Chapter 15: The Perilous Masquerade (Jeopardy Chapter)*

Matapos kaming magsukat ng mga damit ay dinala kami ni Khael sa isang restaurant upang mag-lunch. It was already 2 pm. Who would have thought na magtatagal pala kami kina Mama Ara ng almost 4 hours? Paano ba naman kasi, ang arte ng dalawang lalaki! They had a hard time deciding for their suit! I thought mas mahirap hanapan ng damit ang babae, well not on their case. Napakapihikan nila sa pamimili though Mama Ara's designs were really glamorous. Gray ended up taking a black suit samantalang kulay gray naman ang napili ni Khael.

"The party will start at 7pm tonight kaya kailangang by 6 ay handa na tayo," Khael said habang naghihintay kami sa order namin.

We were in a restaurant at kanina pa talaga ako gutom mabuti na lang at naisipan ni Khael na kumain. He's not planning to let us die in hunger right? Hindi pa naman kami kumain ng magbreak kanina. Speaking of break kanina, I wonder why Marion wanted to go to that party. Type ba talaga nito si Gray?

"Hindi ba nila malalaman na mga highschool students tayo?" tanong ni Gray.

Umiling si Khael. "No, we're formally dressed and beside, we don't have to worry dahil may invitation naman tayo," wika niya.

Gray drank water from his glass. "Yeah, but remember we have an excess baggage." Excess baggage. Yeah, si Marion. Pinoproblema talaga nila ito.

"Khael, let's say na totoo nga na may mangyayaring illegal transaction mamaya, do you have any plans?," tanong ko. Mahirap na baka mapahamak kami.

He shrugged his shoulders. "I don't have any formal plan but in case that will happen, all we have to do is to alert the police."

Tama siya. It's the best thing to do. We should not let ourselves be caught in such danger. The food that we order arrived at nagsimula na kaming kumain. Pagkatapos kumain ay pumunta na kami sa hotel na tinutuluyan ni Khael. Doon muna kami habang hindi pa kami naghahanda para sa party. I was in the couch while watching TV samantalang nag-uusap naman sina Gray at Khael about Athena High School where Gray was previously attending. Kahit nakaharap ako sa TV ay nakikinig ako sa kanila.

"Hey do you remember the vandalism at the gym noong second year pa tayo? It was really Harrod. He did it dahil nagalit siya sa akin dahil hindi ko siya pinasahan ng bola during the championship basketball match with St. Catherine Academy," wika ni Khael. Basketball match? Ibig sabihin ay magaling siya sa basketball? As of Gray, I haven't seen him played basketball. I remembered what Detective Tross said at Summer Island. Ayon sa kanya ay magaling sa soccer si Gray.

"Dummy, I knew all along na siya ang gumawa nun," Gray said lazily.

"What?! Eh bakit hindi mo sinabi dati?," wika ni Khael. He sounded annoyed.

"You're a detective right? That case belongs to you since ikaw naman ang bahagi ng basketball varsity," paliwanag ni Gray. So, Khael is really a basketball player.

Khael crossed his arms. "Tsk, I know back then na siya ang gumawa niyon. I just can't find evidence during those time at natapos na rin ang klase, I have forgotten about it and not until recently ko lang na-confirm iyon. Why do you sound like you want to say na mas magaling kang detective kaysa sa akin? You weren't able to deduce whoever destroyed the soccer balls and the net doon sa soccer varsity quarter. Ako naman ang nakasolve nun kahit ikaw ang bahagi ng soccer varsity."

Uh, seriously they're quarreling over past things? Why would I'll be surprised, pareho silang mayabang kaya normal lang na nagpapayabangan sila kung sino ang mas magaling sa kanila.

"I was about to solve whoever did it kaya lang naunahan mo ako," inis na wika ni Gray. Khael is part of the basketball team samantalang sa soccer naman si Gray. Not bad at all.

"Then that means I'm a better detective than you," Khael said proudly.

"No, you're not," Gray said. What's with them? At diba nga matagal na yun, bakit pa nila iyon pinagtataluhan ?

"I'm better than you!"

"Not even an inch!"

"I'm the best!"

