Chereads / Magni Nominis Umbra / Chapter 2 - Stakeout

Chapter 2 - Stakeout

Another searing nightmare awakens the Frigard sisters, in the midst of morning twilight. They hark back a thousand year ago, dwelling on the handful of battles they've faced.

For Fleur (Aster Frigard), it is the 'Last Duel' that brought her finality of death.

Fleur's heart throbs so fast in mania, as it begins to skip a beat each second...until her heart stops beating. She gasps for air as she tries to bring herself into the shadows of reality.

"What the hell?", Fleur catches a breather, recalling every scream of pain she endured in her reverie.

Meanwhile, Astrid was woken up by the immense grip of the 96, 000 lives she mercilessly took, a thousand year ago. She felt the strangulation around her neck, as she gasped for air.

Astrid goes to the bathroom, keeping her mind off the remorse she endures.

The reflection of the mirror casts back 96, 000 dead people, including Aster, in which Astrid still believes is her fault. She was unable to hold down her tears as she turned on the faucet to suppress the screams of pain.

These have been the day-to-day lives of the Frigard sisters: an ordeal that torments them every time they close their eyes to sleep.

———————————————————

"I haven't slept last night.", Rhaylee says as she meets Fleur upon the alley of their apartments.

"Yeah, me too.", Fleur replies. Rhaylee paused as Fleur kept walking at the sidewalk, on their path to the police headquarters.

"Why?", Rhaylee asks, showing a slight concern.

But Fleur evades the question and instead says "It's probably nothing. Why couldn't you sleep?".

"There's this person I've met at the Mikaelsord building. And I haven't taken my mind off her since. I didn't get her name, though.", Rhaylee answers, signifying Astrid.

They enter the police headquarters as Fleur suggests "Do you want to run some IDs to find her?".

"No. I'm not taking advantage of my job for my personal interests.", Rhaylee ironically says.

"But you know, if we have some free time...why not?", Rhaylee jokingly adds, as Fleur scoffs.

Their conversation ends in haste when Barb approaches them and informs "You two have a flight this afternoon. I need you to take a look at the crime scene and see anything unorthodox.".

"Didn't they already clean that up?", Fleur asks.

"Yeah, but I don't trust those dummies.", Barb blatantly replies, as he leaves on his way to his office.

———————————————————————

Back in the Mikaelsord Manor, Maeve is seen packing her clothes as Ezra encroaches. "You're really leaving", Ezra says, but Maeve chose to neglect him.

"I'm going to find another way to save you, I promise. I'll do anything.", Ezra swears.

"Why don't we just ask for Astrid's —", Maeve suggests, but as soon as she utters Astrid's name, Ezra interrupts.

"No! If you ask for Astrid's help, you're basically offering your eternal life.", Ezra exclaims.

"So, you're willing to do anything but that. I understand.", Maeve says, making Ezra at ease.

"But I'm still leaving, so.", Maeve adds as she exits the room with her bags.

Right after Maeve leaves, Roux fairly confronts Ezra "Hey, maybe she IS safer with us here.".

"Maeve will NEVER be safe with me.", Ezra sincerely replies. "I killed her mother, Roux.", Ezra cries out.

"And that's why you promised Maeve you'll treat her better than how you treated her mother.", Roux reassures Ezra.

"Come on, let's just eat.", Ezra sniffles as they go downstairs together for breakfast, along with their siblings, who are already eating.

"Keane, I need you to give the suspect's name to Kai today: Cory Riqueza. I already planted Astrid's burner phone on her. So, it should match their locations.", Ezra instructs Keane, who seems to be drowning in thoughts. "Keane!?", Ezra exclaims.

"Yeah, I'll give him later. I didn't quite get a good sleep last night.", Keane replies.

Rosaria looks at Keane and sarcastically says "I wonder why?".

Ezra notices Rosaria's acrimony and bluntly asks them "What are you hiding now?". Ezra glares at Rosaria, who consequently looks at Keane.

