It was cold. He shivered. The night was clear but there were little stars to count to get past the boredom of being a watchman. Or a stalker. Whichever works. Hidden in the dark, he fought the urge to smoke, fearing that his presence within the condo premise would alert the security. He sighed.
“Man, why would I accept a case like this? Hell, it's not even a case.”
He recalled a few days ago when a woman came over to his place regarding the 'case'. To investigate about her husband's affair, if any and dig up more information about the mistress. He refused but when the wife offered a substantial amount upfront (and he happened to be in need of cash), he reluctantly took it.
“The money, huh. It's all about the paper...”
He was about to give up when he saw the target. A middle-aged man just got out into the parking lot with a relatively younger woman. The 'stalker' quickly pulled out a digital camera and took a few shots (with disabled flash) of the couple. Both of them got into the luxurious BMW 3-Series and drove their way out. He checked out the shots he took. Not to his surprise, most of them were almost pitch black. He managed a smile.
“A few graphic tweaks will do the trick.”
With that, he stepped out of the darkened area, revealing himself under a dimly-lit lamp-post. He was wearing an all-black outfit with a biker jacket covering the black top. Standing at around 180 centimeters, he was lean and good-looking, has moderate-length, dark hair and fairly clean features.
An elderly security guard who happened to patrol the area noticed him. “You! What are you doing?”
He dashed for the nearby wall quickly and did a high jump (much to the security's astonishment) without much problem. He landed on the other side and made his way to his bike nearby. He put on the helmet, revved up the engine and stormed away from the place.
“The Stalker is calling it a night.” he thought.
..................
She slowly opened her eyes. She turned to the clock beside the bed. It was already 11am. A scribbled note was nearby; The payment already in your account. Meet me at the usual place tonight.
She turned to the other side of the bed. No one was there. He was already gone. In her nightgown, she got up. Her body felt tired after last night's event. She fell back on the bed and reached out for her cellphone. Within seconds, her message had been sent, declining the offer for tonight; Sorry, I can't make it. I'll rest for today. Maybe next time.
She got up again and groaned. “I think I'll abuse my medical leave again...” she thought.
..................
The 'stalker' woke up early in order to process one of the shots he took from last night. He was focusing the shot on the lady. The original copy was pretty dark. Other than her shining jewelries, nothing stood out to make out her features. He opened up the image editing program and loaded the image. After countless attempts (almost taking up the whole morning), he finally got a decent picture of the face. He narrowed his eyes as he tried to remember that face. The face that broke his heart in the past.
“I'm sorry we have to part ways like this.”
“Why? Because of what other people said?”
“No, it's not that...”
“We can work this out. Try to believe me...”
“I believe you. But our worlds are ways apart. I don't want to lose you because of me...”
“Then tell me what's been bothering you. We'll pull through this together.”
“No. I can't. Please, stop contacting me. It's over between us now...”
“Anna!”
“Forgive me, Azrael...”
A tear dropped onto the keyboard before he noticed it. “Joanna. Is this what you've been doing? After all these years?”
His cellphone rang, rocking to the tune of heavy metal. It was his client. He picked up.
“Hello? Yes, good morning. Yes, it is just as you suspected. Alright. I'll meet you there. Yes, see you.”
He ended the call and sighed. “I'll give the photo and that's it. No more stalking for me.”
..................
It was noon in the city center. For most people, it was lunch time and it was also considered as peak hours as many business pickup at frantic pace to catch up with the demands of the masses. However, she remained calm in her seat inside the Starbox Cafe, taking a sip from the ice mocha she ordered. A few hours ago, she called in sick, much to the chagrin of her boss. Of course, she didn't give a toss. As long as there are reasons and a letter from the doctor, she didn't have to fear for her job. She took another sip. Moments later, a man in a black suit entered the place and took a seat in front of her. He had a pair of shades on. She stared at the sunglasses coldly.
“What do you want, McCall?”
The man, known as McCall grinned and took off his sunglasses, revealing a pair of dark, red eyes. “Ah, I'm pierced by your glare, Miss Joanna.”
Joanna pulled out a small case containing a mini-disc. She then slid it across the table.
“Take it.”
McCall accepted and put it into his pocket. “Good work as always. I'll send 'her' to finish the job.”
Joanna gasped. “'Her'? You don't have to send her for that kind of work!”