"You're a lousy detective!"

Nagsimula na silang magtalo. They were so noisy kaya sumabat na ako.

"Will you two just shut up? Ang ingay niyo! And why are you quarreling over who among you is the best? There shouldn't be a contest on finding the truth." Tumahimik naman silang dalawa sa sinabi ko. Marahil ay nagulat sila sa mga pinagsasabi ko. Really I said that? Uh, I sounded old.

Nang sumapit ang alas singko ay naghanda na kami. Dumaan ako sa salon para ipagawa ang buhok at make up ko. My hair was in a bun that emphasizes my slender neck. I was wearing a light make up too ngunit sapat na upang mabago ang hitsura ko. I looked like a classic, fine lady. At dahil masquerade ang party, I was wearing a silver mask outlined with sapphire stones and diamonds. It covers almost half of my face but displays my scarlet lips.

Khael and Gray were also breathtakingly handsome in their suit. Not to mention na may dating naman talaga sila, but in such suits, they look very manly. Both of them were wearing black masks. Ang pinagkaiba lang ay ang design. Gray's mask have diamonds design in swirls in the right side of his mask samantalang nakaoutline naman sa maskara ang mga diamond sa mask ni Khael.

"Wooah! I'm speechless Amber," manghang wika ni Khael. He removed his mask at yumuko sa akin as if I'm a queen. Pagkatapos ay kinuha niya ang kamay ko at hinalikan iyon. Inis na binawi ko naman ang kamay ko.

"Don't do it again jerk or else I'll kill you." wika ko. Why does he have to do it all the time? It's annoying.

He laughed at me. "I like you. Too bad, you're stuck with Silvan."

"Anong ibig mong sabihin?," nagtatakang tanong ko. Stuck with Gray? Me? Oh, no no no.

"Ano bang pinagsasabi mo Alonzo?," Gray asked. Marahil maging ito ay hindi rin maintindihan ang ibig sabihin ni Khael.

"Nothing." He smiled and offered his arms to me upang umabrisete ako. "It's my honor." Tinanggap ko naman ang braso niya at lumabas na kami ng hotel suite at nagtungo sa sasakyan.

We arrived at Haven Tower Hotel fifteen minutes past seven. Maraming tao doon and they were all elegantly dressed. Naghintay muna kami sa labas dahil baka dumating si Marion ngunit lumipas ang labinlimang minuto ay wala pa rin ito.

"Maybe she decided not to go. Pumasok na tayo," Khael said and walked his way towards the entrance. May dalawang lalaki na naka tuxedo sa harap ng pinto. I believe they were security guards. Nang makapasok kami sa loob ay humanga ako. It was a huge hall at puno iyon ng mga prominenteng tao sa lipunan. Businessmen, photograpers, art enthusiast, politicians at kung anu-ano pa. Well, what do I expect? Antonio Velmon is a known Textile King in the society, no wonder hindi rin basta-basta ang mga bisita nito.

"Enjoy yourself. Kami na ni Khael ang bahala sa pagmamasid sa paligid," bulong ni Gray sa akin. He don't want me to join them in finding any illegal transactions then. Lumayo na sila sa akin at nagsimulang maglibot sa paligid. Geez! It seems like I'm stuck at this boring party. Ni wala man lamang akong makausap.

Dumaan ang isang waiter sa harap ko. He was holding a tray with wineglasses. Kumuha ako ng isa at ininom iyon. It was a delicious wine, malamang ay mamahalin iyon. Gray and Khael were accross the hall. They were talking to some ladies! I thought they will observe the area if ever there are any suspicious transactions, why are they flirting?! Men!

Ininom ko na lang ang natitira ko pang wine. Nang may dumaan ulit ay kumuha na naman ako. I've tasted wine before but it's occasionally. Tuwing pasko o kaya ay bagong taon ay umiinom ako but now, I guess wine's the only resort I have to get along with the boredom I'm feeling.

Hindi ko namalayan na bumalik na pala sa tabi ko sina Gray at Khael.

"Hey, dahan-dahan lang sa wine, baka malasing ka," wika ni Gray. He tried to get the wineglass from my hands ngunit naiwas ko iyon.

