Tempting The Heiress (Published Under LIB)
Kabanata 28
Kabanata 28
"BREATHE," paalala ni Iñigo habang naglalakad kami. Tumigil ako sa paglalakad at huminga nang malalim. He went in front of me, leveling his face to my line of vision.
"Calm down, baby," aniya at hinawakan ang balikat ko. "Breathe with me."
"I can't. I..." bumuntonghininga ako at nagbaba ng tingin pero iniangat ulit ni Iñigo ang mukha ko at malambing na ngumiti sa akin.
"You can do it, baby. We can do this," he cheered encouragingly.
"I love you, Iñigo," I hummed. He smiled and nodded, hinaplos niya ang gilid ng mata ko bago tumungo at matagal na hinalikan ang noo ko.
"I love you too, so much, Miss Castuares."
Ngayon na ang unang trial ni Dad. I wasn't so sure if there would be another one for the next days, ang desisyon ay nasa judge pero I am hoping that today, we'll also hear the good end of it.
His innocence.
Namamawis ata ang kamay ko habang palapit kami nang papalapit ni Iñigo sa korte. Maraming beses na akong nakapunta sa lugar na ito pero bakit ngayon lang ako kinabahan nang ganito?
Kaagad niya akong nilingon at nakita ko ang bakas ng pag-aalala sa mga mata niya. "Are you fine?" tanong niya sa akin at inalalayan ang braso ko.
"Yes, I'm just nervous. Kasi kahit ilang beses na akong nakapasok dito ay ngayon lang ako natakot nang ganito. Maybe because it's my Dad's case."
"Relax, okay? Ako ang bahala sa inyo. Don't stress yourself too much, ayokong ma-stress kayo ni baby ko," bulong niya.
"I'll do my best," sabi ko. "Basta do your best, too, okay? We will support you ni baby!" I tiptoed and kissed his cheek bago kami pumasok sa courtroom.
Pagpasok namin ay nakita ko ang iilang tao roon. Kasama na ang 'di pamilyar na lalaki mula sa kabilang panig.
Ito siguro 'yong abogado sa kabila?
He's familiar. I think he's one of the top-notch lawyers these days, too. I think I met him a few times but I can't remember much.
Nilingon ko si Iñigo na may kausap. Naupo lang din ako sa may pwesto ko at nanahimik. Isang oras pa bago magsimula ang trial.
Mamaya pa ang dating nina Dad dito mula sa kulungan and Iñigo assured me he's safe dahil kasama nito ang mga tauhan niya.
Napag-usapan na namin ni Iñigo ang mga gagawin ngayong trial, we talked about what I can do today, what my role was and the possible things that will be tackled this day. Tinuro niya sa akin kung paano tatakbo ang mga pangyayari at maging si Dad ay kinausap na namin.
Alam ko ring nagpakalat ng tauhan si Iñigo para sa kaligtasan namin at sinabi niya rin sa akin na isa sa mga tao rito mamaya ay tauhan niya.
"Stay here, baby, may kakausapin lang ako."
"Saan ka?"
"Diyan lang, h'wag kang aalis, huh?" Tumango ako at ngumiti sa kanya. Nakita ko ang tingin niya sa may leeg ko kaya napatingin ako roon.
"I just remembered, where's your necklace?" tanong niya sa akin habang sinisipat ang leeg ko. Natigil naman ako at napahawak sa leeg ko.
He was asking for the necklace that he gave me when we stayed at his condo, 'yong may tracker na nakakonekta sa phone niya.
"Nasa unit siguro, hindi ko maalala. Tinanggal ko ata dati," I answered. He sighed at ipinatong ang kamay sa ulo ko.
"Sabi ko kasi sa 'yo h'wag mong tatanggalin."
"Sorry na, isusuot ko na lang ulit," ngiti ko at ngumiti siya bago tumango at nagpaalam na paalis. Tahimik lang ako nang maiwan ako mag-isa, tanging abogado marahil ng kabila ang naiwan doon.
I was texting Mary Jane dahil malapit na raw siya at manunuod din. Vaughn texted me that he will go too with his father pero hindi ko sinagot.
How can I trust him? I'm having doubts about him, especially about our friendship.
Did he really treat me as his friend or what? Or did he just use me to help his father?
Kailan pa sila nagsimulang lokohin ako? Simula umpisa? Hindi ko alam. Knowing your trusted friend betrayed you hurts me big time, ang sakit lang isipin na sinaksak nila ako patalikod habang nakangiti sila sa akin kapag kaharap.
The counsel on Perez's side was looking at me with a sly smile on his lips when I glanced at him. Nang-uuyam ang ngiti na ibinigay niya sa akin kaya nanatili akong nakatingin sa kanya, malamig lang. He cocked his brow up, umismid ako at pinagtuunan ng pansin ang telepono.
Sinubukan niyang lumapit sa akin pero bago pa man mangyari iyon ay mabilis akong tumayo at lumabas ng korte.
I walked away rapidly. He's really weird! I don't like his presence inside! Natigil ako nang tumama ako kung saan at nanlaki ang mata ko nang makita ang nakangiting si Vaughn.
"Hi, Thallia!" he greeted me pero hindi katulad dati ay hindi ko siya mabati pabalik.
"Hey." Tumango sa kanya at umayos ng tayo.
"Uh, excuse me lang, huh? Susunduin ko si Mary Jane," mahinang sabi ko at umiwas ng lakad pero hinarangan niya ako.
"Hey, ayos ka lang?" nagtataka niyang sabi. Ngumiti ako at tumango sa kanya bago naglakad pero sinundan niya ako.
"Halika, sama 'ko sa pagsundo," sabi niya sa akin at nang akmang aakbayan ako ay pasimple akong umiwas at naglakad. Nakita ko ang pagtataka sa mukha niya pero sumunod din sa akin.
I kept my distance while we were walking, kinakausap niya ako pero tango at iling lang ang sagot ko. I don't know how I'll talk to him—I can't trust him now that I know what his father did to us.
