll suffer the consequences.'
I just shook my head when I remembered that text again this morning.
Hindi ko na kailangan pang alamin kung kanino galing 'yon. With the progress of my case dahil sa nangyari kagabi, I'm sure kinakabahan na sila ngayon and to solve their problem, they'll definitely start with me. At eto nga, I received their stupid move.
Threatening me.
Tsk, tsk..
They should've come up with a more smart idea than that.
Kasalukuyan akong nagmamaneho ngayon papunta sa office namin. Kahit mga 2am na'ko ng madaling araw nakatulog kagabi, bumangon parin ako ng maaga because I have something important to do today. Never mind about my bruises.
Something na related sa text na 'yon.
Bukas na ang schedule ng hearing sa case na'to at naisubmit ko na ang report ko via email together with those video footages I've taken last night.
And Suzane? Well, I have nothing to worry about her now. She was quite adamant and brave to testify on the hearing tomorrow and she was under my agency's protection so no one could scare her to back out.
And all I have to do now is to make sure na walang judge ang makikialam bukas.
I quickly take a left turn papunta sa kung saan ang office namin. Nang makarating na'ko, I quickly parked my car upfront.
I glanced down at my wristwatch to check the time and when I had came just on time, I was about to rush inside the building but my steps halted when from out of nowhere, two men in tailored black suit had suddenly blocked my way.
The reason why my brow arched up.
From the look of them, it was no doubt that they're someone na may kinalaman sa text na yon kanina at sa 'important something' na gagawin ko today.
With narrowed eyes, I studied them closely and checked for any weapons.
And when I found nothing, saka ko lang sinita ang mga Ito.
"Anong kailangan nyo sa'kin?" seryoso kong tanong sa kanila with eyes not wavering while looking at them straight to their eyes.
"May gustong kumausap sa'yo."
I mentally smirked at that.
I think alam ko na kung sino ang gustong kumausap sa'kin.
"Nasaan siya?"
They seem surprised with that question, probably they're wondering why I had asked that.
"Sa kotse. He's waiting for you in the car." The other man with a semi-baldy hair cut answered while pointing out where their car was.
I followed his finger and there it was, a latest black bentley car across the the road. A millions worth of car.
Of course, marami ng ginagong batas ang taong 'to so this was expected.
But let's see kung anong mangyayari sa kanya after this case.
"I'll go talk to him." I said saka mauna ng tumawid sa daan papunta sa sasakyang 'yon. The two just followed on my heels.
And when I get there, I quickly knocked at the tinted windows at the backseat.
In a second, the door instantly opened and revealed the smiling Judge. Medyo matanda na itong tingnan dahil sa iilang puting hibla ng buhok nito sa ulo and the wrinkles on his face added to that old appearance.
"Ms. Javier. You can come in." Bungad nito saka ito umupo sa kabilang upuan and made a space for me.
Without any words, I complied to that. The other man in suit then closed the door.
"I've finally get to meet you, Ms. Javier."
"Anong kailangan mo sa'kin?"
He just looked at me saka ngumiti sa'kin. I know that smile. A smile with a hidden message.
"Alam mo na siguro kung anong pakay ko rito, Ms. Javier."
"Care to tell me kung ano 'yon? Hindi ko yata alam kung anong pakay mo sa'kin. You know I'm just a P.I, Mr. Agustus at hindi manghuhula."
Biglang umasim ang mukha nitobut he quickly covered it up with a smile An annoyed smile.
"Then I guess hindi na'ko magpapaligoy-ligoy pa, Ms. Javier. Alam ko na ikaw ang may hawak sa kaso ni Ms. Garcia against Frederico Asuncion. Gusto naming itigil mo na'to ora mismo."
A disbelief scoff escaped from my mouth in a sudden. Causing his gaze turned to a glare in an instant.
"Itigil ko para ano? Para makalabas ang taong 'yon? And make him the innocent and denied the justice his victims truly deserved?"
A surprise look flickered in his eyes. Probably because of my upfront manner.
Inayos muna nito ang kwelyo nito and then looked at me with a smirk on his face.