"I know what I'm doing," wika ko at inirapan siya. Namatay ang lahat ng ilaw kaya napaatras ako at kumapit sa unang taong nahawakan. Hindi naman nagtagal ay umilaw ang spotlight at tumapat sa taong nasa stage. It was the Textile King himself, Antonio Velmon.

"I don't know na takot ka pala sa dilim. Cute!," wika ni Khael. Siya pala ang nakapitan ko, I thought it was Gray. Agad akong bumitaw sa kanya.

I scowled at him. "Ano ngayon kung takot ako? Nagulat lang ako. I've already overcome my fear, I've been in a dim cave alone and I didn't panic so I guess that fear is already gone."

Naalala ko ang nangyari sa Tickle Island. Nawala na nga ba ang takot ko or it was just overshadowed by my great intent to help? Either which, masaya ako na natulungan ko si Miss Dominique. He just laughed at me at hindi na ako sinagot dahil nagsalita na si Antonio Velmon mula sa stage.

"Good Evening everyone! Thank you for attending this party of mine. I organized this party for my announcement." Nagsimulang magbulong-bulongan ang mga tao kung ano kaya ang magiging announcement nito. Some thought that he would retire, others thought that his business is going down but I doubt such. May nagsabi rin na baka magme-merge na ang kompanya nito sa isa pang kompanya.

"Ano kaya ang announcement niya?," mahinang sambit ni Gray. He's attention was onstage.

"This is more likely an introduction. I would like everyone to meet my only daughter. Yes you heard it right. I have a daughter, hindi man sa aking pumapayapang asawa, but she's my daughter from my previous marriage. Please welcome my daughter," pakilala ni Antonio Velmon. Umakyat ang babae sa stage. She was wearing a black long gown na hapit sa katawan nito. Bagay na bagay iyon sa kanya. Her reddish short hair was flipped on one side, exposing pearl earrings on her ear. Nakasuot ito ng itim na maskara na may mga diamonds sa gilid.

"I guess he got a beautiful daughter. Gonna check her out later," mahinang bulong ni Khael. Si Gray naman ay seryoso ang mukha habang nakatingin sa stage. Tinanggal ng babae ang suot nitong maskara at gulat na gulat kaming tatlo!

"Hi everyone, I'm Marion Valdez-Velmon," magiliw nitong pakilala at ngumiti. What the hell! She's the daughter of Antonio Velmon! So she really did go to this party but she didn't go with us! This party is really for her!

Napalagok ako sa hawak kong wine. Uh, what's going on here?

"Just as I thought," wika ni Gray. "I have a feeling na kilala ko ang babaeng nakamaskara, and it's that annoying transferee." Uminom siya ng wine at bumukas na ulit ang lahat ng ilaw. Mas lalong naging maliwanag ang paligid. Lahat ng tao ay humanga sa magandang anak ni Antonio Velmon. Kaming tatlo? We're still shocked.

"On the second thought, I think I don't have to check her later," bawi ni Khael sa sinabi kanina. Oh, hindi talaga nila gusto si Marion. Bumaba na si Marion sa stage ay kinausap ang ilan sa mga guest. Hindi nagtagal ay lumapit ito sa amin.

"Hi Gray," bati nito. Hi Amber, hi Khael," nakangiting bati nito. She was wearing her mask this time.

"Marion, you surprised us," wika ko sa kanya. I thought she was just insistent on going to this party with us. Bakit hindi na lang niya sinabi sa amin?

"Bakit hindi mo sinabi sa amin na anak ka pala ni Antonio Velmon?," naiinis na tanong ni Khael. He tapped his fingers on the wineglass that he was holding.

Ngumiti ng matamis si Marion. "I wasn't the daughter of Antonio Velmon until he publicly announced it. So now I'm his daughter. At isa pa, what's the essence of this party kapag ini-spoil ko na ang announcement niya, right?"

Tama nga naman ito. She held Gray's arm. Let's wander around," anyaya niya. Tinanggal ni Gray ang kamay nito sa braso niya.

"Sorry but I've got important things to do," wika nito. "Let's go Alonzo. Amber, just stay here, babalik kami mamaya."

