"Make sure the information from that person does not leak. Tell my forces to immediately respond to the area where the suspect is. You already know the plan. Assign one person to come at my office any moment to get the reward money. Move now, or the suspect may get a chance to get away. Also prepare the armies for back up in case the suspect tries to fight."

"Yes, sir."

I hung up the phone and went straight to the president's office. I'm not in camp krame right now, so I hurried to the president's office to inform him.

"Good morning, Chief" I responded to him and salute before I enetered the President's office.

He was busy looking at some papers. He looked up before standing up and saluted me which I immediately responded to.

He motioned for me to sit down and I did. He immediately sat down and read again what he was reading earlier before signing it and took another paper and started reading.

"Is there any information about Mr. Villafuente?" He asked me as his eyes continued reading.

"Yes sir. Someone has already pointed out the suspect, my forces are doing their task now and the armies are ready to back up." I replied to him that he immediately looked up.

"Praise God!" He stood up and held out his hand. We gave ourselves a handshake while the joy can be seen on our faces.

"He has been the most wanted person of the country for over 4 years now. I hope you succeed in your mission, Logronio. Many people will finally get justice for the loss of their family members."

"Yeah, if he decide to be a good kid, there will be a lot of cases waiting for him. If he decide to be a bad one, the grave will wait for him." He laughed at my joke. Heh, I don't even find it funny.

"Anyway, in which area is Mr. Villafuente hiding?" He asked with a serious look on his face and turned his attention back to the papers.

"This is a surprise actually, Mr. President because this is not where I expected him to hide. Unlike other criminals, they would choose to hide in exclusive areas. But this guy chose to stay in a sacred place. Allegedly, his distant relative who is a priest is helping him hide in the place. I will also investigate this priest."

Wait. Somethings wrong.

I slipt my hands in my pocket and I quickly took my phone.

September 16, Sunday.

My body froze when I saw the date on the lockscreen.

I've been busy this whole time that I haven't got the chance to visit my family for 3 days.

"Somethings wrong, Mr. Logronio?" He asked me while slightly lowering his reading glass to look at me.

"T-today's September 16, right?" I asked while still staring at my lockscreen.

I looked up to him with his back turned against me and looking at his calendar. I saw it too and it further strengthened my suspicion.

"I have to go, Mr. President. I'm sorry. I'm in a hurry." I never looked back at him and I ran to my office and took the key of my car.

I quickly got off the third floor and ran to the parking lot and made my way into my car.

Today's sunday, it means Catholic churches are having masses right now and lots of people will be get involved. The thought froze me for a moment. My Family whould be probably in that church too. I don't know where my family is now, but they don't fail to go to church, especially on Sundays.

The faces of my wife and our only daughter flashed through my mind.

I got more nervous and started the engine.

I was about to move the car when my phone vibrated.

"H-hello, Mr. Huarez." I stummered answering Mr. Huarez on the other line.

"Sir, We need you here. Your wife and your child are among the hostages inside the church. One of our colleagues failed to do a task so Mr. Villafuente got the chance to know about the policemen surrounding the church"

I cursed and cursed until I got contented. I calmed myself down before I opened my mouth.

"I'm on my way, do everything you can to calm Villafuente. Do everything you can to make sure people inside wont get any futher trouble. Hang on there, I'm coming."

I put down the phone and headed for the said place.

There are four cases waiting for Mr. Villafuente.

His first was because of protecting Drug Lords while he was still in his position as five-star General. Second, Child abuse. Third, Illegal position of firearms. Fourth is the heaviest one, he's the mastermind of a massacre that killed over a 100 businessmen. I don't want that to happen again this time, especially now that my family is with him.

A few minutes later I arrived at the place. The policemen are trying their best to keep people away from the dangerous area where Villafuente and the hostages are.

I approached the police patrols outside the church. I saw Mr. Huarez drewing close to me holding a speaker.

I immediately took the speaker from his hand and went straight to the back of the armored van positioned at the very front of the church.

"Mr. Villafuente. Are you in there?." I closed my eyes the monent I heared my daughter crying. Shes only 8 years old and I feel useless as a father that she is experiencing this.

I'm a freaking Chief of Police! I am the father of all the policemen in Philippines and here I am now, looking down at myself because my family is inside with the other people while I'm here outside doing nothing. Even if I wanted to enter the church, it will make the situations more dangerous.

I lost every single piece of me every second I stand here outside the church doing nothing hearing my daughter cry.

A policeman handed me the phone and I immediately took it. "I was praying here moments ago. I would have regretted everything I did wrong but one of your policemen interrupted my time with God and that pissed me... A lot." An evil laugh scaped his mouth.

"So, I decided not regret anymore... Not until I do something." His laughter grew louder that got me iriitated and clenched my fists.

"I know I can't hide forever, Mr. Logronio. Just like now, this is so unexpected."

"We can still talk things out, Mr. Villafuente. You don't have to put inocent lives at risk." I spoke with a heavy tune.

"Awww, inocent? Are you referring to your family? Just look." He shouted. I raised my head up to the window of the van and saw Villafuente holding my daughter's hand at the opening of the church.

My Daughter's eyes are already puffy, and I know that she's really scared of Villafuente.

Seing my daughter like that felt like the whole universe droped on my chest. I almost forgot to breathe. I wanted to do something but I know it will make the atmosphere much worse.

