Gunned Down (Chasing Dreams Series #4) | C O M P L E T E D

Chapter 28

I couldn't believe it. No matter how hard I try to think about it, I knew it was Martin. Minus the static noises, I've heard his speaking voice countless times on TV, radio, and even on a short video. I recognized him instantly because he had a distinct, unique voice—the reason why he stood out at the broadcasting industry. Maka-ilang beses na rin kaming nag-usap sa personal kaya hindi ako maaaring magkamali.

Why would he do that? Why him? And if I would just think deeper, everything would make sense... Kapag kailangan ang atensyon ng publiko sa tuwing may mabibigat na krimen o kaso sa presinto, sumusulpot 'agad siya para mag-report. Daig pa niya kaming mga pulis sa bilis rumesponde. Ang mga nasabat na ipinagbabawal na gamot at ang pagpatay kay Kiko—naroon siya sa mga kaganapang 'yon.

No one would fucking suspect him because of his job! He looked like a normal person! Malayo sa itsura niya ang gagawa ng gano'n! Naging crush ko pa nga! And why did he kill Lambert? Wala namang atraso sa kanya 'yung tao, eh. Sa akin, meron. Kaya bakit? Kasi may gusto siya sa akin?

Parang gusto kong i-untog 'yung ulo ko ngayon dahil sa bigat ng nararamdaman at panibagong natuklasan ko. Bigla akong nakaramdam ng natakot dahil kung tama nga 'yung suspetya ko, malamag ay si Marcus 'yung nasa tuktok na huhulihin nina Edwin at Gemma...

Lutang akong nakatitig sa dashboard nang may humila sa handle ng pinto sa side ko. 'Agad kong ipinasok sa bag 'yung cellphone. Wearing my masked reaction, I smiled and held Marcus' hand right after he opened the door.

"They're waiting at the departure area. We still have a few minutes to talk with them." Tinitigan niya ako at unti-unting naningkit ang mga mata niya. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

It was hard to pretend when he could see right through me...

Ngumisi ako at umiling. "Medyo nalulungkot lang dahil masyadong mabilis..."

He sighed and put his arm on my shoulder. "We can visit them in Bohol like what you're grandma said. I'm finishing up my work, so I can spend a lot of time with you on our 1st monthsary," he said while he was gently rubbing my right arm to comfort me.

Tumunog ang alarm ng katabing sasakyan at sumingit sa usapan namin si Jeremiah. Playing the keys on his hand, he smirked when he noticed our entwined fingers.

"Aww! So sweet, cous! Marunong ka na rin sa wakas makiramdam!" Nanunuya niyang sinabi.

Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin. "Ano namang akala mo sa puso ko? Gawa sa bato?! Inggit ka lang, eh. 'Di mo kasi 'to magawa in public."

Tumango-tango si Marcus. "Alright, Laia. Come with me before you make him cry..." bulong niya at inilayo na ako sa pinsan kong wagas kung maka-simangot.

"I'm not sorry for that, tho. Jeremiah's a playboy and I needed to knock some sense into him in order for him to stop behaving foolishly," I said and recalled Tita Celestina's stories about his girls.

"I know you're only concerned about your cousin, but you can't force him if he doesn't want to. He'll change for the better when he meet the right girl for him. He's getting older and he'll surely realize it sooner," ani Marcus na sa akin lang nakatutok ang mga mata kahit halos mabali na ang leeg ng mga taong nakatingin sa kanya.

Hindi na ako nakasagot at napatitig na lang din sa kanya. He was just in his usual casual attire whenever he's out of the office. Napaka-gwapong nilalang...

Nang nakita namin sina Lola Carmelita sa labas ng departure area, parang nabalik lang 'yung eksena namin sa condo ko no'ng nakaraan. Bumuhos ang mga bilin ni Lola para sa akin at kay Marcus. Ikinagulat ko pa nang abutan niya ako ng makapal na sobre.

"No offense, but I know you don't have a lot of savings. Ayaw mong gamitin ang perang iniwan para sa 'yo at nagtitiis na lang sa kung ano'ng meron ka. You live in the condo now, so just accept that money."