"Of course, Ms. Javier. After all, wala naman talagang kasalanan ang taong----"
"Then are you trying to say na walang kasalanan ang taong 'yon kahit na kitang-kita naman sa mga pasang natamo ng mga biktima??"
This time, his composure began to lose as the anger in his eyes now were undeniable. Well, I've got news for him. I myself now was itching to bite his shameless head off.
"You're a judge yourself so you yourself should know what's a substantial evidence and whatnot."
"His past cases was dismissed dahil walang sapat na ebidensya at 'yong iba ay nagsisinungali---"
"Of course, madidismiss talaga ang mga case na 'yon because you were there! You were there to help that darn prick when you should've been the one protecting those women!"
Agad na dumilim ang mukha nito when I bluntly answered that.
"Careful with what you're accusing me, Ms. Javier. Wala kang patunay na may kinalaman ako dun!" Nakatiim ang mga bagang na sagot pa nito.
I just smirked at that and then crossed my arms.
"I know you would say that, Mr. Agustos. Kaya nga may inihanda akong surpresa para sa'yo. Just a small present for you. A present that you'd definitely regret we've even meet today."
That took him aback. Alarm was in his eyes.
"Anong big mong sabihin?"
"Ano nga ba uli 'yon?" maang na tanong ko sa sarili, tapping my my finger on my chin while I pretended to give it a deep thought.
I heard him growled, obviously annoyed being toyed by me But I take no need of it and continued.
"I think kahapon 'yon. In a restaurant. What was its name again? The Lux? The Deluxe?..hmmm"
When I glanced at him, shock was written all over his face.
"What are you trying to say?!" matigas na tanong nito. Now finally losing his composure.
I just smirked at him then quickly put up a serious face.
"Ang gusto ko lang namang sabihin sa'yo. I know what you were doing in that place so don't even try to deny that on my face because that reveals your relationship with the suspect. With you--" I pointed him. "Being with Frederico in a VIP room."
"And do you think everyone would believe that in the court tomorrow? You have no evidence to prove that---"
"But what if I have? Ano kayang posibleng mangyari sa'yo kapag malaman ng lahat that all this time, you are receiving a lump sum of money from the suspect? A dismissal in your job perhaps? Or a long sentence? Just take your pick."
This time, his face reddened up like a ripe tomato. He was on a verge of exploding in rage.
A rare sight that I expected to witness today.
But after a few moments of just murdering me with his glare, I noticed him heaved up a breath before he put up an unaffected facade.
Oh.. as if that would fool me.
"At sa tingin mo, matatakot mo'ko sa mga sinasabi mong 'yan? Mind you, Ms. Javier. I am not someone na matatakot ng ganun-ganun nalang dahil lang sa isang katulad mo."
That made me grinned at him in amusement.
"Hindi naman sa nanakot.. Ang sa'kin lang naman, manginig kana sa takot ngayon."
"If I were you, I'll stop this case kung gusto mo pang humaba ang buhay mo."
My brow instantly arched up at that.
"Are you threatening me, Mr. Agustos?"
He smirked then clasped his hands before him, probably trying to hide his trembling hands when it was so obvious.
"Hmm, kung yan ang tingin mo.. Then Yes. I am threatening you."
Hearing that, I coldn't help but laughed in amusement. Causing him to scowl at me.
"Oh God. Hindi ko alam na marunong din pala kayong magpatawa.... " I commented in between laughs.
I heard him groaned loudly.
I shook my head saka tumigil but amusement still visible in my eyes.
"So now? Gusto ko lang malaman mo, hindi ako titigil sa case na'to just because you are telling me to do so. And mind you, I am not 'someone' na magatatago nalang just because someone had threatened them. Ibahin mo'ko, Mr. Agustos. I am very far from being a coward." I stated in a matter-of-factly tone.
His lips thinned in line, halatang 'di nagustuhan ang mga sinabi ko.
"Then I guess, you'll suffer from the consequences."
I shook my head.
"Hindi ako...kundi ikaw because I have something na pwedeng sumira sa'yo..."
