Chapter 7: 4

CHAPTER 4

THE SISTERS

Seyren's POV

"Wala pa rin?"

"Nothing, nada, worthless"

I said to my team as I stepped out of the hotel. It was our last day of the search operation here, and tomorrow the hotel would reopen to the public.

Even though it was already night, we were still here. It was almost 10:30 in the evening, and I hadn't had dinner or lunch yet.

The exhaustion was beginning to set in, but the adrenaline from the case kept me going.

I found myself staring at the round, pale moon.

It was the only thing visible in the dark sky, as the stars were absent, covered by thick clouds.

The moon hung there, like a silent witness to the events unfolding below.

It felt oddly symbolic, the lone moon in the vast darkness, much like how I felt at that moment-isolated in my thoughts amidst the chaos of the investigation.

A strong breeze made me shiver.

I wasn't wearing a leather jacket, just a simple long sleeve shirt.

The cold wind seemed to cut through the fabric, making me hug myself for warmth.

The hotel's surroundings were eerily quiet, with only the rustling of leaves and the distant hum of the city.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice Detective Skyler approaching until she was right next to me. Her presence was always a mix of reassurance and intensity.

"Anong ginagawa mo pa dito ? Your sister has been looking for you." said Detective Skyler.

I looked at her with a furrowed brow, trying to shake off the daze from my moonlit contemplation.

"You mentioned that a psychopath might have killed Mr. Alvarez. What do you think about Mr. Kim's murderer?" I asked, trying to redirect my thoughts to the case.

The curiosity on her face vanished, replaced by an anger I couldn't understand.

"A normal killer or someone who had a grudge against him. We investigated Mr. Kim's background and found that he had many enemies because he was a thief who loved gold, like the ones you saw." She spoke with a sharp edge in her voice. I nodded, absorbing her words.

"But I'm sure a psychopath killed Mr. Alvarez," she added, her eyes scanning the surroundings as if expecting the killer to emerge from the shadows at any moment.

"What's so special about psychopaths, and why are they so brutal and elusive?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

She sighed, her breath visible in the cold night air, and looked me in the eye with a seriousness that made me shiver more than the wind.

"Psychopaths have no heart, soul, or conscience, so they don't feel emotions. They are elusive because they plan everything they do. Most of them are extremely intelligent, so sometimes, don't be too impressed by the smart people you know," her last statement had a joking tone, making me smile because she still managed to make a joke even in such a grim conversation.

"Buti nalang average lang ako." I joked back, and she laughed, a rare sound that lightened the mood slightly.

"Okay, you should go home now. Elowen has been calling me nonstop, and she might come to get you if you don't leave. Do you want your team to find out you're a Cameron?" I shook my head at her remark.

The last thing I needed was for my colleagues to find out about my personal life.

I said goodbye to her and went inside the hotel to bid farewell to my team.

As I walked quietly down the hallway to the third floor, the dim lighting made it feel eerie.

The flickering lights cast long, shifting shadows on the walls, adding to the sense of unease.

For some reason, I felt a growing heaviness, as if someone was following and constantly watching me.

The sensation was unsettling, making me quicken my pace.

At first, I ignored it.

I went to the room where my team was, said my goodbyes, and they appreciated that I made the effort to see them before leaving.

The camaraderie among us was palpable, a small comfort in the midst of a grueling investigation.

As I turned to leave, the feeling of being watched intensified.

I couldn't shake the sense that eyes were on me, studying my every move.

I glanced over my shoulder, but the hallway was empty.

Dismissing it as paranoia from exhaustion, I made my way to the exit, eager to finally get some rest.

When I arrived at the parking lot where my moped was parked, I felt a sense of relief wash over me.

The day's events had been exhausting, and I was eager to get home. Just as I was about to put my helmet on, my phone rang.

I took my phone out of my trouser pocket and saw that it was my sister Elowen calling.

Her name flashing on the screen made me feel a mix of guilt and warmth.

I knew she was worried, and I should have contacted her sooner.

When I answered, her voice immediately filled with concern as she bombarded me with questions.

Her tone was a blend of worry and frustration, and I could almost picture her pacing back and forth, her brows furrowed with anxiety.

