The room is pretty quiet, the sounds of the shuffling of papers can be heard as the students eagerly answer the test. My classmates start leaving the room as they finished the exam, so do I. Some students are flock in the hallway, discussing which part of the exam they answer correctly and which is not. The twinkling smile on their faces tell that the heave of sleepless nights are totally over. I make my way home, eye straight to my direction not minding the students' commotion at the lobby. I'm walking silently, my mind focusing on the sounds of nature's rhythm. It's almost 4 in the afternoon, I lift my head up to see the sun shines aglow of colours painting scales of orange and red on the blue sky. The sun is not set, and is going to. Indeed, it was a perfect time as stress reliever especially, just past few days we've been pre-occupied with stressful school activities. Looking at the cloud formations, it was pretty calm, so soft like a cotton candy. A perfect tranquilizer that could take away all your worries and troubles.

I can smell the Christmas vacation and it excites me no more unlike those other students. For them, it was a perfect opportunity for family bonding but in my case I can only see blurry pictures of such happiness.

..................................

"Its been 3 days since class went off for Christmas vacation. Aren't you going home?" Loki plainly ask while his eyes is on the paper he's holding, if I'm not mistaken it is an invitation letter. And I wonder what he's thinking.

"I've a second thought whether I shall spend my Christmas vacation at home or not" I retort as I faced him. He put the invitation-letter-liked on his pocket and make a sideward glance to my direction.

"If you want to buy some time, lets go out. Being stuck in your room is quiet boring why not step out for some fresh air and make some fun." He frankly said, Its not even a question but a statement. But I don't mind how he say those. The thing I have in mind now is, "Is he asking me for a date?"

"Are you always this direct?" I ask.

"I mean I've got a very interesting case to be solve now" He replied.

"Yea, that's what I said" I answer. What made me think of such nonsense. Iba nga pala ang definition niya sa salitang "Fun", fun means solving a crime case.

"I doubt that" he simply state

"What?"

"So, are you coming with me or yes?" he stupidly ask.

"Yea, as if you have given me better choices" sagot ko, then mentally roled my eyes.

"Don't worry. Pwede parin naman tayo mag date afterwards, after finishing the case" he added.

"Cracking some nonsense joke again. Alam mong hindi benta yan sa akin. Wala sa vocabulary mo ang salitang date." I plainly state.

"Some jokes are half-meant. Believe me I'm lying. Please prepare yourself, Mr. Vardez will fetch us an hour or two" Sabi niya bago pumasok sa kanyang kwarto.

It's Mr. Vasquez not Vardez, I waste no time para itama ang sinabi niya. Well, sa ilang buwan kong nakasama si Loki nasanay na din ako sa pagtawag niya ng mali-maling pangalan sa mga taong minsan niya lang makasama, or worse, never been.

It takes us 2 hours before we arrived to our destination. We're standing in front of the tall gray gate and a big black and white mansion inside. Sa itsura pa lang masasabi nang mayaman ang may-ari nito. Loki press the doorbell three times which is placed at the left side of the gate. It takes 3 more minutes before the gate swung open. Then I saw a woman, probably the one who opened the gate for us. Kung pagbabasihan ang kanyang suot siya ay isang katulong dito.

"Good morning sir, miss. May maitutulong ba ako sa inyo?" she asked politely, a bright smile plastered on her face. Mukhang nasa 40's or 30's pa lang ito batay sa kanyang hitsura.

"One of my companion invited me for a case-"

"Ahh okay, kayo pala. Madame is patiently waiting for the two of you upstairs. Sumunod nalang kayo sa akin, dadalhin ko kayo sa kanya " she stated as she cuts Loki's statement. She starts walking kaya sumunod na lang kami. As always wala na namang imik si Loki and I wonder what's running on that broad mind of his.

As we enter the mansion, I surely feel the essence of Christmas, mula sa mga mamahaling Christmas lights na nakasabit kahit saang bahagi ng bahay, mga naglalakihang Christmas carol and the one that will caught your attention is, if I'm not mistaken, 20 feet tall Christmas tree na nakalagay sa sentro ng bahay. By simply looking at it my mouth dropped in awe, literally. Batay sa mga kagamitang nakasabit masasabi talagang mamahalin ang mga ito. Mayroon ding mga wrapped Christmas gifts na iba-iba ang sizes at parang mga bata na gustong akyatin ang mataas na Christmas tree. It was all so adorable that makes me want to stay in here a bit longer but the reason why we're here is to solve a case so, I guess adoring the interior of the living room is enough. I continue walking with my two companions. The mansion is plainly quiet and so lifeless parang matagal ng hindi tinitirhan minus the costly things displayed in every corner of the house.

After a few minutes nakarating na din kami sa aming paroroonan. I saw a woman standing at the corner of the place with her eyes looking outside, she got a long blonde curly hair na abot hanggang beywang. Her back is facing us as we approached the veranda. She has a cup in her hand, based on the aroma in the air it's coffee she's holding, at mukhang kakahalo pa lang.

"Sorry to interrupt your peaceful moment Madamme but you've got here visitors" the maid said. The woman she called Madame turned her head with a mournful look.

"I'm glad that you accept my invitation. Please take a sit" she said in a low tone and smile but it seemed forced to me. I said nothing and did as what she said. Even Loki follow what she said with his famous blank expression written across his face.

"Aling Mena, please prepare our best recipe for them" she said, facing the maid, I mean Aling Mena.

"They say ,"Never take candy from strangers on Halloween if that candy is clearly made of razorblades". I'm not hungry anyway. Lorelei " he stated, darting me his blank expression with a questioning look. I'm not hungry, either. But I don't want to turn down the kindness.

