Territorial Men 9: Carter Altaraza

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER FIVE

SOME of their friends already arrived in Villa Altaraza the day before the engagement party. Everything is all set up and planned well. They are so eager to catch Samuel on the spot.

It annoys him every time he saw that culprit walking freely around the Villa. Where did he get the audacity to act like he didn't have a plan to ruin the engagement party tomorrow night?

They are inside Keith's office in La Secreta. It's the name of the security agency.

"Why don't you just assign me to catch that asshole? Are you doubting my skills, Kuya?" Carter gets more and more irritated because his brother didn't give him the job to catch Samuel.

"Our men can do that, Keith can do that job too," Clane answered calmly. "I trust you so much that's why I assigned you to look after Ayesha."

Gusto niya pa rin magreklamo pero alam niyang buo na ang desisyon ng Kuya niya. Sa kanya ipinagkatiwala ang kaligtasan ni Ayesha Villamor, ang fiancee nito, sa oras na gumalaw na si Samuel at ang mga tauhan nito.

"Kailangan natin masigurado ang kaligtasan ng pamilya niyo at ng mag-ina ni Clane..." Si Keith.

"Like as if I don't know that?" He sounds really annoyed that he almost cut Keith while still talking.

"...kaya sumunod ka sa kung ano lang ang ibinigay na trabaho sa 'yo." Pagpapagtuloy nito sa unang sinabi.

"You can assign Colton to look after Ayesha," hindi niya napigilang sabihin dahil sa totoo lang gustung-gusto niya na siya ang humuli kay Samuel, gusto niya ay kasama siya sa grupo nila Keith.

"Colton's team will look after our parents and other guests, Carter." Ang boses ng Kuya Clane niya ay kalmado pero alam niyang naiirita na rin ito sa kanya dahil sa pamimilit niya sa gusto niyang gawin bukas ng gabi na salungat sa utos nito.

"Clane is right, Ayesha needs tight security tomorrow because she's the main target..." It was Drake. "...and you - Carter is the only person he trusts the most to do the job aside from Keith."

"Tama!" Si Zyron na tumango-tango pa. "Basta ako sa pagmamaneho ako naka-assign, ayos na ako do'n. Alam kong tiwala sa 'kin ang mga kaibigan natin na ligtas ang buhay nila kapag ako ang nasa manibela."

"Wala naman kaming choice, Zyron," ani Dwaye, may simpleng panunuya.

"Hindi kaya kita pasakayin sa sasakyan, Mendez?"

"You can't do that, I know." Then Dwaye grinned evilly at Zy who only leered.

"What if Samuel changes his plan at the last minute? What if they do the plan B?" Carter asked critically.

"Then we'll still stick with our Plan A. The safety of our families and guests is the number one priority here."

According to their trusted source, Samuel's Plan A is to catch Ayesha and his Plan B is to catch Cole, Clane's son, his nephew.

Sa dami ng security na nakapalibot sa buong lugar, alam niyang mahihirapang makalusot ang grupo ni Samuel palabas ng Villa Altaraza. Dahil kahit sa labas ng Villa ay may mga security na naka-abang na hindi nakikita.

"What if Keith's team failed?" Carter glances at the brute who's sitting comfortably on the couch.

Keith puffed his cigarette before he speak.

"Nobody can tell what will happen tomorrow night, we need to be very, very careful. But one thing I can assure you, to all of you, is that I am very willing to risk my whole life just to save an innocent life. How's that, Altaraza?" There's a smirk on Keith's lips, like as if he's challenging him.

Of course he trust Keith a lot, but he can't trust his men. O baka kaya gano'n ang iniisip niya ay dahil gusto niyang siya ang trumabaho sa trabaho ng mga ito bukas ng gabi?

Hin'di ba masyadong pabigat ang inaasta niyang hindi pagsunod kaagad sa plano at sa trabahong ibinigay sa kanya?

"I know you're so eager to catch that asshole, but we need to be more patient, Carter." His brother muttered and puffed his cigarette.

Carter's location tomorrow night is near the stage while Keith and his men will guard the doors.

Why the hell he suddenly wanted to be with Keith tomorrow night by the way? Maybe because he missed working with him? And tomorrow night is his chance but it won't happen!