Kaagad kong nakita si Mary Jane na hawak ang phone niya kaya mabilis ko siyang tinawag at nakangiting lumapit siya sa akin.
"Hi, Thallia!" Yumakap siya at nagbeso bago lumingon kay Vaughn na tahimik lang. "Oh, 'tsura mo, Vaughn?" Ngumiti si Vaughn nang tawagin siya ni Mary Jane.
"Hey," he greeted her.
"Hello! Tahimik, a!" Yumakap siya kay Vaughn at nag-iwas lang ako ng tingin nang makita kong sumulyap siya sa akin.
Kami ang magkausap ni Mary Jane habang pabalik sa court room at nakasunod lang sa amin si Vaughn. Pagdating namin ay naroon na si Iñigo na iniikot ang tingin at nang makita ako ay nangunot ang noo.
Mabilis akong bumitiw kay Mary Jane matapos silang paupuin ni Vaughn at lumapit ako kay Iñigo na kaagad na humawak sa pulsuhan ko.
"Saan ka galing?"
"I just fetched Mary Jane," bulong ko. Sumulyap siya sa mga kaibigan ko bago bumuntonghininga at bumaba ang daliri sa may kamay ko para pagsaklupin ito. Walang nakakakita dahil tinatakpan niya ito at may nakaharang na lamesa sa may harapan namin.
Nang lingunin ko si Mary Jane ay nanlalaki ang mata niya habang nakatingin kay Iñigo.
"How?" I saw her mouthing pero ngumiti lang ako at nang sumulyap ako kay Vaughn ay tahimik lang siya at nagtatakang nakatingin din sa amin ni Iñigo.
Humigpit ang hawak ko sa kamay ni Iñigo nang pumasok na ang kabilang panig. Nakatayo lahat ng tao roon at nakita ko ang pagpasok ng abogado nila na kanina'y nambulabog sa akin at kay Fernan Perez na may tungkod at nakangisi.
Mas lalong nag-init ang ulo ko nang makita si Maica Perez na naglalakad papasok.
She was wearing a white above-the-knee dress, nakaipit din ang buhok niya na animo'y anghel o santa-sentina na napakainosente.
Her smile was soft na animo'y walang nagawang kawalang-hiyaan. Nag-init ang ulo ko pero pinisil lang ni Iñigo ang kamay ko at lumapit para bumulong.
"Calm down, baby, and brace yourself. Don't you ever show them that you're weak while they're here, for they will use it against you."
Tumango ako at humugot ng hininga.
"I want you fighting, I need you to be strong," he whispered and caressed my hand. Bumaling siya pasimple sa kabilang panig bago lumapit at bumulong.
"Do you trust me?" Sinalubong ko ang mata niya. Assurance was all I could see in his eyes kaya panatag ang puso ko sa sinabi niya.
"Yes, I do."
"Good, I love you, remember that," he smiled and let go of my hand para sunduin ang Dad ko sa pintuan.
Kaagad na nakita ko ang pagpasok ni Dad at may mga pulis sa likod niya. Sumakit ang dibdib ko nang makita ang posas sa mga kamay niya at wala man lang siyang reaksyon habang pumapasok.
I heard the whispers pero hindi ko ito inintindi. Alam kong mahina ang laban ni Dad dahil mas may pera ang kalaban pero naniniwala ako sa kakayahan ni Iñigo.
I will believe in him. I trust him, I know he will never bring us down.
Nang makita ako ni Dad ay natigil siya at ngumiti sa akin kaya ngumiti rin ako sa kanya.
"Love you," I mouthed bago niya kami malagpasan dahil nasa likod niya ang mga pulis.
I know he saw it dahil pilit niya akong nilingon at tumango sa akin. Iniakyat siya sa may pavement at pinaupo sa upuan. That's when the cops removed his handcuffs at nakita ko ang pamumula ng kamay niya kaya napaiwas ako.
Umakyat din si Iñigo pasunod sa kanya. I noticed his stance while he was walking; it was full of pride, conviction, and honor. He looked like an unbreakable wall, unwavering.
He looked sharp, formal, and handsome in his suit.
"All rise, the court is now in session. The Honorable Judge Ramuel Cruz, presiding judge."
Nagsalita ang judge sa harapan para sa pambansang awit at sa isang oath. Hindi maiwasang mapatingin ako sa kabila at nakita ko ang talas ng mga mata ni Maica habang nakatingin sa akin.
Her lips twitched when she caught my eye, taas-noong ngumisi siya at umiling sa akin. Kita ko ang lagkit ng tingin niya kay Iñigo.
My throat dried up.
Mapang-uyam ang tingin niya pero hindi ako gumanti. She's not worth my time, she's not worthy of my emotion. Hindi ako gumalaw o kumibo na mukhang ikinainis niya. Halos matawa ako sa itsura niya habang nakasimangot at napailing na lang.
Fernan Perez was grinning widely habang hawak ang tungkod niya.
He looks so goddamn proud and that irritates me!
Ang lakas ng loob nilang nagpapakasaya habang ang dad ko ay naghihirap sa kulungan dahil sa kagagawan nila!
I listened to the court interpreter when he started speaking.
"For arraignment: Criminal Case No. 12544-D Fernan Perez v. Ethan Castuares for violation of Republic Act No. 10344. Requesting appearance for plaintiff and defense counsel."
Kalaunan ay pumunta sa harapan si Iñigo at 'yong mayabang na abogado ng kabila para manumpa at nakatingin lang ako sa kanila.
"Your honor, I am Atty. Melo Alejez, entering my appearance as the plaintiff's counsel."
"Your honor, I am Atty. Iñigo Rafael Sandejas, entering my appearance as counsel for the accused."
Nahagip din ng mata ko ang bulungan sa kabila at ang mga ngisi nila. Even Attorney Velgas was there, saglit lang siya doon at may sinabi lang pero hindi nakaligtas sa akin iyon.