"A glass of juice would be fine, thanks" I said facing Aling Mena.

"Okay my lady, please wait for a couple of minutes." She said with a big smile, then make her way downstairs. Andito pala kami ngayon sa ikalawang palapag ng mansion.

"I'm Mrs. Gretchen Guevara, I'm the sender of the invitation letter" she formally introduced herself.

"Pleased to meet you ma'-

"Too formal, tita Gretchen would be fine" she said as she cut my statement with her sustaining smile plastered across her face, a genuine one.

"Okay ma'- err tita Gretchen. I'm Lorelei and the guy with me is Loki" hindi ako sanay na tawagin siyang tita but I don't want to turn her down. She smiled at Loki and Loki just nod his head as a response.

"I know I should've put the justice in the hand of the police, I did but it turned out futile. Every minute I've got no result about my grandchild whereabouts, it bothers me really hard even in my slumber and keeps me up at night." She stated, I can sense the sadness in her voice.

"No offense, but we've no time for your pointless drama. Can you go straight to the point and give us the details of the case so we can start our investigation?" Loki said with his deadly bored look. What can you expect? Loki is a man who always brought a few patience inside his pocket.

"Sorry, I just got carried away. So as to the case, its all about the abduction of my great grandchild. He's been out of touch three days ago, one day after his aunt died. Some maids said namatay daw ang aking anak na si Georgia mula sa pagkakahulog, habang nilalagay ang malaking star sa pinakadulo ng Christmas tree. The reason of her death is not clear, though we only based on the possibilities . Batay sa ladder na aming nakita, na s'yang ginamit niya upang mailagay ang star. It happened na silang dalawa lang ang tao sa bahay dahil off duty lahat ng maids except for Miko's personal maid. Before Miko's disappearance I observe something strange about him. Parang natatakot at kinakabahan. I assumed na nagkaroon siya ng trauma with his aunt death. I'm busy with my daughter's burial that time kaya hindi ko na siya nabigyan ng pansin. When the night arises, he's nowhere to be found. Akala ko nung una he's maybe hiding somewhere, afraid and shaking. But time passed by, hindi parin namin siya makita at doon na ako kinabahan. Pinatawag ko lahat ng kasambahay namin to check all the corner of the mansion, some of my relatives also lend their hands to find Miko. But to my great disappointment they found nothing. God knows where he is. After a day of searching I've decided to report my concern to the police sinabi nilang gagawan nila ito ng paraan at maghintay na lang ako. I tried to wait for another day waiting for an anonymous number to call for some ransom but to my dismay I receive no calls. Until someone approached me and introduced you to me. At first I hesitated knowing that you're just a highschool student but after reading your blogs and checked your background I decided to invite Loki, hoping that you'll help me find Miko, I really do. My instinct says he's still alive. He's just only a 7 years old kid, napakabata niya pa para makaranas ng ganitong sitwasyon." She stated with full of hope. Bakas sa kanyang mukha ang pangungulila sa pagkawala ng kanyang apo. And it makes me want to help her find the persons behind this scene and put them behind bars as to my extent.

"Will you let us see the room of Milo?" Loki asked in a bored tone. Aishhh kailan pa kaya ni Loki maalala ang tamang pangalan nila? Nah, better not to expect, Loki is a man full of principles, anyway.

"It's Miko not Milo, well I don't mind anyway please follow me" tumayo siya mula sa pagkakaupo at nagsimulang maglakad.

We stop in front of the blue door painted with Santa Claus image.

"Andito na tayo" she said as she break the deafening silence building between the three of us. She put the key in the keyhole. The door create a screeching sound as she swung it open.

As I enter the room my eyes scan over it. The room is filled with Santa image mula sa disenyo ng kanyang mga kagamitan pati na rin ang kanyang mga laruan na nakahilira in an organized manner telling no one dare to disarranged those and played with it. Obviously Miko really loves Santa Claus.

"Yes, he really loves Santa Claus, he always tell his Mom Grace na bilhan siya ng laruan na may Santa Claus design. He's so adorable and smart at hindi siya basta-basta sumasama kahit kanino kaya nagtaka ako kung bakit siya nawala" she honestly said, her pain is very visible to me. And the worst thing is, I can do nothing to take that pain away. Despite of the situation I never let my guard down. Some say, murderers usually look amicable. Just like the Avada Kedavra case, Leona brought out the case but end up as the villain.

"Please hold a bit longer, we can't assure you that we can find Miko but we'll do our best" I said to comfort her, I saw crystal liquids running down her angelic face. We hear consecutive knocks that disrupts the not so-good-mood inside.

"Madame, please excuse me. Nasa ibaba po si Lady Grace gusto ka daw po niyang makausap sandali" Aling Mena said as she enter the room. Ma'am Gretchen immediately dried her tears using her hands and faced Aling Mena.

"Sabihin mo susunod ako, salamat." Sabi niya, bago ako hinarap while Loki is busy checking the room. "Kailangan ko munang kausapin si Grace. I'll leave the two of you here, I will come back as soon as I finished my business downstairs. You're free to roam around baka may mahanap kayong clue na magtuturo kung nasaan ang apo ko " she said before she bid her goodbye to us.

Lumapit ako kay Loki na busy sa paghahalungkat-tingin sa mga gamit ni Miko.

"May napansin ka bang kahinahinala?" he ask still looking at Miko's Santa toy.

"I didn't get any, the room is pretty clean mukhang pinalinisan na ito." I retort. "Ikaw may nakuha ka ba?"

"Wala namang kahinahinala except for the plain paper placed in front of the disorganized study table" he simply say. Study table? Bakit hindi ko yun nakita?

