I
Based on the gathered information from Atty. Yhera’s NBI friend, Conrad Zhang, Rhoda’s ex-boyfriend, is a 26-year-old, car racer and the illegitimate son of a wealthy Chinese businessman. He has been involved in numerous troubles. He has been once imprisoned when caught having a pot session inside a club during a buy-bust operation. He was fined for overspeeding and has been blootered for allegedly punching a waiter in a restaurant in Makati City.
“He is an ill-tempered idiot,” Atty. Yhera murmured when she finished reading the report about Conrad Zhang.
Atty. Yhera’s suspicion grew more about Rhoda’s ex-boyfriend. If that man was capable of doing those past troubles and /or crimes, it was highly possible that out of his jealousy and bad temperament, he killed Rhoda and most probably Seigfred, with whom Rhoda has publicly declared obsession.
“Atty. Yher, what you thought of is a good angle to make Conrad Zhang be considered as one of the suspects.” His friend in the NBI said.
“Yeah, and also, please investigate Jethross; you know Jethross right? He has been trying to find ways to get back to me these past few days. So, I am thinking that he might have killed Rhoda but his main target was actually Seigfred.” Atty. Yhera further surmised.
Her friend in the NBI nodded. “We will assign investigators to do daily surveillance to these two prime suspects.
“Yes, thank you, Jim.” Atty. Yhera smiled for the first time after Seigred went missing.
While on her way home, Atty. Yhera received a call from Jethross and she was surprised. But as a lawyer who considers Jethross as one of the suspects, she needs to entertain him to find some proof that will link him to the crime.
“Hello Jethross,” she answered the phone.
“Yher, how are you? I hope you are okay. But if you need someone to talk to, please remember, I am just around, one call away.” Jethross said in a sad voice.
“Thanks Jethross. Yeah, would you want to have a cup of coffee with me in a nearby Starbucks coffee shop be fine with you?” Atty. Yhera said taking the opportunity to start her personal investigation with Jethross.
II
Jethross happily agreed to Atty. Yhera’s invitation. He even suggested going to Coffee Bean Coffee Shop instead of Starbucks Coffee Shop, to which Atty. Yhera agreed readily.
“Wherever you want Jethross, as long as I have someone to speak with at this moment.” Atty. Yhera said to get more the trust and confidence of Jethross to meet her.
They met at Coffee Bean Coffee Shop inside a mall in Makati City. Jethross immediately stood up when he saw her approaching.
“Yher, have a seat. Is your favorite coffee still the same?” Jethross asked looking at her gloomily.
Atty. Yhera nodded. “Yes, yes. I never changed with my favorite coffee,” she replied, forcing to give Jethross even a bit of smile.
Jethross smiled back,” I see. There are still things that never changed in you Yher,” he murmured.
“Yeah, you are right Jethross.”
Jethross waved his hand to the waiter and ordered Atty. Yhera’s favorite mocha coffee.
“Yher, I don’t want to remind you about what happened to Seigfred but I could not help it. I know how painful it is to lose someone. I felt it when my wife died,” he said softly.
Atty. Yhera nodded. “I am still hopeful Jethross that my Seigfred is still alive.” Atty. Yhera said while looking directly into Jethross’ eyes.
“I am hoping too Yher. You deserve to be happy this time. I already caused you so much pain years ago and I am praying for your happiness now.” Jethross said in a solemn voice. Atty. Yhera never left her eyes on Seigfred but he could not see any trace of fear or guilt in his eyes; only regrets and sadness.
“Who do you think would do this to us Jethross?” Atty. Yhera asked him with a string of anger in her voice. She was trying to see if Jethross would be affected by her anger.
“Yher, I do not know what happened with you in the past five years. I only found it out when we accidentally met again in that bakeshop. I was actually overwhelmed with joy knowing that when I left, you became a better or may I say the best version of yourself and a happy, fulfilled woman. I am not aware if you have some enemies around. But as a lawyer, maybe you can check on your past if you have offended someone because he or she has been imprisoned or penalized because you were so good enough to convince the judge to convict them,” Jethross said in a suggestive manner that somehow made Atty. Yhera thinks if it is right to put him on the suspects’ list pertaining to the death of Rhoda and Seigfred’s disappearance.