“Ask him boss if what is his crime."
“Okay but from now on, he will be under my protiction. Are we clear?” Angelo firmly said ignoring what the other inmate said.The man hold Angelo’s hand then clasp both hands and bowed as a gesture of thanks and respect.“You go to that bed.” Angelo commanded at the new arrival and point the double deck bunk bed on the opposite side.The new arrival immediately followed Angelo and utter foreign words again. Angelo felt something mysterious about the man. For weeks the man has no visitors. Angelo ask the guard about the man’s crime but even them has no explanation. They hinted that the man’s crime was related to drug trafficking. A crime despised by Angelo so he begun to keep his distance at first. But the man is always following him where ever he went in the compound.“Le Fong.” The man constantly said to Angelo, pointing to his chest. Angelo predicted that it was the man’s name so he called him Le Fong. They tried to communicate thru sign language. Until he begun to like the man.Until one day, Le Fong got a visitor. A lawyer and a woman. The woman was pretty and her feature shows royalty. The lawyer was a Filipino. Le Fong and the woman talk for a while and then turned to Angelo. Uttered a foreign word which he could not understand.“She said, Thank you.” The lawyer interpreted.Angelo flashed his timid smile and said, “What crime he was in, Attorney?”The Pinoy lawyer introduced himself as Atty. Jack Bien. Angelo learned that Le Fong was a victim of mistaken identity. He was Vietnamese and was just visiting as tourist. But because Le Fong cannot speak English the arresting officers, filed a case against him as drug trafficker.“They were looking for chinese drug courier, incidentally they found Le Fong and was traded as PALIT ULO.” The lawyer furthr explained.PALIT ULO is a modus of some crooked police to show off their accomplishment and to declare cases as closed. Presenting dummies like Le Fong and freed the guilty in exchange for money.“This man is so pitiful." The lawyer said. "The family was looking for him for long time. That woman is his sister. They never stop until they got leads where Le Fong was lock up. But it took them months before they found where Le Fong was. That day Le Fong was freed. Angelo thought about his situation. Like Le Fong he was also a victim of crooked elements of Police Force. He was framed with a crime he did not commit. Robbery and murder was his case. Planted evidence and fabricated testimonies brought him to jail. He later on learned that the frame up was orchestrated by police officer who wanted him out from the operation and replaced by the officer’s crooked men.But again, deep inside he believed that it was his father who brought him to jail. If he was not abandoned, maybe he finished schools and have a better life. Not like this. Time will come. Time for reckoning. His anger towards his father constantly grow as sufferings filed up.Be ready Arnald Lopez, I will get back to you. Very soon.One day Angelo received an unexpected visitor. Le Fong was with a man his age. The man introduced himself as Han Le.“Le Fong was my younger brother.” Han Le continued in straight English, a language that Angelo understand. “He said thank you for protecting him during his time here.”“So you speak English. Why is it that Le Fong can’t?” Angelo asked a little intrigued.“I lived in America for quite sometimes. But now I am in our country to take over our family business.” Han Le narrated.“Thank you for your visit.”“Don’t thank us yet. I have a proposal for you.”Angelo was puzzled but said no words.“Le Fong told me how tough you are. I want you to work with me. I need people like you?”“How could I, I am in jail and my sentence is life.”
