TCOTRB: The Case of The Red Bubble

👁 Chapter V: The Witness

Chapter V: The Witness

Two police officers entered the interrogation room where Tio Hector was handcuffed to a desk. A bright light flashed over the older coach's head.
So much to their chagrin, it had to be the country's beloved sports idol. They quickly pulled the black sack off his head. "Pardon for being out of the loop, officer. If you ever suspect my friend of somethin', then why don't you go ask him yourself?" the coach said.

"We have been looking for him since the twelfth of September, Mr. Hector. It just so happens you're the only one closest to George," Officer Romualdez hunched closer to the desk as his beret casted a shadow over those dark eyes.

The other officer standing by the door then mentioned George being responsible for what happened at the red dome island a decade ago. "Now he is out spreading top secret info that could send this country amok," she concluded.

"Really? The man had retired way before The Red Bubble disaster. He and his partner visited town around that time, it's been a while since we've communicated with each other," Tio Hector then tried lighting up the mood with a comedic tone, "They're probably out skydiving in Masugbu* while enjoying avocado milkshake together. Haha!"

Officer Romualdez slammed his fist against the desk. "Stop joking around! We know you're trying to cover up for him."

Tio Hector frowned once he tossed in a couple of photographs showing George outside his apartment. The officer pulled out a small rectangular recorder and played out the conversation they had.
It turns out they sent an agent to track George down and hid a bug near his door. The coach has never felt this furious during the fifteen years of his life. They have overstepped his privacy and he ain't letting it slide.

"Let me guess ... My brother happens to be buddies with one of your men so he convinced you guys that I'm not trustworthy," he tried to sound calm but there was still a pang of aggression in his voice.

"We're not here to talk about your brother, Hector. Just tell us where George is and we'll get this over with," Officer Romualdez urged him.

All Tio Hector could do was let out a disgruntled sigh and reveal his friend's address until a keen-looking, young officer bolted across the halls outside. He started knocking on the glass window. "Officer Romualdez, sir! He's here!" he warned.

"Who?" the other officers gasped.

The coach lifts his eyes once they've heard George has finally shown up. The burly man caused the floor to rattle a bit as he entered the place.
The floor got wet as he had been drenched in rain for heaven's know how long. He bore that concerned look on his face.

"I'm sorry for dragging you into this, buddy ... "

•••

"I was the only one he told about The Red Bubble incident. The magrana outbreak."

George sat next to Hector in the interrogation room and began explaining his side.
He entrusted his friend to stop Milo from looking into the case considering how complicated it is. He is aware that people like Mr. Marasigan continues to fall into madness as they search deeper, only to meet an unexpected fate. They either disappear or lose their lives.
Officer Romualdez turned to the young officer and tasked him to bring the others back to headquarters.

"I admit that I've been keeping an eye on the boy for a while now, but that's to ensure nothing wrong happens to him. I meant no harm," George pleaded.

"Now, tell me ... " the officer pressed his fingers together in a testing manner, "What exactly happened on The Capital?"

All eyes were on George, who just gave them a stern look ...

*NOTE:
"Masugbu" is the fictionalized name for Nasugbu (Batangas).