ROYCE
Leo and I exchanged looks, while I was trying to remember what happened that night.
“After our drag race, my friends and I had a little drink and then we separated at almost 7 in the evening. The night was fine and my drive home was smooth until I saw the deformed white car on the side of the road. I drove fast so I was able to break a few meters away from the accident. I had to run back to the car as I knew the passengers badly needed help. When I arrived, the car was smoking a little so I hurried and grabbed the man near the broken window. I thought he was lifeless as he didn’t even move when I dragged him out of the car a few meters away. I ran back to the car, aiming to help the other passenger but it was impossible. The man was stuck in the car and I think he was dead by the time I tried to pull him. He didn’t have a pulse in his wrist.”
“It was Mark. He was left there until the car blew up. Mark was unrecognizable when they found him. Terrible,” Marica said. The sadness was visible in her eyes.
“Indeed. I did what I could do but I had to run away before the car blew up. I didn’t realize someone was watching me at that time. Nelly told me he saw me running away before the explosion. Nelly said she kept having a nightmare about it since the incident.”
“Yes, Nelly kept telling me that, for two years it bombarded her.”
“I feel sorry for Nelly. She had to go through this kind of trauma. This is worse than what I had.”
“Why haven't you told us about this before buddy?” Leo asked.
“I don’t know, I thought it was just an ordinary night for me. I went home like nothing happened although it felt good I was able to help. I was a little drunk so I got in my car when the explosion happened. I heard the police siren too so I let them fix the accident area and left.”
“It was true that there was no trace of you like the police said. Nelly kept arguing to the police regarding the man leaving the car before the explosion.”
“Yes, Marie. I didn’t go back to the accident area after it exploded.”
“So, why wasn't there any trace of you? Not a single fingerprint,” Marica asked, her forehead creased in confusion.
“As I’ve said, we were from our afternoon drag race so I was wearing my gloves, the reason why I didn’t leave a fingerprint.”
“I see. Now, it’s clear to me."
"Nelina mentioned that I could have cooperated with the police since it was big news knowing Mr. Arthur is a well-known businessman. At that time, I couldn't care less if, of the news, I just had a break-up and wasn't even active in running my grannies' companies. One more thing, I haven't told Nelly that I didn't recognize her dad since the day she introduced Mr. Arthur to me because I barely see his face full of blood in the accident."
"Buddy, when did you find out it was Nelly's dad you helped two years ago?"
"Nelina asked me to help her investigate the incident two years ago. The report from my private detective says it all. The date, time, and the car, I remember it all."
"Is that the reason why you refuse to discuss this with Nelly? She told me about a certain document from your investigator. It was one of the reasons she doubted you."
"It is. I still didn't have the strength to discuss it with her because I know it's a very sensitive topic. It was a mistake," I said, slapping my forehead. "I could have opened it with her, Nelly would have stayed with me."
I was so disappointed in myself that I made such a decision to hide it from Nelly. If only I was strong and fast to act on it, I could have saved both of us from heartache.
"I understand, Royce. Still, you need proof that you were there to help.”
“I know and I’m on it. I had someone investigate the matter. Surely, someone is trying to tear me down.”
“Right, buddy. We have the same thoughts,” Leo agreed.
“Who’s on your list right now?”
“I have two for now; Roxie and Dennis. Those two are relentless in making Nelly’s life in hell. This might be their way of breaking us down so that they can pursue their plans if they have more.”
“What plans are you talking about Royce?” Marica asked worriedly.
“I’m not sure if there’s anything more but I’ll make sure they won’t succeed. Trust me, I’m on it, Marica. This is the reason why I want to check Nelly myself.”
“Don’t worry about her. Nelly is safe. You have my word.”
“Alright then, I trust you.”
“I will help you get to Nelly after you gather evidence that you are innocent, in return you are not allowed to talk to Nelly yet. Don’t find her until you get the evidence, don’t try to call her either. Is that clear?”
“Do I have any other choice?”
“That’s the only option that you have if you want my help.”
“It’s a deal then.”
That night I had my dinner alone in Bocca Felize; Nelly, and I’s favorite Italian restaurant. I love eating in a place that reminds me of Nelly so I requested to reserve the private room where Nelly and I dated. Ordered the same food for two, the same table and lighting set up.
I reminisce about the night Nelly was so fascinated with how the lighting was set up in the same room. Most of them are candles and dim LED lights on the side. However, when I thought about the last part of our dinner I didn’t like how it ended.
“Dennis, you’ll pay for how you treated Nelly,” I whispered, full of rage.
I was taken out of my reverie when my phone rang. It was my private detective so I swiped to take the call.
“Hello, do you have good news?”
“Yes, I know where to find Dennis but I suggest you talk to his parents first. Dennis is scared of his father so it will help if you pressure his dad to get rid of Dennis. You can probably make a business deal whatever you want to force him. Make it sounds like he doesn't have any choice but to send Dennis abroad.”
“I think that’s a good idea. Nice work. How about the other one?”
“Of course, Roxie is still in the city but hardly walks out of their mansion. I also have an idea who did the fake report given to Marica. I already sent all the details to your email.”
“That’s good.”
“How about Nelly? Do you want me to find her?”
“No. I got it. That’s all for now.”
I went home feeling a little hopeful. At least there was progress in the investigation and Marica agreed to help me. Leo’s support was what I needed just like a brother to me.
After taking a hot shower I went to Nelly’s room. I surveyed the whole room remembering the time I surprised Nelina for buying everything she needs from her dress, bags, shoes, makeup, and perfumes. She was shy but happy at the same time. Nelly deserves nothing less so I bought everything an elegant and classy woman would need.
Nothing has changed in Nelly’s room. I didn't let the house cleaner get in her room as I want everything to look the same when she comes back. Even the bedsheet was still the same because I wanted to sniff Nelly's sweet smell.
I couldn’t wait for that day to come when we got to share the same bed at night and share the heat of our passionate body.
I turned off the light and then lay on Nelly's bed. I covered my body with the comforter, hugged the pillow, and sniffed it. It smelled exactly like Nelina’s soft skin. I miss her even more, but it made me feel she was next to me. I love her sweet smell. It was like a drug so I let myself be intoxicated until I fell asleep.