"The study table is located behind his closet, nasa tagong banda ito kaya hindi mu napansin. Mukhang hindi pa yun napapalinisan." He said. Obviously he just read my expression again, oh well I'm used to it.

"So what's with the plain paper?"

"I felt strange abou-"

Loki's statement has been cut off by the woman entering the room with thundering footsteps, it seems like she's in a hurry. She owned an undeniably phat appearance. She have a long straight black hair, an almond pair of eyes, fair skin and thin red lips.

"So you're the so-called high school detectives mom's talking about." She said without giving us any greetings then she face ma'am Gretchen. "Mom! how could you trust a high school students? They're just mere children who can't even spoon feed themselves. Baka isa lamang sila sa mga taong silaw sa ating kayamanan." Pagalit niyang sabi. Grrrr, ganyan ba kababa ang tingin niya sa amin?

"Grace hindi kita pinalaking ganyan, please give some sort of respect to My guests" Ma'am Gretchen said, still maintaining her composure.

"So, mas kinakampihan mo pa sila kesa sa sarili mong anak?" she asked with her voiced raised. Pagkatapos tumingin sa amin, if only look could kill, probably we're now lying on the cold floor.

"What do you need? Money?" she asked unmannerly. Ganito ba siya ka walang manners? I thought GMRC are taught at grade level. Did she just proceed in high school without taking the GMRC?

"How about manners? Did your grade school teacher lets you passed the GMRC subject despite of your attitude? or else ayaw mo lang na may malaman kami. Ang tanong may dapat ba kaming malaman?" Loki asked, I don't know what he's thinking of.

"Naririnig mu ba yang sinasabi mu? Ha bata? Di mo ba ako kilala?" Ma'am Grace hissed.

"I don't and I'm not even considering it. Why would I waste my time over trifling things? However, you and your attitude caught my attention, and I think there's a need for me to have some background check on you" Loki said calmly. Sa sinabi niya ay mas lalo pang lumala ang sitwasyon. I saw ma'am Grace clenched her fist as if she's controlling her spleen. Para siyang bulkan na in a minute or two ay sasabog na.

"Scratch that nonsense argument. Grace follow me and leave them alone they know what they're doing. Para yan sa kapakanan ng anak mo" ma'am Gretchen stated with full of authority and leave the room. Ma'am Grace dart a death glare on Loki before she leave the room.

..........................

We stayed there for an hour before Aling Mena called us for lunch. But with Loki's principles, we ended up at the fast food restaurant near the mansion. Pagkatapos naming mag lunch bumalik kami kaagad sa mansion. Malayo palang kami naririnig ko na ang ingay sa loob which is strange. Nadatnan namin si ma'am Gretchen, and ma'am Grace with three other unfamiliar faces. What's with the commotion? Then I remember, bago kami kumain, sinabihan ni Loki si ma'am Gretchen na papuntahim dito ang mga taong nakasama ni Miko before he disappeared. Pero bakit nandito rin si ma'am Grace? I thought she despise us? Unless isa rin siya sa mga suspect. Why did I felt so strange around her? something that- ah never mind. How could a mother hurt her child anyway but I could at least reconsider that my hunch is true, though I'm not really sure about it. At ang ipinagtataka ko lang kung bakit pati janitor at ang isang maid ay nandito rin?

"Loki bakit pati maid at janitor ay nandito?" tanong ko kay Loki out of curiosity.

"If there's someone missing in your family, who would you suspect?" napaisip naman ako sa tanong niya. If someone's missing in my family, whomever could I suspect?

"Siguro I'll suspect the person whom s/he's comfortable with, likes our relatives, family friends pwedi ding sa janitor na palagi niyang nakikita at sa kanyang ma-" I stopped, my eyes widened when I realized what he's trying to point out.

"You look like, you've got my point" he paused "And Lorelei, if you're going to make hypothesis don't consider having only one. You must consider all the plausible scenarios." Here we go again with Loki's word of wisdom.

"Lorelei, Loki nandiyan na pala kayo. Pumunta na kayo dito to start the interrogation." Ma'am Gretchen invited us. Napatingin silang lahat sa amin. We make our way towards the two vacant seat located between Ma'am Gretchen and the guy with business suit. Mukhang galing pa ito sa isang business meeting. And we're sitting right now facing each other in a round table.

"Please let me introduce them first, kilala niyo naman siguro si Grace, kahit ako nagtataka kung bakit kasali si Grace sa mga suspect with the fact na ina siya ni Miko but I refrain myself from arguing because I trust Loki. The guy wearing suit is Mr. Dale Creg, a business man, ninong ni miko" he just nod his head "The spectacled man is Dr. Kang, a scientist at pinakaclose ni Miko sa lahat." He only give us a cold dead stare. I strangely don't like him, the way he look and act. That feeling when you see a person for the first time but for some reason you don't like them. Ah Ewan.

"The girl with a cocktail dress is Miles, Miko's ninang." She smiled very brightly to us, ang unang taong ngumiti sa amin mula pagkapasok namin dito. "The guy wearing the Janitor attire is Mang Berto, Miko's personal janitor, and lastly the lady maid si Aling Mena" Yes, you heard it right, isa sa suspect ang taong nagpapasok sa amin kanina.

"Miko's personal maid at dahil wala si Miko siya muna ang taga asikaso sa aking mga visitors." Pakilala ni ma'am Gretchen. Kung pagbabasehan ang description na ibinigay ni ma'am Gretchen, lahat sila ay malalapit kay miko at may posibilidad na magtitiwala si miko sa kanila without thinking hindi na pala anghel ang kanyang kasama.

"Alam niyo ba kung bakit kayo namin pinatawag?" panimulang tanong ni Loki.