If I didn't know now what he's done, I'd be very confused.
That bastard...
The court interpreter stated the cases filed against the accused.
"Criminal Case No. 12544-D that on or before December 28, 201x in Makati City within the jurisdiction of the Honorable Court, accused Ethan Castuares of knowingly embezzling funds allocated for the SLX Housing Project, under Castuares Incorporation and a business partnership between Perez-Castuares aiming to provide premium housing experiences for blue-collar individuals thereby causing a feud between the plaintiff and the accused, affecting investors and clients. Contrary to the law."
The judge glanced at my father.
"Mr. Castuares, do you understand the crime charged against you?"
"Yes, your honor."
"What is your plea?" the honorable judge inquired.
"Not guilty, your honor," he answered.
"The accused pleaded not guilty, your honor," ani ng court interpreter kaya tumango ang huli.
"Let it be on the record that the accused pleaded not guilty to the violation of Republic Act No. 10344," the judge said.
"Good afternoon," panimula ng abogado sa kabilang panig. "My client, Mr. Fernan Perez, was a very good friend, investor, and business partner of Mr. Castuares. My client stated that the money went missing all of a sudden without prior notice. He was informed afterwards that it was for the project, so he trusted the accused. However, based on our investigation, the missing funds had been taken over a period of time. Little by little, so as not to get noticed, the funds are getting transferred to an offshore account who were traced and was named after Ethan Castuares."
Sa pagtango ng defense counsel ay tinawag ng judge si Iñigo na naglakad pababa ng pavement. Bumaling siya sa judge at sa isang counsel para saglit na tumango bilang pagbati at nagsalita.
"My client, Mr. Ethan Castuares, is the Castuares' Incorporation CEO and founder. The plaintiff was claiming that my client had embezzled the funds for the SLX Housing Project to an offshore account named after my client for personal reasons. Am I correct?"
Tumango ang defense.
"Can you show us the evidence?"
Tumayo ang defense at nakita ko ang pag-ilaw ng projector at doon ko nakita ang mga dokumento na may pirma ng Dad ko sa pag-transfer ng mga pera.
The lawyer also gave us a copy at ang original ay ibinigay sa judge para masuri.
"It was clearly written here in the documents we have given you, the defendant's name and signature. You can have it checked." Tiningnan ko ang kopya at nakita ko ang pagkakaparehas ng pirma ni Dad but I knew better.
"Do you have any proof that this was indeed the defendant's signature?" ani ni Iñigo.
I saw how the lawyer's lips twitched.
May lumitaw sa screen at nakita ko ang police records doon na nagsasabing nag-match na parehas ang pirma sa dokumento at walang forgery na naganap.
Nakita ko ang mga ngiti ng mga Perez at ang mayabang na pagtataas-noo ni Fernan. Inilipat ko ang tingin sa Dad ko at nakita kong tahimik lang siya pero bakas ang galit sa mga mata.
This damned Perez might be so damn happy seeing this case, paniguradong sinabi na sa kanila ni Attorney Velgas ang nawawalang mga ebidensya.
"Your Honor, I would like to submit new evidence," ani Iñigo. Nangunot ang noo ng isang abogado.
"Objections, Your Honor. The evidence was not submitted beforehand," the defense argued.
Sumulyap ang judge kay Iñigo.
"Will the new evidence shed some light on the case, Attorney?"
"Yes, Your Honor."
"Accepted," ani ng Judge at nakita ko ang multo ng ngiti sa labi ni Iñigo sa pagkunot ng noo ni Melo Lejez. Nakabusangot pa.
"I am sorry, Mr. Alejez, defense counsel, but I believe there's something wrong about this evidence you've submitted to the court," malamig na sabat ni Iñigo at nakita ko ang pagtaas ng sulok ng labi niya bago siya naglakad malapit sa projector.
Another document was projected; it was also about my Dad's signature.
May ipinasa rin na mga papel na kinuha ng mga involved.
"What you are holding now is the document proving the plaintiff's claims shouldn't be trusted."
Fernan scoffed. Nakita ko ang paghigpit ng kanyang hawak sa tungkod.
"We have studied and reanalyzed the evidence you have, Mr. Alejez. We investigated and found out that this wasn't my client's and has nothing to do with Mr. Castuares' signature." Natahimik sila.
Maging si Maica at Fernan ay natahimik at nag-ikot-ikot ang mga mata na tila'y may hinahanap.
"That's all, Your Honor," ani Iñigo.
"Atty. Alejez?'" The judge called the other, who stood and began questioning the evidence we had submitted. He questioned the authenticity and why it was not submitted beforehand.
"I'd like to question the defense. Why was the evidence submitted just now?" aniya. "Was it too hard to obtain before the trial? Or you just recently made this happen?" he said accusingly, trying to point out we're cheating.
"Objections!" ani Iñigo.
"Sustained."
Sumimangot si Alejez pero tumikhim sabay tango at sabing wala na siyang katanungan pa.
"Atty. Sandejas, do you have a witness?"
Nakita ko ang pagtango at pasimpleng paghila ni Iñigo sa necktie niya na akala mo'y nahihirapan na sa paghinga at mayamaya pa ay nagsalita para tawagin ang nasabing witness.
A policeman, SPO2 Aranjuez, after the oath had stated that he saw the results first hand, maging ang proseso ay nakita niya rin.
"Can you give us more details about this?"
"We asked several known agencies to do a graphology test on both the defendant's signature and the documents' signature submitted as evidence to different agencies. You already have a copy of the results after the analysis. However, we also prepared more for you to see." Lumabas sa screen ang iba't ibang dokumento at patunay nang tumango si Iñigo at nagsalita.
"It was stated here that all the signatures on those documents that were used as evidence were products of forgery." Natigil ang buong lugar sa sinabi ni Iñigo. Suminghap si Maica at tumayo upuan para umalis.
