CHAPTER NINE

AVERY'S POV

The night is too young to be wasted. Sasha and I went to the bar together and prepared ourselves for our dance performance later. The bar is still the same, it is still filled with lots of people — people that are thirsty for my body and performance which my presence can help quench their thirst.

"Sasha?"

"Yes?"

"Be careful with the people you are talking to. Maybe the culprit behind Peach's death might be in here, watching."

"Don't worry, Avery. I'll be more extra careful."

"Good. I don't want you to get hurt. You are one of the few friends that I have."

"I will be careful, don't worry."

"Okay. Have fun at performing."

"Yeah. Likewise."

Sasha head her way up stage while I was still at the back just finishing my preparations. As I checked my make up in the bag, I happen to saw Tyler's calling card which was given this morning. I have this urge of feeling that I don't want anymore woman to suffer and die because of this maniac. This needs to stop! I won't let Peach's death go to waste. I took my phone so that I could give Tyler a call and finally, give him my answer about his plan.

TYLER'S POV

We spent the whole afternoon searching for the profile of the woman in the picture. Once we found her, we could check up on her if she has returned home or not. By doing this, it would help us confirm that there is a possibility that the suspicious car and whoever is inside it is the culprit behind these countless missing cases.

"Detective?"

"Yes?"

"I think I found the girl's profile."

"Really?"

"Is this her?"

I immediately went to my fellow police detective and see it for myself if he really did found the girl that we're looking for.

"Hana Montes."

"So she lives at a nearby town."

"Good job! Thanks man!"

"No problem."

"Let's go, Patrick. Let's give Ms. Hana a visit if she's alright."

"On it, Sir."

We immediately drove our way towards Hana's address. After a few hours of driving, we finally arrived at the given location. Patrick and I stepped out to the car and ask random people around the neighborhood about where to find the Montes Residence which they answered it without any hesitations.

"Hello? Anybody here."

The door opened and we were quite stunned that Hana was home, obviously safe and sound. So that could only mean that all this time our suspicions about the car was wrong?

"Hana?"

"Yes? Who are they?"

Later on, an old lady appeared which I believe is the mother of Hana. She also gave us the same question — who are we? Patrick and I properly introduced ourselves so that they won't feel intimidated by our presence. They invited us to come in and even offered us something to drink.

"What seems to be the problem, mister detective?"

"How should I say this? Mrs. Montes, you're aware with the news about missing cases here in our city, right?"

"Yes. Why?"

"We happen to saw and captured some photos of Hana."

I showed them the pictures which were taken last night to Hana and her mother which they felt surprised.

"I saw that she just went in to a car last night which I've been suspicious about it. After that, we hurriedly looked for her profile and to see if she returned home or not."

"We have known something about the culprit, Mrs. Montes. He often pick up his victims from a well-known bar and that's the reason why, Mr. Tyler is observing the place."

"Hana? Who is this person that you've hanged out last night? What if you become a victim too? Do you think that you will stand a chance and escape from the hands of that criminal?"

"Mom. Have you forgotten already? The person that sent me home?"

"Oh. It was Mr. Matteo?"

"Yes mom. I can't believe that you forgot about him. You even scold me infront with these people."

"Oh. I completely forgot. I'm so sorry dear. Anyway, you still need to be careful going out."

"Of course mom. I'm not that kind of person that goes with random strangers."

"Okay, okay."

"So, who is this Mr. Matteo?"

"You really don't know him?"

"Yeah."

"Well, Mr. Matteo is known as the sole owner of a well-know casino — the M-World Casino."

"I see. I'm just new in this district so I am still adjusting with the place as well as the people living here."

"Ah. One more thing, Mr. Matteo is a very kind and generous person. Whenever he meets familiar faces or any friends of his, he immediately treats him. Honestly, I won't be surprise if he is doing all these things. He is rich.

"M-World Casino ..."

"Yeah. I remember."

"What is it, Patrick?"

"I remembered that name, sir. He is one of the richest man here in the city and if my memory serves me well, he even supported different charities in the city."

"I see."

While Patrick is explaining everything about this man, I was interrupted with a thought. Why do I feel that M-World Casino is familiar? It feels like, I've read about this from somewhere. After a few minutes of thinking deeply, Patrick snapped me out from that state.

"Oh. Well, I guess, the owner of the car that we were suspecting is not the person we were looking for."

"I think so too, sir."