KINUNDISYON niya na ang sarili para sa araw na 'yon. Carter is inside his room in Villa Altaraza, above the table is his guns and knifes. He assemble one of his gun that he will use tonight. Naagaw lang ang atensyon niya nang may mag pop up na isang mensahe sa cellphone niyang nasa gilid ng inuupuan.

The private message was from an unregistered number. He's about to ignore the message but the image of it caught his whole attention.

He felt like his heart really beating fast when he saw a picture of Akira in a park...but what made him mad is the fact that she's with a man, they hold each other's hands romantically while smiling at each other.

It was a stolen shot and he really doesn't have any idea who was the sender. When another message popped up, Carter let out a breath.

From: Unknown Number

My sister looks happy, I thought you two were dating?

Carter knew it was Neilsen.

Naramdaman niya ang tila pagbigat ng bawat pintig ng kanyang puso. Hindi niya alam kung nasasaktan ba siya o ano.

Carter ignored the message but Neilsen sent another one. Hindi niya kayang pigilan ang sarili na huwag iyon basahin.

From: Unknown Number

We discovered that Akira's pregnant. Are you sure you are not the father?

Sa balitang 'yon ay talagang naramdaman niyang nasasaktan siya. He won't deny that fact.

Alam ni Carter sa sarili na unti-unti niya na namang tinatanggap ang ginawa sa kanya ni Akira, pero bakit kailangan niya pang malaman ang lahat ng ito? Hindi 'yon nakakatulong. Nasasaktan siya at nagagalit.

Carter chose not to reply to Neilsen. Instead, he turned off his cellphone and throw it above the bed.

His hands were shaking while he continue to assemble his guns. Ilang minuto na siyang nakatapos ngunit nanatili siyang nakatitig sa kawalan. Sa balkonahe, nakita niya na unti-unti ng kinakain ng dilim ang kulay kahel na kalangitan.

Nang marinig niya ang dalawang magkasunod na katok sa pinto, alam niya na kaagad kung sino 'yon...si Keith.

Carter stood up and boringly walked towards the door. Keith's stoic face welcomed him. The brute is wearing a black jacket and even his aura screams darkness.

"Yes?" He arched his brow.

"Your phone was out of reach."

"I turned it off."

"Turn it on." Keith almost cut him off.

Carter sighed. Sa totoo lang ay nawalan siya ng gana nang malaman niya ang balita tungkol kay Akira at sa pagbubuntis daw nito.

"I will. Why are you here?"

"Get your ass out of here."

"I still have thirty minutes before my duty."

"Stay in my position for an hour."

"Why?" Carter curiously asked.

"I'll visit Yane. I heard she's sick."

"Oh-oh, she won't attend the party then?"

"Staying at home tonight is much better for her."

"Right, I'll be there in a minute."

Carter was about to leave the door to get his things when she heard Keith spoke again.

"Don't forget your vest, Altaraza."

Nang nilingon niya ang kaibigan ay likod nalang nito ang nakita niyang papaalis.

Kinuha niya ang mga kakailanganin at ang bullet proof vest ngunit hindi niya pa 'yon sinuot.

Carter positioned himself at the entrance door of the event area. Ang mga bisita ay unti-unti ng nagsisidatingan. Mga bigatin ang mga panauhin sa gabing 'yon at malalapit na kaibigan ng pamilya nila. Ang iba ay may sariling dalang bodyguard kahit na mahigpit naman ang seguridad ng Altaraza.

"Where's Keith?" Carter heard that voice from his earpiece, it was from Clane.

Hinanap niya ang kapatid, nakasuot ng tuxedo, nakatayo at may hawak na baso ng alak, napapaligiran ng ilang may edad na lalaki, na pawang mga negosyante rin.

"Binisita si Yane. Miss mo na agad?" Pang-aasar niya sa kapatid.

"Shut up,"

Lumipas pa ang mga sandali at dumami na rin ang mga bisitang dumating. Keith went back in Villa Altaraza right before the party started.

"How's she?" Carter asked his friend.

"Still sick." Keith answered coldly, giving him a vibe that 'let's start working'.