Xavier impedes the growing tension and answers "Manuel came by last night. He said he's visiting an old friend, but he's Manuel. So, draw your conjectures.".

Ezra, as a result, puts his palm on his head as a sign of exasperation. "Let Astrid know.", he, once more, instructs Keane.

"Do we really have to?", Roux asks, hesitant on Ezra's notion.

"It's the least we could do..just until we know for sure that he's merely VISITING.", Ezra explains. "Keane, don't forget to tell Kai!", Ezra reminds Keane, who's on his way to Astrid.

———————————————————————

Keane arrives at Astrid's apartment, in which the door is left ajar. Nonetheless, Keane knocks as the door creaks open.

Out of the sudden, "Is there something you need to tell me?", Astrid says, anticipating Keane's appearance.

"It's Manuel. Manuel has come back.", Keane answers.

"And that suddenly becomes my problem, why?", Astrid wryly asks.

Keane snickers and says "Oh come on, Astrid. It's Manuel. He's not going to a certain place without wanting something or someone."

"Is he bothering you?", Astrid solemnly asks.

"Not yet.", Keane replies.

"Well, he's not bothering me.", Astrid says as Keane rolls his eyes.

"I'll take care of it.", Astrid promises.

Just as Keane was leaving the apartment, Astrid grabs Keane and asks "Are you sure that's all you need to tell me?", implying of Keane and Fleur's rendezvous.

"Yeah, I think so.", Keane replies as he takes off.

———————————————————————

Ezra is left alone in the Manor as he suddenly felt the world caving in. He starts to hear whispers and rustles. His head consequently aches as he attempts to lie down in bed.

The susurration did not hesitate to grow even louder until Ezra burst out with "STOP!".

Immediately after, all of the noise has ceased and Ezra's alter ego appears, sitting on a couch beside him.

"You really couldn't live without me.", his monster states as Ezra awfully grovels.

"I don't wanna keep doing this. Just leave me alone and I'll fix these for us.", Ezra proclaims.

"No, no. There's no way you can do that. And there's no way I'll let you do that. As cliché as it sounds, I am a part of you, the biggest part.", he argues, making Ezra sigh in vain.

He comforts Ezra in an obsequious manner "I honestly don't appreciate you locking me in a cage while you pretend to live your life as a chivalrous and honorable man, which you'll never become.".

"I know you still blame yourself for the death of your 'human' wife. And I do agree with you, man. I mean, you did actually killed her. It doesn't matter if you mean it or not. Because people, including Maeve, will always deem you as a killer.", he scornfully declares while laughing.

Early memories of Ezra's wife, Jaya, cast back into his mind, along with the ominous finality of Jaya. It was a longing night, brimming with heavy storms of rain and hail. Ezra and Jaya find themselves in another dispute as Maeve keeps herself hidden in a warm blanket, in her bedroom. Without a forewarning, a slash of dagger cuts Jaya's throat, ultimately leading to her finality. Ezra's towering rage cost him his own wife's life.

"It doesn't matter if you mean it or not. Because people, including Maeve, will always deem you as a killer. You killed your own wife with your bare hands, that is now filled with everybody's blood!", he adds, as Ezra flares up.

"SHUT UPPPP!", Ezra exclaims, just as his monster predicted.

"There you go. Now you remember. Maeve is THE trophy that proves your very vile existence in this world. Take care of that trophy, will you?", he says as he leaves Ezra in contemplation.

Ezra sprints off, grabs a cab, and tries to dissuade his daughter from leaving him. However, a long trail of vehicles averts him to do so.

"Is there any shortcut we can go to?", agitated Ezra asks the driver, who subsequently shakes his head.

Clock ticks each second as Ezra burgeons more impatient and brusque. He decided to abandon the cab and run over the long course towards the train subway.