[Where are you, Seyren? Why are you taking so long to come home? Are you okay? Have you eaten? Did something bad happen to you? Why aren't you home yet?] she asked from the other end of the line, her voice rising with each question.

I smiled widely because it had been a long time since I felt this way.

In the seven years I had been apart from them, it was only now that I felt someone was genuinely worried about me.

Her concern, though overwhelming, was also comforting.

It reminded me of how much she cared.

"I'm on my way home, I just had to take care of something, sorry." I replied, trying to sound as cheerful as possible.

I heard her groan, and even though I couldn't see her, I knew she was rolling her eyes at me in exasperation.

"You should have at least told us you were going to be late. Azara and I were both worried." she said, her tone softening slightly.

I winced at her words, knowing that Elowen's concern was genuine, but Azara's supposed worry felt hard to believe.

It was unbelievable that Azara would be worried about me.

She despised me for reasons that were complex and painful.

The years of tension and unspoken words between us had created a chasm that seemed impossible to bridge.

"I believe that you're worried about me, but her? I doubt it pero thanks for trying. I'll end the call now and start driving," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

I didn't want to argue or dwell on the bitterness that lay between Azara and me.

I hung up before Elowen could respond, cutting off any further conversation.

As I was getting ready, adjusting my helmet and gloves, I felt again as if someone was watching me.

The sensation was unnerving, like a prickling on the back of my neck that wouldn't go away.

I looked around but saw nothing but the empty parking lot with almost no vehicles except for police cars and bikes.

The streetlights cast long, eerie shadows, and the silence was almost oppressive.

It felt like the calm before a storm, a moment of stillness that was unnaturally tense.

I ignored it and started my moped.

The engine's hum was a welcome sound, breaking the silence.

I glanced around one last time, convincing myself that it was just my imagination playing tricks on me.

As I drove away, the feeling of being watched lingered in the back of my mind, refusing to be dismissed entirely.

The night air was cool against my face, and the streets were mostly empty.

I focused on the road, pushing away the unsettling thoughts.

Maybe it was just my imagination.

---

No one's POV

"Bakit hindi kapa kumakain?" Azara asked her younger sister, who was sitting alone at the dining table, playing idly with her fork.

"I'm waiting for Seyren so we can eat together," Elowen replied, her eyes flickering with a mix of concern and determination.

Azara rolled her eyes at her sister's response, exasperated by her insistence on waiting.

"Suit yourself, keep waiting. I'm going out to buy something," Azara said, turning away with an air of impatience. As she spoke, Elowen stood up abruptly, causing her chair to fall over with a loud clatter.

"San ka pupunta?" Elowen asked, her voice rising to a high-pitched tone filled with anxiety. Azara frowned, irritated by her sister's aggressive tone.

"To the moon" pilosopong sagot ni Azara.

"Why so aggressive? Jeez, calm down." she replied nonchalantly, brushing off Elowen's concern.

"It's dangerous outside, and it's almost 11 PM. Are you still going out?" Elowen's worry was palpable, her eyes wide with fear for her sister's safety.

"Yes, Elowen, I'm going out, and it's not dangerous because no one will recognize me," Azara said with a hint of defiance.

She lifted her cap and face mask, showing them to her sister before putting them on.

"See, bye," Azara said, waving mockingly as she headed out the door.

Elowen wanted to stop her, but there was nothing she could do.

The door closed with a definitive click, leaving Elowen standing there, feeling helpless.

In the end, Elowen just prayed for her sister's safety, despite her careless attitude toward her own life.

She sighed deeply, feeling a mix of frustration and resignation.

Patiently, she waited for her stepsister. To pass the time and calm her nerves, she decided to bake some cookies.

The familiar act of mixing ingredients and shaping dough brought a small measure of comfort.

"Where could that girl be?" she wondered aloud, glancing at the clock as she placed the cookie tray in the oven.

The minutes seemed to crawl by, each one heightening her anxiety.

It was almost 11:30 PM, and Seyren still hadn't arrived.

Elowen tried to contact her but couldn't get through, as if Seyren was in a place with no signal. The lack of response only added to her worry.

Even though she was sleepy, she continued to wait for her two sisters to come home.

