Chapter V: Innocence

Sunday is a designated family day for most of the working class. The magnificent white-sand beaches of Camp Rock are a sight to behold on these days. Families drove in bunches to take a dip, exchange hottest gossips, indulge in beer and foodstuffs, and most importantly take a break from work. This two-kilometer beach known as Orchard Shore rivals that of South Beach in Miami, Florida with stately palm trees sitting side by side with lofty buildings and sidewalk cafes less the hurricanes and ArtDeco. It is a great place for bike riding, sunbathing, outdoor dining and strolling, although topless sunbathing is still outlawed.

Mang Pilo and his family were having their weekly reunion. He has 7 other brothers, who, like him, have blue-collar jobs around this southern city. Pilo’s other brothers are a cab driver, three are security guards of various banks, two are on-call plumbers, and a janitor in a posh hotel. They were all married and with kids. They’re not what you can call a small unit. Their parents instilled in them the importance of family more than anything else. They were not rich in earthly possessions but they were certainly well to do in their closeness to relatives. Twenty years after their parents passed away, the Anunsacion brothers always take time to meet with each other every Sunday and celebrate together special occasions, above all, Christmases and Thanksgivings.

It was Pilo’s day; the attention of the big clan is on him. Apparently, the siblings learned of his supposed involvement of Raymond McMillan’s murder. And like all rumors, each had his own version of the account. One story’s version told of Mang Pilo driving his truck into the murdered man’s body cutting him in half; another one was of Pilo’s involvement in an organized crime syndicate originated in Japan; and another, a rather hilarious one, the old man’s intimate relationship with the businessman turned sour.

“Hey brother, do you personally know Raymond Mcmillan?” Edwin, who is a plumber, started the inquisition. “You should have given him my calling card. I also do plumbing works on planes just so you would know.”

“Is it true you are dealing drugs behind our backs Peter?” Zaldy the cab driver asked.

“That’s very unfair of you! At least give us some commission!” the youngest and an escort of PrimeBank showed no savvy at all.

“Shut up all of you! Can’t you just drink your beers and listen to the man?” It wasn’t a question but a command from their eldest brother, Rolando, the janitor.

All of them nodded and sipped their ice-cold beers. There was silence. The calm before the storm.

Pilo dropped on them the gory details of his encounter with The Finger and the Precious Ring. Occasionally, making some twist in the story to highlight his imaginary heroism. Pilo waited for the right time to make the kill, cherished the look on his sibling’s faces, and ended the tale by saying “his unearthing of the body will lead to the destruction of a bigger evil” rather offhandedly. Minute after minute, he was transformed into a Lord-of-The-Rings legendary character. Jaws dropped. Goose bumps grew. Then bedlam came. The Anunsacions now has a hero in their midst! Long have they waited for a savior and get them out of the pits and he has finally arrived! The beers were passed around. The legend of Pilo was born, at least to his clan.

Lynette was still in comatose lying in the Intensive Care Unit. A tragic accident which destroyed 10 lives exactly 3 days ago did this to her. Fortunately, her modern car, Alfa Romeo, was equipped with a fairly state-of-the-art braking and anti-impact system. The blow was lessened and a certain death was downgraded or upgraded, depending on which side you look from, to a coma. The severity of her ailment hasn’t been escalated by her doctor and that she has a big chance of recovery. Neurological damage was not that extensive on her, in fact she had exhibited eye opening response just yesterday.

Her father, Don Diego Buencamino, took it hardly and is still in medication. Barritz stocks temporarily took a big hit in the market before Bernard, Lynette’s half-brother, took charge of the corporation. He restored order amidst the chaos and steered the company out of the crisis.

Since day one at the hospital, Sean never left Lynette’s side. They arrived exactly the same time at the emergency room where Sean was also taken by the ERUF Team Leader after he collapsed. Sean felt responsible for Lynette’s present situation. If he would have been gentleman enough to fetch her wherever she was at that time before their supposed date, she wouldn’t have suffered this much. A modern knight in shining armor he is.

Rolando took a leave of absence on Monday. He called and told the HR Department of the Le Grimaldi that he had the flu and that an associate will be coming to substitute and pick their trash. Rolando has been the senior janitor of the posh hotel for quite some time now, another two years to complete the pension requirement and he can retire. But he is still strong for his age. He sat still in his study desk and stared blankly at the small thing on his palm. He doesn’t have the flu. He had the tape. He found a small data tape while rummaging through his boss’s garbage last week, kept it and watched it. What he saw disturbed him and he was bewildered on what to do with it.

He can throw away the tape for good and hope that no one sees him while throwing it; or he can report to the authorities who will surely eliminate him for good reasons; or he can give it to the press people. They surely know what to do with it. They’re not the media for nothing. Or he can call their family champion for advice.

He elected to do the latter. He immediately made a long distance call to Zeebu where his brother works as a bulldozer driver in a dumpsite.

Mang Pilo answered his phone.

Casa Mohica had been so hushed lately. Gone were the rowdy speakers that play R&B all day long; so were the daily visitors and friends of Rolly dropping by for a sip or two; the weekly high-stakes local card game, tong-its, has also been stopped. The enormous mansion is a sleeping giant, for now. It is not the lively place it is known to be without its point man. Rolly is still in mainland US for a series of surgery and an expected long and tedious therapy thereafter. To add insult to injury, he is also the main suspect in an ongoing accident investigation that might charge him with so many lives lost. If he would be unfortunate enough to be convicted, he will face life in prison and possibly beyond.

