STUNNED

Chapter ELEVEN

Observing his features and movements closely, I can identify this individual without a doubt. And I feel like such an idiot for not recognizing him. Even after 16 years had passed, I still held hatred for this individual. I believe he knew me from the day I was questioned about Grace's death. That clarifies his arrogance toward me each time we meet. I also believe he is somewhat aware of my background, based on what his fellow investigator has told me. Speaking of Detective Waxton, he was just as frail and skinny as I was when I last saw him. Even though we were both crying, his small act of compassion offers me encouragement. Ngunit ngayong kasama siya ni Julius sa trabahong ito, I don't think natutuwa pa akong nakita ko siyang muli.

He did grow a lot, I admit. Even though he was still grinning foolishly every time I glanced at him, he is currently a very mature and manly young man. I'm not sure whether I can handle their discomfort or how strange they seem at all.

"Why are you in this place?" Finally, Detective Julius enquired. I don't care that I know he despised me just as much. I'm going to talk about why I came here in particular.

"I'm interested in learning more about Miles Santiago's incidents. Is an autopsy scheduled?" I said. Nagasalubong ang kilay nito.

"You can't just come in here and demand to see the results of an autopsy," he responded absurdly. Bumuga ako ng hangin dahil mukhang hindi nababago ang awra nitong matandang ito. Wala pa naman ako sa mood para ulit-ulitin ang sinasabi ko at tinatamad din akong makisama sa kaniya.

"Julius, I'm sure you knew something. You are familiar with me, so I'm convinced we will get along well. I know we both loathe each other from the past, but this crime goes beyond that," I noted, and he gave me an uncanny look.

"You blame me definitely, but you also knew you needed me," I added.

"Julius?" His scowled eyebrows exude even more fury.

"What? Is that your name, correct?" I said cynically. He was panting a lot.

"What do you want?" finally, naupo ito at masamang tinitigan ako.

"I'd like to support the investigation," he chuckled sarcastically.

"What are you thinking about this case, laro? You can't just barge into some adults' activities. You're too young to be very critical of yourself, kid, so sometimes swallow your pride."

"Julius, pride is unaware of age. Let's apply common sense here." Tumiim ang bagang nito. Isinawalang bahala ko naman iyon. Hinila ko ang isang bangko sa harap ng desk niya at prenteng naupo.

"You are aware that something is wrong. From Grace's death to Miles', you are undoubtedly aware that many more will fall victim to this nonsense if you don't find a solution soon. Whether or not you're blaming me, Julius. Don't deceive yourself; you knew you needed me," he hesitated for a moment before gulping at what I said.

I'm crossing my fingers that he would agree. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure if this has to do with the past. Notwithstanding all the conditions, everyone and everything seems to be doing thoroughly. If the elderly man concurs, though, it can only imply one thing.

"Leave my office, hangga't pinipigilan ko pa ang sarili kong kaladkarin ka," Mariing sambit nito na siyag ikinatiim ng aking bagang.

"Fine, but don't blame me if something happens again."

"Pinagbabantaan mo ba ako?" tanong niya. Tumaas ang aking isang kilay dahil duon.

"No, pero baka nga iyan ang nais iparating nang kung sino mang nasa likod nang nagaganap na ito," sagot ko naman bago tuluyan nang lumabas ng silid.