That made him to look confused. And to enlighten him, I took out my phone from my pocket and then tapped the play button of the video footage I've taken on them.
"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 kung kompleto ba.."
Pagkakita palang nito sa video, a horror look flashed through his face.
"H-How---"
"I have my ways, Mr. Agustos. So now? Don't you think I should be the one telling you now to back off?" I sarcastically asked.
Hindi ito umimik and just looked at me with eyes now looking perturbed. I could even notice a sweat starting to form on his forehead now.
"So ano na ngayon? Do I still have to to this case? Now that I've got this?"
He groaned and unconsciously wiped his forehead with his palm.
"Anong kailangan mo sa'kin?"
With a satisfied smirk, I leaned my back against my seat.
"Stop protecting that bastard kung ayaw mong ikalat ko ang video na'to, Mr. Agustos. As simple as that."
He growled then shook his head, causing me to raise my brow.
Don't tell me aayaw parin sya sa lagay na'to?
Mas lalo pang umarko ang kilay ko when he suddenly smiled wickedly.
"Then what if I won't, Ms. Javier?" Then without any words, he snatched my phone from me and then hastily deleted the video.
"So now, pa'no na yan? Wala kanang magagamit ngayon laban sa'kin." Sarkastiko nitong tanong habang nakangisi sa'kin before he handed back my phone.
Now looking so at ease that he had finally get rid the evidence.
I just pocketed my phone and then looked at him.
"kahit ano pang gawin mo... You have no choice kundi sundin ako."
"And why would I do that?"
I gave him a knowing look, a look which caused his grin to suddenly disappear.
"I have lots of copies of this videos, Mr. Agustos. At may nakaset na rin akong mga email that will be sent automatically to every broadcasting company I know. And---" I glanced down and checked the time saka tumingin uli sa nagngangalit na judge.
"Exactly 8 hours from now. You only have that much of time para pag-isipan kung saan ka papanig. Is it to my side or to my enemy."
Namumula na ito sa galit ngayon, at sa tingin ko sasabog na ito anumang oras habang nakakuyom ang mga kamay sa gilid nito.
He didn't answered right away and just remained silent for a while.
But after a few moment of his silence, niluwagan muna nito ang necktie nito saka huminga ng malalim.
"Kailangan mo ba talagang gawin 'to, Ms. Javier? Pwede ka namang tumigil nalang sa pagiging P.I at---"
"at tanggapin nalang ang suhol niyo?"
I scoffed and shook my head at that. Can't still believe he'd still say that.
"At hayaan nalang ang lahat ng mga naging biktima ng gagong 'yon to suffer?? Oh, come on, Mr. Agustos. 'Wag mo'kong itulad sa'yo.. I'm someone that would never want to live like how you are living now."
"H-Hindi naman sa---"
"No!" putol ko na rito when I've finally had enough of him.
Any more words from this bastard, pipilipitin ko na talaga ang leeg nito.
"This is the last time na sasabihin ko'to sa'yo. It's either gagawin mo ang pinagagawa ko sayo or you will suffer the consequences yourself. I don't think gusto mong masira ang pangalan mo nang dahil lang sa walang kwentang tao like Frederico. Itanim mo 'yan sa kukote mo." Mariing saad ko na rito before I hastily pushed open the cardoor beside me. And I was about to got out from there but paused when I remembered something.
I turned to look at him and found him still in a shock state.
"And Mr. Agustos?"
"Y-Yes??"he answered while blinking his eyes a few times.
"Remember na may walong oras ka nalang to decide at 'pag nakapagdesisyon kana, alam mo na kung pa'no mo'ko kokontakin.. Just choose wisely. And don't even think na baliktarin ako. Hindi mo'ko kilala. I have many other ways para mapatumba kita at sisiguraduhin kong wala kanang kawala dun. Nagkakaintindihan ba tayo??"
He just unconsciously nodded at me. Nodding like a dog being told by his master.
I mentally nodded my head at that.