Rizniel slowly opened the door of his fiancé’s house with the other hand holding fresh roses. He wanted to surprise his lover on their anniversary, but looks like she beat him to it. Rose petals were thrown on the floor leading to Cherry’s room, the first floor was dimly lit, Boyz II Men echoed in the living room, and aromatic candles were everywhere. I hope these won’t start a fire, Riz chuckled at the thought and he felt a surge of hot blood on his face and something grew under his pants. His manhood was knocking.

He opened the door leading to the pink room and a girly fragrance greeted him. The only light in the room was the one coming from the bathroom and a silhouette was standing right in front of the bed. The lighting combination inside the room was what all Cherry needed to bring out the best of her curves. Very stiff breasts and firm butt highlighted the curvature. Manhood stood erect than ever.

She was wearing a yellow, linen dress, no brassieres, and an edible panty. Rizniel approached the Goddess in front of her and stroke her hair and face. She sucked his fingers while unbuckling his pants. Down goes his trousers and his lucky polka dot brief brightened the room. Cherry bit her lips to stop her from laughing out loud. This seems to arouse him more. She slid her right hand inside his brief to feel his now very hard manhood. He let out a moan. It was a sign Cherry understood and she immediately knelt in front of him, while stroking gently his balls. The voluptuous surgeon swallowed Rizniel whole. A ringing telephone was ignored. The moans increased. She showed her expertise under him as Riz tiptoed and leaned on the wall to steady his balance.

When Riz was just about to burst his juices, he grabbed her arms and pulled her up. He gently laid his lover on the bed, kissed and licked her long neck, smooth shoulders, and erect breasts. He stopped to play awhile with her very stiff nipples. Tried to cup her breasts, his hands were not big enough. Mariah Carey screamed in the background. She too felt the electric on her spine.

“Oh, Shit! I love you baby!” Cherry said as she grabbed his hair.

Riz continued licking her body downward, kissed her panty then ate it. He was starving. It’s his time to show what he’s got. She spread her legs wide, anticipating a visitor to come in. He licked all he can gently down under while his two hands were busy stroking her nipples. This caused Cherry’s slender legs to shudder, both her arms on her head, giving in to submission. He was driving his girl mad.

“Don’t stop! Don’t stop!” begged Cherry.

It went for minutes then the lady screamed; she felt the spasm. Her whole body suddenly became stiff, her legs arched and her mouth in an O shape. She was finished.

He immediately got on top of her and she obliged. She put on her legs on his broad and muscular shoulders. He entered her, again and again. After about twenty minutes, he was finished and she, with her second.

“Whew! That was great, honey! Love you!” Cherry, drenched in sweat

“Love you more!” Rizniel assured her and kissed him on her forehead.

Tranquil is a modern resto-bar/hotel/casino/city floating along the coastline of Camp Rock. Almost 900 feet long and a hundred feet wide, it is a decommissioned aircraft carrier belonging to the Morpheus class of the US Navy and bought by restaurant magnate Stephen Starr who subsequently signed a tie-up with the Calloway family to enter the Asia Pacific market. It is a gargantuan restaurant that boasts international cuisine from all seven seas and continents, Mars almost included. The restaurant is a tourist attraction for its uniqueness as much as its food.

Located at the bow of the ship is the VIP room. There weren’t that many people this afternoon as it coincided with the city Mayor’s birthday. Marlowe Branch, the owner of a world-class resort, The Pairidaeza, is having his usual Roasted Chicken glazed in honey and lemon. He wasn’t invited to Mayor Villaluz’s birthday party because they were at war since time immemorial. And the two belonging to opposing political parties did not help in reuniting them. His business associate across the table watched intently as he devoured his meal. Marlowe really doesn’t care if his colleague suddenly drops dead as long as his chicken was cooked the way he liked it - juicy but not soggy. It took Marlowe exactly fifteen minutes to finish his meal, wiped the oil around his mouth, and a big burp to signify his satisfaction. No apologies given and none forthcoming.

“What was it that you want to talk about? This seems very important for you to suggest we meet during my favorite time of the day.” Marlowe addressing his friend for the first time

“Huh? Oh I’m sorry.” The guy wasn’t quite ready after seeing how Marlowe ate the whole chicken in a zap. “I’m sorry to disturb you in your most precious time, but this is indeed urgent and requires your immediate attention sir.” Trying to compose himself.

“With regards to what exactly?”

He glanced around to see nobody else in this section of the restaurant; even waiters are nowhere to be seen. Buttons are instead used to call their attention. This is one of Tranquil’s uniqueness. “Election and the Governor to be exact.” He whispered.

“That’s interesting. We have dirt on him?” Marlowe’s attention all on his friend

“Pretty big mud sir. The likes you can’t clean with a year’s shower.” They like to play coding games in public places.

“Big huh? What kind of evidence are we talking about?”

“I have a tape.” Flashing a devilish grin, arrogance has taken over Marlowe’s partner. He slowly put on top of the table a small data tape. A symbol of power for now apparently found its way on the wrong hands.

Chapter IV: A Dark Day

Lieutenant Collins just finished his coffee, his fourth this morning. Three weeks passed and not even a clue on the perpetrator of Raymond McMillan’s murder. The most respected and celebrated CSI agents from Los Angeles were actually called upon by the government to examine the crime scene. Initial report indicated that the murderers were adept in what they do. Not leaving any evidence plus the fact that the site was contaminated in more ways than one, left the investigators in the dark. The nagging headache hit Collins again today trying to listen to the taped interview of the old guy who found the body in the dumpsite. The elderly was more than willing to impart his experiences in the dumpsite all these years rather than answering the queries regarding the body. Coupled that with a not-so-fluent English, the interview was a sure nonsense and by all means a waste of time.

