One of the victims
Donya Leonora immediately picked up Piper when she found out that she knew Abel. I told Letty right away so she wouldn’t have to worry. And it is for Piper’s good.
That night, she called. She only cried when I asked her what had happened. Letty, who had not yet returned to the mansion, I asked her about it. She also doesn’t know anything about Piper’s condition now. She suspects that her parents and her may have had an argument.
If Dero hadn’t pushed me to bed, I wouldn’t be able to sleep. I found Cazue cooking lunch. It was early in the morning when I fell asleep, wondering what happened to Piper.
I sent a message several times to ease it. I looked at her social media accounts but in her posts, she was okay. On her Instagram account, she posted the quiet night of El Preve.
I called her several times before I took a bath but she didn’t answer.
I’ll let you think first. Let’s talk later. I’m just going to Gurabo town.
-Sent
I waited for her reply but she did not respond so I just sent a voice message to the messenger. She reacted heart but still no reply. Now I have convinced myself that I should let her go first.
I took a jeep to Gurabo town. It’s good that even if it’s far away, it’s just one ride. When I got off the jeep, it was different than El Preve. People there are full of smiles from the church. There are a few vendors in front of it. There were also soothsayers and fortune teller lined up there.
I bought Sampaguita and a candle and then lit it for Dad. In front of the chair, an old beggar is praying. He wiped his own tears using the hem of his clothes. His thin white hair was a mess. His face was covered in charcoal while his clothes and shorts were torn.
In the midst of my prayer I couldn’t help to not ignore him.
He was walking barefoot so I felt even more sorry for him.
My throat was dry because I didn’t know how to address him.
“Grandpa?” I called to him as he passed my seat.
He stopped walking.
“Son, I’m not a boss,” he said with a forced smile.
“Are you all right?” He cried so I made him sit down.
Some of those praying there looked at us.
“Don’t cry anymore. Have you eaten yet?” Instead of settling down, he cried even more.
I rubbed his back to calm him down.
“Come on, Grandpa. Maybe you know a restaurant nearby.”
After a few minutes walk under the hot weather, we arrived at the big hut house. There were only few eaters plus that it is surrounded by trees so it looks fresh.
The old man ordered without any thoughts. I was watching him while he eats. It was as if he was just swallowing food at its speed. I reached for the water for him so he would not choke.
“If you don’t mind, may I know what had happened to you?”
He burped as he rubbed his stomach.
“I don’t have a family anymore,” that was his frugal answer then took a glass of water from the waitress.
“What happened to them?” He stood up then went out first.
I quickly complied. “I’m sorry.”
He smiled. “If you don’t mind either, maybe I can ask for one hundred pesos for a meal later.”
I dug my wallet into my pocket. When I saw that I have more than enough money, I gave him what he asked for.
“Thank you, hijo. I hope I can be forgiven.”
He immediately got on the tricycle before I could catch up with him. I went to the church to look for him but his shadow was already gone.
A nun approached me when she noticed me circling in and out of the church several times.
“Are you looking for something, hijo?” Her eyebrows and eyelashes were thick as her eyes were rounded.
“Do you know the old beggar?”
“I don’t know his name but he’s here often.”
Another nun approached us. I think she is older than the other one.
“Is there a problem?” she asked.
“He’s looking for the old beggar,” replied the previous nun.
“He was often here to pray. He even confessed many times to Father, but we never had the thought of asking his name.”
When I left the church, it immediately came back to my mind what my purpose was in this town. But on the other hand, I want to know who that beggar is so I spent half my time asking. Until a fortune teller helped me.
“That’s a friend of the late Father Kule. There’s a rumor that that one ended up here because of Karlo. Do you know those people?”
I nodded. Presumably she knew where the exact address it was staying at.
“The world is really small. The old beggar became a friend of my youngest son. He said he was involved in a crime. He also said it had something to do with the dead Father Kule. Maybe he’s here to confess because of that.”
My chest throbbed because of what she said. That old man was the one I needed. If he is willing to testify, we will have a big opportunity to convict the two Roshans.
“What’s his name?”
She arranged the cards on the table before answering.
“Hermano Gabon,” she answered sparingly.
“Maybe you want me to guess about you?” she asked but I refused by smiling while shaking my head.
“Nah, but thank you. If you know where Karlo lives, let me know.”
She smiled. “Karlo is my neighbor. Don’t be loud.”
The woman in her mid 40’s grinned and then combed her curly hair.
“What can I do in return for helping me?”
She approached me then whispered.
“Come on, hijo. Come with me to where Karlo is.”
My smile could not fade away especially when I saw a man open the door for us.
“I’m sorry. Are you …” but he slammed the door shut.
“Please, be patient with that Karlo. This one is strange to people. I apologize.” The female fortune teller knocked but it didn’t open for her.
“Gee, son. He really does not want to. Don’t force him, okay?”
But I have to convince him so I went first and then knocked again.
“This is Cade. Cade Paez, son of Presigo.”
The female fortune teller stared at me. “Go away, son. There would be next tim—”
“Come in,” he said as he opened the door loosely.
“I’m leaving. It looks like it’s important that you talk.”
I headed inside and its ceiling was almost removed from the nailing. Its walls, on the other hand, are pure of dusts while the floor is about to be peeled.
I sat on the chair that almost ate me whole because it was about to lose spring.
When he returned, he put the bread and juice down on its wooden table.
“It’s been a long time since someone visited me. How did you find me?” He sat down in front of me then rested the same hand on the chair.
“Because of Tita Flora. I have been looking for you for a long time.”
His eyes trying to hide the sadness and fear stared at me.
“What are you up to?” the tone was rude.
“I would not beat around the bush anymore but I need you to be a witness as well as the evidence you have.”
The pounding of my chest due to nervousness is still within reach. Praying that he would not have refused.
“How can you be sure we will win? The Roshans have the power. They can bring us down in an instant. Look at me. I am secretive because when they find out I am alive, they will surely kill me.”
I understand his fear. Fear that justice may not prevail. The fear that eventually everything will be wasted.
“It’s not just for us but for others. The land of almost all farmers is Roshan’s beneficiary so I’m asking for help. Trust me.”
My cellphone vibrated in my pocket. It was Piper who was calling.
“Love,” her voice was hoarse.
“Oh, what happened to you? Are you sick?” I gently asked.
She just sighed slightly.
“I’m here at the Gurabo church,” I was shocked by that answer.
Karlo looked at me in surprise.
“Give me fifteen minutes. Don’t leave there,” I said quickly.
“All right. I’m just here,” then she dropped the call.
“I’m sorry if I listened to the call. I kind of recognized the woman’s voice,” he said.
“It’s nothing,” I lied because I might be afraid of losing his trust in me.
“She’s Piper isn’t she?” I swallowed at his question.
“I talked to her once before. She was just new to acting so I knew she was that,” he explained.
“Poor that child. She is also a victim. Deprived by the truth,” he said.
It stood up then yawned.
“Just come back tomorrow. I was awake last night so I’ll sleep today.”