Villafuente smiled like an evil who got out of hell to enjoy human world. He went inside again with my daughter.

"Please, old friend. Don't harm my family." I almost can't manage to let out a voice. my whole body trimbled.

"You scared?" He laughed again.

"C-mon, old friend. I still know how to remember how i used to treat you as a friend. Here, let me give you a favor."

"D-daddy." I heard my daughter called me on the phone between sobs which literally felt like my heart is going to drop any moment.

I stopped sobbing and adjusted myself. "Baby, don't cry. Daddy is here. Just wait for me okay? Don't be scared, protect mommy okay?" I said softly reassuring her that everything is under control and nothing to worry about.

"Y-yes, daddy. I will protect mommy, and also you, daddy. I'm scared, please hurry ..... d-daddy!"

I can't help but to take the phone away from my ears when I heared her cry.

I don't want to hear her cry, but I can still hear her crying from inside the church. Please, dear Lord. Don't let this happen in your church.

I put the phone back to my ear. "your child." This is all I heard.

"what?"

"I said, your daughter's cute when crying.How about I make her cry more often? It would be so relaxing!"

"Harick, I am warning you to never hurt the people inside." He just laughed and cut the call.

I punched the armored van and approached Huarez.

"Who the hell among of these men failed to do a simple task?" I stoped myself from shouting. I could feel heat rising up my head.

He immediately approached me with a policeman who has his head facing down the ground.

Feeling the extreme current in my hand, I punched him on the face with all might, which got him knoked down the cement road.

I was immediately being stopped by other policemen while the idiot is still knoked, his comrades pulled me away from him to prevent futher things that I might regret doing.

I never thought of that idiot again and after two hours under the intense sunlight we were able to make another plan.

"Mr. Villafuente. I want to talk to you. Tell me what you want no matter what is it, name it. In exchange of all the life you are holding inside there. Let's talk face to face."

I said on the other phone.

"Tricky." He chuckled.

"I guarantee you no harm, Mr. Villafuente as long as you give no harm on my people in there too."

I turned to Mr. President who is now behind me.

"Mr. President, it's not safe here. Stay away."

He just shrugged his shoulders and made his way to where I'm standing while his guards are fully alert beside him.

"Wow! is this a reunion? Hey there, Mr. President, my old friend." I can sense that he is grinning.

"Let them go, Harick." Mr. President commanded to Villafuente.

"Will you fight too, Romeo?" His voice was mocking.

"Too bad Juliet's Gone." Romeo clenched his fists.

"My wife's name is Kristyn, Harick. You killed her, remember?" A sad smile peeked over the side of Romeo's lips.

"Oops."

I was taken a back when I heard my daughter crying. It took me just a second to take the phone from Romeo and spoke to Harick.

"Bastard! Don't touch my daughter, you filthy beast!"

"Woah! I'm sorry, okay?. She's just so cute when crying... Okay Leenard, let's talk. Include Mr. President if he wants to."

"No, I will do it alone." Strictly speaking to him.

"Use your weapon and we will not hesitate to kill you." I threatened him before stepping out of the armored van.

"Be careful, Leenard." I just smiled at Romeo and nodded.

Romeo, Harick, and I were close friends. We used to do stupid things back then. I always wanted to be Police. Harick wanted to be the President. And Romeo wanted to be a Lawyer.

But the wind took me to the highiest position of the Policemen. While Romeo, he achieved his goal then later on he became the President of the Philippines. And Harick was the father of the Armies. But now Harick Came down frome 5-star General to 5-star criminal.

I slowly entered the church when I saw my wife Jeyhan kneeling in front of me while our daughter is hugging her and behind them was Harick who was smiling and carrying a gun, it was not aimed at my family but I must not reciprocate.

I took a glance of other people behind Harick, some are trembling and some are crying silently.

"Tell me what you want, Harick. Free those people."

"Gun."

I took a deep breath and grabbed my gun and placed it on the floor. He motioned me to slide it away which I did immediately did with my foot.

"Let me go abroad." He said firmly.

"Okay, Harick. Now free those people." He freed six altar servers that ran out of the church.

I looked at him confused which made him laugh.

"You underestimate me too much. I'm not that stupid to get myself a happily ever after because of just a free trip to wherever the hell I want to go." He grinned.

His just toying the situation.

I do not know what he's planning. I don't know if he has any colleagues around. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a few civilian police officers slowly bending over to the back of the church to execute our plan.

"Tell me what else you want in exchange of the liberation of those people." I repeated to him.

"Did you miss me?" I looked at him without expression as his having a wide evil smile.

"It's funny how time seemed to move really fast. I thought it was just yesterday when we used to hang around together with Romeo." He said slightly shaking his head as if he can't believe how time naturally tick fast.

"You chose this path of being a criminal, Harick. Things whould have been the same between the three of us if only you didn't decide to be selfish. As much as we would like to help you, we can no longer interfere with your filthy decicions. I was never expecting back then I would be the one to arrest a friend. Who knew arresting a criminal would be this painful?" I smirked.

He laughed and put his gun close to my daughter's head. I couldn't breath. He put hid hands on my wife's hair softly combing it hair with his fingers gently.

"How's my Family?" He asked. his face went sad talking about his family.

"Their doing fine, Harick. They miss you. They would rather want to see you even behind bars than knowing you're like this."

He laughed and waved his hands in the air and I was alarmed because his gun is pointing to any direction.

