Chapter 43: The Destroyed Vault

The local Heaven Cemetery in Tuskenvale Town, which was once peaceful and rarely visited, became popular throughout the town. The news spread headlines with different titles, such as "Resting Vault Axed," "Newly Buried Exhumed Unofficially," and "Muriel de Leon's Body Missing." Curious bystanders swarmed the area to see what was going on. The police yellow line binds the place, allowing only the investigative team to get a closer look at the freshly opened grave.
The covered soil spread over the green grass covering the entire graveyard. And the three hoes and big hammers were recovered near the opened ground. The casket was already opened when the caretaker arrived in the morning.
He didn't see anyone enter the cemetery's one and only gate.
"Perhaps they went through the dilapidated brick wall in the back," speculated the elderly caretaker. He said, trembling and shaking, "It was the first time I saw a grave opened and a corpse missing."
Rakiza and Chin went through some people watching and listening to the investigation on the other side of the cemetery. Rakiza sobbed as she saw her best friend's excavated grave. She was about to walk towards the hole when Theo stopped her. "Let the authorities handle this, Rakiza," he said quietly in her ear. "Come along with me."
"Can I accompany you?" Chin inquired.
"No, please stay and learn more about the diggings," Theo said.
Rakiza pleaded, "I needed you to stay and wait for Mrs. de Leon for more information, Chin."
"All right, I'll stay," Chin said, nodding.
Rakiza said, "Thank you, Chin," before kissing her and leaving with Theo.
Rakiza was taken into Theo's greenhouse, just a few yards away from his cottage.
"What are we doing here?" Rakiza asked, staring blankly at the plants Theo had grown.
The area was ablaze with varieties of plants, which were medicinal in nature. She had the impression that Theo had a green thumb. However, Rakiza's attention was not drawn to the beauty of their greener surroundings. Muriel's body being taken secretly was at the forefront of her mind. She had no idea what Theo had predicted would happen next, that Muriel would rise again, but she didn't exhume herself. Somebody was behind her disappearance. And only God knows who committed that heinous crime.
"She was now in her master's hands," Theo explained. "It's a call that must be answered," he said, turning to Rakiza, "Now is the time to put in more effort to avoid being alone. So I suggested that you stay with me. "
Rakiza said, "I can't do that," dismissing the idea of spending all of her time with Theo. It's not that she still hated it, but the most dangerous reason is that she loves being with him, and she felt conflicted when the thought of Nikolas entered her mind. Nikolas still had a lot of clout with her, which she didn't understand. "Do you have any idea who Muriel's master is?"
"I don't have an idea, but I might have a link," Theo said as he examined Rakiza. He wasn't sure about Rakiza's feelings and thoughts at the time. And he said, "I'll let you know as soon as I have concrete evidence of their connection." But in the meantime, I must keep an eye on you. "
Rakiza's expression was hopeless, as she realized she needed to do something about her work and studies. She was too preoccupied to hide from whoever her adversaries were. Rakiza explained, "I'm afraid I can't be your protégée, Theo. I have my own life to deal with and problems to solve; I can't go along with your idea of hiding. Whatever fears you have for me, I thank you for them, but as I previously stated, I have my own life to live. "
"All right, let's put it this way. You are free to do whatever you want, but please let me know where you are going ahead of time. Is that clear? "
Rakiza knew she needed Theo's help, and it would be arrogant of her to refuse it. She could see it in Theo's eyes that he was so dedicated and emotionally displayed genuine concern for her. And it gave her comfort that she had never felt before from anyone other than her mother. And, thinking about her mother, she needed to know what was going on with her.
"Can I get in touch with my mother?" Rakiza began to show obedience to Theo.
"Rakiza, there is a time for that, but right now, your security must be addressed because we have no idea what will happen next."
Rakiza's phone rang, and she answered it quickly, "Hello?"
"Where are you now, Rakiza? I need your manuscript now. Our boss wanted to have it. He is expecting you to hand it to us, "Lyra Brinson said on the other end of the line.
Raiza said apologetically, "OK, I'll be there in an hour."
"Thank you; I'll be waiting in the conference room," Lyra said before hanging up the phone.
Theo looked at her with a critical gaze. His fear and worries returned as he said, "I think I should send you off to your work, but I need to know who your boss is."
How is he treating you? "
"I haven't seen him."
"What? You hadn't seen him or her before now? "
"Yes, Theo. He's a bit of a mystery to me. And some of his or her office rules seemed strange to me. "
"Like what?" Theo frowned as he heard the strange office rules, and he could picture what kind of book publishing house Rakiza worked for, and he felt a chill in his nape.
Rakiza froze as she remembered what Lyra had warned her about, and it was unclear whether she would confess to Theo or not.
"Are you all right, Rakiza?" I'm asking you. What are those strange rules you mentioned? Tell me, and I promise to keep it to myself."
"Nothing, Theo. Forget about it. I needed to leave. Miss Brinson is waiting for me. "
Rakiza was dropped off at the dormitory, and after she had gathered her belongings, Theo dropped her off at her office, Reign-Bridge Book Publishing.
