Chapter 61

I no longer had to knock on the door of the house. Before it could be done, it was already open. The image of a woman was cast.
"Is Aldo there?" my casual question.
She stared at me blankly, and then to Zi. Then the gaze hovered around.
"Where is-"
"I'm Aldo," he interrupted me. Then he eased the door open, "Come in."
"How come you are Aldo? I'm talking to a man on the phone."
"Voice over a."
"We can"t stay here long," Zi said.
"I know. But it's safer if we talk inside."
I nodded. Follow Aldo inside. So was Zi who just tailed me.
She guided us all the way down to a dark basement. Which no one would ever thought existed.
When viewed from the outside, its door structure looks like a simple cabinet. There were books, picture frames, small TVs and a few artificial plants on top. But if you look back, he will turn a doorknob to open it.
She's smart!
"Here I often hang out," he pressed the light switch. Reason for the surroundings to shine.
A bunch of computers with images from different known personalities got my eyes and it had my jaw literally drop.
What is the meaning of this?
"I am an IT specialist. It's been a few months since I lost my job because of Argus. That's why I'm just hacking for inconvenience. Even if I want to join another company, I'm always frustrated because a big crocodile is holding me back."
"Argus?" humalukipkip ako.
How did that man get into the conversation? He's not among the suspects.
"Argus Da Silva, your most wanted criminal."
She totally got me right there. This is a great revelation.
"Argus is the real mastermind of everything?" Zi leaned against the wall, confused as well.
"I saw for myself what he did to Kianna ..." it began, "It was eleven o'clock in the evening. I was on my way home to the rented place when I heard a shout inside the abandoned house that was passing by. I got curious, so I went close close to the place and immediately saw four men, with a woman in front of them. "
"Is it Jake, Dominic, Spencer, and Argus?"
"Yes," he gestured to the side seat for me.
It looks like we talked for a long time. The short -term stay plan will definitely last.
I sat on it. So with her who settled across me. While Zi, on the other hand remained standing.
"Jake and Dom were stopping Argus from torturing Kianna. Spencer was just on the sidelines, silently watching the scene."
"What were they talking about at the time?"
"I was too far away then. Apart from the crying and repeated pleas of the victim, I heard nothing else."
I felt so bad for ate Kia. Even without such a situation, I can still feel his suffering. My mind hears its moans, its groans, and its repeated pleas.
"Why didn't you tell this to the police? Why did you just introduce yourself today?"
"Unfortunately, a guard saw me and chased me. I lost him, but not Argus's eyes on the other hand," he pointed to the CCTV that focused on us, "They managed to track me. Knowing the persona to be work Then, someone sent me a message. 'That's not the only thing I'm going to report you'. That's what I remember its content. I got scared so I decided to forget the crime I had witnessed and let their issue fall within their hands. You can't blame me. I also have a family and a dream. I don't want them to be meaningless just because of a decision ... "he sighed softly , "Until the breaking news came. Kianna Alfano's disappearance ..."
"Where else have we gone to investigate. You're just here. The only person who knows everything," I said tearfully.
The real opponent here is Argus. In the beginning he should really be the one being chased. Not Fergus, or whoever. Behind his gentle face, darkness hides.
He wasn't as perfect as what I thought he was.
I never once thought to include it on the list of those involved. He looks too innocent to be a criminal. But it turns out to be the other way around.
How can I tell Kiesha this in a secret way?
They were always together with Fergus. Otherwise, that man had so many eyes and ears, it was impossible for a single secret to get through. How can I tell her the truth without him knowing? Perhaps when it found out about the information we got today, it suddenly deviated from its earlier plan to take the culprit to jail and even join Argus. They are brothers, who would want to see a family member be sent to jail? And knowing the reputation they hold, there's no way they'd give in that easily.
What are we going to do now?
Shall I spill the tea right away so I could give early warnings to Kiesha?
How do I do that?
"Are you sure about what you're saying?" Zi moved to my side. Confirms what was heard.
