✔ 01 | Crime Of Passion [Published Under PSICOM]

Capitulum 36

DEATH's headquarters, Eastwood
5:00 a.m.

"Nicodemus, baka matagalan akong i-match ang DNA ng mga biktima sa DNA ng blood sample na nakuha mo. Dried blood stains are a little more complicated, and the polo shirt you brought me doesn't have enough."

Scorpio's voice drifted from the other end of the line. Napabuntong-hininga na lang si Nico sabay sandal sa inuupuan. The expensive leather did nothing to ease his impatience, "Kailan ko malalaman ang results, Scorpio?" Tanong niya sa forensic scientist. Frankly, the young detective has more faith in the old man than he has faith in advanced forensic technology.

"Probably by tonight. Pinakuha ko pa sa assistant ko ang DNA prints nina Covaline at Mrs. Javier."

"Tonight? That's far too long for my standards."

Mahinang natawa ang matanda, "Then come and play jackstone with me again, Nicodemus. Tingnan natin kung matatalo mo na ako."

Nico smiled. He could almost imagine the old man sitting in a chair next to several corpses. Nagkalat na naman panigurado ang mga ngiping ginagamit nila sa jackstone, at ang rubber ball na may disenyo ng scorpion. He was tempted to step up to the challenge but, "Maybe some other time. May kailangan pa akong asikasuhin dito sa opisina."

"Tatawagan na lang kita mamaya, Nicodemus."

"Don't call me that."

"Aye. Good luck with the paperwork."

At naglaho na ang boses ni Scorpio kasabay ng pang-aasar sa tono nito. 'He knows me well.' Napasimangot ang binata at hinagis ang cellphone sa kalapit na basurahan. It was a perfect shot. Humikab siya't binalingan ang impyernong nasa desk niya.

Sandamakmak pa rin ang mga reports na kailangan niyang asikasuhin.

"What in the name of Sherlock?! Parang hindi nauubos!" To think that he stayed up all night to finish it! Pero para talagang walang katapusan ang kanyang mga gawain.

Makalipas ang ilang sandali, pinag-tripan na lang niyang gawing house of cards ang mga calling card ng DEATH. This agency has heaps of it, lying around everywhere. 'I don't see the point in using calling cards when people barges in on a daily basis!' Stupid business. Hindi talaga mauunawaan ni Nico ang saysay nito!

"Sana naman may dumating na kaso."

As if on cue, his ringtone broke the silence. Mabilis niyang kinalkal ang basurahan at sinagot ang tawag. Nang umalingawngaw ang boses ni Inspector Placido Ortega, agad niyang nahulaan ang sasabihin nito bago pa man makapagsalita ang gurang na hepe ng HELP.

"May pinatay na naman ang Heartless Killer."

Wala man lang bang "good morning"? Nico sighed and started walking out of his office. "Just text me the address, chief. I'll be there faster than you can shave your mustache." At tinahak na niya ang daan papuntang elevator.

Humikab si Nico at mahinang ipinagdasal na sana ay may malapit na coffee shop sa crime scene. Nonetheless, inaasahan na niya ito. Inaasahan niyang kikilos na naman ang Heartless Killer habang nakatalikod sila. Ang mga ganoong klaseng indibidwal mismo ang mapanganib.

'Typical moves for a typical serial killer.'

Nico smirked, "If he wants to play hide and seek, then so be it."

*

Carlos' residence
4:49 a.m.

"Ate?"