CHAPTER 22 RIDGER DISAPPEARANCE SOLVED

That other boy was inconvenient but now he joins his mother. Pretty unfortunate that he is trying to destroy my best laid plans. I gave him money and offered my name but what did he do? He tried to destroy my girl’s happiness. Stupid, stupid boy. But now my love is returning, time for plan B. I must look my best; I feel this is my time to claim her at last. I can’t wait!

It was only when they were all in the plane bound for the Philippines did Rain and Mrs. Gonzales remember to mention the situation they will be arriving to. Mrs. Gonzales and Mansour were in First Class but Rain and Ami opted for the Economy so they could talk as per Rain’s suggestion.
As soon as the plane took off, Rain started telling Ami what happened before he and his mom came to the UAE to attend the two events. Ami was shocked, all these and she did not know anything.
“I feel so horrible that I did not know anything about Ridger’s disappearance. He may not be the best cousin ever but at least he did not bully me.”
“Huh, maybe because his father will kill him if he ever hurts you. I won’t let him either, he knew that.”
“Even then, I think he is just misunderstood, having lost his mom like I did.”
“You were never unpleasant; Ami and you lost both parents. At least he still has his father.”
“I don’t know, Rain. When Uncle Ronnie first introduced him, there was an awkwardness between them. I just couldn’t find my finger to it.”
“Well, yeah, Uncle Ronnie was acting strangely when we left, he did not seem concerned about Ridger’s disappearance, he kept saying Ridger visited his lowland relatives. Do you know of any relatives in the lowlands?”
“None that I know of.”
“And yeah, that’s the thing, people said the last time they saw him was at the manor grounds. When we questioned the staff at home, they saw the two of them seeming to have been bickering over something. After a few minutes, Ridger went out of your cottage fuming. Nobody saw if he went back. Accordingly, a day after that, Uncle Ronnie seemed to be humming a lot. That was all that we know.”
“Funny that he never told me. I just assumed Ridger just went inactive. Ridger normally messages me, spying on you more like it. Do you know why he is doing that?”
Rain shrugged. “Dunno.” Well actually, before he disappeared, he seemed to be very cheerful when he told me, you were seen being cozy with Ali.”
“What, the nerve?! Ali had been very gentlemanly. You don’t believe me? That is what has drawn him to me, he treated me like a princess, like a very precious crystal. I so miss him.” she sighed.
Rain was so jealous of Ali that he shut up instantly.
“Cat got your tongue Budz? Are you jealous?”
“I am jealous, very, very jealous!”
Ami looked at him puzzled.
“But why will you be jealous? You have been my bestie for a long time. I do not see why you feel so strongly against him”
“Don’t you see Ami, “ Rain got hold of her face and forced her to look at him. “We had been besties for a long time yet in a span of almost a year, you were laughing and having fun with someone else, who wasn’t me. It hurts you know.” Rain suddenly let go of her face and leaned his head back, closing his eyes. Ami could see he was struggling with something else but she couldn’t make herself ask, afraid of what it might be. She contented herself with drumming her fingers on the seat barrier between them. After collecting himself somehow, Rain changed the topic and said he wants to doze off for a while. Ami just nodded for fear of going into a territory she is not ready yet, so soon, she told herself. Maybe the events of the previous weeks caught up with her because she slept the whole flight. She was not even aware of Rain lovingly tucking the blanket around her and stealing a kiss. Rain gently caressed Ami’s cheek and just watched her sleep. She really has grown more beautiful, he thought. Her boyishness has somehow mellowed and in its place a femininity so gentle yet strong at the same time. He thanked God that Ali did not snatch her away from him. He knows with proper wooing, she might come to care for him or maybe love him but somewhere deep down, Ali will always hold a piece of her heart. Rain recognized that and can accept it as long as he will be Ami’s forever. Rain loved her so much that he would do everything in his power to protect her and give her everything she asked for.
Soon after, they landed and were on their way out of the airport. Robert and Jerry were waiting for them outside.