Ilang sandali niya pang tinititigan ang kaibigan na wala talagang emosyon sa mukha bago siya lumipat malapit sa stage.

Everyone is enjoying the party like what they supposed to do. Nasa stage na ang Kuya Clane niya karga ang anak nitong si Cole, nakatayo sa tabi nito si Ayesha.

Carter's eyes were sharp, he won't let anyone get near the stage, especially Samuel's men.

Clane is doing his speech when Carter saw Samuel shifted his standing position, may halos sampung metro ang layo nito kay Keith. The brute was silent and his eyes were sharp too. Tahimik nilang binabantayan ang kilos ni Samuel at ng mga tauhan nito.

"Focus with Ayesha," He heard Keith's low voice. "Your eyes could kill that asshole."

Inilipat ni Carter ang tingin kay Keith na naka-angat ang sulok ng labi.

"Focus with that asshole. 'wag ako ang bantayan mo, Tuazon." May sarkasmo sa tinig niya at halos matawa nang samaan siya nito ng tingin.

"Did you just leave your vest behind the door?" Keith asked him, a little disappointed.

That's when Carter realized that he really did leave it there! It was behind the door where Keith's located. Kinapa niya pa ang tuxedo na suot at alam niyang wala siyang bullet proof vest sa loob. Sa kakaisip niya sa ginawa sa kanya ni Akira, hindi niya na naalala pa ang vest na 'yon.

"I'll get it in a bit."

"No, stay in your position. I'll ask my men to give it to you."

"Okay, thanks, brute."

Nasa kalagitnaan ng pagsasalita si Clane nang biglang namatay lahat ng ilaw.

Carter was very quick to move and went to the stage. It was so dark but he can still see the shadows of his brother and Ayesha.

Umugong ang mga tili ng pagkataranta galing sa mga panauhin. He's aware that Samuel and his men is now moving secretly.

"They are moving. Get her now! Now!"

Carter grabbed Ayesha away from Clane, he covered her mouth with his hand so she won't make any noise.

Ramdam niya kaagad ang pagkabigla at takot galing dito dahil na rin sa panginginig ng mga kamay na nakahawak sa mga braso niya.

"Ano ba ang nangyayari? Nasaan ang mag-ama ko?" Sunud-sunod ang tanong ni Ayesha nang makabawi.

Carter needs to act like he didn't know anything, so she won't panic though she already was.

"Dalhin mo na ako sa mag-ama ko. Ang baby ko, baka nagugutom na 'yon." Dagdag pa nito.

But Carter remain silent. Pinapakiramdaman niya pa ang paligid, maingay pa at halatang nagkakagulo.

"Carter, ayos lang naman, 'di ba? Nawalan lang ng kuryente?"

"Where?" He muttered when he heard someone is talking on his earpiece. "Si Kuya? The fuck? Bakit? si Kuya?"

He really needs to make Ayesha believe that he doesn't know anything about what's going on.

"What happened? Si Clane? What happened to my husband?" Panic consumed Ayesha's voice.

Carter carefully guides Ayesha away from the dark. They went inside the car to go to their mansion.

He did his job, he was able to save Ayesha from Samuel. Sa ganoong paraan alam niyang mapapanatag na ang Kuya Clane niya dahil ligtas na ang babaeng mahal nito.

He went outside after he brought Ayesha to her mother. Naabutan niya ang mga tauhan nila doon na walang magandang balita sa kanya. They were struggling to track Clane's location.

"Sayang lang ang ibinabayad sa inyo, tang ina, magsialis kayo rito sa harap ko!"

Alam nilang lahat na hindi nanlaban ang kapatid niya dahil kasama nito ang anak. Isa rin sa inaasahan nila na kasama sa plano ng mga kalaban na kunin si Cole, nagkamali lang ng galaw ang mga ito dahil kasalukuyang ang kapatid niya ang may karga sa anak, at hindi si Ayesha.

"Sir, na-track na po namin ang lokasyon nila."

Pakiramdam niya ay nabunutan siya ng tinik.

"Kasalukuyan silang lihim na sinusundan ng ibang tauhan natin. Hindi pa sigurado kung saan papatungo, pero may mga mata na po tayong naka-abang." Patuloy pa ng tauhan.