She paced the living room, occasionally glancing out the window, hoping to see them approaching.

When midnight struck, Azara was the first to return.

She found Elowen asleep on the sofa, the soft glow of the TV illuminating her peaceful face.

Not wanting to disturb her, Azara went straight to her room to take a shower.

The hot water felt soothing against her skin, washing away the grime and stress of the day.

She emerged from the bathroom feeling refreshed, wrapping herself in a plush bathrobe.

Seconds and minutes passed, and Seyren finally arrived at around 12:55 AM.

She quietly opened the front door, careful not to make any noise.

She was surprised to see her sister sleeping on the sofa, cookies neatly arranged on the coffee table beside her.

"Aww, now I feel guilty," she murmured to herself, her heart aching at the sight. Instead of waking her sister, she decided to carry her.

Gently, she lifted Elowen in her arms, mindful not to disturb her slumber.

She brought Elowen to her room and laid her on the bed, tucking her in with care.

She kissed Elowen's forehead, a gesture filled with affection and regret, and turned off the lampshade before leaving the room.

As she was heading to her own room, Seyren was startled by the sudden appearance of Azara, who came out of her room wearing only a bathrobe.

The steam from her recent shower still lingered around her, making her look fresh and serene, a stark contrast to Seyren's stressed and weary appearance.

The two locked eyes, both showing no emotion, their gazes like an abyss filled with darkness.

The tension between them was palpable, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken issues that lay between them.

"Why are you so late? Don't you know Elowen has been waiting for you?" Azara said sharply, her tone dripping with disapproval.

Seyren looked down, guilt washing over her. She knew she was at fault for making her sister worry.

"I ran out of gas. I tried to find a gasoline station but couldn't, so I walked-" Seyren began to explain, but Azara cut her off.

"I don't need your explanations because I don't care about you. I just wish you had told Elowen so she wouldn't have waited. I bet she hasn't even eaten. If she gets sick because of you, you'll get what's coming to you." Despite being taller, Seyren felt small in front of Azara, her words cutting deep.

She just nodded, feeling a mix of shame and resentment.

As Azara walked past her, Seyren watched her go, her eyes fixed on her sister as if she were the only person in the world.

Once Azara disappeared into her room, Seyren sighed deeply before turning around and heading to her own room.

The weight of the day and the tension with her sisters bore down on her, but she tried to push it aside as she prepared for bed.

She knew she needed rest, but her mind was still racing, filled with thoughts of what she could have done differently.

Azara proceeded to the kitchen, her footsteps echoing softly on the tiled floor.

As she entered, she noticed a batch of cookies neatly arranged on the countertop.

The sweet, comforting aroma filled the room, making her realize just how hungry she was.

She took one and bit into it, the familiar taste confirming her suspicions.

Elowen loved overly sweet pastries, and the sugary explosion on her taste buds was unmistakable.

Azara, on the other hand, had always preferred savory snacks.

Despite this, she continued to eat the cookie, her thoughts lingering on the effort her sister had put into baking them.

As she savored the cookie, she felt her phone vibrate in her pocket.

Pulling it out, she glanced at the screen and saw a message from her boyfriend.

From: Liam

I just got home from an important meeting. I hope you're asleep by now. Good night.

Azara rolled her eyes, a sigh escaping her lips. She felt a mix of irritation and resignation.

Pushing those feelings aside, she continued to eat the cookies, each bite a small comfort in the quiet kitchen.

After finishing her second cookie, she decided to save a few pieces for the next day.

Carefully, she placed them in a container and opened the fridge to store them.

As she did, her eyes widened in surprise at the sight of nearly two dozen bottles of lemon juice taking up an entire shelf.

She grimaced in annoyance, her mind instantly knowing who was responsible.

"Of course, it had to be Seyren," she muttered under her breath.

Her sister had an inexplicable obsession with lemon juice, much to Azara's bemusement and occasional irritation.

She shook her head, wondering why anyone would need so much of the stuff.

She rearranged a few items in the fridge to make space for the cookies, her movements quick and efficient.

Despite her irritation, a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

Seyren's quirks, as exasperating as they could be, were also part of what made her unique.

"That bitch is still obsessed with lemon drink huh." Azara thought.