***
As Rakiza waited for Miss Lyra, the conference room remained eerie and gave her time to think. She was alone, but she had the impression that someone was watching her and observing her every move. "Strange feelings," she grumbled as she walked back and forth in front of the darkened glass window. The temperature was similar to that of the snowing creek in Tuskenvale, which was freezing.
After a few moments, Lyra emerged from the door. She apologized, "I'm sorry for making you wait any longer." Where are your manuscripts? "
Miss Brinson frowned as Rakiza took her laptop from its case and opened it, saying, "You don't have the manuscripts copied."
"I'm sorry; I had a hectic schedule after my best friend died; you know, what friends are for, right? I'm sorry; I had a hectic schedule after my best friend died; you know, what friends are for, right? It was not a normal day in my life because I lost my best friend who loved me more than I could think of; and... yes, I should secure my job first; but I couldn't concentrate on writing when some parts of my thoughts and heart were breaking.
"No need to explain, I experienced a cramming of events and work in life," Lyra said with a smile. And that's perfectly fine. Just send me a soft copy of your updated chapters. My secretary would be delighted to help. "
"No, no, just point me in the direction of the copier machine, and I'll do it myself." It's my fault that I didn't provide a hard copy, and it's my responsibility to make it happen. " Rakiza smiled.
Do you want to help yourself? "Right outside that door, turn right, and you'll see a door leading to the copier machine.
Rakiza moved to the door, followed Lyra's lead, and discovered an old model copier. She then made a few copies and returned to the conference room. She sat silently at the far end of the long table, where she would confer with the copied manuscript. And she was once again on the verge of being perplexed. What happened to the other employee? She pondered. Why are they so rarely seen in the conference room?
She felt alone, but she was also aware that she was being watched. The conference room was colder than she remembered it being the first time she entered it, and then the door opened and Lyra entered. I apologize for not responding right away. "I just ran into some technical difficulties, so here I am," she shrugged, taking a seat on the opposite side of the long table.
Rakiza shoved a portion of her manuscript in front of Lyra. "I apologized for some of my carelessness."
"No problem, what matters is that you're here. By the way, there's another job offer on the way; perhaps it piqued your interest.”
"What exactly is the job?"
"A designer of book covers."
"A book... what is it?” Rakiza was ecstatic and proud of her work at the Sassari School of Arts.
"It's a work-from-home position, but you'll have an office here," Lyra added. "And the pay is much higher and more stable."
Rakiza's eyes twinkled with delight at the offer. Rakiza's thoughts wandered to her mother as Lyra explained the job description. And she remembered how hard her mother had worked for her future. Rakiza, you should prioritize your future, and aim high if you want to get richer. And seize any opportunity that arises that is related to your hobby.
Rakiza inquired, "How many people applied for that job?"
"It's a job offer just for you," Lyra said with a smile. "You can still devote some time to the featured story column." You have a diamond within your grasp. And it's a once-in-a-lifetime job opportunity. So, if I were you, I'd give it a shot. "
Rakiza paused for a moment before saying, "Well, it's tempting and exciting."
"Does that mean yes?" Lyra smiled.
"Yes."
Lyra approached Rakiza and shook her hand to congratulate her. "That is the best decision you can make, and I can assure you that you will never regret it."
Rakiza then inquired, "And when can I begin?"
"Tomorrow would be ideal because it is the first day of the calendar." We will come here twice a week on your preferred day to report and submit your germs of ideas and sample designs. There is no need to stay longer than two hours. Maybe you can work some of your classes around your work schedule. "
"I can handle the arrangement," Rakiza said with a smile. She didn't want to bother anyone with the details of her class. It's straightforward. She would only request a different timetable for her school classes.
What she didn't consider was Theo.

"How come you accepted that job offer without first informing me?" Theo said distastefully. He was enraged and hurt by Rakiza's decision. He assumed they had already agreed to notify him first before doing anything.
"You asked me to notify you whenever I went out, and I did,” Rakiza explained. “You've joined me here. The agreement for you to send and retrieve me is in effect. So why is it such a big deal for you if I have a good job to help pay for my studies? "
"I'm not opposed to you accepting a job offer. What I'm asking is that you talk it over with me before making a decision. That's straightforward logic. "
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry," Rakiza stated flatly, "but I already accepted it, so there's no need to argue about it." Tomorrow is my first day on the job, and I have to prove to the world that I am capable of succeeding on my own, even without the assistance of my mother. "
As he pulled over in front of the dormitory's patio, Theo sighed deeply. He was staring at the windshield, deep in thought that he had no intention of sharing.
Rakiza was about to exit the car when Theo grabbed her hand. "Please stay for a few moments," Theo said emphatically.
"I don't want to fight you, Theo." I have a lot to do to get ready for my job tomorrow. And I'm going to ask for a favor from the school administration this afternoon. "
"I'm just asking for a few minutes to be with you, a few quiet moments."