“You have no say in this matter. Do as I say and your boyfriend will be alright. Or have you forgotten about him? It's only two years.”
Joanna muttered a curse through gritted teeth. McCall smiled.
“Very well then. I'm leaving you to your devices. I will call you for the next task.”
With that, he left the angered Joanna behind, swearing eternal pain to McCall. She leaned back on her seat, softly calling out the name of the one she loved; Azrael...
..................
At the shopping mall lobby, Azrael almost fell asleep waiting for his client. The public was still going about their business even when the working hours were almost over. He looked at his watch.
“Goddammit. It's already 3. Where the hell is she?”
Moments later, a woman in her early 40's approached him. Despite her age, she was still attractive and a few passers-by looked at Azrael with envy. Her long, flowing red hair stood out. She was wearing normal office wear yet her graceful movements would rival an accomplished fashion model.
“Sorry. I was stuck in traffic. You know the road at this hour...”
“That's okay, ma'am. Here.”
Azrael produced a small envelope from the pocket of his jacket. The client took it.
“I've included both soft and hard copies. You can do anything with it.”
She pulled out the photo of Joanna and stared for a while. “She's so young. Looks younger than you, I'm guessing.” she commented.
“So it seems.”
“She would have been perfect for you, don't you agree?” she smiled teasingly.
Azrael slightly blushed. “That's...a different matter altogether, ma'am.”
“Please stop being formal with me. Call me Sherry.”
“Alright then, Sherry. If you don't have anything else, our business is over.”
Sherry nodded, then smiled. “Very well. But...”
The investigator raised his brows. “But?”
She held his hand and left the area. “How about having fun with me today? I'd like to get some steam off.”
“W...wait just a sec here...”
Sherry turned to him, smiling cheerfully. “You came here on your bike, right?”
“Umm...yes...”
“Great! I'll ride on it.”
Azrael stared at her for a while, causing her to blush slightly.
“Wh...what is it?”
“You're not riding on a bike with that outfit, right?”
Sherry looked down at her long skirt and chuckled. “Ah. Hahaha. You're right.” She went silent for a while, trying to think of a solution to the current problem.
“I won't object if you would still like to come.” he said.
Azrael's words knocked her from her thoughts. “Pardon?”
“I would like to help you relieve your stress, ma'am,” he explained. “Consider it an after sales service.”
Sherry's face brightened. Her smile made the private investigator blush. “Thank you, Azrael.” she said.
“A pleasure, ma'am.”
“I thought of an idea. I'll buy some suitable clothes just to ride on your bike.”
Azrael smiled and nodded slightly. “Very well.”
..................
Deep within an underground lab, McCall had just handed the disc Joanna gave him to a woman in lab coat.
“Reluctant as usual?” she asked.
“As always.”
The woman took a closer look at the disc. “If we reach our target with this data, I don't think her service is required any longer.”
“What will happen to her then?”
“That, is up to 'him'.”
McCall went silent. 'Him'. Nobody dared to say the name of their leader. Not even his closest associate. He heard rumors that anyone who says his name will be killed in a most gruesome way. He gulped as he stopped himself from saying it. The woman grinned.
“You almost died there.”
“The keyword is 'almost'.”
“Heh. You don't look happy with what our boss will do to her.”
“Obviously. What is he thinking?”
“Do you like her?”
McCall didn't reply and left the room. She grinned. “Humans...” She shrugged before going to her computer to check on the disc.
..................
“Jo! Hey!”
Joanna turned around to see her close friend, Nikki. She wore casual. Her dark, short hair was highlighted with a few streaks of blue.
“Nikki!” They embraced each other.
“I've been trying to reach you for weeks! Where have you been?”
“I've been busy lately. Sorry about that.”
“That's okay. As long as you're doing fine. How are things?”
Joanna found herself unable to reply. Tears formed in her eyes. “I...don't know...so much is happening around me...I...”
Nikki held her shoulders. “Let's find a place to talk, okay?” she suggested. Joanna agreed.
..................
Nikki stared long at her friend after she finished her story. “I...see. I have no idea what you were going through...”
“I'm sorry for keeping this from you for so long...” Joanna apologized, without looking back at Nikki.
“It's okay, Jo. You've had enough of it, right?”
Joanna nodded. “Yeah. I can't take this any longer. But I don't know how...”
