Chapter V THE HUNT Part 1

-CATHRYN-

Dusk has already settled when we finished interrogating Trisha, the last person who was Bea with before she disappeared. Chris and I were instructed to return to the station. I was kind of upset because Inspector Rio won't let me come with the Investigation team. He told us that our help was already enough so we should take a break for the rest of the day.

I still wanted to give a helping hand with the ongoing search to find out the truth. Nevertheless, I hope their investigation will go well. I'm certain that the teacher is the person behind all these.

With the information we got from Trisha, we were able to identify our prime suspect. Mr. Lino Rodriguez; the adviser of the four students who went missing and the only one who came to the police to file the report. I wonder, what it is that he's trying to achieve?

"Stop worrying too much, Cathryn. Inspector Rio will sure get the suspect," Chris muttered as he leans on the wall.

I couldn't focus on making any reports because of all my lingering thoughts. I shook my head and sipped from my cup of coffee.

"By the way, how did you find out that Bea went in a meet and greet again?" Chris raised a question.

"I coincidentally spotted her on a photo that a friend of mine owns," I answered shrugging both of my shoulders.

Chris suddenly cackled, "friend? Don't make me laugh. I know you, Cathryn, you have no other people you call 'friends' except for me," He jokingly said.

I still do not consider Peter as a friend. It just kind of naturally slipped out of my mouth. And I do admit, I am not good with socializing. Chris is the only nosy person who stayed by my side, and therefore the only person that I consider to be friends. His gullible, clumsy, and extroverted self somehow makes him easy to approach. But of course, he annoys me most of the time.

He kind of reminds me of my younger brother...

"Who's that 'friend' ya talking about?" Chris questions me.

"You don't have to know everything about me." I coldly replied.

While I and Chris were having a chat, a familiar figure suddenly entered the office. She's only wearing casual clothes, oversized brown polo, and black pants. She flipped her tied dark long hair as she closed the door.

"Excuse me, is officer Navarro here?" She asked.

I slowly raised my hand still staring at her, trying to figure out who is she. She seemed, so familiar.

"Yes? Who's asking?" I questioned as I stood up from my seat.

The woman smirked as she walks closer, "it's Grace Fernandez at your service." She winked.

-ꜱʜᴇ ᴡʜᴏ ʟɪᴠᴇꜱ ᴡɪᴛʜ ɪɴꜱᴏᴍɴɪᴀ-

It was sixteen years ago since I've last heard that name; Grace Fernandez. The only daughter of the owner of a famous liquor brand in Manila. She and her mother moved here to Puerto Princesa after the divorce of her parents.

Grace was a junior of mine back in high school....we were great companions. Her interest in the science of deduction made us close because I was also inquisitive in stuff like that.

"Hey, Sis, what do you want to be when you grow up?" The 11-year-old Grace asked me as she puts down her favorite book, 'Sherlock Holmes'.

"I am not sure yet, but I want to be like mom. I heard she's a fashion designer." I replied.

"That's so boring! Don't you want to be a detective like me?" She pouted.

I chuckled, "Maybe someday, I would like to be someone who will help people whose in need." I said smiling.

However, On that same day, a macabre event happened inside my home, killing my whole family except me...for I survived. The time I Ieft the hospital after my recovery, I changed. I was depressed and alone. I ignored the people I used to know around me, especially Grace; making her never approach me again. We soon parted ways as I moved to another neighborhood with my Grandfather. Ever since that day, our paths have never crossed.

It makes me wonder as to what she's thinking right now. Has she forgiven me or did she forget me?

"Hey, officer are you ok?" Grace asked bringing me up from my senses.

"Oh uh, yeah!"

Wow, I couldn't believe I would recollect my terrible history at this time. But it's a good thing it didn't trigger my emotions. I'm probably just tired.

Grace told me to come with her to the headquarters under Inspector Rio's orders. But why would he need me? I thought he doesn't need us anymore. Is the investigation already over? And why is Grace involved here?