"Good. Aalis na'ko. Have a nice day." Then I gave him a mock salute saka umalis na at had ng tumawid ng daan and get into our agency with a satisfied smirk.
Alright, ang kailangan ko nalang gawin ngayon is to wait for his answer.
Napapangiti na lamang ako habang naglalakad palapit sa sarili kong cubicle.
Now excited and contented sa mga nangyari at sa mga mangyayari palang mamaya at bukas.
"Good morning, Sam!" bati ng iba kong mga kasamahan when I passed through their cubicles.
I just nodded at them as an acknowledgment at saka dumiretso na sa cubicle ko.
And when I was just a few meter from my own table, I halted with my steps when I noticed someone was already occupying my seat. Someone who were sitting like he owned this building with his back facing me.
And who could be this idiot now? Imposible namang si Allan 'to dahil hindi naman nagsusuot ng suit ang mokong na 'yon kung hindi kailangan.
With a frown, I continued my steps as I try to recognize who the hell this man is.
And when he finally sensed my presence, he quickly swiveled the chair around and faced me with his usual stoic face.
"You're late, Ms. Javier."
When he greeted that, my eyes automatically rolled upward.
Here comes the pester again.
"What now, Mr. Del fuero? Namiss mo na ba'ko to even visit me here so early in the morning?" Inis ko ng tanong rito habang nakakibit ng balikat.
His brow shot up as he leaned against the backrest with his crossed legs.
"Dream on, Ms. Javier because that would never happen."
I just rolled my eyes at that.
"As if I would even dare to dream that. Sabihin mo nalang sa'kin ngayon kung ano na naman ang ipinunta mo rito. Busy ako so spill it out now."
The bastard just smirked at me bago ito tumayo mula sa upuan ko.
"Of course, I'm here for the contract. With your still visible black eye and swelled lips, halatang tapos na ang case mo."
My gaze narrowed into thin slits nang banggitin na naman nito ang mga pasa ko.
"Eh kung 'wag nalang kaya nating ituloy ang kontrata, Mr. del Fuego kung balak mo lang naman pala akong asarin rito?"
"I'm not here para iblackmail mo uli sa kontrata natin. I need it now, signed and sealed. After all, I had spend a lot of money on you last night and you didn't even pay me for it. Just hand me the signed contract now."
That made me blew out an exasperated breath as I was being reminded by how stingy bastard he was.
"Talagang atat ka ng utus-utusan ako ano?"
He just shrugged his shoulders at that.
"Okay fine. You win. I'd give you the contract then." Timping saad ko na rito while nodding my head.
And then with that, kinapa ko na ang bulsa ng jacket ko. Dahilan para kumunot ang noo nito while closely looking at me.
"Anong ginagawa mo, Ms. Javier?"
"Eh ano pa ba sa tingin mo? Of course, hinahanap ang kontrata natin."
"In your pocket?? Are you kidding me?" He asked in disbelief.
"You heard me, Mr. Del Fuero." I replied and fished out the contract from my left pocket of my jacket then handed it to him.
"I've already kept my own copy sa signed contract na 'yan at naidagdag ko na rin ang iba pang conditions na gusto ko that I believe fair naman sa part mo. So yo----"
"You've wanted me to keep this?"
Agad na napaarko ang kilay ko when he asked that while gaping at the contract in my hand with utter disbelief and disgust on his face.
"Mukha ba'kong nagpapatawa?"
"It seems so. How the hell you have folded this more than it could possibly be folded, Ms. Javier? This isn't----"
"Well, at least, bio parin 'yan. Gusot nga lang."I answered with a shrug.
"Eh kung ayaw mo naman, you can just throw it away para tapos na rin ang---"
"No." He cut off and snatched it from my hand with his lips pursed in thin line.
I smirked while looking at him in amusey as he slowly and carefully unfolded it with obvious disgust on his face saka binasa ito.
I'm certain he'll be happy with that.
"Dont worry, I had made sure to keep it clean. Yong folder nga pala na kasama nyan, iniwan ko na sa apartment ko. The contract is what that matters anyway and since kasya naman yan sa bulsa ko so tada!! Nasa sa'yo na. May gusot nga lang ng konti but all in all, it was still whole and readable."