Umalis na sila ni Khael samantalang naiwan naman kaming dalawa ni Marion. "Ako na ang humihingi ng pasensya sayo Marion. They're kind of rude, right?"

Ngumiti ito. "It's fine Amber. You don't have to worry. Can I ask you some things?"

Tumango ako sa kanya. "Yeah, sure. What is it about?"

Inilapit niya ang mukha sa tenga ko upang bumulong. "Let's talk about it in the balcony."

Sumang-ayon naman ako at pumunta na kami sa balcony. She stood there at nakahawak sa mga daliri niya. I could feel that she's hesitant to ask.

Ako na ang unang nagsalita. "What is it Marion?" Uminom ako sa baso ko. I felt a little dizzy ngunit kaya ko pa naman.

"It's about Gray. Tell me something about him," she said. Mabuti nalang at hindi ko naibuga ang ininom kong wine. So she's really interested with Gray! "Please Amber. I think I like him but he's cold and distant to me. I asked you since you seem to know him enough dahil close kayo."

I blinked my eyes few times. "Hindi ko pa siya masyadong kilala dahil tulad mo ay transferee lang din siya. And don't worry about him being cold and distant. That's Gray." Ganoon naman talaga si Gray, parang may sayad. Though he loves to brag some things with people, he seems distant to them.

"But you two get along well," nakayuko nitong wika. Kawawa naman ito, ayaw ko rin namang sabihin dito na sinabi ni Gray at Khael kanina na they don't like her.

"Maybe because bago ka pa lang at hindi ka niya masyadong kilala," wika ko. "If you want to ask more about him, maybe you should ask Khael. Dati na silang magkakilala. They used to be classmates until Gray transfered."

Nagpout si Marion. "Isa pa yang Khael na iyan! I feel that he doesn't like me."

Oh, hindi naman pala ito manhid upang hindi makaramdam.

"They're jerks pero mabait naman sila. Wag mo na lang silang intindihin," I told her. She smiled at me and held my hand.

"Mabuti ka pa, ang bait mo sa akin," wika nito. "Hey, you want more wine? Ikukuha kita."

Umiling naman ako. "No, wag na. I'm getting dizzy. Isa pa nakakahiya naman sayo." Yeah, she's somewhat the textile princess right?

"I don't mind at all. At isa pa, magkukwento ka pa sa akin ng mga nalalaman mo tungkol kay Gray, diba? Just wait here, I'll be back."

Umalis na siya at naiwan naman ako sa balcony. Kitang-kita buwan mula doon. Nasa 8th floor iyon kaya tanaw ko ang ibaba. So, Marion really like Gray. Well, Gray's not a bad choice at all kung hindi lang talaga sa kayabangan at sa flip nitong ugali.

Sumandal ako sa railings ng balcony at tinanaw ang loob ng hotel. Mula sa kinatatayuan ko ay tanaw ko ang pinto ng hall na pinagdadarausan ng party. Sa gilid naman ng pinto ay dalawang elevator. Tatalikod na sana ako nang mapansin ko ang tatlong lalaki. They are wearing a mask and a tuxedo. Marahil ay imbitado ang mga ito sa party.

The two of them were carrying suitcases samantalang may kausap naman sa cellphone nito ang isa. He got something from his pocket at napansin ko ang isang bagay na nakasukbit sa baywang nito. Gun!

They don't look like the security guards since magkatulad ang suot na tuxedo ng mga security. He signaled the two others to follow him and I felt suspicious about them. They headed towards the nearest elevator.

Hindi kaya't sila ang ibig sabihin ng nagtip kina Khael na may illegal transactions na magaganap? Nang sumara ang elevator ay agad kong tiningnan kung saan sila patungo. Shit! They headed towards the basement and they were looking around as if checking before they got inside the and that's even more suspicious. Ang basement ay ang ginagamit na parking lot ng hotel. Agad akong sumakay sa isa pang elevator at sinundan sila sa basement.

I don't know what I'm into. Those guys were armed ngunit ninais ko pa rin na sundan sila. I'm gonna kiss myself later for drawing into danger. Tumunog ang elevator tanda na dumating na ako sa basement. Those guys where nowhere of sight ngunit may naririnig akong ingay kaya't sinundan ko iyon.