“Oh, Ami we did not expect you cuz and lover boy is back too! Oh, wait, who is this magnificent hunk of a man?” the brothers said in unison.
“Good to see you too,” greeted Ami. “Magnificent hunk of a man? I never knew you give compliments to males.” She grinned and turned to introduce Mansour to the brothers.
“Mansour, please meet the pests in Mabel’s and my life, older cousin Robert and Jerry.”
“My cousins too,” piped in Rain.
“Wait,” said Mansour. “ Mabel and his brothers are Ami’s cousins and they are yours too Rain but you and Ami are not related? How is that possible?”
Rain laughed and explained. “Funny, right? These brutes and Mabel are my first cousins because they are my mother’s niece and nephews. Her older sister is their mom while their father, may he rest in peace, is Ami’s uncle. Uncle John was Ami’s father’s brother. Thank God Ami and I are not related though, otherwise, there will be a lot of craziness around.”
“That explains it then.” exclaimed Mansour.
“Explains what?” asked Ami.
“You seem to have these guys’ playfulness and Mabel’s seriousness. You lot were probably a handful, “ he remarked addressing Mabel’s brothers.
“Oh, they still do.” goaded Rain which earned him a not too gentle fist on the face from Jerry.
“Ouch, watch it!” cried Rain. “By the way, how’s Magnolia these days, Jerry?” Jerry colored and Robert laughed at him. “He got you there, lil bro.” he also teased. “Fuck off both of you!”
“Language, language Jerry,” chided Ami.
“What! You a refined lady now?” sneered Jerry.
“Sheesh, Jerry. Cut it off, she just arrived and you’re trying to scare her away. We missed you dear cousin Ami, but not lover boy here. He has been a miserable companion; did you know that?”
“Ohh interesting, hey wait, Magnolia you say? But I thought she and Rain?”
“I told you Ami, nothing is between me and Jerry’s girl.” Jerry glared at Rain.
“Well, well, well, this is very interesting. If she is indeed Jerry’s girl, why is it that he does not seem happy about it?
“Because, my dear cousin, this said guy over here was caught smooching another.
“Shut it, bro!” another scowl from Jerry.
Mansour was having a good time watching the cousins, he suddenly missed his younger days with his brothers. Ami noticed him smiling so she asked, “Why are you smiling, Mansour?”
“Just enjoying your banters, is all. Now would you like me to see your place or shall we wait for tomorrow next year next week?”
“Oh, shoot!” exclaimed Robert. By then he saw Mrs. Gonzales approaching them with a disapproving look on her face. “Oh too late!” he grumbled. Rain grinned.
“What are you boys up to leaving our guest standing here when he could have been seated comfortably in the car? And Ami too. Have you forgotten what she went through?! She scolded them.
“No Mrs. Gonzales, I am perfectly fine.” said Mansour smiling, taking pity on the brothers. How can they be Mabel’s brothers? He thought.
“Aw right yo, let’s go!” interjected Jerry more than happy to avoid discussing Magnolia.
As it was a direct flight and there were no delays, they landed at the airport on time. Robert managed to get them off towards TPLEX which made the journey a lot faster. Since they have an Emirati guest with them they had to stop in a restaurant serving Halal food. Mansour enjoyed their food and told Ami so. He was also enjoying the back and forth bantering of the cousins. They arrived at the Gonzales’ manor at half past 8.
“We must warn you Mansour, up here it’s always foggy in the afternoons and evenings and most of the time rain too.”
“I noticed that, '' answered Mansour. “It is cooler up here too, no humidity either. I guess this explains your ladies’ magnificent complexion.” he observed.
“That and lots of vegetables and etags (Igorot version of jerky)!” added Rain.
At the mention of the exotic delicacy, Ami’s mouth watered. “Now that you mentioned it cousins, you have to bring me some tomorrow although Mansour can’t have some.
“Why is that?”
“Haram, it’s pork.”
“Ahh, okay.”