"As for me I don't know what's with the urgent call. Ayoko ko sanang pumunta dahil sa nakatambak na trabaho sa opisina, but nahihiya ako kay Gretchen na aking bestfriend, I canceled some of my appoinments just to go here. Kaya kung pwede just go straight to the point. " Sabi ng lalaking naka business attire.

"So as mister business-attire said,-

"Dale Creg is my name. Dale would be fine."

"So as Brake said, Hindi na ako magpaligoy-ligoy pa. The thing is kayo ang mga taong huling nakasama ni Milko-

"It's Miko" Ma'am Grace interrupt.

"Whoever his name is, it doesn't matter. Kayo ang mga taong huling nakasama niya. Gusto ko lang malaman kung saan kayo pumunta nang huli niyong nakasama ang bata at kung ano ang ginawa niyo pagkatapos."

"Don't you think, it is invading someone's personal life?" sabi ni Ms. Miles, if my memory's right.

"It is, however it is the only way to prove your innocency. We are not asking for your private info, nonetheless." Sagot ni Loki, hindi na din nakipag argue pa sa kanya si Ms. Miles.

"If I'm not mistaken you're just a high school students, right?" ask Mr. Dale.

"Right" Loki retort lazily.

"Gretchen you should'vehiredprofessional detectives who are experts and more experienced thanthese two little kiddos.This is not a guessing game, they should know where to place theirselves. Ano ba ang kayang gawin ng isang bata? WALA" Mr. Dale said frankly. Should I strangle him to death or flush his head in the toilets? Grrrr sakit niyang .

"I'm not bragging, but we unbraided and been involvedin some hellacious cases.I'm not asking for your imprimatur, either. Unless you felt treathened thata High School could bring to light the dark aurahidingwithin you. If you don't mind we willcontinue the interrogation. Ms. Moles." Loki calmly said while Dr. Dale shooting a death glare at him.

"Pagkatapos kong makipaglaro kay Miko nung araw na yun, dumiretso na ako sa bahay" sabi ni Ms. Miles.

"Mayroon bang makapagpapatunay ng iyong alibi?" Loki ask

"Wala dahil mag isa nalang ako sa bahay namin" said she.

"After I went here, I got a private meeting to one of my client. Walang makapagpatunay na totoo ang aking sinabi dahil yun ay isang confidential meeting". Mr. Dale said.

"I'm a busy man, dumaan lang ako rito just to see Miko then after few minutes. Umalis na din ako at bumalik sa Lab. Wla magpapatunay ng alibi ko sinced I prefer to work alone" Said Dr. Kang.

"Pagkatapos kung linisin ang kwarto ni Miko ay pumunta ako sa hospital dahil nagkasakit ang isang kung anak. Kung gusto niyo ang proweba, pakitawag nalang ng aking misis" sabi ng janitor. So far siya palang ang my witnessed na makapagpatunay na tama ang sinabi niya unless they planned it all along.

"Napakabait na bata si Miko, mga taong walang puso lang ang makakagawa nun sa kanya unless na lang may nakita o nagawa siyang kasalan" said Aling Mena.

"What do youmeant by"may nakita o nagawang kasalanan"? Loki ask.

"Ah--- ehh ang ibig kong sabihin baka may nawala siyang mahalagang bagay o di kaya nakakita ng mga bagay na hindi dapat"

"You talked like youknow something, may dapat ba kaming malaman?" Loki ask.

"Anu kasi-- yun ay akin lamang mga haka-haka"

Loki give her a doubtful look.

"Aling Mena, please prepare us a cup of coffee. Please excuse her for a moment" ma'am Gretchen said, as she interrupt the awkward atmosphere between us.

"Masusunod po ma'am" sagot ni Aling Mena.

Mayroon na akong nabubuong kaisipan but still not enough to tie the rope together. Suddenly I felt nature is calling my name. I decided to excuse myself before I make my way towards the comfort room. At first ma'am Gretchen ordered one of her maid to accompany me but I refused, nakakahiya naman kung magpapasama pa ako.

Luckily hindi ako naligaw. The cr is clean as Miko's room. Mayroon itong tatlong cubicle. I waste no time, pumasok agad ako sa huling pintuan para mag labas ng sama ng loob. Ilang sandali lang nakarinig ako ng yabag papasok sa cr, baka mag ccr din.

"Alam mu na ang gagawin mo, don't do anything stupid that could ruin my plans at baka ikaw pa ang susunod. Clear?" a lady voice appeared. Hindi ko nakilala ang boses niya dahil nakapukos ako sa aking pagdidispose.

"Yes, maam" sagot ng isa pang babae. Are they planning something evil?

"Ma'am bakit hindi niyo nalang siya ipaglipit kaagad?" tanong ng kanyang kampon. After hearing those I accidentally slip my hand over the soap on left side that creates a light noise. Arrgghh, Bakit ngayon pa gumana ang katangahan ko!

"Ano yun? Akala ko ba walang tao rito." Tanong ng "ma'am daw"

"Wala naman tao rito kanina baka daga lang yun" the other girl reply.

"Hindi ka dapat makampante, mas siguradong I check mu ulit ang mga cubicle" Nakarinig ako ng pagkasa ng baril. I clapped my hands in my mouth refraining myself from making noise. I heard the first door open, sunod nilang binuksan ang pangalawang pintuan. Ilang sandali narinig ko na ang papalapit na yabag papunta sa ikatlong pintuan kung saan ako pumasok. Ito na ba ang magiging katapusan ko? Pag nakita nila ako rito siguradong sabog ang ulo ko. I never imagined that I'll end up losing my life in a most terrific way. I don'thave a freaking ideahow can I escape from this traumatic situation.Isangtao lang ang nasa isip ko ngayon. I hope Loki would be here to save me, again.Ipray silently, calling the names of all the saints I know. Iwas in the middle of my prayer when a mouse appeared, pagkatapos lumabas sa pintuan.