"Puntahan na natin, Kuya," Colton told him.

"W-where are they? How's my baby?" Ayesha interrupted, she's panicking.

"No specific location yet, but I assure you that Cole will be safe in Kuya's hands."

"Puntahan natin. Let's go!" Ayesha was so eager to go with them.

"No, you better stay here," he said. A little bit impatient.

"Hindi! Ayoko! Sasama ako sa inyo! Puntahan na natin ang mag-ama ko!"

"Gusto mo bang patayin kami ni Kuya?" Iritadong baling niya ulit sa sister in-law niya. "At tingin mo ba papabayaan niya ang anak niyo? Let's trust him, please?"

"No! I want to see them!" She insisted, making him groan annoyingly.

Kapag ba ganito katigas ang ulo ng babae, hanggang saan kaya aabot ang pasensya niya? At paano nakakayanan ng Kuya Clane niya pakisamahan ang brat na 'to? It's obvious that it needs a lot of patience and understanding to be with Ayesha Villamor. Hindi niya alam saan kumukuha ang kapatid niya ng mahabang pasensya.

"Please, Ayesha, let us do this job alone. Kapag nalaman ni Kuya na kasama ka namin, baka mas lalong lumala ang sitwasyon. Sana maintindihan mo." Si Colton sa kalmadong tono.

Sa kanilang tatlong magkakapatid, si Colton na ang may pinaka mahabang pisi ng pasensya. Dahil siya? Maiksi lang ang kanya at sobrang bihira na mapahaba niya ang pasensya.

"Magdadala nalang kami ng bottled milk para kay Cole," ani Colton.

Umiling-iling si Ayesha, ipinipilit talaga ang gusto. Sa totoo lang, sumasakit na ang ulo niya sa kapipilit nitong sumama sa kanila kahit na delikado ngunit kailangan niya rin intindihin na labis lang itong nag-aalala sa kalagayan ng mag-ama nito.

"Mababaliw ako kakahintay dito! Kaya isama niyo nalang ako kung ayaw niyong magkaro'n ng sister in-law na baliw! Kayong dalawa." She pointed her finger at him and Colton, making them gasped.

"Woah!"

When they received a call from the enemy, Carter was the one who answered it.

"500 million in exchange for your brother and nephew's head. I will give you 24hours to settle the payment or else I will kill them!" The voice from the other line threatened.

His jaw clenched. Lalo siyang nanggigil na makaharap ang mga ito at mabigyan ng leksyon.

"I will send you the location. No media. No policemen. Only you and the money." The enemy added.

"Kindly bring bottled milk for my son." It was from his brother's voice on the other line, it was calm yet still sounds dangerous.

"Oh, God!" Ayesha gasped when she heard Clane.

"Don't you dare bring my wife here, or I will kill you, brother." Bilin pa nito sa kanya na nagpaikot lang ng mata niya.

"You heard your husband?" Baling niya kay Ayesha. "Papatayin niya ako kapag isinama ka namin. You better stay here and wait for them."

They waited for the bottled milk before they left the mansion.

Carter was holding the bag of bottled milk for Cole while they are inside the van.

"Where's Keith?" he asked their men.

"Nandoon na, Sir."

"Connect me with them." He ordered because he lost his contact with Keith and Clane.

They wore new devices to connect with the two. They are near to the old building and already have safe communication with his brother inside.

"We're close," Colton informed the two. "Keith, where the hell are you?"

"Second floor. Watching these idiots before I kill them."

Carter rolled his eyes with the smug on Keith's voice. After a few minutes, they arrived near the building. Madilim ang buong lugar at puno ng matatayog na damo. Sa gitna ay ang lumang gusali kung nasaan ang mga ito.

"We're here. Kuya, wala bang bintana dyan sa kwarto niyo?" he asked his brother.

"Kung meron, sinabi ko na," sagot nito, punung-puno ng sarkasmo sa tinig.

"Kapag tumatanda na talaga, madalas na ang pagiging masugit." Balik na pang-aasar niya at sumipol-sipol.

"You better hurry and bring me the bottled milk."