"I've been through hell lately. Do you think I can still joke around?" she asked back, giving my boyfriend an intense look.
"Why do you decided to speak up now?" I crossed my legs. I pretended to be the interviewer who was teasing the interviewee just to make sure it was really the right person to put in the company.
"Cause I know I'll die anytime soon? There's no reason to let me live in Argus' camp. They are always suspicious of my words. I can confirm that everytime I go out and see any signs of his men tailing around, making sure that I'll go silent. But I'm tired of them following me every day, right? It's better to just keep quiet for life. I won't be surprised if a few minutes from now, an armed group arrives here. They are probably on their way now. But before that happens, you guys need to get away from here, "he pointed to a side door," That's an exit door. You'll be taken to the neighbor's yard. "
"You can come with us."
"They'll be suspicious if I come. I need to protect you two. By doing so, I blocked your phone's IP address from any tracker on your way here. Argus just knew that someone visited me here because of his staff around, but not your persona. There is no reason for him to follow you, "he smiled sparingly.
She's too kind to die at a young age. Even though we didn"t know each other very well, he still managed to protect us from the eyes of the real enemy. It did not hesitate to speak to us, even if its own life was to be a substitute.
"What's your real name?" I asked in the middle of the silence.
"Florence ..."
Violent crashes from outside were the next thing we heard.
This is probably what he is saying. They move so fast!
"They're here, you're gone," he said confused.
"Aren't you really coming?"
He might even change his mind. What if the opponent detects it? My conscience accompanies me when something bad happens to him.
"No. I will deal with them ... It depends on what happens. The important thing is, you are safe. Give justice to what happened to Kianna and her family. Be strong, fight Argus. For the victims and for to me, "he himself pulled me to the door out," If we ever meet again, just pretend we don't know each other, "he said last before opening the door and Zi pushing us out.
Wait Flor- "
"Love, let's go ... The opponents can't see us," he turned on the light of the phone he was carrying to see the entirety of the underground we were going through.
It was a very dark and silent passing. At first glance, it looks like an abandoned basement that is now inhabited only by a few insects.
"What if someone pleases him badly?" I can't get Florence out of my mind.
"She looks strong. She'll surely survive," Zi held on my wrist even tighter after hearing another banging sound inside our witness' secret room.
It seems that this time, opponents have already tracked down his hideout. Now they are destroying the equipment. And probably, they are looking for us now.
I bit my index finger as we walked away from the area. Phone lights are the only thing that can help us see the way. Aside from its flashlight, there is nothing else to gain because there is no signal.
This is what Florence meant when she said that Argus couldn't track us down, no matter how many times he tried. She literally blocked any passage to track us. She's the only one who knew the retrieval code. It simply means that without him, our phone signal is unlikely to be restored. In case something goes wrong today, it is unlikely to call for help. Unless someone lends you a phone.
But where do we find the good person who-
Zi and I were both surprised when even before touching the doorknob of the exit door, it opened. The figure of a man wearing a black hoodie was cast. He was in a rush as he signaled as to step out.
"There's a motorcycle in front of the house. That's what you use away from here."
I did not go ahead with the plan to go beyond the concealed gun so that I could point it at it as a scarecrow.
"Who are you?" Zi asked in a baritone voice.
"I'm Florence's friend. We already knew it was going to happen so be prepared. Don't worry I'm not a bad person."
There was only doubt in our view of it even when it finally went out onto the motorcycle he was talking about. In this kind of quest, we can't trust anyone other than ourselves.
"Some distance from here you will see an acacia tree. There is a small road on that side, turn around," the man whispered.
"How can we trust you?" I managed to ask.
Let's say he's Florence's friend. But sometimes, whoever you consider our friends, they are the ones who often cheat. Good friends are good at back-stabbing. I am sure of it.
"Don't trust me because that's the right thing to do. Trust me because you have to," he threw the motorcycle key to Zi.