“Don’t worry, we will do something about it. As far as I knew you are just framed.”In a month Angelo was freed. He later on learned that Han Le had pulled some strings in the bureaucracy. He later learned that Han Le was an influential leader in their country. His family was actually very rich with lots of business interest. Among them is export. Angelo learned the trade until he was assigned as point man handling all transaction in the Philippines.Just a few years, Angelo gained his millions and his reputations as businessman. He learned the trade well. His experienced in the underworld before help him to delivered all their exported goods to the Philippines from agricultural products, textiles and almost everything. He became the master of pulling strings from every office he dealt with. He learned that everybody has his price. Money can buy everything.He acquired properties in both countries. He immersed to business and social circle. His good looks and wit, are his passport to enter even in the very illusive circle of elites. The world of his father and his brothers and sisters.By this time, he had already known everything about his despised family. His research was thorough with the help of the private investigator he hired. He had already found out about the other siblings. And he promised to himself that he will bring them down one by one. He will introduce to them the true meaning of sufferings. The sufferings he suffered from being abandoned.Among his brothers and sisters, Samantha was the most visible in the social circle. Being an international model, she was always featured in magazines and newspapers. It was easy for Angelo to bump and befriend Samantha.He was amazed how the little girl he saw when he was seven years old turned into a beautiful gorgeous lady.He was almost tempted to bring Samantha to bed with him. Her beauty was really exceptional. Her pretty face was almost angelic and her body was so appealing. He had already gone to bed with many pretty girls in countries he visited but Samantha was really different. There are nights he woke up fantasizing Samantha. He almost jerked off thinking Samantha making love to him. And the temptations even grew stronger as time went by.He made his way to meet her in one of the fashion shows in New York and they actually dated a couple of time but everything just ended in dinner. When Samantha invited him to escort her during her father’s birthday, Angelo felt that fang inside him. At last he will personally meet Don Arnald Lopez and his other brothers and sisters.Sleep was not easy that night. Angelo remembered the events and how he played along with his brother’s and sister, especially Samantha who is so pretty with her red gown. She played well as his girlfriend, and as he smelled that scent from her almost brings his erection.His excitement grows stronger as he plotted his plans in his mind. He smiled and wonder how Don Arnald feel when he destroyed his lovely daughter Samantha.It’s payback time.CHAPTER 4DIVINA MONTES woke up that morning in a foul mood. Her head is aching and she was hungry and almost starved. Hang over caught her. And her feeling of being broke almost crushed her sanity. She lost a huge sum of money last night at the casino and the manager refused to loan her again because of big amount she owed. Her frustrations file up remembering the continuous losing in the casino. Because she could no longer play, she went to the bar and spent the whole night drinking.She forced herself to the kitchen. Took some medicine to ease the pain and swallowed it with water.“Hi mom? Drunk again?” Samantha greeted her mother with the usual dialogue. What is new after all, her mother is always drunk every night. Waking up sober is like raindrops at summer time.“How’s your father’s birthday?” Divina ask almost inaudible evading her daughter’s comment. “Owchhh. My head.”Divina hold her aching head while Samantha help her seat before she answered.“Well, he is looking for you?”
CHAPTER 5ARNALD Lopez huge office was located at the penthouse of Lopez Enterprise at the thirty fifth floor. The building was situated at the center of Makati business district. Arnald business operations was housed and consolidated in this building. This serve as his fortress of his business empire that almost occupied a small pie of every industry. He practically owned shares in every leading industry.Angelo looked around as they and Samantha stepped out of the elevator. He was quietly impressed by the office interior which was almost parallel to many other offices abroad.Not for long, I will crash your empire, Arnald Lopez.Arnald greeted his daughter and Angelo, pleasantly but less warm. He talked to Angelo for a while.“So you are into import business?”“Yes sir import and export.”“Maybe we can have a drink sometimes. Maybe we can discuss business.” “That would be great sir. How about tonight at my yacht.”Arnald shake Angelo’s hand firmly and the later poster meaningful smi