"Ay daga" sabi ng "ma'am daw".

"Sabi ko sayo ma'am daga lang yun"

"Akala ko may ibang tao. I'll not let anyone ruin my plans especially those two kid. Kung kailangan kong silang iligpit gagawin ko" She hissed. Pagkatapos narinig ko ang pagbukas at sarado ng pinto.

"Whoaa that was close, save by the mouse" said I, talking to myself. I felt relieved knowing thatI'm saved from near death. I get myself out of this freaking comfort room. Loki must know this bago pa may mangyaring hindi kanais-nais. With my heart beating erratically I forgot the right path going back to living room.

It takes me how many minutes bago ako nakabalik sa sala. But to my surprise, I saw people running in different directions. Did I missed something? Sana mali ang nasa isip ko. Nasaan na ba si Loki, si Ma'am Gretchen at ang mga suspects bakit wala na sila rito. May dumaan na isang maid sa aking harapan, I grabbed her hand to stop her.

"Ano po ang nangyayari?" Tanong ko sa kanya, based sa kanyang kilos may nangyaring hindi maganda.

"Dinala po si ma'am Gretchen sa hospital?" sagot niya.

"May nangyari bang masama sa kanya?

"Bumula daw po ang bibig niya matapos niyang inumin ang kape, kakaalis lang din po nila gamit ang kotse ni sir Dale kasama si ma'am Grace." sagot niya.

"Sumama din po ba ang lalaking kasama ko kanina?" tanong ko ulit.

"Nakita ko siya kanina pero sa pagkakaalala ko hindi siya sumakay sa sasakyan ni sir Dale, mukhang nagpaiwan ho siya para mag imbestiga. Pagkatapos nu'n hindi ko na siya nakita." Sagot niya ulit.

"Maraming salamat ho Manang" sabi ko, she just smiled back at me then vanished from my sight.

Nasaan na ba si Loki? Umakyat ako sa taas papunta sa kwarto ni Miko, hoping na nandun si Loki. I hold the doorknob praying that it wasn't locked, luckily lady luck is on my side. I open the door and enter the room. I stop for a moment when I saw a man with his back facing at me.He whirl as he noticed my presence. I immedietly hide myself behind the closet, I peeked through a small hole there to see who was the man. I was surprised to see Dr. Kang familiar face. Palinga-linga siyang tumingin sa kanyang paligid para tingnan kung may tao ba o wala. He seems so uneasy. Is he hiding something, also? Nang masigurado niya na walang tao lumabas na siya like nothing had happened. Argggh nalilito na ako, I roam my eyes around at napansin kong sobrang kalat. Ito siguro ang tinutukoy ni Loki kanina, nahagilap ng aking mata ang puting papel na nakapatong sa lamesa. I take a closer look at that thing. I was going to hold it when I felt something, I mean someone. I whirl to see who's there. Then I saw a man standing, hands on his pocket.

.

"You startled me. Gusto mu ba akong bigyan ng mini heart attack? Para kang multong nanggugulat." I hissed at him but at the same time I felt relieve.

"I didn't want to. What brought you here?" Loki ask, humakbang siya papalapit sa akin.

"Naghahanap ako sayo ng mapadpad ako rito. Saan ka ba nagpunta"? I asked.

"I ask Inspector Estrada to look for the profile of the suspects" he reply and handed me the white folder his holding. I accept and start to scan the pages.

Mr. Drey Creg:

Business man, involved in some underground transaction.

Ms. Miles Estela

Plain business woman, doesn't have a family to be called. But wish to have her own child.

Dr. Kang

Frustrated Scientists, failed many times in his study. Recently became obsessed in his new study that involves human as a guinea.

Berto Palcon

Janitor, he came from prison before he start to serve Guevara family.

Mena Reyes

Known as a servant of Guevara family for 10 years. Doesn't have a family. Known to have a Split personality.

Kung titingnan lahat sila ay may kanya-kanyang motibo to kidnapped the child. After reading I closed the folder at binalik ko ang aking mga mata sa puting papel. Wala kang makikitang kahit maliit na sulat which I find weird. Dinampot ko ang papel and examine it thoroughly. Inamoy ko ang puting papel at di nga ako nagkamali.

"Look, smell this paper." Lumapit siya akin.

"Yea, the paper smell so good, unlike ordinary paper" Alam kong pareho ang inisip namin. Ang kailangan nalang naming gawin is to confirm kung tama ang hinala namin.

"Narinig ko nga pala ang nangyari kanina, kamusta na pala si ma'am Gretchen?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

"For God's grace she's fine, but still gaining her strength" He retort.

"Sa ngayon I've a blurred image. The evidence is not enough to uncover the dark cloud governing it. However, I've this hunch that the death of her child, the abduction, and poisoning episode is connected to each other. But for now it's just only a hunch, there's still a missing pieces to tie those evidences together and finish the puzzle." He added.

"You mean, iisa lang ang tao behind these sordid affairs? Wait, I want to ask you something when I leave, did the suspect leave their post?" I asked, Loki put his right forefinger under his jaw as if he's trying to remember something.

"Yea, I remember. Grecie excuse herself to take the phone call. And also Briles, the girl wearing a cocktail dress, volunteered herself to help the maid to take the coffee in our table. Why did you asked?"

