I
It was the gloomiest day for Atty. Yher the next day; she hasn’t slept that long thinking about what happened to Seigfred. She immediately alighted from the bed and dressed up. When she went out of the room, she already saw her Mom, sister, Tony, and Buddy all dressed up and sipping their morning coffees.
“Yher come, have some coffee before we go.” It was her Mom who invited her.
She approached them and made her own coffee silently.
“Yher, let us visit the Italian Restaurant where Seigfred was last seen,” Tony suggested.
Yhera nodded. “Yes, I am planning to do that Tony; I will check their CCTV footage.”
“Yes, we might find a lead there.” It was Buddy who joined in the conversation.
Mommy Lily added. “Afterwards, let us go to the police station to check the progress of their investigation and the NBI.”
“I will hire my own team of detectives and investigators Mom. I will not wait for the Police and the NBI to give me their reports.” Yhera stated. Last night she already contacted the best Detective and investigating Company she knew. The Company’s President/CEO happened to be one of her clients. They will start their investigations today.
Her Mom and two friends agreed with her decision to hire private detectives and investigators.
“I will also request our firm to coordinate with the family of Rhoda and to offer our legal services. I want to handle her case personally. I want this matter to be solved.” Yhera added with such firmness in her tone.
Her Mom and friends including her sister looked at each other and smiled.
“Yes, that’s right Yher. You are a very good lawyer; you can handle Rhoda’s case better than anyone else.”Buddy agreed.
“I agree too Yher.” It was Mommy Lily who smiled at Yhera.
Now they will feel relaxed knowing that Yhera is trying to get back to her own self again; the fierce and brave Yhera that they have known for a long time.
II
Atty. Yhera, her Mom, her sister, and two friends went to the Italian Restaurant where Seigfred and Rhoda were last seen together. At first, the Restaurant Manager did not agree to show their CCTV footage to them stating that the NBI and Police have been investigating the case and they had a copy of the CCTV already.
Atty. Yhera however will not take no for an answer especially if the involved in the case is Seigfred. She used her skills as a lawyer.
“I am Atty. Yhera Kareel Munzana; Seigfred Yee is my fiancé and I am the handling lawyer for his case. Would that be a good reason for you to show me your CCTV footage or do you want us to have some legal battle for this?” Yhera said without a smile on her face.
The Restaurant Manager’s face became ashen upon hearing Atty. Yhera’s statement. He has heard her name and her reputation as a lawyer. She never loses any case and if she would really moves against their restaurant, their establishment might even be closed soon.
“Apology Atty. Yhera; please come with me to our CCTV room.” The Restaurant Manager suddenly agreed with a head down. He led Atty. Yhera and her companions entered their CCTV room and ordered their IT guy to show to her the CCTV footage of the day that Seigfred Yee and her lady companion, who was found dead later on, dined-in in their restaurant.
In the CCTV footage inside the restaurant, Atty. Yhera and her companions saw Seigfred and Rhoda enter the restaurant. Rhoda was trying to hold Seigfred’s arm but the latter evaded and said something that they were not able to hear since the CCTV is on mute. The pair took a seat at the far end of the restaurant, ordered food, ate, and then after having his coffee; Seigfred said something to Rhoda, which made the latter burst into tears. Thereafter, Seigfred stood up and walked but Rhoda followed him, begging.
The next they checked was the CCTV footage at the parking area, where they saw Seigfred open the door of his car for Rhoda and close it. Then he walked around going to the driver’s side, opened its door, and got inside.
Suddenly, Atty. Yhera’s eyes noticed something before Seigfred finally got inside the car. She furrowed her forehead.
“Wait! Hold on to that part,” Atty. Yhera stopped the IT guy and keenly checked again the CCTV footage. She replayed it several times and her forehead furrowed even more.