"I didn't know you could be like this. So unprofessional!" Galit na sagot nya habang nakayuko parin while reviewing the poor paper in his hand.
I just scoffed and shook my head with disbelief.
"As if you're exempted to that classification. Blackmailing is more worse than that. It's a crime and---"
"Don't order you around while you're under my employ?? Is this some joke, Ms. Javier??!"
I glared at him when he snapped that in almost a shout, causing my officemates to throw us a pry look.
"You've really included this condition when I have my every right to order you around dahil ako ang employer sa contract na'to and not you!"
Oh yeah. As expected, hindi nya talaga yan magugustuhan. As bossy as he was, of course he surely won't.
"Of course. Just to be clear with you, nasanay na'kong kumilos ayon sa gusto ko and not being ordered by anyone so you can't blame me if I wanted that condition." I answered while pretending to study my hands, to annoy him more.
I heard him groaned, siguro gusto nakong sakalin dahil sa inis.
"And you think papayag ako rito?"
I inhaled deeply and looked at him pointedly. Ignoring his glare.
"You have no choice kundi tanggapin 'yan, Mr. Del fuero. Just be grateful na hindi ko na isinali pa 'yong five other conditions ko."
"Five fucking what??!" He snapped with wide shock eyes.
"Don't you think it was unfair for me---"
"Then you can just go now at kalimutan mo nalang na muntik na sana tayong magkatrabaho. Smooth and so easy." I challenged him while pointedly looking at him.
His grip at the poor contract tightened. Probably planning to add more creases to it while glaring down at me with eyes ready to murder me.
I didn't back out at that and just battled with gazes at him.
And after a few seconds of our staring contest, I smirked when he shut his eyes while groaning loudly as he massaged his temple, looking so tormented and frustrated.
Then Good for me and too bad for him.
Blowing out an exasperated breath, he looked at me again.
"Just make sure.." He paused and heaved in a deep breath again.
"Make sure what?" I toyed while waggling my brows na siyang ikinadilim pa lalo ng mukha nito but he continued anyway.
"Make sure na gagawin mo ang trabaho mo. I don't tolerate---"
"No doubt. Rest assured, Im not the kind of P.I na hindi ginagawa ng maayos ang trabaho nila and I think you already know that, hindi ba Mr. Del fuero?"
"Good. You can start after tomorrow then."
I nodded.
"Nakausap ko na si Michael regarding with this so wala kana munang ibang case na hahawakan for now, not until matapos ang kontrata natin."
Nice.
"Tomorrow afternoon, expect me in your office. Sasabihin ko sa'yo kung anong first few steps natin sa kaso mo."
"Good enough." Sang-ayon nito sabay tupi sa contract namin na parang pwede ng gawing tissue sa pwet ng aso and slid it under his navy blue suit jacket.
"Definitely good." I agreed while nodding my head.
Hindi na ito umimik at lumabas na lamang sa cubicle ko saka akmang dadaan sa tabi ko but my brow shot up nang bigla itong huminto sa tapat ko with his usual stoic face.
"What? May sasabihin ka pa ba?"
I frowned when his mouth twitched into a smirk.
"I think the black eye suits you well. Black and blue. Mukhang masakit yan.. Tsk, Tsk.." he commented with a shook of his head before he took his leave, leaving me all red at handa ng pukpukin ng martilyo ang ulo nito.
That shit! May araw ka rin sakiiiiiin!!!!
Kahit nagpupuyos pa'ko sa inis dahil sa taong yon, mas minabuti ko nalang na isubsub sa trabaho ang sarili ko than be out of my mind dahil lang sa lalaking 'yon.
Ibinigay ko na kay Michael ang lahat ng mga nakalap ko na pwedeng magamit laban kay frederico tomorrow, especially Judge Roel's video with the suspect and gave him some important instructions sa anong dapat gawin sa bagay na 'yon.
We never know kung anong pwedeng gawin ng gagong matandang 'yon.