He breathed heavily as the horns kept blaring over the traffic. Running fast, he goes underground to the train station, engulfed by civilians, as he looks for the sight of Maeve.

Just as Maeve was about to ride the train, Ezra held her off. "Let me fix this. You don't owe me anything nor I hold anything against you. In fact, you have every right to despise me. I'm not good with words, so let me show you that for as long as I live I'll try my best to be the father that you deserve.", Ezra solemnly promises her daughter.

"Does that mean I get to live with you guys?", Maeve makes a flippant remark.

"Yes, only if you're comfortable to do so.", Ezra alleviates Maeve.

"I'm no good for you. I'm no good for anyone. But I have at least a year to prove that I tried my best to be a good father, if you'll let me.", Ezra explains as Maeve sprints towards him and hugs him close to her heart. And for a moment, they are reunited.

———————————————————————

Within the Parkersons' household, we see Adrianna looking through some dusty ancient books as Kai goes through his phone.

"Keane just gave me the suspect's name. I'm not quite sure if I should give it to the authorities.", Kai explains while Adrianna seems to be indifferent.

"Well, apart from the fact that it's your job...", Adrianna says as she continues to read.

"No. It's Astrid. Astrid's responsible for the murder.", Kai interrupts.

Adrianna's attention is caught by Kai and asks "She's still working for MNU?".

"Of course. You can't just quit that easily. Magni Nominis Umbra can forgive and forget your debts, but they'll never let you go.", Kai unfolds Astrid's grim fate.

"Yeah, but it's Astrid that we're talking about. She'd go great lengths to kill her own sister...", Adrianna argues.

"Don't speak of her like that!", Kai exclaims.

Adrianna looks at Kai and condescends to him "You're still scared of Astrid. And yet you dare to betray her, again.".

"I just need to tell Aster a little information about her dear sister.", Kai declares as Adrianna shakes her head.

"Don't do it. How are you even certain that Astrid hasn't gotten onto her by now?", Adrianna asserts.

———————————————————————

Astrid is seen inside the Audi E-Tron GT, with dark-tinted windows, that is parked by the police headquarters. She furtively observes the surroundings before getting out of the car.

"Are you sure about this?", Kristiaan hinders.

Astrid flashes a gun beneath her silk coat. "Please don't tell me you're actually going to use that.", Kristiaan worries.

"Not when the situation provokes me to. Just go away, I'll meet you in an hour.", Astrid says as she gets inside the headquarters.

She looks around, eager to find her sister. But when she catches a glimpse of Aster, she hampers and instead goes upstairs to the building amenities.

The open space has a higher sense of pleasant views, along with neighboring skyscrapers. Astrid gets some fresh air and thinks of going back inside.

However, when fate comes knocking, Fleur is standing in front of Astrid. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt.", Fleur says.

"No, no. It's okay. I don't own the building...yet", Astrid replies jokingly.

Astrid looks at Fleur, who's standing beside her, seizing the atmosphere and gazing at the views of the city.

"It's beautiful, isn't it? The world does not stop from spinning, people continue to live their lives and we're here having a bad day.", Fleur expresses her enthusiasm.

"My state of being doesn't really affect anyone. But other than that, I agree with you.", Astrid replies with all honesty.

"What's your name?", Astrid directly asks.

"Fleur Christensen.", Fleur answers as Astrid realizes Fleur is not aware of her true identity.

"Did you grow up here or something?", Astrid proceeds to get to know Fleur.

"Yes, no. I mean, I don't know. I was bouncing in and out of foster families, nobody knew of me. By the time that I reached the adult stage, I got into an FBI scholarship program, decided to do something good at least.", Fleur explains.

"You have a really nice life so far.", Astrid says as Fleur chuckles.

"You think so? That's funny. 'Cause half of my existence in this world, I feel like I'm in an another world, another universe.", Fleur divulges.

Astrid stares fervently at Fleur and states "You don't belong here.".

"Oh? Where do I belong then?", Fleur baffles Astrid.

