A Risky Tour (4)

Morgan was not at all pleased with the unexpected interruption. He was too focused on opening the basement door that he did not notice the two mediamen coming towards him. He was certain that the door was open and it could only opened using some keys kept hidden in the control room which had gone missing when he went to the area. And it was the kids with the prophet who took them, he was sure of that. Why would he encounter them earlier if they were not looking for the keys? But do they really know that their friend was locked in the basement and the only way to get down there was either through the elevator in Dr. Alvarado's office or using that access door? How much do they know?

What made Morgan even angrier was that he was losing his control. It was humiliating for him that some kids and an old man easily took him down in the darkness. Not only once but twice! And now, it seemed they managed to go down the basement where the doctor's evil secrets are kept.

"It may looked like we are being nosy here," Sonny broke the ice between them, "but we are just looking for Dr. Alvarado. We did not see him in the crowd so we were wondering if he could find him in his office."

"Just for a little interview," Estella added. "About some things the good doctor was not able to include in his speech."

"Is that so?" Morgan said between clinched teeth. "So can you tell me what are those things you are talking about?"

"It's best that the answers must come from Dr. Alvarado."

"As his personal assistant," Morgan answered threateningly, "I want to hear them first."

The two did not answer. There was fury and menace in his voice. Before they could speak up, the door of the doctor's office gently opened up. They turned around and looked at Dr. Alvarado who was sporting a friendly face and a sweet stare.

"Is there any problem here," he asked.

"Some guests just ventured too far, Sir," Morgan answered. "But everything is under control now."

"We are not just wandering around," Estella snapped. "We are looking for you, Doctor."

"Oh, really?" Dr. Alvarado said. "For what reason?"

"We have some more questions to ask."

"We can do that here in my office. Morgan, let me handle it here. Maybe you should attend to more urgent business."

Morgan nodded. Just then, a cry was heard from the lobby of the building....

It was Cecilia. She was having a breakdown and she was calling for Dr. Alvarado. The people gathered around her as she fell on the floor and cried bitterly. Earlier that day, she also had a breakdown back at the isolation camp. Tara's death devastated her and countless possibilities tormented her. What if it was planned and not an accident? What if it could also happen to her because she involved herself with Dr. Alvarado's evil schemes? What will happen to her family?

Through the rest of the day, Cecilia was absent-minded while she did her service at the camp. Initially, she did not intend to attend the inauguration program. She was both scared and angry with the idea of seeing the doctor. But when her shift ended, she was still restless that she decided to finally drop by the Silverio Alvarado Medical Suites.

After changing clothes, she hurriedly jumped into her old car and drove. It was already night and from a distance, there seemed to be a blackout at the building. Fortunately, the lights came back when she arrived. Quickly, she parked her car and ran. She needed to see the doctor before fear takes over and she loses her guts.

She joined the touring crowd and looked for the doctor. He was nowhere around. Frustrated, she called out his name again and again.

"Dr. Alvarado, I need to see you," Cecilia pleaded. "Come out now please."

The people gathered around her, confused and worried for her. Grace saw the older nurse, and filled with compassion, she ran up to her and comforted her. Alex was just right behind her.

"Cecilia, please gather yourself together," Grace said as she lifted the older nurse. "What's the matter? I'm a friend. You can tell me what's bothering you."

"Where's Dr. Alvarado?" Cecilia answered. "I need to see him now."

"Calm down. He is not with the crowd right now but I think he is just somewhere here inside the building."

Cecilia broke loose from Grace's touch and ran around again.

"Dr. Alvarado!" she called again.

Footsteps were heard again and to everyone's relief, it was Dr. Alvarado. Estella and Sonny were lugging behind her. The doctor still looked genial and serene.

"What's the commotion about?" he gently asked the crowd.

"Oh, doctor!" Cecilia exclaimed and ran up to him. "I need to talk to you right now. Please...."

Estella recognized her instantly as one of the nurses in the isolation camp.

"She is a friend of the nurse who died today," she whispered to Sonny.

"Yes, she is," he answered back. "She looks troubled and her sudden appearance here in that state makes me wonder why."

"You are right. Something's off here."

The crowd inched closer, curious at what the doctor had to say. Momentarily, Cecilia sobbered as she waited for Dr. Alvarado to speak up.

"Let's go to my office," the doctor said. "We can talk things there."

Dr. Alvarado looked at the crowd and nodded, as if telling them that he had a personal business to settle with the woman. Thankfully, his wife was not able to attend the event tonight. At least her presence would not complicate with his secrets, especially if some imminent danger like Cecilia's appearance happened.

He held the nurse's shoulder and they walked together, going away from the crowd. The people watched and once they disappeared, they went back to business.

"We can't let them get away," Estella said to Sonny. "We have to know what is inside the basement area."

"Come on," Sonny answered. "Let's follow them."

Meanwhile, Morgan took the opportunity to go downstairs to the basement when Dr. Alvarado went away with Estella and Sonny. Indeed, the basement door was open. The lights were also switched on. True enough, the intruders had found the keys and went here. As he went down the stairs, searing anger built inside him. He could not fail again....