"Magpapahuli na lang ako para maibigay ko sa 'yo 'tong gatas ni Col," aniya, hawak ng mabuti ang maliit na bag na may lamang bottled milk ng pamangkin.

Tang ina, pwede na siyang bigyan ng medalya sa pagiging the best tito. Medyo nakakatawa lang isipin na giyera ang pupuntahan niya pero gatas para sa bata ang dala niya?

"Yeah, I think, that's much better." Sarkastikong pagsang-ayon niya. "Double time. Come on."

They quickly went inside the old building. Magkaiba ang way nila ni Colton upang hindi sila mamataan kaagad ng mga bantay.

"Do you have your vest, Kuya?" Colton asked all of a sudden.

"Wala," sagot niya at nagpatuloy sa tahimik na paglalakad.

"Meet me in the hallway, Altaraza." It was Keith's voice.

"Miss mo agad ako, Tuazon?" Tudyo niya.

"I'll give you my vest."

That made Carter smile. "Okay, you're so sweet."

Carter made his way to the hallway. Iniiwasan niya ang mga bantay na armado. Sa gilid ng hagdanan papunta sa pangalawang palapag, nakita niya na nakatayo doon si Keith. At kung lalapitan niya pa ito, malaki ang posibilidad na may makakita sa kanya.

"Throw it," he said.

Keith shrugged his shoulder and threw the bulletproof vest and he caught it smoothly.

"You need it more than me. Bumalik ka ng humihinga," Keith muttered before the brute went back to his position.

"I will. See you later, Tuazon."

Wala na siyang narinig pa na tugon galing sa kaibigan. They focused with their real job for that night.

Carter bravely entered the room where he was welcomed by a bunch of armed men.

"Here's the money, Samuel!" Carter said lazily and showed the them the black duffel bag. "Tapusin na natin 'to, bago pa tayong lahat magkasakitan dito."

"Tumahimik ka!" Bulyaw sa kanya ni Samuel na ikinainit lang ng ulo niya lalo.

"Tang ina mo, barilin mo ako, tatahimik ako." Mayabang niyang inihain ang sarili sa kalaban, idinipa ang mga braso, nanunubok.

Siguro kahit wala siyang bulletproof vest, he's still doing this to Samuel to trigger the asshole. Carter is also aware that Clane didn't like his behavior, but he doesn't give a damn.

"Ayokong maranasan ang iwan ng babae baka lahat ng bala ay kaya ko na rin saluhin." Narinig niyang sabi ni Keith.

Carter groaned. This brute is ruining the moment! Kailangan pa talagang ipaalala sa kanya na iniwan siya ng isang babae?

"Fuck you, Tuazon." He hissed.

"Bakit hindi ka na magpaalam sa anak mo, Altaraza?" Samuel keeps on annoying Clane.

Pero siya itong naiirita at nanggigil na sa mga sandaling 'yon.

"Bakit hindi na natin tapusin 'to? Ang daming satsat, putang ina." Mainit ang ulo na sambit niya, nauubos na talaga ang pasensya.

"Here's your money fucking money, Samuel." Carter throws the black duffel bag at the center. "Are we done?"

"Not yet, Altaraza. Masyado kang mainit. Tumahimik ka nalang dyan at panoorin kung paano ko pabagsa 'kin sa harap mo mismo itong kapatid mo."

Then Samuel gave an evil smile.

The audacity of this asshole to assume that he can bring his brother down?

"Gago. Ang dami mong sinasabi. Mag one on one na kayo ni Kuya para malaman mo kung sino ang papanoorin kong bumagsak sa inyong dalawa."

"Bakit hindi nalang tayo ang mag one on one muna? Masyado kang maanaga," hamon sa kanya ni Samuel, nasagad na rin ang pasensya.

At wala siyang inaatrasang laban. Si kamatayan nga hinaharap niya, ito pang gagong 'to?

"Okay, pagbibigyan kita." Bored na inayos niya ang kwelyo ng damit. "Walang sisihan kung mapatay kitang putang ina mo ka."

From his ear device, he heard Keith chuckle. "Show to that asshole how badass you are, Altaraza."

Carter only smirked and readied himself. Si Colton at Keith ay pinagpustahan pa sila, ang mga tarantado, nakuha pa talagang mglaro.