She was shaking her head at kita ko ang galit sa mga mata niya, habang nakamasid kay Iñigo.
"It was proven that the documents submitted in court that were used as evidence were forged documents—those were invalid and couldn't be used against my client," malamig niyang sabi. Umangat ang labi ko sa isang ngiti at sumulyap ako sa Dad ko na may tipid na ngiti kay Iñigo.
"That's all, Your Honor."
"Would you like to cross-examine the witness, Atty. Alejez?" the judge inquired.
"No, Your Honor."
Iñigo asked for another witness to the stand.
"To add something to prove my client's innocence, let me introduce our witness again," he said. He introduced Hubert, Dad's employee.
"Ako po ang pansamantalang secretary ni Mr. Castuares noong mga panahong iyon dahil maternity leave po ng secretary niya," sabi nito.
"You are Ethan Castuares' temporary secretary, correct?" pagkumpirma ni Attorney Alejez.
"Opo."
"And what did you do, Mr. Sanchez?" he asked.
"Ako po ay nautusan na nakawin ang ilang dokumento sa opisina ni Mr. Castuares at gayahin ang pirma niya," paliwanag niya. Natahimik ako at napatingin sa kanya.
Then, suddenly, a paper and a pen appeared in Iñigo's hand.
"Would you mind showing us how you copied Mr. Castuares' signature?" he asked.
He nodded. Sa nanginginig na kamay ay pumirma siya sa papel ng ilang beses bago ibinalik kay Iñigo.
"I'd also like to ask for my client's signature," aniya sabay abot ng papel sa dad na pumirma rin katabi ng kay Hubert.
Nang inilagay sa projector ang pirma sa forged documents na isi-nub-mit nina Fernan, sa ginawa ngayon lang ni Hubert at sa totoong pirma ni Dad.
I immediately noticed how alike it was. Na kapag hindi ka masusi ay akala mo'y isang tao lang ang may gawa pero magkaiba.
It proved Atty. Sandejas's claims about the document's forgery. They must've paid someone to manipulate the results.
"Inutusan po ako ni Mr. Fernan Castuarez," umayos ako ng upo sa sinabi niya at nakita ko ang gulat sa mga mata ng mga tao.
The judge eyed the Perez's seriously when they made a sound at nakita ko ang pagtayo ni Fernan.
"Hindi totoo 'yan! Nagsisinungaling ang lalaking 'yan! Binayaran lang iyan!" sigaw niya at mabilis na dumalo ang mga nurse sa kanya para paupuin siya.
"Totoo po ang sinasabi ko," mahinang sabi ni Hubert bago tumungo. Tumayo si Iñigo at lumapit sa witness namin.
"Mr. Hubert Sanchez was promised by Mr. Fernan Perez that he would be paid once he did what was asked of him. Am I correct, Mr. Sanchez? Ipinangako sa 'yo na kapag nagawa niya ang mga bagay na iniuutos nito ay babayaran ka nang sapat na halaga para sa pang-ospital ng asawa't anak niya, he was tempted to take the money for his family and guess what Mr. Perez did?"
"Objection!" Atty. Alejez's voice roared.
"Overruled," ani ng judge kaya mas nagdilim ang tingin ng abogado.
"Your Honor! My client did not do that! We strongly object to his accusations, Your Honor. Please, reconsider," mariing sabi ni Attorney Alejez sa judge na hindi sumagot at nakinig lang muli.
Hindi pa rin matigil ang huli and I am so sure what he's doing would backfire. You don't question the judge if you want to win his favor, or it would put you at a disadvantage.
"My client never attempted to pay for his own pleasure! We did not do such a thing nor pay any person. We strongly object to your accusations, Attorney Sandejas," dagdag pa nito.
"Order of the court!" The judge took his gavel, looking irritated now.
Natahimik ang buong korte.
"Atty. Alejez, Atty. Sandejas," tawag niya sa dalawa na lumapit sa judge.
We didn't hear a thing but I'm sure they were getting scolded or at least warned for doing that. Lalo na si Alejez na nakita kong itinago ang nakakuyom na kamao sa bulsa.
Sa pagbalik nila ay pinasadahan ni Iñigo ang buhok niya at hinila na naman ang necktie niya bago pinagsaklop ang kamay at nagsalita para magpasalamat kay Hubert na umalis sa stand at walang balak mag cross-examine ang abogado ng kabila.
"I understand your sentiments, Attorney, but I strongly object to your accusations against my client. The documents you submitted were a product of forgery. We were able to rebut the authenticity and it was proven. To add to the clarity, let me show this to everyone."
Iñigo waited for the judge to approve what he was about to do. At nang tumango ang huli ay may lumitaw sa screen at nakita kong shares iyon ng kompanya ni Dad at ng mga investors.
"This was the percentage of shares of Castuares Incorporation SLX Housing Project partnership before and after the incident. Last October 201x, the highest stockholder was Mr. Castuares himself with 54.2% of shares, then Mr. Perez with 35.8%. Then here..." he pointed to something on the screen
"...last November 201x, the stocks of Mr. Perez were slowly rising until he became the highest stockholder of the company," paliwanag ni Iñigo.
"What are you trying to imply, Attorney Sandejas?" ani ng judge.
"What I'm trying to imply here was this one factor proves more that my client has nothing to do with the stolen money. The offshore bank accounts do not, in any way, belong to my client. In his last trial, we have submitted his state of accounts, taxes, and properties, and none of it includes any offshore account."
When Iñigo sat down, si Alejez naman ang nagsalita. Inuulit na paano ipapaliwanag ang pangalan ng Dad ko sa likod ng mga account, he was trying to create doubt as well... I never doubt my baby's capability.
If you started to doubt, you'd end up doubting yourself if it was Atty. Sandejas, you're fighting against.
"I believe we have established the fact that Mr. Hubert Sanchez can copy my client's signatures precisely. We have also proved and refuted the said documents as forged, manipulated, and not admissible in court and they couldn't be used against us, Attorney Alejez.