He turned round and round while laughing. His laughing but theres sadness written all over it.

I find it ironic how a heartless criminal miss his family. But It's still sad.

In the middle of his laughters I saw a few tears flowing down his cheeks. He wiped away his tears before stopped moving.

I saw another tears forming, then he continued to laugh again and turned round and round.

My eyes widened when I heard an electric current shot and Harick stoped moving and began to shake.

I heard a gunshot that deafened my hearing. I could not count the chances of hearing a gunshot up close but this one is intense. It's intense because of a reason.

I was stunned. Simultaneously with Harick's fall, my wife also fell, in shock my Daughter ran towards me and hugged me. I got on my knees and lost strength when I saw the blood flowing from my wife's nape.

Confused. I can hear chaos. People are shouting while running out, Harick screaming because of the commotion caused by the electric gun, my daughter crying loudly, the responding policemen. But my heartbeat still prevailed as I looked at my fallen wife.

No tears formed. I'm too broke to generate tears. I'm too broke to think of something. I'm too broke to do something. I'm broke.

While Harick was still weak because of the current that flowed through his body, he was handcuffed. The medical team came in and approached my wife. They are blocking my sight of my beautiful wife.

My heart sank as every single details finally sinked in my mind.

I just saw some of their medical colleagues running out of the church and they also had colleagues coming in and carrying stretchers.

Is this it?

Even though my breathing remained very heavy, I stood up trembling. Slowly approached my wife. I have no strength. I gently parted the people around her body, even though I wanted to pull them I could not, I'm too weak. I knelt in front of the lying body of my beloved.

I withdrew the hands of some medical persons from taking her to the strecher. They could not do anything about it so they let me to.

I stared at her face. She's so beautiful. It felt like the first time I saw her. Slowly I felt heavier as I slowly understood everything. I understand but I can't accept that she's gone.

'She's gone.' it echoed and kept on banging inside my head.

I caressed her forehead down to her cheeks and the next thing I knew my eyes are filled with tears thats shouting and begging to be released.

I wiped my tears and slowly supported her neck, I can feel the warm sticky liquid coming from her nape. I led her with all my strength to my lap. And looked at her angelic face.

"Wow! I'm surprised you finally showed up her! I almost thought you forgot about us, you're putting your work first! Just make sure you're really busy with your work and not with some other women. My fist will gladly spark at your face!"

I can't help but smile sadly when I remembered her insults when I come home late or stayed at work for a few days.

"Leenard! You forgot your wet towel on the bedsheet again! When will you ever ..."

"Pwe! Your bad in cooking! Okay I admit it's fine but, mine's way so much better."

"Leenard, come look at our daughter. How could a baby like her do such face while asleep? I could stay up till dawn just to watch her face like this."

I lost my smile when I remembered my daughter. I turned around but she's nowhere to be seen. She's too young to experience these.

I groaned as happy memories flashed through my mind. I should have given them more time than my job.

"You should have known better than to act like a hero and causing these."

I looked straight at Romeo looking at Mr. Huarez.

Oh yeah, Mr. Huarez.

"I'm very sorry to disappoint you, Mr. President. For my perspective, that was the perfect time to attack him."

Huarez explained.

"Now, you should be more sorry than ever. You feel frustrated in disappointing me rather than thinking about what Mr. Logronio is feeling right now. You did not follow the plan, Mr. Huarez. Logronio lost the most precious thing for him. Please save your apology for Mr. Dominuiqe Logronio." He tapped Huarez on the shoulder and left. Even before Huarez could turn his head to look at me, I avoided his gaze.

I don't want our eyes to meet. If possible, I don't want to see him again.

I blame you for the death of my wife.

I feel different now. I will not show mercy to any of you. You will regret, you traitors..

If it wasn't because of you filthy people, my wife should've been breathing by now.

prepare yourselves. I can stay silent as long as I can. But, it woud be fatal.

I swallowed the leftover alcohol in my small container and immediately returned it to the small bag that's stuck at my back.

I looked for a better place to finish this job easier.

I'm currently sitting on a rock behind the Malacañang palace where Philippine officials are celebrating with the president.

I'm in a forested land thats seldomly visited by guards.

I grabbed the sniper rifle I was carrying in my back and placed the optical scope right before my eyes.

I looked at dad enjoying the food. It's so devastating seing the food. I hate this. I have to do this faster, otherwise I might shoot myself for craving.

Sorry, people. I might disturb your feast just a little bet.

I pointed the center of the cross I see in the optical scope at the Man's neck eating right next to my dad. Mr. Valdez.

I don't know why he had to be killed, I'm not sure if he has something to do with some things dad don't like but dad gave me his orders. And its something I cant disobey. I don't want to be a weakling.

I fired a bullet at the same time the large window in front of them shattered.

Shocked, Some stood up and others were just staring at Mr. Valdez with his face sunk onto his plate as red liquid dripping out his neck. I watched dad's reaction.

Damn that great actor.

A smirk formed my lips. As usual, I left the place with no trace of evidence.

"Yey, mission accomplished." I answered lazily to daddy through the phone call.

"That was bloody, Leeyhan." He said between laughs. Whats funny though. I rolled my eyes.

"Dad, what do you expect? You gave me a rifle, not a poison"

I got out the car as soon as I parked it inside the garage.

"I need to go now, I'll visit Mr. Valdez's family in a minute"

"Dad."