---

Seyren's POV

T

he next morning, I awoke earlier than anticipated.

I had planned to help with breakfast again, as I wanted to make amends and contribute to the meal.

I had barely managed to fall asleep at 1 a.m. after taking a shower and struggling to settle despite my overwhelming fatigue.

Yet, even though sleepiness still clung to me, I roused myself.

It was 6 a.m., and after a brief exercise routine to shake off the drowsiness, I made my way to the kitchen.

"Good morning, chef!" I greeted cheerfully, skipping a few steps as though I were a child excitedly entering a playground.

"You're up early, Madame Seyren," he acknowledged with a warm smile.

"I want to help with breakfast so I can serve something to Elowen. I feel I owe her an apology." I explained, which elicited an even broader smile from him.

"And this is your solution? Cooking breakfast for her?" He asked, still smiling.

"Exactly," I said, my delight evident as he grasped the intent behind my gesture.

"Very well then, Madame Seyren. Suit yourself," he agreed, his tone supportive.

"Yes!" I celebrated with the enthusiasm of a child who has just received a long-awaited gift.

"What's for breakfast today?" I inquired with a friendly tone.

I stood beside him, observing intently as he prepared bell peppers.

"Breakfast burritos. I'm making extra because Miss Elowen will likely take some with her to work. Would you like to take some for your work as well?" he offered, and I nodded eagerly.

"Start by slicing the white onions. They taste better when sliced," he instructed, and I promptly followed his direction.

I immersed myself in the preparation-slicing onions, large tomatoes, and avocado, and even learning to make homemade hot sauce.

We spent over an hour cooking. The other maids were astonished to see me in the kitchen.

"Madame Seyren, what brings you here?" Manang Marie asked when she saw me. She had entered to ask Chef to prepare lemonade.

"I'm just helping out. I also want to learn, and it's a way for me to apologize to Miss Elowen. I heard she didn't eat last night while waiting for me," I said with a wide smile, laughing shyly.

Manang Marie's heart seemed to soften at my words.

"Oo nga pala, hindi siya kumain kagabi dahil hinihintay ka niya. Pinipilit namin pero ayaw niya. Madamr Elowen is truly such a sweet person," Manang Marie agreed.

"Unlike Miss Azara, who has a cold heart," Chef added, surprising both Manang Marie and me.

"Huy! Jose, baka marinig ka nun" Manang Marie reprimanded him.

"She won't hear me; she's probably still asleep. She might not wake up until noon. Besides, what I'm saying is true-she's so demanding and has such a poor attitude," Chef said, his voice tinged with a sorrowful tone.

He used to speak about Azara differently, even when she was moody.

"She's becoming more irritable as she gets older. She's difficult to deal with," Manang Marie whispered, as though sharing a private grievance.

"Why? What's the issue?" I asked, my curiosity piqued by the sudden change in sentiment towards Azara.

I used to be the only one bothered by her, but now it seemed many shared the sentiment.

"There are many issues, and she's often the cause. Especially when she was the only one living in this house? Dati, gabi gabi mo siyang maririnig na umuungol dahil kung sino sino ang dinadalang lalaki." Manang Marie recounted with an indifferent tone.

I listened to their complaints, my curiosity waning as they continued their story.

"Yes, she'd demand food in the middle of the night right after their sex, and it was difficult to prepare. Finding the ingredients was a hassle. She stopped doing that when Miss Elowen moved in, but she's still demanding about her food," sambit naman ni Chef. I nodded and resumed my task.

They continued sharing their grievances about Azara until Elowen walked into the kitchen, surprised to see me.

"Good morning, Madame Maddy," Chef and Manang Marie greeted her.

She greeted them back, and her eyes widened upon seeing me.

"Why are you up so early? You should still be sleeping; it's only 8 a.m." she expressed with concern.

"I was just helping with breakfast. In fact, we're done now," I said, presenting a plate with a burrito.

I approached Miss Elowen and offered her the burrito.

"I'm sorry for coming home late last night. It wasn't intentional. I ran out of gas, and my phone battery died," I said gently.

"And what does that have to do with the burrito?" she asked.

