Chapter 11: Conspiring in Shadows
962 Words
Detective Martinez's sudden visit to Therese's house jolted her, recalling a previous encounter that had wrecked her world.
"Rosa, it's been a long time. I didn't expect to see you again," Detective Martinez remarked, visibly taken aback by the unexpected encounter.
"Detective, I've moved past that name. Don't call me Rosa. That vulnerable person died five years ago," Therese asserted, rejecting the name vehemently.
"My apologies. How have you been all these years, after everything that happened?" Detective Martinez inquired, expressing a genuine curiosity about Therese's journey.
"Enduring. Surviving. What brings you here after all this time?" Therese questioned, curious about the detective's unexpected visit.
"Curiosity, mostly. Wondering how you've managed and if your scheme is unfolding as planned," Detective Martinez admitted, his gaze probing for insights.
"It's been a journey, Detective. Let's just say revenge is a complicated dance," Therese replied, offering a cryptic glimpse into her endeavors.
"I recall the day I had to deliver the news about Eros. It was a dark chapter. Your pursuit of justice took an unexpected turn," Detective Martinez reflected, acknowledging the past.
"Rita's involvement changed everything. That's why I had to disappear, to prepare for the day when justice would be served," Therese explained, hinting at the intricate motives behind her actions.
As Martinez probed, the scene transitioned into a haunting flashback.
Stunned, Rosa knew action was necessary. ''Meet me tonight, Martinez. We need to discuss this face-to-face.''
In a secluded room, bathed in shadows, Rosa disclosed her plan. ''I received a letter from Rita. I will be her next target. I need to disappear for five years, prepare to avenge Eros. Martinez, if they come for me, stage my death. Mario, I need a fake passport and a new identity.''
Martinez hesitated, wrestling with the gravity of the situation. ''Rosa, this is dangerous. You're asking us to deceive everyone, including the law.''
Rosa met his gaze with steely determination. ''It's the only way to expose Rita and bring justice to Eros.''
Mario, a trusted ally, nodded in agreement. ''I'll get you to Sweden, Rosa. We'll ensure you vanish without a trace.''
The trio delved into the intricacies of their clandestine plot, mapping out each step in hushed tones. Rosa continued, ''Once in Sweden, I'll undergo facial enhancements, create a new identity. I'll return to the Philippines, hidden in plain sight, under a new name.''
Returning to the present, Martinez divulged Rita's involvement in a drug dealing empire.
"Rita is running a sophisticated operation, distributing a unique cocaine blend across the country. It's cleverly hidden in a coffee formulation, and some of it is discreetly exported to Germany in silk pillowcases," Martinez explained, his expression serious.
Therese, absorbing the information, felt a surge of complex emotions. "It's surreal, but somehow, it adds a twisted layer to everything."
Martinez nodded, "I thought you should know. Rita's involvement goes deeper than we could have imagined."
As night descended upon the academy, Patricio reached out to Therese, his voice carrying a tone of concern and request. "Therese, I hope it's not too much to ask, but could you stay a bit later at the academy tonight? I might be delayed in picking up Anna, and I want to ensure she's safe."
Therese, understanding the delicate balance of parental responsibilities, reassured Patricio with a warm smile. "Of course, Patricio. I'll make sure Anna is safe and well-cared for until you can pick her up. You can count on me."
"Thank you, Therese. I appreciate your understanding," Patricio expressed his gratitude, a hint of relief evident in his voice.
As the night deepened, Therese and Anna found themselves in the quiet corridors of the academy. The darkness outside heightened the silence within, broken only by Anna's innocent inquiry, "Ms. Therese, when is my daddy coming? It's really late."
Therese knelt down to Anna's eye level, offering reassurance. "Your daddy will be here soon, Anna. I promise. In the meantime, is there anything you'd like to do? Perhaps a story or a game?"
Anna's eyes lit up with a spark of enthusiasm. "Can we go to the gift shop in the city, Ms. Therese? I want to buy a gift for my daddy. His birthday is coming soon, and I want to surprise him."
Therese, pleasantly surprised by the unexpected request, couldn't help but smile. "Of course, Anna! That's a wonderful idea. Let's go pick out the perfect gift for your daddy."
They ventured into the city, Anna's excitement palpable as she explored the aisles of the gift shop. Therese, offering guidance, said, "Anna, choosing the perfect gift can be an adventure. How about I help you find something special that will make your daddy's birthday extra special?"
Anna settled on a nice gift after a delightful hunt, gently placing it in her rucksack. The two returned to the academy, Anna's face tense with anticipation of the surprise.
A short while later, Patricio arrived, a mix of gratitude and apology in his expression. "Therese, thank you for staying late. I know it's an inconvenience."
Therese, standing with Anna by her side, responded with genuine warmth. "No problem at all, Patricio. Anna and I had a great time."
Patricio, extending a small present toward Therese, expressed his appreciation. "It might not be much, but I wanted to show my gratitude. Please, take it."
Therese, initially hesitant, eventually accepted the gesture with a thankful smile. "Thank you, Patricio. It's very kind of you. I'll treasure it."
As they bid farewell, Therese couldn't resist a playful question. "Patricio, by the way, do you mind if I get an invitation to your birthday celebration? I'd love to join the festivities."
Patricio, surprised yet amused, chuckled.
"Of course, Therese. You're more than welcome to join us. It would be a pleasure to have you there."
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