When we arrived at the headquarters, Inspector Rio welcomed us with a grave look as if there's so many things on his mind. What could it be?

"Did something happen with the investigation with Rodriguez?" I asked confusingly.

"Nothing, your assumptions were right PO3 Navarro. Lino Rodriguez was indeed behind the disappearance of the four students." Inspector Rio answered.

"Then, how are the students? Is there still something wrong?"

Grace suddenly walked beside Inspector Rio. "Lino Rodriguez's victims weren't found in his dwelling, we searched the whole house but even a single remain of the students wasn't seen."

She then handed me an envelope. I took it and opened it. It was photos of evidence of what was seen inside Rodriguez's house. The walls of the house were filled with captured pictures of students from the same school.

"However we found out that the victims are being sold to an organization in exchange for drugs. Lino Rodriguez has been arrested, and was interrogated as soon as possible." Grace continued.

"Wait, hold on! First of all, how do you know all these?? You're not an officer if I'm right." I cut Grace's words as I gave her a curious look.

Inspector Rio chuckled, "oh I forgot. I never introduced her to you! She's Grace Fernandez, my new consultant." He said while he pats Grace's back.

"Yes, I just started a week ago." She added.

Now I see. Grace is a new consultant of Inspector Rio. To be honest, I was shocked a bit. With such a position to be with one of the outstanding inspectors in our country, she must have some incredible skills.

"May I know why I was called, inspector?" I questioned again.

Inspector Rio cleared his throat before answering. "PO3 Navarro, I would like to assign in an undercover mission." He said with a crucial tone, "Grace and the other two undercover agents will come with you." He continued.

"Pardon? But why me? I have never been in an undercover mission in my whole 6 years of service, sir."

"I wasn't able to continue this earlier. Let me say it again, Lino Rodriguez abducts his victims and sells them to an organization for drugs. And that organization...is lead by none other than RON." Grace explained as she points to a photo she's holding with a name written on it, RON. "We have to disguise as new students that Lino Rodriguez abducted, then find out the truth about his organization."

RON? The most wanted criminal in the city? All this time he was involved in this case as well! Now I understand where this is going. Hold on, then does that mean...

"Lino Rodriguez kidnapped the students after two days each, have you found out the reason?" I raised a question.

"Yes. Lino Rodriguez confessed that every two days a Bar House run by one of RON's minions opens, that place is where the organization brings the victims collected to slaughter for organs or sell as prostitutes." Grace further elucidated.

I knew it. I knew the days before he kidnapped the students are not just a coincidence and there is something behind it.

"I will present this undercover operation to the National Police Commission tomorrow. PO3 Navarro, we need you for you were the one who made a great contribution to the investigation." Inspector Rio explained grinning at me.

I wonder how this operation is going to end. This is my first time being part of a big operation.

"I'll go leave you two now, I still have to meet the Chief. Thank you, Grace and PO3 Navarro for your contribution." Inspector Rio bid us goodbye as he walks far away and enters a room.

Grace looked at her watch and sighs. "Well, I guess that's all for today, I have to go as well—"

Hold on, I still have something to tell her. "Wait!" I stopped her from taking a step further. "Grace...do you remember me?" I asked hesitantly.

I saw her eyes widen. "Y-yeh of course, why not...Cathryn."

"It's been a while, isn't it? I uhh was surprised to meet you here."

"Yeh, same." She awkwardly chuckled.

"About last time, I am s—"

"Cathryn! I know what you're about to say. You don't have to apologize for that." She butted in before I could complete my words. I stared at her and she looked...sorry. "I understand what happened. I can not condemn you for leaving me behind. And besides, it's been 16 years already." She continued.

I almost teared up after hearing her statement. I am glad to know she never hated me. She grew up well. I can tell that she's now a strong and dependable adult.

"I am glad." I smiled. "Also I know this is late but it's good to know you're a consultant now. Let's do our best in the future by working together."