Crimes of this nature are usually forgotten easily by the media, but not this one. The slain person was a prominent figure in the business world, a world synonymous to power and influence. Raymond had so much potential and a very bright future… Well that is if you exclude his bitchy fiancé Angel Perez in the equation. In fact, the transportation industry attributed the success of Pinoy Air to his leadership and nonconforming albeit risky decisions.

The young officer was at a loss, a huge wall staring at him in the face. Just an hour ago, Mr. Collins received another call from Mrs. McMillan inquiring about the progress of the investigation to which he answered the usual “were doing our best” thing. The victim’s father fortunately had a successful heart by-pass surgery which was triggered by the news of his son’s death. Right now, the officer has nothing to go forward with except some of Raymond’s personal things which have not so far helped in any way.

Collins took a nap. Maybe the headache would go away.

Rizniel was rummaging through his folders and portfolios earlier than usual today. He was so eager to finish his activities lined up for him that he actually forgot to brush his teeth and hastily sped off to Le Grimaldi. His office was not the usual workplace of an executive; this was more of a hide-out where he did all of his more important work. It is located just right below his executive office, where he meets guests and does all his official business. The ‘office’ underground is known only to the architect and a couple of workers. Almost all furniture here is made of Brazilian rosewood including his long worktable. At his right side are two personal computers, four large security monitors that can focus on every inch of the hotel in a few strokes of the keyboard, and a set of sophisticated equipment full of buttons for thermal imaging, GPRS, and versatile multi-channel audio-video system. From his desk, Riz can actually go anywhere in the world without actually leaving his room. He can actually access all the rooms in the establishments as well as the bathrooms. The state-of-the-art equipment he has here is more than enough to run a fairly big organization.

He accidentally brushed a stack of paper on his left and a box full of 4mm DDS-5 data tapes drops to the carpet. Rizniel took it and nonchalantly put in back on top of the heap. The label on the tape baffled him. It said “New Year Brokeback.” New year what? Riz was more perplexed than before. Located at the right end of his room are two large media cabinets mounted on the wall. It neatly organizes his precious dvds and media tapes in groups according to relevance. Tapes that are left to wander in his desk are usually trivial and ready to be thrown in the trash. He picked up the small tape and seriously considered on playing it, but decided against it and threw the cartridge in the trash canister. Riz got back to his folder.

When it comes to sophistication and grace, Lynette Buencamino stands out in the crowd. She had been a consistent honor student, graduated summa cum laude in college, took her masters in business administration at Kellogg School of Management and finished her doctorate at Harvard. She is now the COO of her family’s business, Barritz Corporation, engaged in poultry and meat processing and packaging. 30 years young, Lynette is one of Camp Rock’s most sought after. One bachelor pursuing her these days is Sean Calloway. They met through a common acquaintance which was somewhat just a cold introduction. But after bumping into each other a couple of parties after that; Sean finally mustered enough courage to take her out on a date.

Lynette took the day off to visit the saloon and have a makeover. She needed no alteration at all but for her this is quite a big day. It’s been a year since she went out on a date. Men lacked the nerves to ask her out, she’s is just too complete, perfect. Sometimes she hated herself for being that. They’re going to dine in the famous floating resto-garden of Tranquil, owned by Sean’s family, of course. It was once a tradition for the man to fetch the lady at her house, but that like all traditions, they evolve with time. They decided to meet up at the doorstep of The Cathedral. Lynette actually liked it, she found it cute for Sean to suggest they meet in a church on their first date. Barring any unforeseen incidents, this date might end up where it started, church.

Ms. Buencamino, stunning in an Armani dress, started her Red Alfa Romeo car 8C Competizione and off to her first date in a year. It’s hard not to notice her.

Rolly started knocking down a couple of RHs as soon as the clock stroke noon. He was with his usual group of friends, dumb kids with rich parents in their natural hang-out, Burnin Joe’s. The restaurant offers eat and drink all you can from twelve noon to six in the afternoon. San Miguel Beer’s RH is their favorite booze here combined with their specialty, chili hot burger patties, it’s a temptation they cannot turn down every Friday. At first glance, it is ironic to see these rich kids getting wasted in a drink-all-you-can bar, but admission here on Fridays needs management approval. Only rich, powerful and famous people are allowed inside. It’s like a secret gathering of influential people who wants to get wild and throw all inhibitions out of the window but far from the scrutinizing eye of the public.

Today’s show was extraordinary. Sexy ladies in kinky dress serve the orders and names were called out every hour to come up on stage and dared to body shot another customer of opposite sex. Long tables abound the floor closely positioned that patrons sit back to back and side by side with the adjacent table. Several private rooms were available at the back for people who want to bring their petting and necking one notch higher. The whole establishment was dramatically lighted red to recreate the Sodom and Gomorrah scene.

Rolly and his rich amigos came out of Burnin’ Joe’s past seven, well past their alcohol tolerance. The restaurant management tried to offer them drivers to take them home but Royce insisted. What Royce wants, Royce gets. He zigzagged his way to his new SUV and almost scraped the door of the car parked next to his. Upon entering, he turned on his mp3 player right away and Eminem’s latest hit echoed throughout the entire parking lot. They sped off.

Five minutes later, doing eighty kilometers per hour, Rolly ignored a red light at the intersection of Figueroa and Magallanes. He lost his grip on the steering wheel and swerved to the left, they crashed head on to an incoming car. Rolly’s pal on the other SUV chasing behind, bumped them in the rear sending Rolly’s car fifty meters away. Chaos ensued.

The senior janitor made his usual round in the first two floors of the hotel where the administration offices are located. Only he can go in and out of these offices and he had earned it through the years. He collects the trash and used utensils in these offices. He prioritizes cleaning Rizniel’s office. He never bothered to ask why his boss needs two trash cans; needless to say he is not aware that the other can was used for the room below. Well, what the heck! Both of the cans don’t have trash in them almost everyday anyway. As long as he does his job diligently, paid on time, respected and loved by co-employees. Other people’s garbage would be none of his business. The old man contemplated.