"Kaninang pumunta ako sa cr I accidentally eavesdrop with the two girls conversation. Mukhang may pinaplano silang masama. Then pagbalik ko narinig ko nalang na bumula daw ang bibig ni ma'am Gretchen and I conclude na baka konektado ito sa narinig ko."

"It's either among the three of them. Did you tell anyone about this?" Loki asked

"Yea" I reply.

"Kanino mo sinabi?"

"Sayo"

"No, I mean did you tell anyone except from me?" he ask.

"No, ikaw pa lang ang sinabihan ko. Because of that cr incident, I must trust no one but only you."

"Good, remember, Not all devil do have horns, some have wings and halo above their heads; standing beside you, pretending to be an angel. We must not take the risk." Yea, I am aware of that, sa ilang buwan ko siyang kasama natutunan kong wag kaagad-agad magtiwala sa isang estranghero.

"Wait, di ba si Aling Mena ang nagtimpla ng kape?"

"Yea, but the girl volunteered to help brought us the coffee. Actually the poison is not in the coffee but in the cup used and the target is the owner of this house. But, don't be deceived."

"How about the spectacled man?"

"What about him?"

"Nakita ko siya dito kanina, mukhang may tinatago din siya"

"I also felt strange toward him, for now we need to find the kid first".

The white plain paper is not just an ordinary but a secret letter. The words are written using apple vinegar. Makikita mo lang ang nakasulat dito pag inilapit ito sa apoy. Ito ang nakasulat sa papel :

Ever since Santa came upon existence. I leave no place of doubt, my young mind start to swallow her lies. She embraced me with her loving heart, yetshebetrayed me at some critical point. I thought she was real, in some case deception is part of her role. I just woke up one day I'm doomed in someone's illusions, pulling me down into endless bottom. I'm trapped in my own nightmare probably waiting for someone to pull me up and save me from drowning.

P.S. Please crack this code to find me.

ITTRMHOOIECONSKM

He's definitely referring to a girl based on the highlighted word "she" and pertaining to someone closed to Him.

"The code is very simple to decode" Sabi ni Loki habang naka tingin sa mga letrang nakasulat.

"It's a Caesar box code right?" I ask

"How can you say?" he counter.

"If you count the letters, you'll get 16 characters. If we'll get its square root the answer is four. Write the letters out into 4 rows." Kumuha ako ng papel at ballpen para isulat ito.

I T T R

M H O O

I E C O

N S K M

"Start from top left letter and read down, then start at the top of the next column and read down again, and so on. Ganito ang mabubuo mu. 'IM IN THE STOCK ROOM' ". Paliwanag ko.

"Yea your right, now we need to go there and get the kid." "What are we gonna do next?"

"We need to get rid of the villain" sagot niya

"Kailangan pa bang gawin yan?"

"You already jump over the sea, if you don't swim then you'll drown".

"Then, How?" tanong ko.

"If you want to catch the head, catch the tail first, trust me. All you need to do is to keep an eye to the kid. Wag mung hahayaang mawala siya sa paningin mu and don't forget to bring your stun pen with you all the time." he order, bakit ba palagi nalang nila akong hindi sinasali sa mga plano nila. Argggh I hate them.

Pagkatapos ay bumaba na kami. Tinanong muna namin kung saan banda ang stock room. Nalaman namin, dalawa pala ang stock room dito. No choice kami kundi maghiwalay. Then we parted our ways.

Hawak-hawak ko ang stun pen sa aking bulsa. Ilang minuto na din akong naghahanap dito pero wala man lang akong makitang bakas ng isang bata. Then suddenly my phone ring, and its Loki. I answer his call.

"Nakita ko na ang bata, magkita nalang tayo sa Hanzon hospital mamayang alas kwatro, be careful" then he hung up, hindi manlang ako pinasalita, aisssh kainis ang lalaking to.

Loki P.O.V

I already found the child. Kakatapos ko lang tumawag kay Lorelei. I tap my phone screen and dial her no. Luckily, sinagot niya agad.

"The kid is safe now" I said

"Okay, you have my words. Jus-just don't hurt her" she reply.

"I can assure you that unless she will do something stupid"

"I understand. Don't worry you have my full cooperation " she said before she bid her goodbye.

Lorelei P.O.V

Hanzon Hospital

Nandito kami ngayon sa isang kwarto, next to ma'am Gretchen's room. She didn't gain consciousness yet, pero wala na man daw problema buti nalang nadala kaagad siya sa hospital bago pa kumalat ang lason sa buo niyang katawan. I'm sitting at one of the chair with Miko while Loki is facing the computer. Nagtataka ako kung bakit nandito din ang ibang kasamahan ni Inspector Estrada, I don't have a freaking idea what Loki is planning to do but I trust him. Lumapit ako sa kanya para malaman kung anu ang pinapanood niya.

"Is that the room of ma'am Gretchen?" tanong ko, my eyes fixing on the computer screen.

"Yea, I put a camera recorder inside, thanks to Herschel's invention, its indeed a big help"

Looking at the computer, I see the door swung open. Someone enter the room, batay sa kanyang mahabang buhok at pangangatawan masasabi kung babae ito. She is wearing a hat and jacket dahilan para hindi namin siya makilala. May hawak-hawak siyang maliit na basket.

"You look so peaceful when you're sleeping. Bakit hindi ka nalang matulog habang buhay. Don't you think it's a great idea?" sabi ng babae, her voice seems so familiar. Nakatalikod siya sa amin, no, I mean sa camera.