"hm?"

"Why Mr. Valdez?" He drew a heavy breath before talking.

"We've already talked about this, Leeyhan. Please do--"

"Okay, dad I understand." I turned off the call then faced the garage door and closed it.

"Umm" I hadn't completely closed the door when someone spoke behind me which I immediately addressed.

I just closed my eyes when I found out who it was.

"Please, learn how to approach properly. You'll give people heartattacks with what your doing." Here I am again talking to a guy who admires me for who knows how long, I can no longer remember how many decades ago since he confesed me his feelings.

I closed the garage.

"I-I'm sorry. Umm, are you free today? Uh-- I know a new café nearby maybe .. maybe um, you wanna come with me and grab a snack?" He avoided his gaze at me.

Good grace, of all the men who courted me, only Mike lasted this long.

If I say this long. I mean THIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSS§SSSSSS LOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNGGGGGGG.

I've liked a lot of men but it would be dangerous for me and my dad as assassins if ever I get into relationships.

I admire his efforts on still courting me even though I have turned my back on him many times. But, his just not my type. And I hate how he still pushes his self to me because it makes me feel guilty.

Clearly i don't deserve a guy like him, he should be out with someone who would appreciate and love him back instead of wasting efforts on me.

I pity those women waiting for a perfect guy when theres this one right here begging for my love and not getting any.

"I'm sorry, I can't. Please I need some rest. Go without me or with someone else." I passed by him and entered the house.

I closed the door and picked up my phone when it vibrated.

"Have enough rest:)"

"Please be okay soon."

"Hehe"

With the dynamic number of his texts to me, it seems like I only replied a few times.

I ignored it and went straight to my room. I let myself fall onto the bed and took my phone and browsed.

From time to time, my eyes laid on news about Mr. Valdez's loss. Lots of people send their condolences.

They do really care about Mr. Valdez, many sympathized with his family. But I know dad. He will not kill if theres no reason to do so. Maybe Mr. Valdez is hiding something.

Dad was the former father of the policemen but he resigned due to mom's death due to negligence of their copoliceman.

That guy, really tried to be a hero.

I still remember that time I was with dad's target. I still remember how scared I was of him while mom chose to be strong for me.

Its awful knowing the part that mom left this world with a tragic ending of her life. I was so scared. I hope I hugged her in those moments.

When that noise got out of that gun, I knew nothing but to run. Dad's former President friend pulled me over and guided me out of the place.

I did not see what happened to mom. Mr. President did not let me enter the church after I stoped crying.

I just knew mom was dead when I opened my bedroom door and saw mommy in the coffin sleeping beautifuly.

Sometimes I find myself laughing at that moment I thought mommy is just really sleeping, I even opened her coffin glass to feed her because I thought shes hungry of sleeping for days.

I miss her.

I was only 8 years old when she left.

I never got angry at her for leaving me at such a young age. I knew she wanted to stay. I knew she loved me. I knew she would live if she can survive that shot.

There are times I think for a moment that if daddy and his target had only talked things out.... Can still things be like what it is before? If that idiot never tried to be a hero, will I still have my mother now? Or would it still end up at one bullet in my mom's body? I snapped of my thoughts. Its all in the past. I can't change it.

I picked up my phone when it rang and saw Rexy's name. My best friend. I answered it.

"Hey what's up?" I asked her.

"Whats for lunch?" I looked at my wall clock. Its past 11.

"Eyh? why are you asking me that?" I asked her holding my laugh.

"Let's go eat at some restaurants. Mommy's not home. It's just me and our two maids. So please, let's go out while they're not home yet."

"Hmp, you're really extravagant." Rexy only escapes home when she wants to go somewhere. As her friend, I stupidly support her with these doings even though its against her family's rules. But theres a lot of beautiful things happening outside their walls. So I'll just have to watch over her and secure her safety.

"All right, I'm in." I got up and went to the closet to change.

"I'll jump over our wall again. The maids are not there at the moment so I can get out now. See you there!"

"Wait, wha--" she turned off the call. Urgh! Not again.

I'm going to the part of their lawn which I dislike the most.

I immediately left the house and went straight to the meeting place. Their place is just a few blocks away so I just have to walk myself over there.

I winced when the grassy back of their wall welcomed me. I found Rexy rubbing her knees lightly. Probably she got slipt after jumping off their wall.

"When will you be able to master jumping off that wall? You've been doing that for several generations now. But you still get yourself dirty everytime you do it." I said while shaking my head and rolled my eyes.

"I don't give a damn. Come on, I'm excited and hungry too."

"How sure are you that your maids won't look for you?" I asked her who's now walking out of the grassy part.

"I made sure of that Already."

Ofcourse. I'm friends with a professional liar.

Rexy examined tha place first before exiting the lawn. She even pulled me closer to her with the fear that someone else might see her and with the excitement that she had already got out of their place.

I couldn’t help but smile as I look at her overjoyed.

"I need to get home before four. So let's hurry."

"Hey, you said it was just supposed to be a lunch"

She laughed and gave me a crazy smile. "I will not put myself in danger in jumping off that wall just to get out and have lunch."

Heh, why am I still not used to it? I remember one of her alibis that she only wanted to go poo poo. Well, she did... But she did it at the mall.

She immediately pulled me into the jeep. Fortunately, there are a lot of vacant seats so we didn't have a hard time getting in.

