The following morning, after getting some much-needed rest, Lara was determined to find a way to get help—or at least get her message across—to the one people were calling The Fool. The figure had become something of a hero in recent times, known for targeting and killing criminals who many believed deserved their fate.
Knowing her leave from work had ended, Lara decided to return to her office. She thought it might be a good idea since many of her coworkers idolized The Fool. Perhaps she could gather information from them to aid her search.
Upon arriving at the office, Lara was greeted warmly by her colleagues, many of whom expressed concern over her absence. None of them knew that her father was in jail, and she preferred to keep it that way. The last thing she wanted was for her father—or herself—to face judgment or gossip within the workplace.
As she approached her desk, she immediately noticed something was off—Daniel wasn't there. It was unusual for him to miss work. She thought back to the bus accident he had been involved in the day before and reasoned that he was probably just resting.
Shrugging off her curiosity for now, Lara made herself a cup of coffee and returned to her desk. She decided to ease back into her work routine before executing the plans she had in mind for the day. However, deep down, her focus remained on finding a way to connect with The Fool and uncover the truth behind her father's actions.
After working for a while, it was finally break time at the office. Lara stretched her body, feeling the strain from catching up on the pile of tasks she had left unfinished during her time away.
As she relaxed for a moment, she overheard her coworkers chatting nearby.
"Look at this, bro," one of them said. "Looks like The Fool has taken out more criminals. There are new reports on the news about criminals dropping like flies these days."
Their conversation caught Lara's attention. They continued discussing what they'd read in the news, sharing tidbits about a website they claimed was the official hub for people who "worshipped" The Fool. Apparently, it was a platform where users could submit the names of individuals they believed deserved justice—justice the legal system failed to deliver fairly.
Before the group could move on, Lara decided to speak up. "Hey, mind if I join you guys for lunch?" she asked casually.
Her coworkers exchanged surprised glances. Lara was known for her preference to spend her breaks alone, and her sudden interest in joining them seemed out of character. But her beauty and charm made it impossible for them to refuse.
"Of course, you can join us anytime!" one of them quickly replied, grinning. The rest nodded in agreement, eager to have her join their table.
Lara smiled politely, but deep down, she had an ulterior motive. She hoped that by spending time with them, she could learn more about this website and perhaps find a way to connect with The Fool. This might be her first real lead, and she wasn't going to let the opportunity slip away.
When they found a nearby restaurant, they decided to have lunch there. The men accompanying Lara couldn't help but exchange glances, still in disbelief that they were dining with one of the coworkers they secretly admired.
Once seated, they asked Lara what she wanted to order. She gave them a warm smile and said, "I'll have whatever you're having. It's my first time eating with you all, so I'll leave the choice to you."
That smile was enough to make the men blush and grin uncontrollably. They couldn't hide their excitement, thrilled by the attention Lara was giving them.
A few minutes later, their orders arrived. As they started eating, an awkward silence filled the table, with no one daring to speak.
To break the silence, one of Lara's coworkers finally asked, "So, what made you decide to join us for lunch today? Not that we're complaining, of course."
Lara, ever composed, replied, "I just thought it would be nice to bond with you all since I've been away from work for a while. It doesn't hurt to spend time with my officemates, right?"
Her answer seemed genuine enough, and the group bought it, feeling even more delighted that she was making an effort to socialize with them.
A few moments later, Lara seized the opportunity to bring up what she had been curious about.
"I couldn't help but overhear your conversation earlier," she began. "You were talking about The Fool, right? I'm interested in learning more. What do you know about them?"
Her question piqued the group's interest, and they were more than happy to share what they knew, eager to impress her with their knowledge. For Lara, this was the opening she had been waiting for—a chance to gather information that might help her uncover the truth about her father's situation.
With growing excitement, Lara's coworkers eagerly shared everything they knew about The Fool. They talked about articles they'd read, posts on social media, and even websites and groups dedicated to the mysterious figure. They didn't hold back, spilling every bit of information they had come across.
What particularly caught Lara's attention were the leaked photos that had been circulating online. The images, supposedly taken accidentally by bystanders, were rumored to show The Fool. Although the photos were blurry and unclear, the figure's stance and attire were distinct enough to spark speculation that it was indeed The Fool.
Her coworkers explained that these photos were taken after what many referred to as a "massacre," where Joseph Trillan and his group of friends were found dead together at their hideout. This incident was widely believed to be The Fool's first public appearance. It was during this event that Joseph Trillan, before his death, was reportedly forced to confess to the heinous crime of raping his girlfriend—a confession that exposed his atrocities to the world.
The group's tone was almost reverent as they recounted these details, their admiration for The Fool evident. For Lara, however, the information was a mix of fascination and unease. While she could understand why many viewed The Fool as a hero, she was more focused on the potential connection to her father's case. The more she listened, the more she became convinced that The Fool might be the key to uncovering the truth behind what had happened to him.