"Also, I am wondering why it wasn't written and filed how Mr. Perez's stocks rose in a month? How can you prove to me that your client has nothing to do with this if every time you are claiming my client was embezzling money from the project, at the same time, Mr. Perez's stocks are rising? Unless... you decided not to include that, Attorney? I'm sure it will be bad for your client's image. Doesn't that mean something?"
"Objections!" Atty. Alejez hissed.
"Sustained," ani ng judge pero sa halip na madismaya ay malamig lang na nakangiti si Iñigo.
He struck a nerve, and he knew it.
You start doubt? And now, the plaintiff's counsel is doubting his defenses.
The judge nodded at nakita kong may sinulat siyang kung ano sa papel na hawak niya.
Damn, Iñigo, how could you do this? Hindi makapaniwalang isip ko.
An evil smirk escaped his lips at halos kilabutan din ako. Muling nawala ang emosyon sa mukha ni Iñigo.
"Our witness, Mr. Hubert Sanchez, claims that it was your client's order, after all, to forge the signatures and to steal evidence. What can you comment on that?" Halos lamigin ako sa boses na pinakawalan ni Iñigo.
Sa pag-upo ni Iñigo ay ang pagtayo naman ni Alejez.
"I can prove that my client is innocent," ani ni Attorney Alejez. May pinindot siyang kung ano sa laptop at nakita ko ang CCTV footage kung nasaan si Dad na may pinipirmahan na kung ano na kaagad nitong itinago sa envelope at inilabas ng opisina. Doon natapos ang video kaya napatingin ako sa kanya.
"This video proves that Mr. Castuares signed the documents and left after that. He stole it so he could process it. That's it. Thank you."
Halos mapailing na ako sa sinabi ni Attorney Alejez.
He was fucking digging his own grave.
"Here we go again," mahinang sinabi ni Iñigo bago nagpamulsa at naglakad papalapit sa isang lamesa.
He pulled his necktie away again at napangiwi na ako dahil nagulo na talaga ito.
"How can you prove that it was these documents he was signing, Attorney? In the first place, hindi malinaw ang nakasulat dito. It was a CCTV placed far enough not to see the files he's signing, so what proves your accusation?" Itinagilid niya ang ulo at naglakad-lakad habang natigilan naman ang abogado.
I noticed Fernan's rage, nakakuyom ang kamay nito sa cane na hawak at may nurse sa paligid. Maica's nowhere to be found at si Attorney Velgas ay tahimik na nakaupo at nakatingin lamang kay Vaugh na nakatitig naman sa akin.
"That was an invalid accusation, Attorney Alejez," prenteng sabi ni Iñigo. Ang lamig sa mga mata niya ay kita pa rin at humalukipkip siya habang nakatingin sa kabilang panig.
I glanced at my Dad who's been staring at Iñigo at pagkatapos ay sa akin. He smiled when he caught my eye at tumango ako sa kanya habang may ngiti sa mga labi.
Sumulyap ako kay Iñigo nang makita siyang sumusulyap sa akin at pagkatapos ay ngumiti ako sa kanya at napanguso na lang ako nang hindi siya ngumiti sa akin pabalik at tumikhim lang at umayos ng tayo.
Napailing ako at napasandal sa upuan ko. My Iñigo hasn't really changed in court. Still not smiling kahit anong mangyari.
"That's all, Your Honor," ani Iñigo kaya nand'yan na naman si Alejez.
He looked very determined. Matalim ang tingin niya sa 'kin na tila may biglang naisip.
I have a hint. Iñigo talked me through this and the probable scenarios and fuck... it really might happen!
"We have received reports that Mr. Castuares' daughter attempted to steal the evidence against his father. Is that true? Did she try stealing para hindi mapatunayan ang gawa ng ama niya? Why did she do that?" he burst out.
Shit. Ito na nga!
"Do you have proof?" biglang sabi ni Iñigo, his eyes turned stone dead again. He started playing the pen with his fingers at inantay ang sagot ng kabila.
"We have informants that—"
"Attorney Alejez, I am asking for proof," he blurted out. Matigas ang tono niya at deretso ang tingin niya sa abogado.
Nang walang nasabi ang abogado ay napabaling ako kay Iñigo na tumikhim at saglit akong nilingon.
"My client's daughter did not steal any evidence," sabi niya. "Mr. Castuares' daughter is here, why don't we ask her?" dagdag pa ni Iñigo.
Nalipat sa akin ang titig ng mga tao sa korte at kahit na abot-abot na kaba ang nararamdaman ko ay hindi ko ito pinakita. Sumulyap ako kay Iñigo at nakita ko ang mga mata niyang puno ng assurance.
"Your Honor, I would like to call on a witness," he asked for permission, and when he was allowed, ay bumaling sa akin si Iñigo.
His eyes were asking me to trust him kaya tumayo ako sa kabila ng panginginig ng tuhod ko.
I stood straight and held my head high. Malamig na sumulyap ako sa abogado ng mga Perez pabalik kay Iñigo na nakatingin sa akin.
I said an oath and sat where the other witnesses were earlier.
"Here is the daughter of my client, Miss Thallia Castuares," pakilala niya. "Miss Castuares, is it true that you stole the evidence against your father?" tanong nito sa akin.
Inilibot ko ang tingin ko, they are all eyeing me cautiously.
Si Fernan ay matalim ang tingin sa akin pero binigyan ako ng iling at isang ngisi. Probably mocking me for I was guilty pero nang lingunin ko si Iñigo at nakitang buo ang pagtitiwala niya na susunod ako sa plano namin ay napuno ng lakas ang puso ko.
"No," I answered briefly. "I did not steal anything for my father's case," deretsa kong sabi. I did not even blink or stutter.
Everyone in this court is a liar; it's just a competition to see who's the better one.
"Then we say no to your accusations, Attorney Alejez."