Astrid slightly laughs and replies "Ooh, that's a tough question.".

The two locked eyes with each other, with the strenuous cityscape behind them.

"You should start your own kingdom. Build a castle, surrounded with the toughest bricks, create your own army, create your own universe. That should help. It is my greatest honor to be able to know you, Fleur Christensen.", Astrid says as she leaves her sister alone.

————————————————————

While Astrid is still in a state of shock with everything, she cannot help herself not to notice the man behind her following her whereabouts. And thus, she goes all the way to the train subway, luring the man in an attempt to bedevil him.

As expected, the subway is flooded with people, waiting for the train to arrive. Astrid walks through the platform as she realizes the man's identity: Manuel Gerithon.

And when the train eventually arrives, Manuel slowly loses sight of Astrid while the people push each other to get inside the train. Manuel is deserted in the subway as Astrid decides to come into view.

"What are you doing here?", Astrid asks, showing up behind Manuel's back.

"Visiting an old friend.", Manuel replies, turning his back to face Astrid.

"You came all the way from New Orleans after disappearing from us. Then reappears 10 years later, and now have the guts to show yourself to me.", Astrid says in hostility.

Astrid walks up to Manuel's face and mutters "You must think very highly of yourself.".

Astrid tries to leave Manuel in the subway until Manuel discloses her "Aster is alive". Out of trepidation and outrage, Astrid pushes Manuel to the wall and starts to pummel him.

"Don't you ever touch her, you piece of shit!", Astrid threatens Manuel and later lets him go.

Manuel gasps for air and utters "Look, we both hurt Aster in ways that we shouldn't have.", as Astrid scoffs.

"But Astrid, can't you see? This is our fresh start, a chance to rebuild our humanity.", Manuel deliberately adds.

"Oh please. You don't need Aster to procure redemption. Is that what you're really here? For Aster? 'Cause I'm pretty sure that when Aster is here, I'm here, the Mikaelsords are here, Parkersons are here, you are here and we are ALL in the same place, is never about visiting an old friend.", Astrid exclaims as she ultimately abandons Manuel in the middle of the desolate subway.

————————————————————

Fleur, along with Rhaylee, arrives at the crime scene, where other agents are still wandering around. The house is already cleaned, like Fleur supposed.

"Hey, I'm Fleur Christensen and this is my colleague Rhaylee Bloom. We're sent here —", Fleur explains but gets interrupted by one of the investigators.

"Yeah, yeah. We know.", the investigator answers with apathy.

Rhaylee rolls her eyes and calls him out "Warm welcome, huh?", as Fleur looks at her in awe.

"What are we looking for, boss?", Rhaylee asks Fleur.

"Jesus, how would I know? Barb gave us nothing.", Fleur answers as they go upstairs to check the crime scene.

Fleur keeps glaring at where the couple was shot, whereas Rhaylee meddles with the couple's belongings.

"Look what I found.", Rhaylee says, giving Fleur the folding camera.

"Do they actually use this?", Fleur asks as she fiddles with the camera.

"Probably. It looks like it's been used not too long ago.", Rhaylee points out the film as they look at each other.

In due course, Fleur and Rhaylee decide to go back to the city as the sun begins to vanish from their sight. However, when Fleur goes downstairs, her eyes are immediately drawn by the collection of family photos that displays the couple's way of life.

"Wait, wait.", Fleur halts as she notices the strange gap in between the photo frames.

"Does that seem odd to you?", Fleur asks for Rhaylee's outlook. Rhaylee shrugs in doubt and proceeds to take a picture at the photo frames.

Rhaylee gets in the car and takes notice of the folding camera, "You actually took it?".

"If this camera is recently used, maybe it can tell us some things.", Fleur explains and drives off with Rhaylee.

————————————————————

Under the crescent moon, Roux and Xavier seem to be having a stakeout at the Gerithons' residence, where the rustling sound of crickets is music and Manuel is nowhere to be found.