Rexy prefers to ride a Jeep than a Taxi. She said it's a kind of adventure for her. She's spoiled by her parents, not even a baby fly can land on her skin because her parents will go Crazy if that happens. But that's not what Rexy wanted.

She's a kind of girl who wants to chase dangerous things to experience adventure.

Rexy took me to a Pinoy restaurant.

"It's actually awesome in here, We can use our bare hands in eating." She said excitedly before sitting in the vacant space.

There are only a few people eating inside the restaurant. She couldn't wait any longer and called the waiter then told him our orders.

She picked what kind of food we would have for lunch. She didn't want me to choose for myself so we can have the same meals.

"45 minutes." The waiter said then left.

Rexy told me about the things she has been doing lately. There are lots of talkative persons on this world that annoys me so much but Rexy's different. Her annoying voise relaxes me.

If we talk about first impressions, I would say 94% of the population would think that Rexy is modest. Her voice is so soft and even if she shouts or speaks fast, it's always good in the ears.

"Leeyhan, your phone's ringing, answer it."

I changed my gaze frome Rexy and it landed on my bag. I quickly picked up my phone and walked to a less crowded place.

"Hello, dad?"

"Are you busy? Let's have lunch together we have a guest. We are now waiting here at the hotel."

"I'm sorry, dad. I'm with Rexy right now. You know how hard things to Rexy before she could get the chance to sneak out."

He let out a frustrating laugh. "Well then, I don't think I can force you to have lunch with us. Just please come see us at three this afternoon."

"Okay, dad."

I turned off the call. "Who was that? What does it want" Rexy asked as I approached the table.

"Here are your orders, ma'am." We looked at the waiter and looked down at the tray he was carrying. I quickly leaned over Rexy who was now staring at the food.

"Enjoy." The waiter said and left with the bill given by Rexy.

I can't take my eyes off the food. I'm was also very hungry. Rexy preceded the prayer then we started eating. Even though Rexy's mouth is full of stuffs, it still did not stop storytelling.

"Rexy!" We were in the middle of feasting our meals when Rexy's mom entered the scene, her dad followed her. We both stopped chewing when we noticed her mom's furious look.

"M-mom." Rexy averted her eyes before swallowing the food in her mouth. Rexy's mom let out a heavy breath before opening her mouth.

"We need to talk, let's go home."

"No, mom." I looked at Rexy surprised. Yes, she is reprimanded and often does things that should not be done when no one is watching. But I have not yet witnessed her talk like this to her parents.

"Rexy, I don't want to make a scene. I don't want to drag you into the car." her dad is now furious too, his wife immediately approached him and calmed him down.

"Come with us, Rexy." Her daddy said.

"Mom, dad, please I'm old enough for these. I don't want to be locked up at home like an eight year-ol-"

"Rexy, I don't like you talking back at us." her mom cut her off.

"And I don't like the way you're raising me either. I want to go out and explore, I want to discover things that can help me. Mom, keeping me under your roof is not the best way to keep me safe."

"What are you talking about? Can you hear yourself? Me and your dad are doing everything to protect you."

Auntie said irritably and obviously is trying her best to stop herself from shouting.

"Yes, you can protect me inside that house. But will you please open your eyes to reality? time will grow older and so as your age. You can't live forever. You can't be by my side that long enough. What do you think will happen if I don't have you by my side anymore? will I survive? You can't protect me that long." Rexy clenched her fists before continuing.

"The best way to protect me is to expose me to the word but with guidance. Train me with experience. Don't teach me how to stand with only your feet. I have to stand with my own two feet, mom. If your way of protecting me is to not let any single dirt on my skin, you are making a mistake. Please, mom, dad, stop being overprotective. Thats not the best way of protecting me."

Rexy closed her eyes and was ready to hear what her mom or dad had to say. Auntie's face went red and Tito stroked her shoulder to calm her down.

Auntie came out quickly and Tito followed her. "They're gone." I told Rexy and she slowly opened her eyes.

"I don't know if I would be feeling anxious or proud of what you did. I'm nervous on what you will face after this, but you were right in what you said." A smile spread across her lips.

"I did it."

She said while staring back at the dining door. I rubbed her back and invited her to continue eating.

We ignored people looking at us which I think heard the confrontation minutes ago.

My phone rang and I saw dad's name on the screen which I immediately answered.

"Mrs. Sheen called me. What happened to them and Rexy? She told me you helped Rexy sneak out."

I rolled my eyes. His pretending to not know that I'm doing this everytime Rexy and I meet.

"Yeah. They had a tense chat a little bit."

"Are you okay?" He asked.

"Yes." I turned off the call and faced Rexy who was just staring at her food.

"Food will not make its way up to your mouth." I snapped her off to reality. She turned her gaze to me and simply smiled.

"Are you okay?" My tone has changed. She just nodded.

"Um, Leeyhan is it okay if I'll be ahead of you, I still have something to take care of. I'm sorry. I can't have you with me this time." She averted her eyes. I smiled at her even though she was not looking at me.

"It's okay. Daddy and I will meet minutes from now." She turned to me and smiled. She got up and grabbed her bag she was carrying and left the restaurant.

Even though there were still glimpses from the people around me, I mananged to finished my meal and then went out the restaurant.

I took a taxi and headed to our resort.

"Here is the key ma'am."