There was still hesitation in me as I got on the motor. The sincerity in the line of his eyes is obvious. There is not a single reflective lie. But in what happened then, it was too hard for me to trust lightly if this kind of scene was the basis.
When Tobbie did that to me, I told myself not to easily trust anyone.
Zion is the only exception. He is the only one I will give full trust to. When it breaks down, I can no longer hope to find a truly kind person.
Zi drove away as fast as he could. We need to get away immediately not for our own lives. We need to call a back-up. If you can leave and return at the right time, there is definitely a chance that Florence will be saved. There are too many opponents compared to the two of us. We can never bet them without a company.
We walked the little road the man said. Just a few minutes out the edge of a church. Opposite are a few households where a group of residents are still sitting around the big store.
We got their attention. I guess it's just new in their eyes. Also, apart from the fact that they are unlikely to notice Zi, if it can also drive it seems like there is no tomorrow.
We are just steps away from them when the motorcycle's engine stops working. What the-
"What's the matter?" I was worried going down.
"There's no more fuel."
"What ?!" I tensely messed up my own hair.
At all times, this has actually happened. If we had brought only a car, the trip might have gone straight. The only problem is that it is currently surrounded by opponents.
My laptop and other gadgets are there. How can we get it back?
Zi also went down to look at the tank and confirm the assumption.
"Good day to you. Can we find out what the problem is?" curious question of a man from the group of conversing residents.
"Good day too. Is there a gas station nearby?" Zi asked back politely.
"Oh ... the gas station is far away from here. But we can order you to buy gas. Just wait-"
A man left to call who. When he returned, he was accompanied by a young man. His son maybe.
"Marko is going to town somewhere. You can ask me to buy some gas."
"Can I?" I pleaded staring at the young man.
"Yes," he replied quickly, "I'll be back in a little while."
Two shoulders dropped as I stared back at Zi. We are unlikely to call for help then.
"Do you have a cellphone?" he asked out of a sudden.
"There is!" quick answer of a woman who looks just my age.
"Can I borrow?" without hesitation Zi walked closer to their group.
"Where are you from?"
"You're handsome, are you a model?"
"The woman is beautiful too."
"Are you in love brother?"
They talked openly while Zi typed on the phone.
I just stayed in place. I felt awkward staying close to them. If they can look, you seem to be my soul. Even I, can say they are used to gossip all night. They looked so capable of being a gossip masters.
I'm sorry, I know they're kind. I just don't like their habit.
Zi only spent a few minutes next to them. The phone was returned to the owner and thanked, when addressed to the young man.
"It's okay if you take too long. Take your time."
What ?!
He walked languidly back to me.
"Fergus is on his way," was its initial news.
"You confessed about Florence?"
"No ... I just said we had a car crash. They had to go to the home address we went to earlier."
"Can they make it?"
"Well, let's hope for it."
Instead of keeping up with the residents, we chose to stay inside the church that was lucky tomorrow. It's been a few weeks since I last went to church. Now that I am here, I need to ask for His guidance and protection. He is the only one I know who can help us today. With Him, I am sure we'll be safe, so with Florence and her friend.
'Lord, I hope they come at the right time Fergus. I hope they notice the tension in that house and take immediate action '.
The woman herself said when we were still talking on the phone that there was no one else to trust other than Zi and me. If that is true, he is unlikely to find a reason to give Fergus the same information presented to us. She can make up stories. He can say that the owner of the lot where he lives is accompanying him because he has not yet paid the rent.
'Lord, please guide us'.
I clapped my palms together and blinked.
'I know I never became a good daughter to you. I had so many flaws, so imperfect in every angle. I sometimes disobey your orders, I'm sorry. Anyway, can I ask for salvation for everyone? '
It took me minutes to open my eyes and saw an image of Zi in front of the altar. It stood quietly. Hands are in both pockets of wearing pants. His gaze was focused only on the front. The prayer seems serious and emphatic.
A music suddenly hit the church hysteria. A wedding song?