CHAPTER 6M/V Marisa is a fifty feet long yacht moored along Manila Bay along with other yachts owned by prominent family. Angelo named it as tribute to her mother. The foods are already ready and the caterers and waiters are on standby waiting for instructions.Angelo glanced at his watch. It was almost seven o clock but a little early for the arrival of Don Arnald Lopez. He took a sip of champagne and look around. The sun had long gone and the western horizon was but a shadows of darkness which is in contrast with the night image of the metropolis. The towering buildings were well lighted but on the northern part was a silhouette of houses of the slam duelers. It was the part of Tondo where he grew up.Angelo remembered those days when he slept at night without foods in his stomach. He literally knew the true meaning of hunger. Growing up without a mother and father is like growing up in hell. There are times that his conscience was losing and the fiber of morality flew away because
CHAPTER 7Angelo almost panic when he woke up. He was disoriented at first remembering where he was. Although it was common for him to wake up in somebody’s bed with hangover of course but today is different. When he remembered where he was he almost jump out of bed.Samantha’s bed.Angelo immediately realized that they were both naked. Samantha was still sleeping. Angelo gathered his clothing with care not to awaken Samantha. As he stared at the nakedness of her, he noticed the red spot of blood in the white beddings.She was still a virgin. Oh my gosh, what have I done?He walked out of the room and slowly close the door without bothering to wake up Samantha. As he crossed the living room he was sure now that he was in Samantha’s condominium.“Good morning.”“Huh!” Angelo was surprise hearing Divina Montes. “G-Good morning.”“Would you care for coffee?” Divina offered as she prepared her own.“No thanks. I have to go.”“Is Samantha awake?”“I really have to go.” Angelo said rushing
CHAPTER 8BUGGY her gay road show manager coldly accepted her news. His feign excitement upon seeing Samantha in his place changed drastically and reveal his true color. For Samantha, Buggy is her friend. In fact, one of her closest friend in her circle of few friends. Buggy used to be very supportive managing her career as a model but now, upon hearing her pregnancy he became adamant. Her pregnancy means Buggy’s loss. Commissions lost and deduction to his income.Buggy owned the bar located in the metropolis. A fruit of his labor as manager of many models. He also owns the modeling agency supervising Samantha’s career.“So what is your plan now?” Buggy ask as he refill Samantha’s wine glass.“I’m not sure yet. “She answered truthfully.Abortion came into her mind but her conviction is not strong enough to kill a baby inside her. Some part of her is excited to be a mother. In fact, motherhood is one of her longtime dream only if there was a father. She gritted her teeth as she remembe
CHAPTER 9FOR the first few months everything goes well for Samantha. She is beginning to like the job. Being born from wealthy family, job like this is unacceptable at first. It is a disgrace. But thinking about her daughter, she has to be strong and do whatever it takes to survive. She has no relative here to rely to. All her so called friends before are no longer available for her. Gone are the days wherein she can easily mingle with them.Those days are no more. A memory of the past. A memory of her heydays. Samantha understood that fully well. She is no longer among their level. But she can still start all over.Letting go of the past and accepting the present is easier to live a life. But sometimes life is not always fair. Mrs. Kim died due to her ailment. Mr. Kim was so sad and devastated due to the loss of his wife.“I had already sold this shop, Samantha.” Mr. Kim sadly announced after his wife was cremated.Samantha was surprise and eventually became wary. She didn’t see thi
CHAPTER 10MARIA was the Mexican nanny that Samantha hired when she is at work. She was among the immigrants granted with citizenship and had freely enjoyed the status so far. She and her husband had fled their country like others who were seeking for greener pasture. But her husband died before they were granted their citizenship. Her husband Luis was mugged and killed by the local gang. Her only son Luisito was so hurt that soon decided to join the local gang hoping that he will find out who killed his father so that he can avenge his Papa that he dearly loved.Maria was so depressed losing her husband and now his only son was always out of the house joining the gang. She earned meager income from doing household chores for some clients. Cleaning houses, washing clothing and taking care of kids for working parents. She worked hard to meet both ends. From time to time Luisito gave her money. She is savings for her plan to return to her country. She was afraid that her only son will m
CHAPTER 11She was on her seventh birthday dressed with floral blouse that is her favorite, a gift from her Dad. Her school mates and friends were happily singing happy birthday. Her mother Divina almost adore her little child while chatting with friends.“Blow the candle baby. Come on Samantha blow it.” Her mother was saying with her high pitch voice betraying such happiness as a mother.She was hesitant. She looked around for her Dad. She was hoping that the new big teddy bear promised to her will be delivered personally.“Make a wish, Samantha. Blow it.” Her friends more excited than her shout in unison. Once again she looked at the door’s direction hoping that her Dad will walk thru. “Blow it Samantha, your Dad will not come.” Her mom whisper.“He promised mom.” She said flatly almost in tears.“He will not come. I told you.” Her mother shouted at her. The expression suddenly changed. The face was a picture of so much anger. The eyes burning with rage. She was taken aback by surpr