"Bakit hindi ka sumagot, natatakot kaba sa akin, sa kawalang hiyang ginawa mu sa akin. I'm fool if I don't know what you're planning to do. Naging miserable ang buhay ko ng dahil sayo dapat ikaw nalang ang namatay. Ever since you came upon existence, you stole everything from me. Nung namatay sila mama at papa akala ko mapapasaakin lahat ng mana pero mali, kahit ni katiting walang akong natanggap. Wala akong ginawa dahil alam kong talo ako. Gusto pa sana kitang pahirapan pero na nganagati na ang kamay ko na patayin ka. Tama na ang pagsasaya, kukunin ko kung ano ang akin. Now taste my wrath" singhal niya. Nilagay niya ang dala-dalang basket sa ibabaw ng mesa at binuksan. She pick the syringe at tinurok sa maliit na buti. She hold ma'am Gretchen's arm, she's going to inject when the door open. I was shocked when Loki enter the room, huh? Paano siya nakarating diyan. My mind was too focused on the screen to the point I didn't noticed him leave the room.

"Did I disturb you?" Loki asked, parang nag slowmo ang lahat when the woman turn around. Shocked written across her not-so-old face. Doon ko lang nasilayan ang buo niyang mukha, I'm surprised to see Aling Mena's familiar face. Sa gulat nabitawan niya ang hawak na syringe.

"S-sir kayo pala. Ma'am Gretchen still in a deep sleep. May sasabihin ho ba kayo sa kanya? I will inform you if she gain her consciousness back" mula sa pagkagulat napalitan ng isang matamis na ngiti ang kanyang mukha, a fake one.

"Actually, kayo talaga ang sadya ko. Drop the act, there's only the two of us here"

"Ano ba ang pinagsasabi mo, hindi kita maintindihan?" she said, sustaining the smile she's wearing. I saw Loki smirk.

"I want you to hear my short story, I know you'll love this. Listen carefully, the palace was so quiet, only the prince, his personal maid and his aunt were in there. The kid's aunt, itago nalang natin sa pangalang Georgia, asked help from the maid to pass her the star while she's trying to complete the overall look of the Christmas tree. At itago nalang natin ang pangalan ng maid bilang Aling Mena. Wait that's your name right? What a coincidence. Okay, Back to the story, Aling Mena willingly lend her hand to help Georgia placed the star at the top of Christmas tree." Nagsisimula ng mag apoy sa galit si Aling Mena. Ngunit patuloy pa din sa pagsasalasay si Loki.

"Using the ladder, Georgia happily put the star without knowing it was her last smile. In a second she was pushed by Aling Mena at her back. Unexpectedly Georgia didn't get a chance to hold on to something that will stop her from falling. She end up lying at the cold floor, bathing with her own blood. The maid look around to see if someone saw it. Nahaligap ng kanyang malalaking Mata ang isang batang nagtatago behind the door. Before she caught the boy, he already run away, hide himself somewhere Aling Mena wouldn't found him---

"STOP!" she shouted. "I don't know kung saang basurahan mu yan napulot, isa lang ang masasabi ko wala akong alam sa sinasabi mo"

"I did not say it was you, the way you react tells you're hiding something. Do you?"

"Sabihin nga nating tama ang kwento, then how can you prove it? Do you think they would believe in your "story".

"Naisip ko din yan eh, then how about this one" may ipinakita si Loki isang white folder, na hawak-hawak niya simula ng siya'y pumasok.

"You want to know what's inside this folder? Nah, alam ko namang alam mo kung ano ang laman nito."

"Well sorry to say but I don't have any idea, could you tell me?"

"Last Will testament, did the words ring a bell to you?" Loki confidently said.

"Mayroon ka bang ebidensya? I know you don't. Pwede kong sabihin, you just fabricated the papers and framing me in the process. Nagkakamali ka ng binangga"

"I expected you would say that kaya I prepared something special for you, please meet my witnessed." Habang unti-unting bumubukas ang pintuan lahat kami nakatutok kung sino ang papasok except for Loki. Sa isang araw ilang ulit na ba akong nagulat? May mas nakakagulat pa ba sa pag iisang panig nila Loki at ma'am Grace? Please tell me so I can prepare. I thought he despise Loki but look at now nagawa niyang magtiwala kay Loki. Nakita ko ang pagkagulat sa mukha ni Aling Mena.

"Should I introduce you to each other? Oh, I forgot magkakilala na pala kayo" I saw victory in Loki's face. As Aling Mena suddenly shift her expression.

"Hahaha, How can a puppet say a words if the one who's pulling the string did not order her to do so. You're just wasting your time. Stop sticking your nose on someone's butt, baka sa sobrang amoy mu sa bahong inilalabas nito ito pala ang papatay sayo" she said in a warning tone.

"Matagal ng nakabaon ang isang paa ko sa lupa, your concern is highly appreciated, don't worry I'm aware of it" kampanteng sagot ni Loki.

"Mom! Please stop this, its not too late we can start again and forget what happened." Mom? Ibig sabihin hindi siya totoong anak ni ma'am Gretchen. Arghh sumasakit ang ulo ko sa kanila.

"Nakalimutan mo na bang hawak kita sa leeg, isang tawag ko lang sabog ang bungo ng anak mo?" kumpyansang tanong nito.

"Noon, hindi na ngayon, he's with someone at some place you don't know. Please jus-just surrender yourself to them" pagmamakaawa ni ma'am Grace.

"What? Naririnig mu ba iyang sinasabi mo? Dapat tapusin ang nasimulan na, kinukuha ko lang kung ano ang AKIN! Lahat ginawa ko, isunugal kita hoping na ipapamana niya sayo lahat ng kayaman niya. Binahiran ko ng dugo ang aking mga kamay para sa ikakabuti mo, sa apo ko-"

"No, dahil sarili mo lang ang iniisip mo.Mas nilaan mu lahat ng iyong oras sa paghihiganti kesa sa sarili mong pamilya" may namumuong tubig na sa mga mata ni ma'am Grace.