“Boys, “called Mrs. Gonzales, “I asked permission from sissy Antonia for you to stay the night to keep Mansour company. Ami, please stay the night as well, I will just summon your uncle.”
Ami did not object. After a few minutes, Ronnie came bounding up the steps. He was so happy to see Claudia that he nearly ran to her before he realized there were other people there. He stood frozen in place as he saw Ami there as well.
“Oh, my little girl, you are home!” he cried rushing to her instead engulfing her in a tight bear hug. Why did you not tell me you were coming home? I could have freshened your room and tidied the cottage some more. Anyway, no worries, am just happy you found the time to come home. Will you be staying for good?”
Ami was also happy to see her uncle that she returned the hug before remembering Mansour who was looking on with interest.
“Oh by the way, uncle, please meet one of my employers’ sons, Mansour.
“Glad to meet you Sir,” Ronnie extended his hand for a handshake.
“No, I am glad to meet you, Doctor. Ami told me a lot about you.“
“Did she now? Yes, my little girl has always been so adorable, hasn’t she?.”
Ami was getting embarrassed with her uncle’s constant little girling her so she asked. “Uncle, do you mind if I stay the night here?”
“Not at all, not all, in fact, if I may impose on Claudia to let you stay here for the duration of your vacation?” He looked to Mrs. Gonzales who was as surprised as everyone else.
“Well, of course, Ronnie. Ami always has a room here and I think it is a good idea too.”
Though everyone was surprised at this turn of events, nobody said anything. And then remembering something Ronnie Excused himself.
“Ami, my darling girl, do you mind if I leave you here? I am just in the middle of some experiments. That is why the cottage is a mess. You know how fumes are when I work, right?”
Ami did not know what to say so she just nodded. Even Mansour was looking at the doctor strangely.
“Sorry Ami, but your uncle is weird.”
“Real weird!” seconded Robert.
“He is that but kids, let us all go to sleep, shall we? I’m exhausted” muttered Mrs. Gonzales.
“Let me show you to your room, Mansour.”
“Thanks Rain,”
“I will go with you too, cousins go find yours.” Ami shooed her cousins off.
“You do not have to tell us twice.”

Everyone had a good night’s sleep and Mansour couldn’t believe he slept without an AC on. Instead of an AC, his room has a hearth and so he was comfortable the whole night. The rest of the household, being used to the cold mountain air, did not need extra heating. They just huddled in their thick blankets and that was that. Everyone was awakened with the aromatic smell of freshly brewed coffee. Mansour was the first to get up and he loved seeing the first rays of sun from his balcony. It was foggy but a pleasant sort of foggy. He was surprised to see his breath come out like smoke when he stepped out on the balcony.
When he heard breakfast hollered loud enough for the neighbors to hear, he grinned and rushed down the stairs. He is loving this country, unlike his. Here everybody is relaxed and has no strict rules to follow. When he appeared at the dining hall, nobody was there until he heard an “Over here Bro!” He looked to the kitchen and sure enough, Jerry and Robert were already there. He is liking the brothers immensely. He wondered if he could ask Rain if these two would serve as his tour guides. As if conjuring them, Rain and Ami appeared successively.
“Umm, nothing like the smell of freshly brewed Benguet coffee.” Ami inhaled.
“So now I know where your addiction for coffee came from,” Mansour teased.
“Don’t tell me,” Robert joined in, “Does she still drink coffee by the teapot? Nooo, it can’t be.” He said lowering his voice dramatically, then “Ami, how could you?”
Ami landed a punch on her cousin’s gut who flinched. “Oww! Cousin, be careful, will you? My wife likes that particular part of me.”
Mansour laughed.” I didn’t know you were married! ”
“Why, what? Having designs on me, hmmm? Sorry, nah, you not my type lover boy.” Robert teased assuming an effeminate flirting voice coupled with a fling of his arm like he was flinging his hair out. Everybody laughed.