Nakita ko ang pagngiti ni Iñigo habang sinasabi iyon kaya napaupo na ako.
"We strongly object to your accusations—first, because of the lack of evidence against her and lastly, because Miss Castuares denied it and I, their lawyer, strongly believe in my client's words," he added. "That's all."
"Would you like to cross-examine the witness, Atty. Alejez?" ani ng judge.
"Yes, Your Honor." Lumapit sa akin si Alejez at nagtanong ng pangalan ko.
"You stole the evidence, didn't you?" he started.
Alam ko na ito. Madalas kong nakikita ang mga ganito sa sinasamahan kong trials ni Iñigo.
"No, I didn't, Attorney," I answered casually while staring at him.
Narinig ko ang mura ni Fernan sa gilid at ang seryosong mukha ni Attorney Alejez.
"Is that so?" he asked. "Then why are you working as a secretary in Sandejas' Law Firm?"
"Can't I, Attorney?" I asked.
"Because..." naputol ang sasabihin niya nang matantong balak pala nilang kasabwat si Iñigo. Magwi-withdraw bilang abogado ko si Atty. Velgas at si Iñigo ang sasalo para umasa at mabaligtad ako pero sa huli ay... sila ang nabaligtad.
Melo Alejez's face crumpled when it dawned on him what was really happening.
He realized why Iñigo's arguments were like this, and why he had the upperhand. I noticed the shift in his expression. It darkened. Pasimple siyang bumaling kay Fernan na nakuha rin ang nangyayari.
Fernan was very pissed. He was glaring at Iñigo as he had betrayed them. Which he did cunningly. It reminded me of the look on Maica's face earlier when she walked out.
The bitch might've realized it earlier.
Naalala ko tuloy no'ng sinabi sa 'kin ni Iñigo ang lahat-lahat, kung paanong siya ang nandito ngayon. At kung ano ang plano nila Maica laban sa 'min.
"You know I pretended to be on their side, right?" Tumango ako. "Maica trusted me, wala sila ngayon ng ama niya at nasa America dahil may sakit si Fernan, babalik lang sila kapag mismong trial na kaya nagagawa ko ang mga 'to."
"I told Attorney Velgas about this certain witness na sabi ko'y magagamit para mas makatotohanan and he agreed, sabi ko ay pumayag si Maica, never did he know that this witness was real and reliable, na lahat ng sinabi niya ay totoo."
"How did you find this man?"
"With the help of my brothers, we paid him and his family's expenses, we also gave them protection in exchange for his statements," aniya.
"I suggested that I can be your lawyer na sinang-ayunan ni Attorney Velgas kaagad. Maica also agreed right away. She said na kailangang ako ang maging abogado mo para sa huli kapag pinatalo ko ang kaso ay mas masakit para sa 'yo."
I gritted my teeth at kumuyom ang kamay ko.
"That bitch!" My anger was palpable.
"Thallia." Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko at tinanggal ang pagkakakuyom nito.
"It was an advantage for me. I thought of urging her to do that, anyway. She just did it in advance before I could. A good thing. Lalo na at mapoprotektahan kita at maililigtas ko ang kaso ng Dad mo kapag ako ang abogado mo so that stunt was a success. The night before he introduced your new lawyer, I went to his office and stole the evidence which we can use here," habang nagpapaliwanag si Iñigo ay mas lalo kong naiintidihan ang mga ginawa niya.
The pain I felt after he had done things to me slowly faded away. It was replaced by an overwhelming love and support. I adored him for saving my father and me. I adored how noble and loving he is.
Mabilis ko siyang niyakap at huminga ako nang malalim. Lumuwag ang paghinga ko at napanatag ang puso ko nang yumakap siya sa akin pabalik. He warmly kissed my head habang humahaplos sa likod ko at ang suporta at pagmamahal niyang ibinibigay sa akin ngayon ay mas lalong nagpatatag ng loob ko.
"They said Sandejas are good men, but they are wrong, baby," he whispered. "We are not noble, we are no saints, and I? I'll never hesitate to be their worst enemy. Not when they touched the people I love."
Mas humigpit ang hawak ko sa kanya.
"Hindi nila alam na kaya kong maging tuso kung gugustuhin ko. You know what? In reality, law is a fucked up system. Lahat ngayon, kung may kapangyarihan ka at tuso rin ang kasama mo ay kayang bayaran lahat. Ang hustisya ay nababayaran na."
I nodded, agreeing. I knew a lot of cases with instances like this. I know that's what's happening with my father's case.
"They trusted me enough and gave me cards to play... Now, let's see who'll get played in the end."
"Because what, Attorney?" kalmado kong tanong, may tono pang malambing at natutuwa sa muntik niyang pagkakadulas.
"You stole the evidence," he concluded again.
I smirked. He was dumbfounded.
"No," I answered firmly. "I didn't. Anong koneksyon sa pagtatrabaho ko bilang secretary sa firm ang pagnanakaw ko, Attorney?"
Hindi siya nakaimik.
Either way, if he said I'd steal the evidence from Atty. Velgas or Iñigo, masisira sila.
"How will I steal the evidence when the lawyers I only came across and worked with were my father's lawyers? Atty. Velgas and Atty. Sandejas. Why would I steal from my own father's defense counsel?"
Now, that's a bullseye.
He didn't realize what's gonna happen if they pointed this all on me.
Like what Iñigo said, we got the upper hand.
Binalingan ko si Iñigo na binasa lang ang labi at pasimpleng kinagat 'yon, nakikipagtitigan sa 'kin.
What a sneaky, smart ass. I'd kiss the fuck out of this man later.
"You are using your connections to get to the Perez–"
"Objections," Iñigo said smoothly.
"Sustained," ani ng judge na bumuntonghininga. "Atty. Alejez, what are you trying to prove?"
Atty. Alejez's shoulders squared as he brushed his jaw and shook his head.
"Nothing. My apologies, Your Honor. That's all." Sabay talikod niya.