And what does he know? One of the garbage actually has something in it! Well good for you! The boss finally found a way to make use of you! He smiled. He was tempted to slip in his hand and find out what it was. He hesitated after realizing that it could be something disgusting. Curiosity got the better of him and down his snooping flimsy fingers in the trash. It was something like a cartridge, whispered thank you to his god that it wasn’t something sickening as he feared it would be. The janitor was worried that snooping around the boss’s garbage might cause him his job. But who cares? Nobody’s around! He took the tape and slid it in his pocket.

Sean was devastated. He had just been stood up in a date with Lynette. What could have happened? She’s not answering her phone; her secretary said he took the day off; and he was here for about two hours. She lives just blocks away, approximately twenty minutes, even in heavy traffic. A nun approached Sean.

“Can I help you my Son? I noticed you been standing there for two hours now. Are you afraid to enter the house of the Lord?” The nun asked

“Oh! Good evening sister, I mean mother, or uumm” He was uncertain how to address her. “I’m really sorry I am not sure what to call you.”

“Sister is just fine my lad.” The nun reassured her.

“Yeah. Umm sister, I’m supposed to meet up a lovely lady here for a date. I don’t know what happened; she’s not answering any of my calls!” Disappointment is clear in his voice.

“Oh, I see. I’m sorry to think that she might be in some sort of trouble but didn’t you hear there’s an accident a couple of blocks away? It’s a very big pile-up. They closed Figueroa.”

“Oh my God! I’ve got to go mother, I mean sister. Thank you for the information.” Sean dashed to the gates.

“You’re welcome. God bless you!”

It was huge pile-up. There were a total of 15 cars reduced to rubble by the accident, sending the downtown traffic to a complete stop. The city’s elite Emergency Rescue Unit Force arrived in five minutes, like many other bystanders, the ERUF men were shocked by the enormous wreckage in front of them. Paul Rama, the designated team leader tonight, immediately barked instructions to his men. In his initial assessment, this must be some sort of a car chase and connected to a crime that unfortunately ended in this mess. But his theory instantly changed when he saw the wreckage of a very expensive Sport Utility Vehicle, the Hummer H5, the only one in the state. He doesn’t have to see who’s driving it and it may be too prejudicial for Paul to conclude but even a devout catholic like him can’t help it. Alcohol and narcotics should have a hand on this mishap and no doubt started by these rich kids. He watched as Rolly’s body, bathed in blood, was carefully taken out of the car. It may have been the result of this horrific setting, but he swore he saw a sneer in Rolly’s face. Asshole!

The accident amounted to 15 damaged cars, 6 dead bodies, and 16 seriously injured, including a lovely lady in red being pulled out of her undistinguishable car. At that same time Sean arrived. He fainted, good thing his guardian angel was behind to catch his fall, in the person of Paul the ERUF team leader.

Chapter III: The Remains

The B-Dog was rather tired to make its round today, a hot, humid Wednesday. Peter could not believe what’s happening as he pulled his bulldozer, the B-Dog, to the side and hear its 2-decade machine went from bad to worse. He went somewhat reluctantly down the stairs of his truck which had undergone repair and overhauling last week. Peter, Mang Pilo to his close friends, relatives, and local scavengers, is a bulldozer driver in Breakridge, one of four dumpsites in the city of Zeebu. He’d been working here for all of his life and is planning on retiring at the end of the year. Four months and he can finally rest. The lines and marks on his palm is a never-ending tale of his life. Old and fragile, Mang Pilo needed his hands to be strong to grab the railings and support him on his way down. Each step is a struggle yet every stair down is a success.

After what seemed eternity, he finally felt the all familiar dampness of the soil, fecal matter, garbage or whatever was underneath his sole. He proceeded to the back of his earthmover to check its engine. Sweat ran down his befreckled face under the scorching sun that was reported today might reach heat-wave proportions. But Mang Pilo’s steady and hobbling gait is an art he had mastered over the years especially in the unstableness of his workplace, he easily made it to the back. Smoke was billowing from the engine and a sharp hissing sound was audible. In earlier days, this would have been nothing and would be easily taken care of by the old guy. But that was centuries and firm muscles ago; he decided to head back to the office and let the younger mechanics handle B-Dog. Just as he was about to leave, he noticed something was stuck in one of his truck’s front-mounted blades. It was not unusual to find the weirdest things in a heap of garbage but it was glowing extraordinarily so he decided to check it anyway. The glow came from a new gold ring that must have cost a fortune. This would definitely be a great reward for Peter for his hard work and perseverance that is unequalled. This made him daydream a little and a smile showed on his face, a smile that quickly transformed into shock and dreadfulness. The ring was still attached to a severed hand.

Angel was awakened by the ringing phone. Who would call in the holiest of all hour? It’s 3 in the morning! It must be the devil, in mockery of Jesus’ 3PM holy hour. Yes it’s the devil! She secretly swore. She reached for her pink phone but was prevented from doing so by a disapproving hand on her soft and curvy hips. The hand, belonging to one of the richest and sought after bachelors in the state, rolled over her butt and pressed. Rolly and Angel bumped into one another at a high-end bar downtown a couple of hours ago. A couple of tequila shots later they were heading to Angel’s condo. It’s a good thing my dear Raymond is on a business trip, Angel secretly thought. This is gonna be a night to remember!

“Let it ring baby.” Rolly continued pressing delicately her behind

“It’s just a sec honey. Could be my mom, you know. Oh, God! I hate these time zones!”