“God, I missed you guys.” said Ami coming to hug Robert. Robert was still assuming an effeminate voice as he said, “Eww, missy, you’re not my type either.!” Ami couldn’t hold it any longer, she whacked her cousin near his manly attributes. It was instantaneous, Robert grabbed her and flipped her over like a sack of potatoes. Ami squealed as she landed on her bottom laughing so hard.
“What is going on here at this unholy hour of the morning?” grumbled Mrs. Gonzales but as she saw Ami on her bottom and laughing so hard on the floor, she smiled. She imagined her playing with children, hers and Rain’s.
“Ohh dear Auntie, you just ruined our show for Mansour here.” complained Jerry.
“Show, my butt!” exclaimed Mrs. Gonzales surprising Mansour. He never thought the elegant and ever poised Mrs. Gonzales has this fun side.
They all sat down to breakfast.
“Mansour, I apologize for this early morning chaos. My nephews have always been this rambunctious, actually, they all are,” Mrs. Gonzales admitted mouthing the rest of the young adults. Even Mabel before” and then she shut up.
“Before what?” interrupted Mansour.
“It is not our tale to tell.” offered Ami.
Mansour nodded, maybe someday, he thought. Wanting to distract everybody, he directed his question to Rain and Ami.
“By the way, guys, I was wondering if your cousins would be my tour guides? I believe I heard you talk about an investigation today so I thought, ``Would your cousins be kind enough to show me around?”
“You kidding? We absolutely love it. Do not shake your head so Ami, we will behave and yes, we know Halal food etc. etc.”
“Great! Shall we go then?!” spluttered Mansour ecstatically and then apologized to Mrs. Gonzales.
“No worries, Mansour, just as long as you stay safe. Boys, take care of our guest, if something unpleasant happens to him, you are dead!” She said doing a slashing motion on her neck.
The men rolled their eyes and then everybody laughed again. After an hour, the three men left just in time as the investigators arrived having heard of their return. Just then Ronnie appeared looking harassed and unsteady. Ami rushed to his side, clutching his arm.
“Uncle, you okay?”
“These people, they are accusing me, harassing me. What have I done?” Ronnie was catching his breath as he was pointing at the officers behind him.
“Sir, Ma’am, we did nothing of the sort.”The officers addressed Mrs. Gonzales and Rain. “Ms. Ami, your uncle just bolted when we went to your cottage asking for some tea leaves we saw in your garden.”
“Ohh, uncle, you must have misunderstood them. “Ami tried to comfort her uncle.
“No! They were harassing me, arresting me!” Ronnie started to get hysterical and so Rain had no choice but to restrain him. Ronnie started trashing and cursing. Mrs. Gonzales approached him and placed her hand on his shoulder. Ronnie quieted and turned puppy eyes on her.
“Claudia, my love, please tell them, I am not doing anything. Tell them it’s you I have always wanted. “ Ronnie clasped Mrs. Gonzales’ hand and tried to pull her into an embrace.
“Hush Ronnie, you’re just tired and not thinking clearly. Come sit down and tell me what’s bothering you. “ Mrs. Gonzales patted the couch next to her. Ronnie sat down and clasped his head in his hands. Ami went out and ran to the cottage and found her uncle’s medical bag. She found a sedative he always kept for his patients and ran back to the manor. Her uncle’s head is still clutched in his hands and was shaking uncontrollably. Mrs. Gonzales looked helplessly at Rain and then when she saw Ami, she heaved a sigh of relief. Ami mixed the sedative in soda and brought it to him. “Here Uncle, I brought you a cold cola just you always liked. Ronnie raised his head and smiled at Ami affectionately. “Ahh, my Ami, always so sweet and kind, thank you child.” He took the glass of cola and drank it. He started to calm down and started to get up. The officers took their cue from Ami and escorted Ronnie back to the cottage. She went with them and prepared his bed in his room which was cluttered with all sorts of stuff. Ami felt bad because the cottage looked disorganized. It looked like it had been ransacked. While the officers were assisting Ami in laying down her uncle on the bed, the chief investigator received a call.