I was dismissed.
"Attorney Sandejas?" the judge called. Iñigo walked to the center and said.
"The evidence that was given was not enough to prove that my client, Mr. Castuares, was the real culprit. It was not proven that he is guilty, una dahil sa hindi nagamit ang mga ebidensya sa kanya at hindi malinaw ang mga ito. I have also discovered something," sabi ni Iñigo. Nilingon niya si Dad bago tumikhim at nagsalita.
"My client finally told me why he never denied or spoke about his accusations," aniya. "It was because Mr. Perez and his daughter, Miss Maica Perez, threatened my client."
"What?! What are you saying?! That's not true!" tumayo si Fernan na galit na galit. "Hindi totoo ang sinasabi niya! Hindi ko sila tinakot! Hindi ako ang nagnakaw!" he said hysterically kahit anong pigil sa kanya.
"Sinungaling! Mga sinungaling! They're twisting the story! Mga manloloko!" halos ituro na niya si Iñigo sa gitna kaya napatayo na rin ako. Napuno ng sigaw niya ang korte at galit siya habang tinuturo si Iñigo.
Natigil lang ang lahat nang sumigaw ang judge matapos niyang patunugin ang gavel.
"Order of the court!" he exclaimed, pero patuloy pa rin sa pagsigaw si Fernan na napaalerto na ang bailiff.
"What are you doing, Mr. Perez? Calm down, or I'll have someone escort you out," malamig na sabi ng may edad na lalaki habang nakatingin rito. Bumaling siya kay Atty. Alejez. "Counsel, make your client stop!"
Fernan tried so hard to calm down. Naupo siya pero masama pa rin ang tingin kay Iñigo.
"Continue," the judge said after a brief silence kaya bumaling kami kay Iñigo.
"As I was saying, they threatened him, telling him they would kill his daughter and his relatives if he told the truth." Mapahawak ako sa dibdib ko sa sinabi niya at napatungo.
My father didn't mention anything; he never let me near him so he could spare me from danger.
"What is your proof?" ganting tanong ni Attorney Alejez.
"It came from my client's mouth; that is my proof. What I am saying is I believe in my client's words," sabi naman niya.
"My client did not say anything against Mr. Perez for the sake of his daughter's safety but they continued sending his daughter, Miss Castuares, death threats."
"What threats is that?"
"They paid someone to kill her, tried hitting her car, and pointed a gun at her," sabi naman niya.
"Give me your proof," sa halip ay sagot lang ni Attorney Alejez.
"We have already submitted the police reports she filed and evidence of the threats received by Miss Castuares when they happened. But as of now, we don't have any proof regarding the direct link. However, we already have leads where is—"
"Then the accusation is invalid," putol nito na may ngisi sa labi. Nakita ko ang pagtiim ng bagang ni Iñigo at ang pagkunot ng noo niya pero hindi siya nagsalita.
That is where the trial stopped. They had said their ending piece until they told us the next dates available for the reading of the verdict.
Days passed. I stayed with Iñigo. I was worried about the verdict but I trust Iñigo's capability. I've seen him in court, I heard every claim he refuted and the way he discredits the latter's evidence.
Sa mismong araw ay 'di ako mapakali. Nanatili akong katabi kay Mary Jane at sa tahimik na si Vaughn at si Iñigo naman ay kausap ang Dad ko. Napatungo ako at napabuntonghininga at tinanggap ang tubig na inaabot ni Mary Jane sa akin.
Abot-abot ang kaba ko habang nag-aantay, si Fernan ay may kausap sa telepono at dinig ko ang galit sa tinig niya at si Maica naman ay kababalik lang at walang ngiti sa mukha.
Pumasok na ang judge at abot-abot ang kaba ko. Hindi ako halos makahinga habang nag-aantay at si Iñigo naman ay katabi si Dad.
Hawak-hawak ko ang kamay ni Mary Jane habang nag-aantay at nang nagsimulang magsalita ang court interpreter ay halos mahimatay na ako.
"All rise, the court is now in session. Will the accused please stand?"
Tumayo ang Dad kasama si Iñigo na inayos pa nang pasimple ang kurbata niya.
Sabay-sabay kaming napatingin sa judge at humigpit ang hawak ko sa kamay ni Mary Jane. She tapped my back to calm me at kita ko rin ang kaba niya.
"Because of lack of evidence and strong defense, the defendant, Mr. Ethan Castuares—" Sabay-sabay kaming napalingon sa pintuan nang magbukas iyon at nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang makita si Dash at Zeijan na pumapasok at sa likod nila ay mga pulis na may bitbit na mga nakaposas na lalaki.
"Anong kailangan n'yo?" the judge asked who wasn't able to continue announcing his decision.
A man in a police uniform showed up at may ipinakitang badge sa wallet niya.
"Good afternoon, Your Honor," bati ni Zeijan. "We apologize for suddenly barging in your courtroom. We are with the defense counsel."
"Atty. Sandejas," tawag ng judge. "What is happening?"
Umayos si Iñigo at itinago ang ngiti niya.
"My sincere apologies, Your Honor," aniya. "But before the verdict, we would like to add another witness."
Nagsalubong ang kilay nito.
"What for?"
"Objection!" ani Alejez, "We are only waiting for the verdict, Your Honor, we couldn't–"
But the Judge seemed irritated by Alejez's tone, so he nodded instead.
"Accepted," aniya kay Iñigo na may tinawag na pulis para sa oath.
"Can you tell us about your name and position, Sir?" ani Iñigo sabay tanong kung bakit may mga dala siyang mga nakaposas doon.
"I am SPO2 Richard Dalisay," pakilala niya. "May isinagawa kaming raid kaninang umaga at nahuli namin ang mga ito. Sila ay binabayaran para gumawa ng krimen at may nag-report sa amin na lead kaya namin sila nahuli,"
Dash and Zeijan were watching me, ngumiti si Dash at kumindat naman si Zeijan. Napakurap lang ako.
