The Sleuth Project ✓

Chapter 39: Writers' Schism: Case Closed

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Writers' Schism: Case Closed

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THE SHARP pain that cut through Ann's face was horrifying as she let out a sound that was a mixture of a piercing cry and a gasp.

"STAND BACK!" Sa unang pagkakataon ay narinig ng lahat ang malakas na sigaw ni Milo Cortez habang mahigpit itong nakahawak kay Ann na pilit na umaaklas mula sa kaniya.

Milo's surprising shout made everyone flinch. Hindi sanay ang mga ito na marinig ang pagtaas ng boses ng binatang madalas ay tahimik. Blood was dripping from Ann's left cheek, as her appréhender pointed the knife towards her neck.

Nakaharap ang dalawa sa may pintuan kung saan makikita si Officer Keano Valdez sa kaniyang opisyal na uniporme bilang O.C.P. - the familiar white polo with long sleeves and black slacks. Nakatutok ang baril ng pulis sa grupo, habang katabi niya ang magkambal na si Quinn at Queenie na nag-aalalang nakatingin sa kanilang mga kaibigan.

If they could, the Gintuan twins would have already rushed inside. But with Ann under Milo's hold, charging into the living room would have risked Ann's life even more.

As Ann struggled within Milo's grasp, she stared pleadingly at her friends - the first time that any of them had seen fear from the young Lobris heir.

All their years as Junior High School students, Ann Lobris was always firm, tough, and quite intimidating on the outside; always having her life together that made her the subject of envy throughout Castillo High.

But as Queenie worriedly watched Milo point the knife at Ann, they could see the fright in Ann's eyes as clear as day - as if she were nothing more than a scared little fawn under the headlights of a hunter - far from the strong-willed Lobris that everyone knew.

"Calm down," Queenie mouthed to Ann, habang pilit na tinatansiya ni Officer Keano ang binata na hawak-hawak ang dalaga.

Ann pursed her trembling lips as she gave a small nod, trying to calm down under Milo's grasp. As she watched Officer Keano trying to domineer Milo, her forehead creased in confusion when she noticed another person recoil behind Queenie - a dainty young girl with long brown hair cowering in fear.

To her surprise, she realized it was none other than Tyra Galvino.

"If any of you step forward, I won't hesitate to harm her." Pagbabanta ni Milo, kung saan mas lalong hinigpitan nito ang hawak sa dalaga.

Malalim ang pag-hinga ni Milo habang binbantaan ang mga nakapaligid sa kanila, na para bang natatakot ito - terrified that he and his twin won't be able to get away with their plan. Napaigting ang panga nito at napalingon sa kaniyang kambal na nakataas ang dalawang kamay.

Ngunit kahit na sinundan ni Mayer ang instruksyon ni Officer Keano ay mayroong maliit na ngisi sa labi ng binata na tila ba hinahamon ang pulis.

"You wouldn't want to anger my brother, officer." Mayer said quietly, eyes steady at Officer Keano who was alternating the aim of his gun on both brothers. "He can be very... very... aggressive."

"You have the right to remain silent." Giit ng officer, at ninenerbyos na napatingin si Queenie sa kaniyang kaibigan na mukhang nanigas sa hawak ni Milo.

Hindi sinundan ng binata ang demanda ng pulis at mas lalong itinutok ni Mayer ang kutsilyo kay Ann, making the others gasp and flinch.

"I SAID DON'T MOVE." Sigaw muli ni Officer Keano, cocking his gun at Milo. Unti-unting tumutulo ang mga butil ng pawis mula sa noo ng opisyal habang tinatansiya ang paggalaw ng dalawang binata.