“Yes!?” Angel with an angelic voice

“What? Are you serious? Where? When?” The angelic voice became satanic in an instant.

“I’ll be there. Thank you!” She concluded

“What’s the matter, baby?” A concerned look on Rolly’s face.

“Raymond’s dead! They found his dismembered body parts in a dumpsite up central state!” the usually composed Angel wailed.

The Mcmillan family owns Pinoy Air, named after PAL, the first commercial airline in Southeast Asia, which unfortunately crumbled to bankruptcy after its patriarch was assassinated at the height of a failed people power dubbed as EDSA IV in 2007. The airline boasts a new fleet of Airbus A380 Super Jumbo jets, making it one of the most modern and biggest in the industry plying the route of Asian countries. Today is a normal business day, no accidents, no delays, no reroutes and a 78% passenger turn-out. Another good day. Except that it wasn’t. The family just received the news of their young and vibrant president being found dead, in a dumpsite, chopped into pieces. To add insult to injury, the CEO, Mr. Frederick Mcmillan, suffered a heart attack upon hearing the tragic news; he was immediately taken to the National Heart Center.

Rizniel was pacing up and down the stairs leading to the penthouse of Le Grimaldi. He received the news of Raymond’s body, or body parts to be exact, through his secretary who nonchalantly greeted him with a chopped up body newsflash. Riz was certain that something went wrong during the body identification and that the crime scene investigator was drunk. Shit happens. Especially when you’re working in a dumpsite, he tried to console himself. Denial is a good buddy for now. He was about to go into oblivion when his cellphone rang. It was Sean.

“Rizniel here, Good morning”

“How are you Riz? I’m just out of words to say right now. How could someone do something as grisly as this to Raymond?”

“I don’t know Sean, I just don’t know. He never told me anything about a serious problem that merits this! We should take the responsibility to get to the bottom of this.” A resolute voice echoed in the halls.

“You’re his bestfriend, and we are partners for life but don’t you think we should leave this to the proper authorities?”

“And deal with this goddamn bureaucracy? We don’t even know there’s a conspiracy shit going on! You know those feds and csi’s!” Riz couldn’t contain his anger

“Hey! Calm down! I’m on your side. We are on Ray’s side. What I’m trying to say is we should make decisions and take actions only after we are settled. There are a lot of things to be taken care of. We shouldn’t be hasty. Besides, if your silly theory of the feds’ conspiracy shit is true, they would have busted your door right after you mentioned them.” Sean said at his best diplomatic mode.

“OK. You’re right, How do you that?” Rizniel was calmer now.

“Do what?”

“That! Being so calm and composed and think clearly even with all this pressure.”

“Ha! let’s meet at the Café in an hour. Take care. Bye!” Sean ended

“Dr. McBride, Proceed to OR, Code Blue” Stat Operator announced.

“OK we have another one, coming.” The young and gorgeous Dr. Cherry McBride just finished talking to Rizniel, her boyfriend of five months.

Cherry was somewhat worried knowing how her boyfriend feels for his bestfriend. It was a shock how a president of a big airline company could be murdered grotesquely and end up in a garbage pile. The society we are in is slowly losing it. What happened to our morality and religious upbringing that our state is known for? Cherry took a series of deep breaths. Knowing deep inside that answers to this kind of questions never really existed. She had her share of family misfortunes in the past. A rather subtle way to put it considering her father and younger sister were victims of a breaking and entering crime. A notorious group of youngsters in the suburban were high on crack and entered their home and what was supposed to be a simple act of vandalizing, but we always forget that the devil also works in mysterious ways. Mr. McBride went downstairs upon hearing voices. That was the end of him. Cherry’s younger sister was found dead with 28 stab wounds. Autopsy revealed she was raped over and over again.

Dr. McBride shed a tear, thinking for about a second and then she realized she had an operation waiting.

She immediately put on her surgical gown, mask and shoe cover and made a dash to the OR. It’s fascinating to see a lovely doctor jog on her way to the operating room knowing that another person’s life is on the balance, and his savior is on her way, jogging though not flying.

“Martin, what do we have here?” Cherry addressed her co-doctor

“Patient suddenly collapsed 20 minutes ago. Signs point to a heart attack. He has had angioplasty before, no bypass yet. He is 68 years old and quite a personality doc. I bet you we have media people outside the hospital as we speak.”

“Really? And he is?” Cherry had a quizzical look

“Frederick McMillan, the CEO no less of Pinoy Air” Martin beamed with smugness

“And father of a butchered man,” Cherry added.

Some 620 miles away a sinister character contacted Malacañang. It’s done.

Chapter II: The Day After

By early morning the main highway of the city is a cacophony of sounds. The city never sleeps and everyone seems to have the same enthusiasm to start the new year with the right attitude. Camp Rock ascended to the top primarily because of its human resources. Its strategic location may have helped somewhat but its people made everything achievable. A lot of businessmen here literally came out of nowhere, out of nothing. Take for example the ever smiling Mr. Ron Varias, the king of sweets, desserts and delicacies. He started as a banana-que and turon vendor, setting up his commerce in front of elementary schools. When the bill was passed prohibiting the selling of food outside elementary schools, he made the big jump to start a franchise for his delicacies, using the small amount he profited from his small time business and the money he received from his evening work after his resignation. He now owns thirty stores around the state selling yema, banana-que,turon, cuchinta, bibingka, maruya and a lot more. There’s also Ms. Jocylene Santiago, who owns schools that cater to special children. She was just an ordinary teacher, took and finished with flying colors her masteral, and a couple of doctorate degrees from a reputable school in Connecticut. Her extraordinary zest to help special children stemmed from his son of her first marriage with actor Craig Shaffer. Her child was suffering from Pervasive Developmental Disorder. He died at the age of 10 due to Cystic Fibrosis. Instead of succumbing to depression, she devoted her life to helping children. Jocylene now owns, with her husband Allan Santiago, a learning institution in more than half of the states in the whole nation. Then there’s Marlowe Branch, who inherited a couple of islands from his grandparents and converted them into paradise, he created Pairidaeza which literally means paradise. The rest is history.