"I'm sorry for being late last night; I guess I needed a little more 'wrap' in my life to make up for it. Here's a burrito to show I'm all 'rolled up' in apologizing." Mabiro kong saad.

She scoffed and laughed at my silliness.

Pati si Chef at Manang Marie ay nakitawa na rin.

"Silly girl, you don't have to do that. Naiintindihan kita." She pinched my cheeks at I pouted like a kid. Umiling din ako since I don't like the way she's talking right now.

"I'm doing this as a gesture of gratitude because you've always been there for me," I said softly, making sure my voice carried a warm, sincere tone.

"I recall the hardships you faced when we were all living together at Tito Elliot's house, and I never want you to feel alone like that again. Now that I'm back, I want to make amends and show my appreciation."

As I spoke, I noticed Chef Jose and Manang Marie exchanging knowing glances and heartfelt "awwws."

Their reaction indicated that my words had touched them, and a hint of envy was evident in their expressions.

Elowen, too, softened her demeanor. She gazed at me with a gentle look, her brown eyes reflecting a warmth that matched her words.

"My baby is really sweet. Alright, I'll accept your gesture," she said, her voice laced with genuine affection.

"That's the least you deserve," I replied confidently, handing a fork to Manang Marie and serving Elowen with a flourish.

Elowen's eyes widened in surprise as she tasted the burrito.

"This is delicious! Are you sure you made this?" she teased, her tone filled with playful skepticism.

I nodded enthusiastically, eager to affirm my efforts.

"I'm in disbelief," I feigned disappointment, playing along with her jest.

"I did make it, right Chef Jose?" I turned to our chef for confirmation.

He gave a nod, backing up my claim with a supportive smile.

Elowen's laughter filled the kitchen, making me realize her playful intent.

Her teasing was all in good spirits.

I feigned a scowl, narrowing my eyes at her. She mimicked my expression with a mischievous grin, adding to the light-hearted exchange.

"You did a fantastic job. I truly believe you cooked it. Let's eat this in the dining room; my neck is getting sore from looking up at you," she said with a laugh, her comment about my height bringing a smile to my face.

As we were about to leave the kitchen, we encountered Azara, who was glaring at us with clear disapproval.

"Good morning, sis. Seyren made some burritos. There's one for you in the kitchen; just get it if you want," Elowen said with a bright smile, clearly unbothered by Azara's presence.

She then walked out of the kitchen, leaving me standing in front of Azara.

I remained in place, facing Azara.

Our eyes locked in a silent exchange.

I offered her a genuine smile, despite the usual friction between us.

It was a gesture of respect, acknowledging her position as my elder even though I often found her behavior irritating and too childish for her age.

"Move," Azara snapped, her voice sharp and commanding.

I took a step back and shifted aside, giving her space.

She shot me a contemptuous glare before turning on her heel and walking away.

I followed her with my gaze until she disappeared from view.

Sungit.

After she left, I refocused on Elowen, who was calling for me from the dining area.

Her presence was a comforting reminder of the positive connections in my life, making me feel more at ease despite the earlier tension.

After a satisfying breakfast with Elowen, I readied myself for another workday with a blend of routine and anticipation.

I chose to dress for comfort and functionality: high-waisted jeans, a denim long sleeve shirt, and my trusty brown leather jacket. I casually slipped my badge and gun into the back of my jacket, preparing for whatever the day might bring.

I opted to leave my hair unstyled.

It had grown quite long, and taming it felt like an unnecessary chore.

A quick glance in the mirror confirmed my decision; a messy, natural look suited the practical demands of the day.

To keep my energy up, I packed two burritos as snacks, considering my tight budget.

My tendency to overspend on non-essentials had left me financially strained, making these snacks a sensible choice.

Nakalimutan kong broke nga pala ako.

Arriving at the headquarters, I was greeted by the usual hum of activity.

The search operations that had kept us occupied the night before were wrapped up, leaving me with a sense of anticipation for the day ahead.

I joined Detective Guerrero for an interview with Mr. Kim, the victim's former adversary.

Our hopes of uncovering vital information were dashed as the interview proved fruitless, providing no leads.

With no breakthroughs, we decided to head to the rural property associated with the case.

The property, once bustling with activity, was now an empty shell.