"Hahaha, thanks, Cathryn. I will!"

-ꜱʜᴇ ᴡʜᴏ ʟɪᴠᴇꜱ ᴡɪᴛʜ ɪɴꜱᴏᴍɴɪᴀ-

"So umm, care to introduce this lady?" Chris raised a question before taking a bite on his newly cooked barbecue that he just bought.

"She used to be my friend at high school, Grace Fernandez," I replied.

We are currently eating dinner together on a Carinderia just two blocks away from mine and Chris's apartment. We bought some barbecues and rice to fill up our empty stomachs.

Grace then smiled at Chris as she also take a huge bite of her food.

"Fernandez? That sounds familiar— wait Fernandez, isn't it the rich man that donated the station with two Patrol Cars last year?!" Chris said in shock. "Then your father is a millionaire!?"

"Calm your ass, Chris, you're scaring her."

Grace laughed so hard making us both look at her. "That was funny as hell."

They both look more worst than a drunk person, they're not even drinking.

"By the way, Cathryn. Don't you have any story to spill? We haven't talked for a long time. You should tell me something about you." She mumbles while nudging her shoulders on me. "OH! Do you have a boyfriend?! A fiance?? What? Tell me!!" She insisted.

I cannot believe Grace would behave like this even after what happened between us. She's still that talkative and clingy friend I know.

"Hey hey! Cathryn doesn't have a boyfriend!" Chris raised his voice making both of us shocked.

"I'm not even talking to you, Kuya," Grace said rolling her eyes.

I closed my eyes, oh well, now there'll be two noisy people beside me. "Hush now, y'all are so noisy, just eat," I said.

The owner of the Carinderia suddenly turned on the television making everyone eating in the place watch it. Unexpectedly the news featured Peter that made my eyes widen.

"Oh look, it's that guy we arrested last time!" Chris points.

I pinched him in his shoulder signing him to shut up. This dude— what if someone heard him.

"Arrested? An idol?" Grace wonder.

I awkwardly chuckle, "It's nothing, don't mind what he said."

"Cathryn arrested him thinking he's a criminal or something, it happened the other day. Good thing the manager didn't sue her or anything." Chris said while munching his food.

Oh god, someone shut this man before I tape his mouth.

Grace laughed, "that's so embarrassing."

I just nodded to everything they said so that this embarrassing topic would come to end.

"I've met Peter before as well, their company partnered with Dad. I heard his big brother is the Co-Founder of SZ Entertainment." Grace said as she drinks her cup of water.

Eh? Peter's big brother? I thought his brother is just an ordinary person. I never imagined his family is wealthy and has a big influence. Now I understand why he has huge respect for his brother.

After chatting for a while, the three of us decided to go back and part ways. Chris and I walked together to our respective units after bidding our goodbyes.

It's been so long since I never felt this loneliness. It makes me happy, to be surrounded by amusing people that care for you.

Because of exhaustion, my body flopped on the sofa wanting to stay like that for a while.

I almost forgot I bought some sleeping pills earlier. I used to drink medicines for my insomnia but I stopped because I thought it's just a waste of money. But I guess, I should try it again. I need to sleep more early in the coming days.

Even though my body refuses I stood up from the sofa and went to the kitchen to pour some water on a cup. I took the bottle of pills out of my bag and opened them. I swallowed the pill then drank the cup of water I was holding.

I sighed. Living in this condition is worst. But I hope I would be able to sleep properly tonight.

I went straight to my bed after changing my clothes. I waited till the drug kicked in to make me fall asleep. After a few minutes, my eyes are starting to close on their own. I think the medicine is working.

Everything went black, I finally could sleep early.

To be continued~

————————————————————

She Who Lives With Insomnia Dictionary!

•Carinderia(Karinderya)-a food stall with a small seating area, typically in a market or at a roadside.

•Kuya-used as a polite title or form of address for an older man.