Magallanes Avenue came to life earlier than usual. This twenty kilometer stretch has six lanes on either side of the road, trees lined at the center, and has a state of the art rail transit running down below. This thoroughfare houses boutiques of the biggest names in fashion, more like that of the fashion avenue in Hollywood. Huge hotels and establishments find this highway a good home for their own ventures. Magallanes highway is in fact a statement of how far and high the Camp Rock city has become in terms of economic prosperity. Thirty five floors above is Sean’s workplace. This 2,000 square meter floor houses RC Victuals, an up and coming player in the restaurant and catering industry. A rather modest office beautified with world-class furniture specially made from Metropolitan Zeebu. The Calloways’ patriarch, Ricardo Calloway started this company from virtually nothing. Convincing bank managers to loan him the money needed to put up the business. Hard work, perseverance and love for the craft allowed the company to expand from Camp Rock city to almost all the big cities of the state.

“Sir, it’s your mother on line 2!” The angelic voice of Virna reverberated through the room.

“I’ll take it Virn, thank you!” A half-awake Sean murmured

“OK, you need anything else Sir? you look like you could use a month’s rest.” Virna affectionately offered. She’s not used to seeing her boss so wasted after a party. Not that Sean doesn’t like to party, he always looks fresh in the morning after a good party even after knocking down a good number of RHs. Not this morning. Poor kid. Virna thought. She sensed a deep problem somewhere in there.

“A good cup of coffee will do Ms. Salimbangon! Thank you!” Sean replied to his single-mom secretary, a petite but sexy lady. A spate of not so good relationships made her toss in the towel, at least for now and concentrated on raising her 6 year old daughter.

“A cup of coffee coming right up!” mimicking a McDonald’s waitress. “And oh, your mother is still on line 2” Virna rejoined.

“Morning! And how’s my beautiful mom doing?” Sean managed to maintain a good voice.

“I’m OK. God is good! I do hope all of you are doing fine there! So how’s the company doing? Your siblings here are giving me these questions about our business only you and God know the answers. I cannot expect to receive an answer from HIM so I’ll ask you instead. Apparently it’s been a month and they haven’t heard a thing from you. It’s a family business my son, you have to keep everybody in the loop.” Mrs. Calloway, a fairly beautiful mother, all of her 60 years, wasted no time in getting to the point.

“I’m really sorry mother, I’ve been very busy the past couple of months. Were in the brink of making a deal with a rather big company, and I wouldn’t want to preempt it. You don’t count the chicks if they haven’t yet found its way out of its shell. You taught me that. I was planning to have a conference with the family after we get the ink on this one.” Sean explained.

“Well that wasn’t hard now was it? Now at least I have something to tell them. God bless you son! You really are a bright man! I’m so proud of you! If only your father’s here!”

“Well, he’s not here and neither are you. Thank you anyway! I’m keeping my fingers crossed mom. Rest assured I will call for a conference next week whatever happens. Bye bye now. Take care and send my hugs to everyone. “A sudden burst of pain hit him in the head. Sean thought, I could really use a months rest! Where’s that coffee?

Back to Casa Mohica, it’s still 9 in the morning and with the exception of Rolly, who is just garbage as hell, there’s no clue of a big party that just happened the night before. Everything is clean, water hoses whirling, cars are shining, and the play of sweet music from the organ filled the mansion. The Guts are not expecting a guest or any head of state visiting, but if you are man of importance, being always ready comes in handy.

Raymond swore he never felt this good in his whole life! Sex life, that is. He is a self-proclaimed God-given gift to women. He’s been with all of them from young magazine models, college nursing students, career-driven ladies, and even married women. Not one of them worth keeping and not even close to his standards. He’s a pig. And the pig has found an angel. They just finished making love for the nth time since early dawn.

On the other side of the bed is Ms. Perez. Angel was brought up in the Mainland US, specifically Texas, from a Caucasian mother and Asian father. She has two other sisters from a failed first marriage of her mother. Rumor has it that her sisters are as lewd as her and it usually is the reason of a nasty quarrel in the family. Angel has frequented this pacific state ever since her high school days and has long been in love with the tropical climate, relatively less expensive food and beverages, and of course its exotic men. She just had her breast enlarged eight months before, couple that with her gym-toned body and 5’8” frame, it’s hard not to notice her. She usually stands out in the crowd. But she’s a bitch’s bitch to put it calmly. She sleeps with all of them. She’s a hog. She’s found her match, and she’s happy for it.

“Mornin Baby!” a kiss from Raymond

And she obliged. “You want me too prepare our breakfast? How do you like your eggs?” a teasing Angel grinned.

“Oh I like them just fine, you leave them alone now! Let the housemaid do the breakfast. What do you say we hit it again?”

And they did the nth plus one more time.

In the middle of Camp Rock city erects a forty-floor huge international hotel, Le Grimaldi. Originated in France, this hotel giant has expanded aggressively in the last couple of years after merging with several middle players in the hotel industry. The Legaspi family had a hard time initially convincing the consortium in investing their money in the Philippines, a new state accepted in the union about ten years ago. More so, the Legaspis, known hoteliers, are encouraging the group to put up business in the southern part of the state, which has a history of terrorist bombings and Islamic insurgency. But that was an era ago and this bustling southern island is known as a Pacific get-away destination, a fact Rizniel’s family leaned on heavily in winning over the Grimaldi group.