I looked around to trace any signs of someone that possibly has the capability of playing such song in the midst of silence. When my gaze moved to the right, the two individuals I thought were lovers first became the center of my eyes. They are listening to the song from here. Something hit the man on his phone. Reason for the music to be different.
"You were better before."
She's right ... Even I, prefer Beautiful in White than this popular, but unappealing song to me.
"But is it really okay for us to try the hysteria? Father might get angry and back off on our wedding day."
"It seems okay. That's why he opened the church."
"But there's someone," the two focused on me.
"What's the problem there? We'll just connect the phone to the bluetooth speaker, then I'll try to see if the song works," the man suddenly defended us.
"Will you get married too?" the woman asked uncontrollably. Really come closer so I can talk better.
I was quickly shaken. Next came the escape of a weak laugh.
I somewhat like the idea. I mean, who wouldn't want to get married? That's probably everyone's dream ...
They also entered the church. Go straight to my side to maybe talk more.
"But you're in love?" the woman asked again.
"Yes."
"You look good together," the man commented as his gaze averted to Zi.
It was already looking at us. Confused and at the same time hesitant to approach.
"Thank you?" I was embarrassed to laugh, "Are you, when is your wedding?"
"The next day. We should practice now for the ceremony. But the wind changed, everyone was busy with their work. We were very excited, so this and we just took care of the will be needed. Including the music that has been playing lately. "
"I like the song," I smiled sweetly. Simultaneously simply staring at Zi.
I hate to think that we are each other's end game. I don"t want to precede events. But I do hope that would be the case. I really hope we ...
"I knew it!" lively female language. It stood up, dragging the bride to head in front of the altar, "You stay there," she commanded.
Then go back to my band so I can pull over.
"You're my maid of honor now," she casually whispered.
"Is this okay? Aren't it odd?" I went home.
"Just practice. We want our wedding to be as perfect as what we've planned," I see how her eyes sparkles in glee.
Needless to say, the longing was evident on his face. She can't wait to be called a 'Wife'.
"I'm sure that would be perfect."
We went to the entrance of the church together. This is where he will allegedly start walking towards the altar. Just like the traditional routine.
She pretended to be holding a flower and even arranged her hair. Then he smiled at me.
"Is it okay?"
I laughed automatically. She's too silly ...
"Very neat," I applauded twice. Then take your place as well.
Eyes glued on Zi, I walked straight ahead. With an upbeat song playing on my mind.
When I got married, I didn"t want to choose romantic songs to let the whole church linger.
I want my wedding to be something different from the usual. I never wish to be overly emotional on my day. I might ruin my make up and lose sight of the sure preparation vow. It would be very long for sure ...
I parted my hair. He also pretended to be holding a flower while staggering his waists.
Zi snorted, holding back a smile. He obviously found me hilarious. But I like it this way. At least, he got to see the crazy side of me.
I laughed stopping right in front of him.
"Am I beautiful?"
He would cut me off to the side so that the bride could pass.
"You're crazy," was its almost whispered reply.
"You fell for me even more after seeing me walked down the aisle," I playfully winked.
"I guess I do?" he couldn't help but smile.
"It looks better if you're here," the woman suddenly commented. As usual, we were pulled to the front of the altar in their place, "I want to hear your vow in case you get married," he gave a wide smile.
"Maybe that's a bad vision ..."
"No ... What are you? Just imagine that you are on the day of the two's wedding. Even if there is no priest, the Lord is right in front of you."
"But what if-"
"I badly wanted to do this with you since earlier," Zi cut me off, "She's right ... We'll promise each other right before the Lord. Today ..." he caressed my cheeks, "Will be our first wedding. "
I began to smile. Followed with this jittery feeling coursing through me, that had made my heart pound harder than usual. I felt butterflies on my stomach and they are seem uncontrollable. There is no way I could stop my own system from getting insanely disfuctional today. If Zi is the one to face, who can think properly?
"What?" I jokingly slapped his chest.
"Let's get married today."
To be continued...