Nagtago ako sa isang sulok nang may makita akong dalawang grupo. One group were wearing formal attires at may mga kahon sa harap nila. The other group was the one in tuxedo and masks at kasama na roon ang tatlong lalaki na may dalang mga suitcases na sinusundan ko.

I can't completely hear them dahil malayo-layo rin ang distansya ko sa kanila. Lumapit ako ng konti at nagkubli sa isa sa mga sasakyan na naroon.

"Here are the guns," wika ng lalaki na nakaformal attire. Bahagya niyang sinipa ang mga kahon na nasa harap.

Sumenyas naman ang lalaki na nakamaskara sa mga kasama nito."Open the boxes and check it."

Napasinghap ako sa nakita. There were lots of guns! Inaatake na naman ako ng nerbiyos ko kapag nakakita ng baril but I tried to control myself. My hands were ice cold and I was shaking but I calm myself. Hindi nila ako maaring makita.

"Here's the money," wika naman ng nakamaskara. They handed the three suitcases na puno ng pera. What the hell! So this is really the illegal transaction! It's guns and not drugs.

"All settled then, tell your boss that he should come by the next transaction." The guy in formal clothes said.

"But I'm the boss," wika ng lalaki na nakamaskara. He seems to have the authority.

"Not you. The big boss of mafia," wika ng lalaking nakaformal attire bago umalis. "Mauuna na kami."

"Keep the guns in the trunks of the cars," utos ng nakamaskara nang makalayo na ang isang grupo at agad namang sumunod ang iba. They're leaving? I have to tell Gray and Khael about this! I got my phone from my clutch at agad na tinawagan si Gray. Matapos ang tatlong ring ay agad itong sumagot.

"Where the hell are you Amber! Sabi ni Marion ay iniwan ka niya sa balcony to get some drinks ngunit pagbalik niya ay wala ka na doon!," malakas ang boses na wika nito.

Hininaan ko ang boses ko. "Gray, listen carefully. I am in the hotel's basement and I just witnessed an illegal transaction. It's illegal firearms smuggling. Pumunta na kayo dito and bring the police bago pa-"

Hindi ko na natuloy ang sasabihin ko nang biglang may humugot sa cellphone ko. It was the transactor of the guys in mask.

"Kaya pala may naaamoy ako, may pusa pala dito," he said to me at tinapon ang cellphone ko. Goodbye sa cellphone kong mag-aanim na buwan pa lamang.

"You're doing something illegal! Mahuhuli rin kayo ng pulis!," wika ko sa kanya. I was shaking at takot na takot ako. He aimed a gun at me. Goodness! Isang diin lang nito sa gatilyo ay malamang katapusan ko na.

"Saan na ngayon ang pinagyayabang mong pulis?," he said and laughed. Napasigaw ako ng hablutin niya ang maskara ko at natanggal iyon sa mukha ko.

"Just as I thought. A fine lady beneath the mask. Too bad, you'll never be seeing the sun shines again," he positioned the gun on my head at napapikit ako sa takot!

Shit! Sana pala ay hindi na lang talaga ako sumama sa party na ito. I'm too young to die! Biglang may mga tumunog na sirena.

"Shit! Cops!, Bilisan niyo and leave the area immediately!" The guy grabbed my arm at kinaladkad ako papunta sa isang kotse.

"Let go of me jerk!," singhal ko sa kanya.Mahigpit ang pagkakahawak niya sa akin at malamang magmamarka iyon sa braso.

"No way! You've seen our transaction and we just can't leave you alive," pasalampak na sinakay niya ako. Sumakay naman siya sa kotse and started the engine. Agad niya iyong pinaharurot palabas.

"Where are you going to take me?," tanong ko sa kanya ng binabagtas na ng kotse ang hindi pamilyar na daan.

"To hell," he said habang nasa daan ang mga mata. God! Ano ba itong pinasukan ko?

"Who are you?," tanong ko ulit. Since mamamatay na din naman ako, susulitin ko na lang sa pamamagitan ng pagtatanong ang mga nalalabing oras ko.