Designed after its French counterparts with a little taste of Filipino thrown here and there, the hotel is just magnificent. This awe-inspiring edifice usually houses high ranking government officials, big time businessmen, as well as celebrities whenever they visit the city.

Most important guest for today is the head of the state himself, the governor, William Concepcion. A stout man in his mid sixties, the patches of baldness in his hair is a testament of his being a veteran on the political arena. Started at a young age of 30, he entered the political scene as an inspired councilor in the city of Zeebu. After two successful runs at the same position he finally took the office of mayoralty of that same world class city. There was no way of stopping him from there; he ascended as a governor of the state winning a landslide vote. He is adorned by the public for his strong will and determination to fight corruption, for not stepping on righteous others on his way up, and for his being religious, on public. The latter playing a vital role to get the votes because of the state’s predominant Christian voters.

He is in his usual presidential room with customary bodyguards protecting from the outside. Mr. Concepcion is having a breakfast of omelet, bread and butter and hot coffee over a bunch of newspapers. But he hasn’t touched his meal yet; he’s glued on CNN’s breaking news concerning a high ranking male official in Washington being caught on tape with another man! It would have been a small dot on the press radar were it not for the fact that the official is a Senior National Security Adviser of the President, married to a woman, and has two kids. A scandal of war proportion like this is sure to rock the high office. The governor hurriedly rises from his crouching sitting position and awakens the man beside him, his lover of early thirties.

“You have to get out of here! Now!” A sense of urgency in the governor’s voice.

“What? Now? Why???” The perplexed young guy asked.

“Now! For Christ’s sake, stop being a kid and stop asking questions! Do as I say! Get dressed, and get out, my guard will take care of you!”

He was chauffeured out of the hotel in an instant. Nobody knew where he came from and why was he there; except the governor, his bodyguards, the lover himself and Rizniel Legaspi, the hotel’s general manager.

Chapter I: The Gathering

Everyone was thrilled. It was New Year’s Day here in the 51st state of USA. Here in this southern city of Camp Rock, the first day of the year is celebrated with fireworks, overflowing booze, roasted calves and pigs and pockets of gunfire can be heard from time to time. It is a point of fact that this way of celebrating holidays and festivals in this state is a manifestation of the three hundred years occupation of the Spanish armies and priests before it became a part of United States of America. It is a lasting symbol that the Spanish Empire made in this South East Asian archipelago.

In Mr. Gutierrez’ residence, the atmosphere reflects the mood in most of the city’s elite abode – blasting music reaching hundreds of decibels, expensive sushi, fettuccine al gorgonzola, spring lamb chops, all kinds of beers, cocktails and wines, and people partying till they drop. The Guts, as they are fondly called, is one of the city’s most prominent families mainly because of the vast wealth they have accumulated, and passed from generation to generation, in the last seventy or more years. Today’s Guts were nowhere near their original family ascendants who started their success story. The family then had simplicity painted all over their faces. They never showed off their money, their cars, even their house, although it was considerably large at that time, it wasn’t proportionate to what they actually could have afforded.

The Casa Mohica, Guts mansion, lies on a 5-hectare well-landscaped area. The house was designed by Mr. Moriarti, a known architect from Italy, using big rounded Gothic columns, large glassed Greek windows with trench curves at the side, an airy veranda as façade, gigantic chandeliers and with very spacious rooms inside. A large water fountain welcomes guests at the frontage. The swimming pool is found at the back of the hall. In the left corner of the vast vicinity is the parking lot. The collection tonight is eye-popping; it’s like being in a European Motor Show in Brussels. Hundreds of small bulbs strategically placed in the enormous area make the scene astonishing.

The party today in the Guts vast mansion was organized by Rolly, the eldest son of Mr. Richard Gutierrez, the CEO of 3G Group of Companies. Rolly, still in his mid-twenties, is still at school, but by his life style, everyone who doesn’t know him would surely mistake him for a successful businessman. His name alone suggests prosperity, probably taken from a brand of a loaded car. His closest friends even call him Royce. The gathering showcased the influential populace of the city. A portrait of these people would have made it to the who’s who magazine. Lester de Ocampo, Camp Rock’s youngest councilor ever elected, was present; as well as successful businessmen Marlowe Branch, Crispin Diaz, Jocylene Santiago, Ron Varias and many others whom you would only see in a presidential banquet.

There were also the eldest sons and daughters of those who can’t come, probably having their own celebration or attending some gathering they think would turn out more investment.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is a great pleasure for me to introduce to you the honorable host of the night, Mr. Rolly Gutierrez.” The opening words were greeted by a thunderous clap and howl from the audience, some reluctantly, some more sincere, some maybe just the result of some unexplained muscle impulse.

“Good Evening Everyone! Happy New Year!” greeted Rolly, who wore a black Manalili Tuxedo, the latest fad, brushed-up hair, polished black Magoo shoes and a clean-shaven million-dollar face.

“Perhaps it is fate that gathered us here tonight to welcome the year ahead of us. Undoubtedly, it is in everyone’s mind that we celebrate this day for the good year we just had and to have another successful and trouble-free year ahead of us. I would like to acknowledge the presence of no less than the governor of our beloved state, Honorable William Concepcion.” The Governor stood to recognize the deafening applause given to him by the assembly.

“What greater way to greet it but with the most prominent people of this city! Guys, there is no limit here! Even heaven can be achieved tonight! Enjoy and have a wonderful evening!” With that, the boisterous speakers came to life as the select audience came to dance and forget, even for just one night, they are the city’s cream of the crop.

