WARNING: Mention of s-word and other sensitive terms. Please prioritize your sanity and mental health, thank you!
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"Are you sure you're going to dig deeper into this case you're obsessed with?" Leana casually asked. Yeonica rolled her eyes.
She opened her desk and got the printed documents. "Take a look at these. Don't you find something fishy?" Yeonica said, giving the papers to Leana. It is definitely not a new day for her, as the situation inside their office never changes—sometimes quiet, most of the time chaotic as usual. The only thing that changes is that the case she has previously handled is disturbing her for real.
"That school, Olkizia High School, had several suicide cases of students there even before the recent suicide case of Margareth Yamar, Mr. Yamar's daughter," Yeonica stated as she let Leana read the papers intently.
"There hasn't been any suspected foul play in the cases, nor some reinvestigation just to make sure that what happened to those students is really suicide. Who won't get suspicious? None of those deceased students even left a letter behind, not even one," she continued.
Leana slowly nodded as she agreed. "One more thing, all of their deaths are almost the same. Either jumping off the building or by hanging. Just either of the two," Leana said, returning the papers to Yeonica. She stood up and leaned her back onto Yeonica's table.
"But you have one problem—Mr. Felmor. Will that old man let you investigate further about this case? He will maybe think that his daughter's case has nothing to do with his death. You know, especially his blood is specifically boiling for you these days," Leana asked, crossed-arms.
Yeonica looked at Leana. She understands that she may seem like an overactive lawyer who wants to dig deeper into a case just to prove she's smarter than the others. That is not her intention, though.
"Actually, I don't know. I might do anything just for him to let me investigate," Yeonica stated.
"Hey, are you serious? Is this case really that important to you? What if it will cost you your job?" Leana asked firmly, but also worriedly. She received a deep sigh from Yeonica as a response.
"Honestly, there's one more reason why I can't get this case out of my head," Yeonica said, and she got the papers again to show Leana something.
"The first ever suicide case in Olkizia was handled by my mom."
"Eunice Harmie..." Leana read as Yeonica pointed it out. What she said is true.
"And ever since that first suicide case, just after one year, there have been several suicide cases," Yeonica explained.
"During the first case, it was said that the parents of the student requested a reinvestigation because they couldn't believe that their daughter would take her own life. But it was never approved as the officials never found evidence of foul play and the case was concluded to be suicide. Case closed," she added.
"Okay. Alright. I understand. Have you heard something about this case from your mom back then?" Leana asked. Yeonica shook her head.
"I have not. I just discovered about this recently. I was in high school back then. I almost know nothing about her work, as well as my dad's, even though I ended up becoming a lawyer like them," Yeonica answered. "No point thinking about that now. Not like I can ask the dead," she added, laughing.
Leana disgustingly looked at her. "I can never understand your dark humor."
—
Strengthen yourself. Prepare your weapons. Open your shield. Ready your power. Here comes the final boss.
"What did I tell you before, Ms. Harmie?" Felmor asked firmly, comfortably sitting on his office chair.
First strike.
Yeonica almost rolled her eyes. "Stop focusing on this case and get over with it."
Felmor clicked his pen. "That's right. Then what are you doing right now?"
Second strike.
"I know I get on your nerves so often after I handle Yamar's case, but..." Yeonica couldn't continue and breathed slowly as she could.
"Sir, please, let me work on this. You saw all the documents and information I have collected recently. I know you're suspicious about it, too. I couldn't just step back and watch, especially there's a possibility that the murder case of Mr. Yamar is connected to her daughter's death. We should know what else is there—what's going on, and what the truth really is. That's one of our jobs," Yeonica explained, which almost sounded like she's pleading. She almost hated herself at that point, but whatever.
A silence swallowed the office whole, until Felmor deeply sighed. He then looked at Yeonica while she stood in front of him, like a defendant waiting for the judge's verdict.
"Do you really want to do this?" Felmor asked.
Final strike.
Yeonica nodded. "Yes, sir. I'm deeply curious and bothered. I badly need your help at this one."
"This can be dangerous, Ms. Harmie."
"I am willing and ready to take any risks, sir."
"I can't guarantee your safety."
"That's fine, sir."
"Ms. Harmie, this is a warning. Digging everything up may lead you to bigger situations and happenings that may harm you."
"Then I'd welcome those. My decision is final, sir."
The boss clicked his tongue and finally gave up. "Fine. Let's prepare what you'll be needing. But this is a huge investigation, Ms. Harmie. Remember that you chose this. The more you go deeper, the more it gets dangerous."
The final boss conquered. Mission success.
—
D-Day. "Let the game begin," Yeonica whispered to herself.
She looked in the mirror and stared at herself. She looks like a completely different person.
"Yeoni, is that necessary? You look nothing like my lawyer friend," Leana said, helping Yeonica prepare her things.
"Hey, this is a safe option. Especially since I encountered students from Olkizia before. Who knows? They might recognize me," she explained. Leana couldn't agree more.
"You have a point."
Yeonica wore her name tag and her bag, preparing to go. Leana laughed.
"What's with the name? You came up with that?"
Yeonica chuckled. "Why? It's cute. Even that hot-headed old man let me use this name."
"Whoa. He's getting fond of you? You may have extra salary; don't forget my treat!"
"Tsk. This bitch. I gotta go now. Thank you so much. See you when I see you, Ms. Secre!" Yeonica said, smiling, and waved to Leana.
"Don't get caught, bitch! Good luck!" Leana shouted.
—
For the second time, Yeonica set her feet inside Olkizia High School. Like before, she roamed her eyes around, making herself ready for any consequences and events she might encounter.
She stood firmly for a second and walked again right after, going upstairs. Going to her room. Not as a respected lawyer, but as a student.
Olkizia High School
Grade 12—Class 3
Adviser: Majie Estiva
Yeonica knocked on the door. Class 3 adviser, Mrs. Estiva, opened the door and welcomed her.
"Class, quiet for a minute," Mrs. Estiva said, which made the whole class look in front.
"You have a new classmate today. Hija, please introduce yourself."
Yeonica formally smiled at her and went to her side.
There's something more I, we, need to know. Margareth Yamar, a student in Class 3, took her own life. Alvirgo Yamar, who killed the school guard, was potentially aiming for somebody else. Miro Protacio, the school guard.
"Good morning, everyone. I am Yumi Amuelga. I'm 17. I am not really good at doing introductions, but I hope we get along with each other."