"I should be asking that question. Who are you? Anong ginagawa mo roon?," wika niya. He was fluent in english at maayos ang kanyang pananamit. Matangos ang ilong nito at mapula ang labi na hindi natatabingan ng maskara.

Shit Amber! It's not time to praise the appearance of someone who's going to take your life!

"I'm Amber at bisita lang ako sa party. Nagawi lang ako doon, I never intended to witness such transaction," nanginginig kong wika.

"Amber? I have a feeling that I've already heard that name," wika nito. I wonder what was his face behind that mask.

"Of course, hindi lang ako ang may pangalang Amber sa buong mundo," I rolled my eyes at him.

Tumawa naman siya ng mahina. "Feisty cat. But I think I already saw your face too ngunit hindi ko lang matiyak," wika nito at itinigil ang sasakyan sa harap ng isang mansyon.

What the hell? I thought I will be brought to a place like an abandoned warehouse o kung saan-saang lugar tulad ng pinagdadalhan ng mga kidnapper na nasa mga palabas. But heck! I'm in a splendid mansion!

The guy dialed some number. "Bring those in the warehouse. May inaasikaso pa ako." Pinatay niya iyon ngunit may tinawagan siya ulit. "Hey dear cousin. I have something for you or should I say someone for you." Nilingon niya ako and it brought shivers down to my spine! Don't tell me he's intended to give me to some guys and worst, baka gahasain ako bago patayin. I want to kick myself for such thought ngunit hindi pa rin impossible iyon.

He got a handcuff at hinila ang kamay ko. I winced in pain nang pinosasan niya ako sa likod. "Careful devil! It hurts!"

Tumawa lang siya at bumaba ng kotse. He walked on the other side at binuksan ang pinto at hinila ako palabas.

"I said careful! Alam mo bang naka 6-inched heels ako!," I hissed at him nang makalabas ako ng kotse.

"I don't care," he said at naglabas ng panyo at tinakpan ang mata ko. Kapagkuwan ay kinaladlad niya ako, malamang papasok iyon sa mansion.

I heard a big door opened. At may tila kasambahay na bumati dito. "Magandang gabi, young master."

"Nasaan si Zeus?," tanong nito sa kasambahay. I wonder who is Zeus. Malamang iyon ang tinawagan ng lalaki kanina.

"Kadarating niya lang po mula sa isang pagtitipon at nasa silid niya siya ngayon."

"Yeah, tell him I have someone named Amber," wika ng lalaki at narinig ko ang papalayong yabag ng kasambahay. Kanina pa ako nanginginig sa takot ngunit kailangan kong mag-isip ng maayos. Muli akong kinaladlad ng lalaki. Hindi nagtagal ay tumigil kami. "I think Zeus would be surprised to see you."

"Who the hell is that Zeus, wala akong kilalang Zeus," wika ko sa kanya. I tried to free my arm from his grip dahil nasasaktan na ako. "Let go of me devil! Nasasaktan ako sa pagkakahawak mo!"

Tinanggal naman nito ang kamay sa braso ko. "Oh, it marks. You're so vulnerable but it's you who entered in this peril so you'd better be ready in such consequences."

Nakarinig ako ng mga papalapit na yabag. It was from above kaya marahil ay nasa harap ako ng mahabang hagdan.

"What's this all about Apollo?" His voice was loud and it sounded like thunder. Pakiramdam ko ay mas lalo akong nanginig nang marinig ang boses na iyon. So this guy's name is Apollo? Ngunit pakiramdam ko ay kilala ko ang may-ari ng boses na iyon ngunit hindi ko lang tiyak. His voice seems like it was blocked with something.

"Ah, Zeus. You know this fiesty cat right?," kinuha ng lalaki na tinawag niyang Apollo ang nakatakip sa mata ko.

Tumambad sa paningin ko ang lalaking nakasuot ng itim na suit. He was wearing a mask on his face ngunit buong mukha nito ang natatakpan kaya wala akong makitang bahagi ng mukha nito.

His body built seems familiar. May pakiramdam ako na kilala ko ang lalaking ito. I think he is someone that I really know ngunit hindi ko lang matiyak.

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