Our helper at the resort handed me the key to my yacht. I smiled at him before accepting it and boarded the yacht.

As I move away from the shore the waves get stronger. I also noticed that the wind get stronger and stronger and the formation of dark clouds so I accelerated.

After a fourty-minute ride that often took hour and a half, I immediately reached dad's private island. I was greeted by our guards dressed as ordinary sailors.

I got off the yacht and left it with them with the keys. I picked up my phone and called dad. He built a cell site so the signal here is not a problem.

Daddy did not answer the first call so I tried again. It rang few times before he even answered.

"Hello, Leeyhan" I noticed a slight laugh before he said that.

"I'm already here, Dad."

"Okay, Were now waiting in the lobby." He turned off the call.

It's just strange because dad seldom bring guests, he ensures the safety of our job of being killers.

I would tell that it's not a tourist. We did not apply beautifications on the island on purpose so no tourist would come. I also can not say it's our accomplice.

I inhaled the fresh air before entering the very opening of the forest. Nothing changed. There's several little hats around and many of our staffs are just wanderjng around playing their role as fishermen. I walked faster when I saw the hotel and entered immediately.

Daddy and I immediately looked at each other. My gaze got magnified at a guy sitting his back against me on the long sofa.

Daddy stood up and smiled at me. My feet frozed from walking when the guy also stood up and turned his face to me.

My world stopped the moment I laid my eyes on his face, I could not explain the sudden increase of tension in my chest.



Feedba

He smiled at me.

Seing this creature standing in front of me brings shivers down my spine.

It felt like the whole Universe stopped the moment our eyes met.

"What-the-hell-is-this?"

I questioned to who knows who I am questioning when I looked away at him.

"Leeyhan, ...." Dad tried to explain but I didn't gave a damn giving him a chance.

"Dad, his Andrue Clinton. ANDRUE CLINTON. Do you understand, dad? His that careless killer. Do you want us to perish sooner?"

I stared at him with one brow raised in irritation.

"Ouch, you're words do cut deeper than a knife, lady. Okay I've already accepted your apology and I accept the fact that I'm careless, but..." He paused for a moment. "I know you think I'm charming." Andrue smirked at me. I held myself from glaring at him. But even though how hard I have to try to be polite to this guy I already did a careless move. I don't like him, why should I pretend being polite to him? His not worth of my effort.

"That was just a mistake, Leeyhan. But he's a skillful one. He can help us a lot." Dad explained. I rolled my eyes at them both.

"Why, dad? Am I not enough? I already lost my count on how many persons I had killed but still I never got the chance to be one of the persons of interests of the Policemen. And this.."

I pointed my finger at Andrue's Face.

"I don't care how many people he have killed, he doesn't know the words 'being careful'. And HE will RUIN everything. Just tell me, dad. Don't hesitate to give me a go-signal. I have my gun with me now."

Andrue raised both his hands. "Woah! Easy! Mr. Logronio I did not expect this scene at the first meeting. Please, Leeyhan I know there is still goodness in your heart." He said and smiled at me mockingly as if what U have said is just a childish statement. Dad... just giggled. URGH!

"Your choise, Leeyhan. If you want to do it, then do it. But if the decision's on me, I would still want to cooperate with him."

Andrue suddenly turned pale when he heard what dad said that it's going to be my decision wether I kill him or not.

I'm not in the perfect mood to kill at the moment.

I let out a heavy sigh. I rolled my eyes then stormed out of the lobby. I even heard Andrue's evilish laugh.

Storm is trying to threat me with it's loud echoing roar, but I'd rather get soaked wet and enjoy the lightining scenes than to be with Andrue for just a minute.

Baby rains are pouring at the moment I was driving my yact so I got wet. I managed to arrive safely at our Resort.

I changed my cloths with my extra cloths left at the Resort before making my way home.

I buried my face on the throw pillow on the sofa as soon as I entered the living room. I got really annoyed the moment I laid a sight on that face.

He has been wanted by the law for over three years now. Okay he's good at hiding but he's still one of the most wanted persons in the Philippines and if Police ever get a hint of Andrue being with us will put us into a never ending series of danger.

Geez, I can already feel my left leg slowly crawling to my grave...

I'm fully aware that if we get caught, our lives will be the penalty.

Those people we have killed were not just simple persons. I know Lifetime Imprisonment won't be enough.

I already knew what they meant. The meeting was for a 'formal team-up'.

My stomach quaked but I'm too lazy for preparing something to eat.

Ugh! It's so hard living in a wide spaced house with no Maids around because I should be the one preparing goods for myself and dad. no one whould do the dishes but me, I should be the one cleaning the house. It's good for a woman's traits though... but... nah.

I walked to the nearest grocery store to buy anything that can possibly satisfy my roaring stomach. Ever since I got out our place I've been turning my head 360° to see if there's a red flag walking--Mike. As much as possible I don't want to minggle with him. My tummy is quaking like magnitude 10000000000.

As soon as I entered the store, I immediately took a basket and toured the entire food section.

The basket was quite full and I was about to approach the counter when I noticed a man clinging to me.

He's taller so I needed to raise my chin up to have a glance of his face

Hiw wearing a gray hoddy jacket and black shades. I avoided him and walked faster as if I'm still looking for something to add on my cart so others around would not notice.

What is this fishhead doing here?

"I wish I had just killed you earlier." I whispered while teeth greeted as he followed me to a stall.