Carter walked towards the center. Around him is armed men. Lumapit na rin sa harap niya si Samuel, may maangas na ngiti sa labi na akala siguro ay kaya siyang pabagsa 'kin.

The asshole throw a punch but he was quick to avoid it. Carter throws one hard punch in Samuel's stomach and he's quite skilled to avoid his fist, but not totally, he hit him but it wasn't solid.

While they are fighting, the other men became more observant. Ngunit nang makita na ng mga ito na napupuruhan niya na si Samuel, doon ay isa-isa na siya nitong inatake.

Carter knew it was a good moment for Clane and Cole to escape because he already got the enemy's attention.

From his ear device, he heard that Colton and Keith are going in to help him.

Everything is in mess and he can hear a gunshot. It didn't bother him at first, but when the gunfire continues, Carter started to get distracted.

Nang lumingon siya sa bandang likuran, nakita niya si Colton na nakikipaglaban sa dalawang lalaki. Sa kabilang bahagi ay ekspertong pinatumba ni Keith ang tatlong lalaking sabay-sabay na umatake sa kanya.

The other man in front of him use a knife, Carter expertly caught the man's wrist and twisted it, making the sharp tip of the knife pointed at his stomach.

Wala siyang naramdamang awa nang ibaon niya ang kutsilyo na 'yon sa tiyan ng kalaban dahilan kung bakit unti-unti itong napadapa sa sahig.

The blood on the man's stomach is flowing from his hand to the floor, it reminded him of his days in the middle of the war when he watched his troop died in front of him with a knife on his stomach.

Carter blinked to erase that traumatic event of his life.

Huli na nang bumalik siya sa tamang konsentrasyon dahil naramdaman niya ang matalim na bagay na tumusok sa kanyang tagiliran.

Panandalian lang ang sakit, nahawakan niya ang kamay na 'yon at mahigpit na pinilipit. Nabitawan nito ang kutsilyo na naiwan sa tagiliran niya. He gave the man a strong punch on the jaw and he kicked his face, making the man lost his consciousness.

Carter found his brother, trying to escape with Cole, but he also saw Samuel holding his gun that pointed in Clane's direction.

"Clane!" Tawag ni Keith, nakita rin nito ang baril ni Samuel na nakatutok sa kapatid niya.

Kung bakit ay parang napako ang mga paa ni Carter sa kinatatayuan. Wala siyang maramdamang pisikal na sakit. Animo bumagal ang galaw ng kanyang paligid.

The gunfire echoed in his ears. He gets distracted.

Everything from the war flashes in his mind...it was like a reminder that he's not yet fully recover from his mental illness. Everything around him and the sounds of gunfire, trigger his anxiety.

Carter watched Keith quickly ran in between Samuel and Clane.

His heart almost skip a beat when he saw how the bullet directly hit Keith's chest.

"Keith!" He heard Colton's voice.

Everything around him stopped and became blurry.

Unti-unting bumagsak sa sahig si Keith, mabilis na dumaloy ang dugo galing sa dibdib nito, halos balutin ng kulay pulang likido na 'yon ang damit ng kaibigan.

Carter closed his eyes tightly when he felt a sharp pain on his stomach, he got shot. Napaluhod siya sa sahig, sapo ang tiyan na may tama.

Sa kabila ng pisikal na sakit na nararamdaman, sa kabila ng kaguluhan sa kanyang isipan na pilit siyang pinapadapa dahil sa mga nakakawala sa sariling mga ala-ala na naranasan dulot ng giyera, nagawa niya pa rin sipatin ang matalik na kaibigan na nakahandusay sa sahig, sapo ang duguang dibdib.

Hindi niya nakitaan ng paghihirap ang mukha ng kaibigan, ngunit halata na ang pagkawala ng kulay sa labi nito.

The fact that Keith's face is facing his direction and he's staring back at him, give his heart pain.

Carter gasped when another shot hit his chest but this time, he didn't feel anything because of the fucking bulletproof vest!

"You'll be fine, brute." He saw Keith's mouthed when the brute witnessed the bullet failed to be inside his chest. "See you later..." then Keith smirked at him weakly and slowly close his eyes as if he needs some rest to survive that night.