"That would be all, Mrs. Montes and sorry for this short inconvenience."

"No problem, sir detective. I'm glad that you are concern with all the people here in the city."

"Just doing my job. We'll be leaving now and have a nice evening."

"Have a nice evening too, sir."

Patrick and I left the place and immediately head back to the office to get our things before finally calling this a day. I quite feel disappointed with the results of my investigation today. It's like it has been a few days but it feels like I am not progressing regarding with this case.

"Sir, are you okay?"

"Yeah. I'm just disappointed with our investigation today."

"Don't worry sir. You never know that maybe tomorrow, we will have some good news."

"I really hope that we'll do. Anyway, good job for today, Patrick."

"Thank you, sir."

While we are getting closer and closer to the district office, my phone suddenly rang. As I pick it up from my pocket and took a quick glance at it, someone indeed is calling me and it's from an unknown number."

"Yes, hello?"

I was shocked with the noise from the other side of the line. Too many noises that sounded like cheers and voices of men. From what part of hell is this person calling me?

"Hey, it's me — Avery."

"Oh, hey! What a surprise and you have the courage to call me. By the way, why is it so noisy back there?"

"Of course, I'm here at my work. What do you expect? We sing hallelujah, to the highest?"

Honestly, it made me laugh.

"Okay, okay. Shouldn't have ask you that. So what's up?"

"Well, I've been think about what you have said earlier and considering all those things ..."

"Yes?"

"Are you sure that there is no other way to catch this man?"

"I believe so. I'm sure that this plan of ours would be as easy as pie."

"How could you say that?"

"Well, you said it yourself that you are the hottest piece in this club. So by that, getting his attention won't break a sweat."

"Wow. You really remembered that."

"Of course. So, when will you be free and talk about it?"

"Fine. I will agree on being the bait but in one condition."

"It depends."

"Take it or leave it, Tyler."

"Okay, fine. What will it be?"

"Let's talk about it personally. Pick me up after my working hours, maybe around ten. I would be done by that time."

"Sure."

"Okay. That's all."

"Is this your phone number?"

"Yes?"

"Okay."

"Don't think about saving it, Tyler or else, I'll kill you. I don't want other people to bug me."

I nervously laugh at Avery but I still save her number anyway.

"Okay. Ms. Avery Mamba."

"Good."

Avery drop the call but I can't help it but smiled because of her. Her character is somehow funny yet savage, charming yet strict. I kind of like her. She really live the name 'mamba' for she charms and captivate your heart.

AVERY'S POV

I finally finish my performance and earn quite a lot from it. I told boss that I'll be getting off from work which he immediately let me. I even ask Sasha to head home first because I'll be meeting someone I knew and she understands and didn't ask some questions about who I am meeting.

"Where is this guy now?"

I was waiting for him at the other side of the road. After a few minutes of endlessly waiting, he finally came and showed up.

"I'm here."

"And late."

Tyler took a quick glance at his watch.

"Yeah, for just 3 minutes. Does that even matter?"

"It's impolite to let ladies wait for men."

"Well, sorry about that."

"Whatever."

"Have you eaten?"

"Not yet."

"Well, that explains it."

"What?!?"

"Nothing. Anyway, let's eat first before discussing about the plan. I know a place where they make delicious foods."

"I'm warning you, Tyler. I will do whatever I can if you do something stupid tonight."

"Ohh. I thought you already trust me already, Avery."

"Oh, right. Let's go! I'm starving. Your treat, okay?"

"Yeah. Sure."

I went inside Tyler's car by the passenger's seat without even letting him open the door for me. Like duh? Who needs a man when I can do it by myself.

"In fairness, you have a nice car."

"How do you know?"

"Of course, I own twenty, no — forty different types of cars. Unbelievable, right?"

"Okay, enough with your sarcasm."

"Good."

"You know what, you are always so mean to me."

"Of course. After everything that happened in my life because of what people like you did to my family, do you think that I would go easy to all the people around me?"

"You included me with that hatred inside your heart even if it is not my fault? You know, my mom always told me that never put hate to all the people around you just because some of them did terrible things to you because the sin of John, is the sin of John and the sin of Peter, is the sin of Peter."

"What's the difference would it make? Everytime I see you, I remembered every painful details of my past but this time, I swear, I am trying my best to endure all of these feelings for the sake of my friend."