In one corner of the enormous Gut area, three gentlemen are in a huddle, talking anything but business. Raymond, of the Mcmillan family who are in the air transportation business; Rizniel, of the Legaspi family who are into hotel management; and Sean, whose family, the Calloways is in to Restaurant industry; are three close friends since they were in their high school. Although still young in their late twenties, they corporately own a construction company. Probably tired of all those money talk they spent all year long, this night is all about cocktail, sex and ladies, masochism is more like it.

“Ever wonder how much Rolly has put up for this party?” Rizniel, a soft-spoken man of athletic physique and oriental face, asked the group.

“Oh you know him, Royce wont arrange a gig if it wont out-budget the one before it! But I got to give it to him. He surely knows how to impress!”

“Guys better tone down Royz’s here.” warned Raymond.

“Hey! Now this is what I call a party! What’s up Mr. Guts?” little appreciation on Rizniel’s voice

“Oh you’ve seen nothing yet and you guys will never see anything if you three just planned to lay your eggs here! Go and meet some ladies, there are a lot hot babes around. Hey Sean, any plans of getting laid?” Rolly joked.

That last one brought out a good laugh from the group, it’s good to hear people of wealth still know how to pull some smiles here and there, who wouldn’t smile with such money?

“Yeah Sure! You have anyone in mind?” Sean challenged.

“Alright, you three come along now, let me pimp you guys!”

Approximately there were about five hundred guests invited in this place, by the looks of it almost everyone has come and more are expected to arrive. This annual gathering of the selected few, although five hundred isn’t, in any calculations, few, is always one of the biggest in Camp Rock city. Here, the businessmen take the opportunity to sweet tongue the politicians in lobbying for some laws or city ordinances that would improve their commerce. In one table located at the center, there sat Mayor Villaluz, members of the Senate State Legislature Glen Antonio and Mahmoud Farouk, Mr. Milan and businessmen of Chinese decent Mr. Dy and Mr. Ho, and young councilor Lester, who at his age is already the prime person to be the next mayor of the city.

“Mr. Ocampo, I’ve heard our good mayor here has set his eyes on you to be the one to succeed him in his office. Congratulations in advance!” Mr. Milan, the president of Robins Holdings, a multifaceted business firm located up north, broke the ice.

The mayor smiled towards the young councilor as if giving him the go signal to answer the question.

Lester hesitated, gathered his thoughts before speaking: “Well, that is very flattering and I thank the mayor for his confidence in me. But really for now, Mr. Milan, I’m still concentrating on the issues important to the people now and worry about the election later.”

The Chinese businessmen nod in agreement as if that is what they wanted the councilor to do for now. Everyone knows they only care for their businesses and profit. And that would mean they care only for the ordinances that would cut their taxes in half and make their life easier.

“I can agree no less to Mr. Ocampo” Glen Antonio concurred. “We still have fourteen months before the next election, and hundreds of laws to review and pass. What I want to know, instead, is his side on certain issues like abortion and same sex marriage. Those issues are tearing up the city in half, we have to address them the soonest.”

Mayor Villaluz, sensing his protégé is being challenged and might not be able to withstand the pressure especially with a couple of drink of vodka, came to defend. “Well, I think there is a proper forum for tackling those issues, in fact we’re having our second session this second week and it would be great if some members of the board would be present” the mayor showing with flare his age in politics threw the ball back to Mr. Antonio and Farouk’s court.

“Yes of course that would be great. We will be there, I think my calendar is not that bad” Farouk replied.

Lester let out a sigh of relief.

Mr. Ho yawned.

At around 10 in the evening, more of the younger businessmen arrived as the older ones started thinking of good reasons to get out of the place, almost certainly, their age reminding them their time for parties such as this is over. Nobody was amaze by the revelry being showcased; in fact, it would astonish the crowd if it’s a simple one. Frugality is not one of Rolly’s known values, if he has any. Everything was more than enough, the overflowing liquor, the caloric food, and handsome men and gorgeous women were everywhere.

And by this point in time, Riz, Raymond and Sean are having conversation of sorts to striking women of their liking. Since they belong to families of good stature to the community it is only logical to see them talking to people of wealth. Riz was conversing with Cherry McBride, a young surgeon and a new face in town. Cherry is probably talking about syringes and stuff while Rizniel is thinking of the only injection that he knows. Sean is chatting with Lynette, the eldest daughter of Don Diego Buencamino, tycoon of the meat-processing industry. Some might have wonder if they were talking about meat or some other flesh. Angel Perez was hooked in a light-mood chitchat with Raymond. Angel just came back from mainland US and the talk within the circle is that she’s doing it with almost everyone who talks to her for more than five minutes. It looks like she has found her match in Raymond. A tall but lanky man, Raymond always finds a way into a woman’s skirt. He possesses a handsome face, straight refined hair and fair complexion.

Of the three, Riz and Cher is the couple that looked like they’ve met each other long time ago. Cherry is the kind of woman who wouldn’t be in the list of beautiful faces. But as a general practitioner and a body to die for, who needs an angelic face? The just-acquainted twosome is kissing and hugging you’d think someone’s trying to take them away from each other. But in nights like this, prohibitions are thrown out the window and whatever happens here is left when the gates are closed for the evening. Because they are the city’s best and they should protect their names or put it more correctly, the name of their family and whatever business they are engaged in.

At last it’s time to go home. Except for Sean who opted to drive Lynette back home, the friends wound up with their respective dates for that night. The party ended or rather started to cool down at around three in the morning, only after the host himself was well drunk for his own good. As the chosen crowd went in their businesses, everyone can’t help but think about what a party it was. That’s Rolly, always making a good first and lasting impression. The city’s men of power rested, and so the whole city rests…