What the hell is happening?
"Napag-alaman namin kung sino ang mastermind nila, nalaman din namin na sila ang mga inutusan para magbigay ng death threats at nagtangkang ipahamak si Miss Castuares." Umawang ang labi ko sa sinabi ni Zeijan at pinakatitigan ang mga lalaki roon.
"Who paid you to do that?" tanong ng pulis sa isang lalaking bugbog-sarado roon.
"S-si Fernan Perez! Siya ang nag-utos sa amin!" biglang nag-ingay sa panig ng mga Perez kaya napalingon kami at kita kong umatras ito.
"Hindi! Hindi ko sila kilala!" sigaw niya. Naglakad si Dash at may inabot kay Iñigo na kaagad namang kinuha nito at binasa.
Nakita ko ang pagngisi ni Iñigo sa nabasa bago tapikin ang balikat ng kapatid at lumapit sa judge. He gave him the envelope at nagsalita.
"I'd like to submit new evidence, Your Honor," aniya na may ngiti.
The judge shook his head.
"Attorney Sandejas, enough with the surprises. Please submit the evidence ahead of time next time. Alright?"
"Yes, Your Honor. My apologies." He smiled.
Nangiti ang judge bago tumango. "Accepted."
"That is the proof that they sent threats to Miss Castuares," turo niya sa mga lalaki. "And that..." he's referring to the envelope he gave the judge.
"That is the proof that it was Mr. Fernan Perez who was embezzling the SLX Housing Project funds from the start. He's been using my client's name to cover himself. Here are the original documents with his name and signatures." Ibinigay ng judge ang envelope sa mga katabi at sa iba pa bago nagbasa at nag-usap-usap.
"We would be taking a thirty-minute recess to reevaluate the decision and consider the new evidence," ani ng Judge.
Kinakabahan ako sa trenta minuto na ibinigay nila para mag-re-evaluate ng desisyon.
I didn't even go to Iñigo because I was sure he was nervous, too. Kinausap ko lang si Mary Jane para magpalipas ng oras at tahimik na manalangin na mapawalang-sala ang ama ko hanggang sa matapos ang oras na ibinigay.
The court interpreter read the cases that were filed against the accused, my father first.
"Because of lack of evidence against him, the Court finds accused Ethan Castuares Not Guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating Section..."
Hindi ko na nasundan ang sinasabi ng judge dahil nagwawala na ang puso ko't naghaharumentado. Umawang ang labi ko at muntik nang mapasigaw bago mahigpit na yumakap kay Mary Jane. Napahagulgol ako ng iyak at narinig ko rin ang iyak niya sa balikat ko.
"And based on the evidence that was submitted to us, Mr. Fernan Perez will be charged and tried against Fraud, Embezzlement, Forgery, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, and Attempted Murder by the prosecution. So ordered. Session adjourned."
"No! No! That's not true!" sigaw ni Fernan nang lapitan siya ng pulis para lagyan ng posas.
"Maica! Gumawa ka ng paraan!"
"Dad!" sigaw nito at nawala na lang sila nang dalhin sila palabas ng korte. Nawala na ang mga pulis at mabilis akong lumapit sa Dad ko at mabilis siyang niyakap.
"Dad!" I cried and tugged his shirt. Umiyak ako sa dibdib niya at mahigpit niya akong niyakap pabalik.
"A-anak," his voice broke and kissed my hair. "Salamat anak, patawad," bulong niya sa basag na boses.
"D-dad... Sorry rin hindi kita kaagad natulungan."
"Mahal kita, anak. Pasensya na kung hindi ko naipakita sa 'yo," hikbi lang ang sagot ko habang niyayakap siya. "Sana ay hayaan mo akong bumawi."
Finally! Finally, I can sleep peacefully at night! My dream came true, natulungan ko ang Dad ko! We finally proved his innocence!
Walang mga salitang akma sa sayang nararamdaman ko ngayon. My heart was filled with joy and love. Hindi ko kailanman makakalimutan ang araw na 'to.
"I love you too, Dad," humigpit ang yakap niya sa akin at humalik sa ulo ko.
Humiwalay ako kay Dad at kaagad na umayos nang tayo at iniikot ang tingin ko.
My attorney.
I saw him standing near us, nakamasid lang siya sa akin at nang makita ako ay malambing siyang ngumiti. Something tugged inside my chest. It was wild and igniting.
May pumilantik sa puso ko at habang nakangiti siya sa akin ay mas lalo akong napahagulgol.
Natakpan ko ang bibig ko dahil sa pag-iyak at nang itagilid niya ang ulo habang nakangiti at inilahad ang braso niya ay walang pagdadalawang-isip na tumakbo ako sa kanya.
Kaagad niyang sinalo ang baywang ko at humagulgol ako at niyakap ang leeg niya. He just feels so warm, rinig na rinig ko ang tibok ng puso niya at iyak lang ako nang iyak.
He hugged me and kissed my head.
"I love you," bulong niya at paulit-ulit akong tumango at halos magpakarga na ako sa kanya dahil sa pag-iyak.
"S-salamat, Iñigo, s-salamat," humihikbi kong sabi at narinig ko ang mahina niyang tawa at ang pagsubsob niya ng ulo sa leeg ko.
"Anything for you, baby," bulong nito at napaiyak lang akong lalo. Mabilis ko siyang tinulak at bago pa man siya makapagsalita ay hinawakan ko ang magkabilang pisngi niya at binigyan siya ng isang malalim na halik.
"I love you, I love you!" paulit-ulit kong sabi habang pinapatakan siya ng halik sa labi at tawa naman siya nang tawa sa ginagawa ko pero nakikisakay rin.
"More kisses, baby, napagod ako." Tumango ako at pinaulanan siya ng halik sa mukha. Tawa pa rin siya nang tawa at niyakap ang baywang ko bago hulihin ang labi ko at siya na ang humalik nang malalim sa akin.
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