"It's alright, everyone often make bad decicions." He said as if feeling bad at my frustration.

He chuckled.

"What the hell are you doing here? Aren't you aware of the CCTVs every corner?!" I whispered to him as I reached for a canned good pretending as if scanning it's Nutritional facts.

"I followed you." He whispered back and copied what I am doing.

"We'll be put in a damn Dangerous situation because of this stupidity. Can you please stop acting like a freaking stalker?!" I told him emphatically and walked away. Gracious goodness he decided to not follow me anymore which had my breathing even better than before.

After paying everything on the cart, I walked fast and soon reached home. I caught dad leaning on the sofa and staring straight at the TV screen. I blocked him with both hands on my waist.

"Andrue followed me to the grocery." I told him with one eyebrow raised.

"Ah, where is he now?"

"I don't know, people are looking for that one damn killer then there he was making everything cool. What if somebody cought us together?... Ugh! this is so annoying."

"Don't worry, he's an expert." He said and motioned me to leave in front of him which I immediately did and sat besside him.

"Do we really need that guy?" I asked while watching the screen.

"Hm, not really. Just impressed. I also find it dull having no one else to talk to about these things. Besides, I already gave you the decision wether you kill him or nah but .. you refused-- "

I turned to him. "Impressed?"

"Uhuh, remember Mrs. Laiza?"

"Yeah."

"He killed her."

"Dad, the doctor clarified it already many times on the television about that woman's death caused by a deadly bacteria. Bac-te-ria... not a bullet."

I rolled my eyes.

"Exactly." I turned to look at his face again.

hm, interesting.

"So, it was Andrue who introduced those bacterias to Mrs. Laiza?" He just nodded.

I know I would hate myself for saying this but, that move got me impressed.

Tho the execution lasted for three days but the investigators did not get a hint that a foul play took place. I just frowned and accompanied dad watching the movie.

I also opened some chips I bought and devoured. After a long movie, I went out to get some air. Daddy volunteered to prepare our dinner. He seldomly do these kind of things since cooking is one of my skills.

It's getting dark and I could see the image of a full moon with his tiny shining friends.

I was about to go downstairs when I saw Andrue right before the staircase.

I quickly got off when I saw a patrol car in a distance. I pulled him behind the tree beside our house. I was still holding his arm and I waited for the police patrol to pass where we are hiding.

"Are you crazy?" I whispered growling at him. I also looked around to see if any neighbors are around yet luckily were alone at the place.

"No." He said with a laugh. I slapped his arm hard and his lips parted.

"What are you doing here? Don't you know you look suspisious?"

"Nah, I'm still glad I got the address right. Anyways, Do you have something to eat inside? My tummy's starting to digest my own system." I gave him a heavy punch on his stomach that he have to bend his body to endure the pain. My hand also got hurt hitting that hard hody of his.

Yuck! What Am I even thinking?!"

"Hey, I was asking for food, not for a punch. Damn! I never knew you were this dumb in understanding sentences!" He exclaimed and there a trace of pain crossed his voice.

"Get lost." I said and left him twisted on the ground.

I walked as if nothing had happened and entered the house again.

My plan was just to get some fresh air, yet nature gave me a toxic atmosphere.

I went to the kitchen where daddy was still busy cooking. I sat at the table and just watching him adding some seasonings.

We both looked at our glass door at the backyard when we heard Andrue knocking. I just dipped my face in my palms. Dad quickly opened Andrue and went back to what he was doing.

I felt Andrue stand next to me which made me even more annoyed.

"I never knew Leeyhan is a good puncher. Aren't you interested in getting her involved in women's boxing?" He asked dad mocking at me. Dad laughed and turned to meet his eyes.

"Just call me uncle, uncle Dominique." I looked up at dad as he and Andrue looked at each other foolishly.

"How long have you known each other?" I asked, the two of them got amused. Andrue just looked at dad. Dad inhaled slowly before speaking.

"He approached me for protection. Then I agreed in exchange of weapons."

It turned out that our weapons came from him. I wondered where daddy got our weapons before. Now I didn't expected that it all came from him.

"Why didn't you tell me about thsi?"

"Why would I introduce someone I don't trust that much. I most probabbly have killed him if his trying to act stupid back then. I wouldn't waste my energy telling you a story how I met this damsel in distress if I were going to kill him before."

I stood up and opened the refrigerator I took an orange fruit and walked my way to the living room and turned on the TV and the show was really good so I just focused my attention there.

"Good evening everyone. It is strictly forbidden to leave the house. Soon the police will come and enter each one of your homes. Andrue Clinton who has been wanted for over 3 years was seen entering this subdivision. Let's not panic and cooperate with the police. Thank you very much."

I ran to the kitchen and found Andrue eating a banana while daddy is now washing few plates. I went straight to Andrue and kicked him his leg.

"Whats wrong?" Dad asked.

The anouncement is loud and clear, I won't believe if they'll tell me they have no idea about what's happening.

"Listen to the announcement outside." We heard the announcer repeat the announcement. It seems like they just don't care about it and returned to what they are doing a while ago.

"What are you doing?!" I cant stop myself raising my voice.

"Your voise will get us caught." Andrue state while mouth is full. I restrained myself from hitting him again. Andrue chewed on the banana he was eating and swallowed it. He took some water and drank.

"I'll get going now."

Dad just nodded.

"Dad! He might get caught!"