"This is a trap. Why did we even agree to this? Why did Ezra instruct us to do this?", Roux constantly says as they hear stammering footsteps ahead.

"Stay in your seat! Ezra said always keep both eyes on the Gerithons, his words not mine.", Xavier exclaims while Roux subsequently leaves the car and Xavier.

"Where are you going?!", Xavier whispers as loud as he can.

"I need to pee!", Roux replies as he goes on beneath the woods.

The murkiness of their situation makes it impossible to recognize each other. Out of nowhere, Manuel's younger sister, Fenelle Gerithon smacks Roux with a log.

"Jesus Christ!?", Roux rattles out as he attempts to dodge Fenelle's attack. Xavier immediately gets out of the car and goes behind Fenelle's back.

"Fenelle?!", Xavier flusters as he sees a glimpse of Fenelle.

Xavier and Fenelle's eyes are locked on each other, in the name of all the love they have for each other in every passing year without one another.

Roux intervenes in their brief reunion and sarcastically says "I can't tell if I'm more surprised to see you than I am surprised that you hit me with a log.".

Fenelle helps Roux to get up and asks them to leave "You need to get out of here before my brother beats the shit out of you!".

"I'm sorry but we can't.", Xavier politely declines.

Manuel's car can be heard from a distance as Fenelle shoves both Roux and Xavier into their car. As Fenelle was leaving, Xavier held her hand.

"You can speak now.", Xavier says, holding on Fenelle's hand for dear life.

"I can't , Xavi. My hands are tied.", Fenelle mutters as Xavier gives a piece of paper to her.

The car departs away from Fenelle as she unfolds the paper, reading the message that says: "elevator near the Two Bridges"

While Fenelle, at any cost, holds onto Xavier's note, Manuel walks into the terrace, stenched and is brimming with blood all over his face.

"What the hell happened? You look like you killed someone!", Fenelle is startled as Manuel passes through her like a ghost.

"It definitely felt like I was the one being killed.", Manuel replies and then goes to the bathroom.

Fenelle looks beyond concern for her brother as it is then revealed to us that the grip that ties her hands forever is none other than her withering bond with Manuel.

As soon as Manuel leaves the bathroom, Fenelle confronts him, "I can't let you keep doing this to yourself. This is not you, Manuel! If it is truly Aster and she is completely clueless of who she is, then let go of her!".

"This isn't about Aster or any one. Every little thing that happened for the past thousand years, all leads to one finality: Astrid Frigard's death.", Manuel explains, locking himself inside a room. Fenelle ultimately realizes that Manuel is slowly falling onto the quicksand of contempt.

————————————————————

Fleur, who is still a bundle of nerves, finds herself in another hard work sleepless night in the police headquarters, developing films from the foldable camera they've found.

A loud creak of the door petrifies the living daylight out of Fleur as the lights flicker all at once. She hears whispers not too far away as she eventually catches sight of Barb, entering the building.

"Hey, did the Mikaelsords gave us a name already?", Fleur approaches Barb.

"Uh no, not yet. What are you still doing here?", Barb asks.

"Developing films. Anyway, we might have a problem. Rhayls found a camera from one of the couple's closets that looks like it's been recently used. So, I took the liberty to develop those.", Fleur distinctly explains to Barb.

"Where are you going with this?", Barb asks.

Fleur carefully gives the pictures to Barb, showing the concealed existence of Robin Finch beneath all of those photos. Both of them are on edge with the information they've disclosed.

"He could be a suspect.", Barb demurs.

"Or he's currently being chased down by the real killer. For all we know, he might've already been in their captivity.", Fleur broadens Barb's early conjectures.

Fleur's dead-on observation proves that she can see beyond those little details. She always tries to look for the bigger picture, bigger than any of us could bring ourselves to perceive; because, as a matter of fact, Robin is indeed in Astrid Frigard's captivity.