"Wala kang alam, wla kang alam, WALA!" Kitang-kita ko ang pagpatak ng kanyang mga luha.

" Hahaha! All this time wala akong inisip kundi kapakanan niyo lang ngunit ito lang pala ang isusukli mu sa akin, ha? Wala kang Kwenta—" naputol ang pagdadrama ni Aling Mena ng hinawakan siya ng isang police.

"Ano ba bitawan mo nga ako" Hindi inaasahan tinadyakan niya si manong pulis sa kanyang "ano" at dinampot ang syringe sa ibabaw ng lamesa. Dahil sa sobrang bilis ng pangyayari hawak-hawak niya na si ma'am Grace sa leeg habang nakatutok dito ang syringe na may lason.

"Gumawa kayo ng ikagagalit ko at ituturok ko talaga 'to sa leeg niya, kapag pinalabas niyo ako rito walang dugong papatak sa malinis na sahig" sabi niya habang paatras papunta sa pintuan na nakabukas.

She is sick, completely insane, the dark cloud already covers her mind.

"Go ahead no one will stop you from doing it" I see the daggers she's shooting at Loki's way. Knowing Loki's attitude alam kong hindi niya ito pipigilan instead he'll surely do the opposite. Hindi na ako nagsayang pa ng oras, lumabas kaagad ako sa room, hindi ko pinansin ang pagtawag ni Miko sa pangalan ko. Hawak-hawak ko ang stun pen.

Now I'm facing her back. Hindi ko na sinayang ang opportunidad dinambahan ko siya sa likod, tinutok sa kanyang leeg ang stun pen. I'm surprised ng walang nangyari. Nabitawan ko ang stun pen ng tadyakan niya ako sa tiyan. Nawala ang atensyon niya kay ma'am Grace at nabaling ito sa akin. She's looking at me with her fierce look, like a lion ready to eat her prey. Ituturok niya na sana sa akin ang syringe na may lason ng maunahan siyang turokan ni Loki. Naramdaman ko nalang ang katawan niyang nawalan ng balanse papunta sa akin. Nakaramdam kong parang nakawala ang aking puso sa sariling hawla nito.

That was pretty close, bakit ba napakalapitin ko sa kamalasan, pangalawang banta na ito sa buhay ko ngayong araw. Aishh its seems like Loki shared his bad luck to me.

Kinuha na ng mga police si Aling Mena, Loki hold my hands to assist me from standing, worried plastered across his face.

"Don't worry pinatulog ko lang siya" sabi niya kay ma'am grace. "At ikaw naman lorelie bakit ang tigas ng ulo, didn't I mention to you to stay behind this and looked after Miro? Gusto mu bang magpakamatay?" he shout at my face.

"Bakit sa tingin mo ba hahayaan ko siyang patayin ako, kasalanan ko bang hindi gumana ang stun pen" sagot ko. Kainis to pero syempre nagpapasalamat parin ako sa kanya kung hindi dahil sa kanya isa na ako ngayong malamig na bangkay.

"Bakit hindi mo nalang taggapin na kundi dahil sa akin buhay ka pa"

"Hou na! maraming salamat! I really appreciate your help, okay na?"

"Loki kailangan ko ng umalis baka magising na si Mama, taos puso akong napapasalamat sa inyo. Lalo na sayo Lorelei na muntikan ng mapahamak dahil sa gulo ng aming pamilya. Maraming salamat ulit and may God Bless you two, mauna na ako." Paalam sa amin ni ma'am Grace. Mabait naman pala siya.

Pagkalabas ng mansion feeling ko nakalabas ako sa kagubatan na maraming lion, feeling ko naubos lahat ng energy ko. I'm felt so exhausted. Sabi niInspector Estrada sila na ang bahala sa kaso.

"Aissshh, iba na talaga ang nagagawa ng pera sa tao." Sabi ko.

"Money is like a magnet that attract man. It gives us one pleasure and a thousands of torment. It'll makes the sleeping beast out on you. If you lose to controlled, it will eat your system until you'll get trapped inside. But, however, there's always a variable, that could change in the process." Here we go again with Loki's words of wisdom.

"They should've be contented for what they have." I counter

"The world doesn't work that way. People got satisfied but never contented"

"Pero pano mo nalaman lahat yun?"

"Dr. Kang also lend his hand"

"Whooaa I thought he also one of them"

Napatingin ako kay Loki nagtaka ako bakit ibang daan ang tinatahak niya.

"Hoy, saan ka pupunta?"

"I have a date" Date?

"Suminghot kaba ng katol kanina at naisipan mung magdate. Sino ba ka date mo?"

"Ikaw" what? Anung pinagsasabi ng lalaking to ang pagkakaala ko hindi naman siya nauntog kanina. Did the zombie already ate his brain?

"You should've seen your face, You look terrible"

What dah, sabi ko na nga ba.

"You know-

"Sorry, I don't know"

"Grrr nkakainis kana, hindi mu ba alam nagiging carnivore ako pag galit"

"You think, how lucky am I, I'll see your other side" pa cool niyang sabi. Arrggh, Hindi manlang nasindak sa banta ko, kainis to. Magwawalk out na sana ako ng maalala ko, si Mr. Vasquez ang naghatid sa amin dito in short wala akong kaalam-alam sa lugar na to. Whaaa!!! Tanga ko talaga. Pagtingin ko kay Loki nakita kong ngumiti siya, nagpipigil ng tawa dahil sakabobohan ko. May araw ka din sa akin, wait for it Loki Mendez.

END..........😀😀😀

K&\