"Are you concerned?" Andrue's turning on his sarcastic voice. I looked at him and he was dumbfounded by what I did. He came out and I could do nothing so I just let him go out and prayed that he would not be caught.

"You trust him that much, huh?"

"Uhuh" was daddy's only answer. After washing the plates, he returned it to their respective places.

I immediately took my phone out of my pocket when someone called, I was still hesitant to answer because it was an unknown number.

"Hello?" me to the phone.

He laughed softly which caused my two eyebrows to meet.

"You're voise is so angelic when you don't know who you are talking to." He said as soon as he finished his laugh.

I think I know where Andrue got my number. I looked at dad with brows clenched. He immediately looked away with a foolish grin on his lips.

"Shut up."

"I'm now about eight meters away from the police who are now looking for me. Just one wrong step, he will see me behind this tree I'm hiding. He will shoot me if he has the chance."

"You're going to die." My cold response to him made him laugh in a whispher way.

"I never Imagine myself saying this ... I feel guilty how I managed to make your dad trust me so much."

I was taken a back by what he said, suddenly the tone of his voise turned playful. I looked at dad who now also noticed my reaction.

"You see, I don't deserve to be trusted. But your father is a one stupid kiddo." He laughed.

"I know your secrets, I have been watching you for a long time, Leeyhan. I have all the evidences against you." It stopped speaking. Daddy stood up and just stared at me. My eyes are starting to let out tears.

I knew it.

I should have known better than letting my guards down just because his my father's friend who turned out to be a big mistake. I'm starting to sweat. Andrue did not say a word.

I ran into the living room where I could see the other policemen running to the same direction with their hands tightly held on their guns. Tears welled up in my eyes. I felt the force coming from my chest.

I'm not yet ready. I want more time with my dad. I ran to the kitchen, dad drew closer to me after seing me cry.

I ran closer to him and immediately hugged him.

"D-dad .."

"Shh"

My phone rang again. It's the same number Andrue used earlier. I answered it and waited for his word.

Dad freed me from his hug.

"Now tell me, what can you do to keep your freedom?" My fists clenched.

"Whats going on?" Dad asked. But I ignored it.

"Name it." I said firmly. I am desperate for the sake of our freedom.

When I can get a chance I will kill that damn bastard.

He laughed after I let go of those words. He turned off the call.

The police knocked on our front door. I erased the history of my calls with Andrue, I wiped away my tears and followed dad who's already behind our front door aiming his hand to twist the doorknob open.

Keep calm.

I tried to calm myself down and tried to restrain my heartbeat. We are now surrounded by police who are already inside the house. The two policemen sat on the sofa and so did dad and I while the two fellow policemen walked around the house after asking for dad's permission to do so.

I just kept quiet while dad was bombarded with so many questions. Andrue's words never lifted away my mind even just for a second.

I'm scared.

Even if I kill Andrue with just a snap, I'm still not sure if he has collegues that can ruin our lives if I triggered them to do so.

hm. How dumb. I never thought of that before.

So I need to know where these colleagues are before I formulate a plan on killing them all.

"What happened a while ago? I saw you running." Dad asked a policeman next to him.

"One of our comrades fell down. The rescue team got him already and they are executing an investigation whether it was just a snake or any other reasons.." Dad just nodded his head while sinking every details on his mind.

No doubts, Andrue did it. His the only one who has the capability to do such things. He can manipulate the situation.

This is also the reason why I'm nervous. He's too smart for me to beat ... I am afraid of him.

"Let's proceed." Said by the Police man who were raiding our house earlier.The policeman beside dad just nodded as dad stood up. "I'm sorry for disturbing you, Mr. Logronio. Thank you for your cooperation, just don't get anywhere closer to your door or window it's still dangerous."

Dad just nodded and smiled. And accompanied them out the house.

"I never saw you that scared." Dad said while looking straight into my eyes I could tell his both worried and disappointed.

"Andrue is a traitor, Dad. We were wrong about him."I answerd while staring at nothing.

I wonder what can be done to get myself ahead of Andrue's plans. I need to get ahead of him. Tears welled up in the corners of my eyes. I'm not yet ready. Imprisonment or death will be the penalty.

Yes, there is no death penalty here in the Country, but countless people are willing to kill us once they knew We are the perpetrators of their grief.

"Leeyhan .. Leeyhan, someone's calling you on your phone." I realized my phone has been vibrating when dad called my name, I quickly picked up the phone.

It's still the number Andrue used earlier. I do not want to answer but I have to.

"Hello." My cold response.

"Date me."

"What?" Is he stupid?

"You're not deaf, are you?" He replied irritably to me.

"Are you insane? Who would wan't to date a guy like you? oh,,, I get it.... If you think I would agree on this, then your too dellusional for thinking about it."

"Okay, I'm here behind the police station." I laughed at his threat.

"Do you think that threat is enough to get me shakin? You probably won't hand yourself over to the police, will you?"

"I have connections." That's right. His not alone. I just shut my mouth.

"I'm waiting for your answer, Leeyhan. A date? Or,,, nah?"

"D-date." Stuttering, I answered him. I heard him cleared his throat before speaking.

"Meet me on the island tomorrow." He started to laugh like a damn dracula after devouring its prey so I ended up the call. At this point I no longer know if I am scared or disgusted or irritated.

Is he just threatening me to make me do what he wants me to do?