“I guess. Can't do that without help...” Both friends went silent, trying to figure out a way.
“Oh, I know!” Nikki exclaimed. “How about we have Azrael help us?”
Joanna was startled. “Az...rael?”
“Yup. He's running a PI business online. Kinda famous. I'll email him about your case.”
“But I don't have much money to hire him.”
“Don't worry. He usually accepts a small amount of cash. Or so I've heard.”
“I...see...”
“You've not heard of him since you two broke up?”
“No...”
“I know you don't really like it. But I think he's the only one that can help you now.”
“Nikki...I...I...”
Nikki held her shoulders. “I'm not asking you to go back to him or anything, okay? Just treat him as friends and you'll be fine.”
Joanna gave a nod. “I know.”
..................
It was already dark when Azrael dropped Sherry in front of her bungalow Sherry simply stared at him as Azrael took off his helmet. Azrael blinked.
“Yes?”
“I've not had this much fun for a while. Thank you.”
“No problem. It was a pleasure, actually. I hope you will manage from now on.”
“Thank you. I will do my best.”
“Well, I might as well leave.”
He was about to his helmet back on when Sherry stopped him. She brought her face closer to him. Azrael found himself unable to resist her gaze. Their lips touched and stayed that way for a while. Azrael was startled. Sherry smiled.
“Thank you, detective. And goodbye.” she said before opening the auto-gate to her house. Azrael nodded and bade her farewell.
“Goodbye, Sherry.”
..................
Joanna threw herself on the couch as soon as she reached her apartment. Earlier, Nikki had sent an email to Azrael concerning her problem. She was happy,and yet at the same time she dreaded a possible meeting with him and wondered how he is doing these last two years.
“Azrael, have you forgiven me for what I had said? The way I had left you?”
She closed her eyes and recalled the memories they shared. Joanna and Azrael were set apartin terms social status. She was the daughter of a well-known businessman while the latter was a normal young man who had inherited his late father's PI business. The two got to know each other through an online social site. Joanna fell for his looks, but after knowing him better, she loved him even more. Azrael rebuffed her at first (due to the gap in social status) but they eventually became a couple due toJoanna's persistence. What surprised most in Joanna's circle was their age difference. Then, she was only 17 while Azrael was already 23. Due to this, they'd started to influence each other; Joanna matured beyond her years while Azrael shared her rashness and short fuse. But their relationship only lasted for a year when the mysterious syndicate D.G. appeared and asked her to continue her late father's job. Joanna didn't want to but they threatened to kill everyone close to her should she decide to refuse. With a heavy heart, she severed ties with Azrael and stayed as far as she could from him.
Joanna drifted to sleep, with tears flowing down her face. “Azrael ...”
..................
McCall entered the darkened room cautiously. He heard a faint, swooshing sound directed at him. He dodged and a loud thud was heard. The lights lit up. A woman in revealing outfit stood in the middle. She was holding a few darts between her fingers.
“Sidhe ...”
The woman called Sidhe narrowed her eyes. “I told you not to call me by that name when I'm not on a job.”
McCall sighed. “Rebecca ...”
“That's more like it. So tell me, what is it?”
“Another target needs eliminating. The usual.”
Rebecca hissed. “I'm getting tired of this. I don't like you, your organization and your boss.”
“If we reach our target, this will be your last.”
“Hmph. Somehow, I don't think so. But whatever.”
“Details will be sent to your own cell.”
“Advance?”
“Transferring to your Swiss account as we speak.”
“Expect good news next morning. I believe you will keep your end of the bargain.”
“Of course.”
..................
Azrael entered his apartment, exhausted. After the date with Sherry, he went out for a ride. To ease the memory of Joanna off his mind. “Joanna ...”
The light from his monitor flickered. Azrael checked it. “An email ... from Nikki?” He opened the message:
Heya Az! Sup? Been a while, right? How're you doin? Hope you're doing okay and all that. Anyways, I just wanna tell you that I have some matter you might wanna look into. It's concerning Jo. I'm worried about her. We'll come over to your place before noon. Please reply this to confirm, ok? No, you MUST reply. Otherwise I'm gonna come over and slap you downside up, you hear? Much love, Nikki
Azrael smiled. “She's still the same ...” He sighed. “Joanna ... no. It's over now ...”
He decided to reply the email.
..................