We meticulously combed through the area, searching for any clues that might have been overlooked.

"This case is turning out to be incredibly challenging," Detective Guerrero remarked, his frustration evident as we stood in the now-deserted garage.

The government had seized all vehicles from the scene since they were unregistered, leaving only the stark emptiness behind.

I nodded in agreement, offering a sympathetic hum to acknowledge his frustration.

"I still have no clue where Mr. Kim was killed. The uncertainty is overwhelming; it sometimes feels like I just want to bury myself in the ground," he confessed, his stress palpable.

"We'll crack this case, Detective Guerrero. We've got Skyler on our team, and she's exceptionally skilled," I reassured him, giving him a supportive nudge in an attempt to lift his spirits.

"We can't just rely on Detective Skyler," he countered, his tone tinged with a sense of defeat.

His lack of faith was clear, but I was determined not to let it dampen our efforts.

I looked around and engaged my photographic memory, mentally replaying the details of the vehicles-colors, styles, and their exact positions in the garage.

I was committed to leaving no stone unturned.

"That's why we need to up our game. We can't let Skyler be the only one who stands out; we need to shine too." I insisted, driven by a resolve to contribute meaningfully to the investigation.

As we reached the far end of the room, we faced a wall painted a surprising shade of pink.

The color seemed almost comical in its boldness, contrasting sharply with typical masculine preferences.

Even the floor was adorned in the same vibrant pink.

The odd choice of color only added to the room's eccentricity.

"Let's head out; we're not likely to find anything more here." Detective Guerrero suggested.

I agreed, recognizing that further investigation in this space might be futile.

As he started walking towards the exit, I took one final glance around the room.

With a deliberate stomp of my feet, I created a resounding noise that echoed throughout the space.

The sound brought a fleeting smile to my face, a moment of levity in an otherwise tense situation.

Detective Guerrero was already several meters away when I realized I might be left behind.

"Hey, wait up, Detective!" Panicking slightly, I called out and hurried to catch up with him.

He chuckled at my urgency, playfully teasing me as if I were a child.

I chose to ignore his comments, focusing solely on leaving the premises quickly.

Upon reaching the parking area where Detective Guerrero's car was parked, I spotted a figure dressed entirely in black from a distance.

The figure seemed to vanish when I looked again, leaving only the elderly couple from the nearby small house.

I scrutinized them with a furrowed brow as I climbed into the car.

The sight of the couple-an ordinary, peaceful scene-was a stark contrast to the unsettling figure I had glimpsed.

We left the rural property and made our way back to headquarters, arriving just in time for lunch.

Upon our arrival at the headquarters, my team and I gathered for lunch.

We settled into the familiar routine of chatting and laughing as we exchanged stories.

I joined in the camaraderie, sharing in their laughter and enjoying the moment of reprieve from the day's demands.

Detective Guerrero was recounting an embarrassing incident from his past as a police officer when my attention was suddenly drawn to a woman entering the headquarters with Detective Skyler.

"Who's handling the Mr. Alvarez case?" the woman inquired immediately upon entering.

I stood up and saluted her, a gesture of respect that she returned with a nod.

"Please interview this woman," she instructed,

"She's a hotel staff member who encountered the killer while escorting Ms. Cameron that night." Her statement caused an immediate stir of anxiety among us, as we realized the potential significance of this new witness.

Detective Guerrero quickly vacated his seat across from me, making way for the woman to sit down.

The urgency of the situation was palpable, and I swiftly removed my lunch from my desk, reaching for a pen and paper.

I was now prepared to conduct the interview, my mind racing with questions and possibilities.

The atmosphere in the room shifted as we focused on the new lead.

The woman, appearing slightly apprehensive but resolute, settled into the chair.

I could sense the weight of the moment, knowing that her testimony might offer crucial insights into the case we were working on.

"Thank you for coming." I began, trying to project calmness despite my own mounting anxiety.

"Could you please start by telling us what you remember from the night you encountered the killer with Ms. Cameron?"

Tinitigan ko siya sa mata at halata ko ang takot na kanyang nadarama.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

(⁠ ⁠˘⁠ ⁠³⁠˘⁠)⁠♥