After a few minutes of driving, we arrive at an unfamiliar place. I started to get nervous and my heart starts beating rapidly. I am having the thought that all this time, maybe it was really Tyler that killed Peach. What if I will be the next target? What should I do now?

"So, are you staying inside the car or what?"

"What place is this? I thought we'll be eating."

"Yup. We'll be having dinner here in my place.

"WHAAAAT!?!"

"Daddddaaaaaa."

"Hello, my princess."

"You're finally here."

"Yeah. Why are you still awake?"

"I waited because I want you to send me to bed."

Tyler immediately took the little kid to his arms. I was looking at them and then slowly walking towards them.

"So, you have a daughter already?"

"Who? Her? No. She's my niece."

"Oh. I see."

"Who is this pretty girl, dada?"

"My workmate."

"Ohh. Like a police?"

"Hmm. Not really but she is a smart and a wonderful person."

"Wow. When I grow up, I want to be like her."

While they were telling stories with each other, a woman in a cozy night jacket step out from the front door. I took a quick look at myself and fix myself, checking if I am wearing proper clothes. What the hell is wrong with this guy!!!??

"Who is this pretty girl, Ty?"

"Uhm. Yeah. Well, mom this is. ..."

"Good evening, Mrs. Gonzaga."

"Good evening too. Well, well, well. Hey Tinaaaa!"

"Yes mom!?!"

"Tyler finally brought home a girl!!!"

"Really???? Where??? Where???"

WHAT THE QUAKES AND QUACKERS!!! I glared at Tyler but he just responded with a teasing laughter. After a few minutes, a rushing woman came out from the house and directly walk closer to me.

"Hello. I'm Tina, Tyler's older sister. Come, come in."

"I'll send Alice to your room, sis. She is feeling sleepy already. Don't make her uncomfortable, okay?"

"Sure thing. Come with me."

Tyler went in and sent his niece to bed. I just notice how adorable and cute his niece is. No! Wait! Enough with the distractions first. How should I act in this awkward situation I am currently in right now?

"Anyway, have you eaten yet? No? Tyler too?"

"Yeah. I thought we we're about to have dinner somewhere around the city but I was surprised that he brought me here."

"Really? This brother of mine is so quick. Anyway, the timing is perfect, we prepared Tyler's favorite dish tonight."

I was just faking my smiles and laugh but of course, I tried my best to not overdo it and make it obvious because it might offend them.

"How rude of me. What's your name, by the way?"

"Avery. I'm Avery Velasco.

"What a beautiful name — Avery."

"You know, Avery. I am so happy that finally, my son Tyler have already brought his girlfriend here for dinner."

"Oh no, Mrs. Gonzaga ..."

"We can assure you, Avery that my brother is kind and has a good heart."

"Right. I know that but ..."

"True. My son is always in the side of peace and justice so I hope that you will always understand him when there will be a time that he's going to be busy."

"Yeah. I hope, as his older sister that you won't leave him just like what his ex-girlfriend did to him."

Mrs. Gonzaga slapped Tina's hands which made me laugh.

"You should not mention that witch in this household, Tina."

"Right. Sorry, it just slipped from my tongue."

I didn't realize that the force smiles and laughter that I was making earlier is slowly becoming genuine. Tyler's family is so adorable and they are all genuinely happy. I feel that feeling once again, the feeling that I haven't felt for a long time already.

"Stop teasing her, mom. Sorry to burst your bubbles but Avery here, is not my girlfriend. I ask her to be a part of my team and help me on solving this case. We were planning to talk about the plan at a restaurant but I think they are all close at this time."

"He's right, Mrs. Gonzaga. I'm just helping Mr. Gonzaga on solving his current case."

"It's such a dismay but what can we do if you two are just workmates. Anyway, let's have our dinner already."

"Right."

"Thank you for this meal, Mrs. Gonzaga."

"No worries. Eat up, dear."

So, is this for real? Am I going to spend my night here at Tyler's place? Should I charge him for this? Damn! I didn't even bring something to wear. Wait. Maybe I was just overthinking or overreacting. Maybe he'll send me home after dinner. Right. I think that's what he'll do. Despite with these questions in my head, I can't help but have this feeling of warmth. Is this what a family dinner feels like? It feels like I've found something that I could call as haven, a place that my heart has been longing for a long time. While we were having our dinner, I didn't realize that my tears are already falling down to my cheek which was immediately noticed by Mrs. Gonzaga.