“Excuse us Ms. Ami, it seems there is a break in the investigation. We apologize for disrupting the peace and for causing anxiety to your uncle.”
“It’s all right, Sir. He always gets anxious when he feels threatened. Childhood trauma, I think.”
“We apologize again and thank you for your time. We bid you a good day.” They said and then they were driving away. Ami did not go back to the manor which caused Rain to worry so he followed her to the cottage. He arrived to see Ami picking odds and bits from the floor. When Ami straightened, she saw Rain standing by the door. Ami raised her arms and encompassed the whole cottage.
“I do not know what happened here, Rain. Uncle has always been meticulous and orderly. What happened to him? He has been acting strangely, you said. Since when?”
“Since after Ridger’s disappearance is what people told us.” I do not know Ami; I am so sorry as we were still on the ship when it happened. By the way, where are the officers?”
“They already left since the chief received a call saying they found a break in the case. He said he will update us as soon as they get something. I am so glad I came home Rain, what could have happened if I didn’t.” Ami exhaustedly slumped on her uncle’s bed. Rain pulled her up and guided her out of the room as it stunk of something they couldn’t name. With her key, she opened her bedroom and went to her bed.
“Please tell Aunt Claudia, I would stay here tonight. I would like to know what exactly is going on. “
“Would you like me to stay with you?”
“No, Rain but I appreciate your offer.”
Though Rain was hurt because she rejected his offer, he did not show it. So, he just said, “Okay, but maybe I can help you tidy up first? This cottage needs some tidying up.”
“Great, let’s do it then.” Ami got up and started straightening knocked chairs and other knick knacks. After nearly an hour, the cottage returned to some semblance of organization. Corners dusted, floor swept and mopped and Ami brought in some freshly cut roses. The cottage smelled like home again.
“Will I see you at dinner? Remember, Mansour and our cousins will be back later.”
“Is it okay to just send someone for my food. I am so sorry to impose on you Budz but there seems to be no food around here. I wonder what Uncle has been eating.”
“Okay, will do that. Just holler if you need help.” Ami gave him a thumbs up sign like they always did. Rain left but did not plan on sending someone to bring her food. No way in hell will he do that. One day at a time, Rain.
In the city proper, before Robert, Jerry and Mansour decided to return to Green Valley, Mansour was intrigued by an odd building. The brothers told him it housed several boutiques owned by Mr. Barry. They did not tell him; Barry was the dad of Rain’s ex-fiancee. Eager to please their guest, they followed him into the building. Mansour was enchanted with the displays of ethnic dresses and other ethnic decorations that he wasn’t watching where he was going until he bumped into softness and fragrance rolled into one. He steadied the woman gently who gasped audibly before they both looked up. Mansour couldn’t believe his eyes, a goddess is what he thought he saw. The woman too was obviously affected as well as she started to stammer nervously. Never in her life had Fiona been attacked with nerves such as today. A very handsome and virile foreigner was holding her and looking at her with obvious admiration. It was in that position that the brothers found them.
“Holy macaroni!” exclaimed Jerry. “If it isn’t Fiona the..” Robert clamped his hand over his brother’s mouth but Mansour finished it for them “Flirt.” Fiona flinched and jerked her hand away. “Of all the arrogant, dimwits in this city.” She started to move away when Mansour blocked her way.
“I apologize Ms. Fiona. I only heard the moniker but I do not think you deserve it. You are way too beautiful for that ugly moniker.
For the first time in her life, Fiona was stunned and speechless. Who is this Adonis-looking foreigner. She had no time to react though as the brothers pulled Mansour away who was muttering something.
He was quiet all the way to the manor. He was correct, Fiona is beautiful and did not deserve to be maligned like that. All these thoughts disappeared as soon as they arrived. Firstly, there was no Ami at the dinner table, secondly, Rain was preparing some food that looked to be delivered somewhere.
Did they miss something? With a worried look, he asked Rain,” What happened to Ami? Where Are you going?”