Chapter 3 TWO

After their operation in Bohol, where they successfully rescued Alexander's girlfriend from her sexually unhinged uncle, Samuel managed to persuade him to consider a new career path as a detective for a private agency owned by one of Samuel's associates, Ortega. Though Marcus had a checkered past as a young troublemaker, he possessed a valid criminology license and had even topped the board exam.

Upon relocating to Cebu to live with Samuel, Marcus made a conscious decision to improve his physical fitness and acquired self-defense skills. A burning desire for vengeance fueled his determination, and Samuel readily offered to mentor him. What most didn't know was that Samuel had experience in covert operations.

"So, what do you think? Are you interested in joining Ortega's team?" Samuel inquired, seeking to confirm Marcus's interest.

"But what about the farm?" Marcus asked, having spent years at Hacienda Velasquez, the farm had become an integral part of his life.

"Don't worry about it. Think of this job as a side gig," Samuel reassured him.

Marcus realized that being a genuine detective didn't necessarily entail reporting to the agency every day. Ortega would provide him with the necessary information for an assignment, along with the required tools.

"Tell me, Sam, are you on Ortega's payroll as well?" The way Samuel had convinced him raised suspicions that he, too, might be a detective.

"As always, you catch on fast. Just don't mention it to Jessica," Samuel whispered, but it was too late because Jessica suddenly showed up, and pulled Samuel away.

Amused by the scene, Marcus chuckled. Samuel projected toughness and bravery, but in Jessica's presence, he was like a punching bag and a drum. Marcus had no intention of ending up like his friend.

"Are you okay?" he inquired when Samuel returned, noticing the still-red earlobes from Jessica's pinch.

"I'm fine. So, have you made your decision about joining Ortega's private detective team?" Samuel asked again.

Marcus clenched his fist before making a decision. Then, he realized that the sige gig would led him to his family's murderer. "I think, I am going to try this one," he answered.

Samuel immediately withdrew his phone from his pocket, and upon Marcus's nod, he called Ortega. "He's in," he declared.

"Is that it?" Marcus was perplexed.

"Yes. Ortega trusts my judgment when it comes to recommending individuals for the job," Samuel congratulated Marcus and instructed him to check his email.

Feeling more bewildered than ever, Marcus followed Samuel's guidance and opened his email. There was a new message from Ortega marked "confidential."

"So soon?" Marcus found it hard to believe that Ortega had already assigned him a case that required immediate action.

He read the email and chuckled; the assignment seemed straightforward. Ortega wanted him to tail someone, and a beautiful woman as his subject. However, Marcus knew that appearances could be deceiving.

After all, salt looked a lot like sugar! Ortega also warned him not to mix business with pleasure. Then, he raised the tip of his eyebrows because it seemed to him that Ortega was aware of how he lived his life when he was younger!

"The agency is short-staffed, and this client is a regular. Good luck on your first assignment, Marcus," Samuel patted his back and bade him farewell. "You can leave anytime, and don't worry about the farm," he reassured Marcus.

As soon as Samuel departed from his apartment, Marcus began packing the items he would need for the job. The funds had already been transferred to his bank account, and he would liquidate them after completing the assignment. Samuel permitted him to use one of his cars, and Marcus set off for Oslob to begin his work.

It took him more than five hours to reach the town. Leveraging his skills, he easily located the woman's whereabouts. The locals were quite helpful, assuming he was a friend. The contract stipulated that he must remain inconspicuous and observe the woman from a distance. Well, that was something he could handle so easily!

The woman's house was situated along the highway, near the church, making it easy for him to park on the street without arousing suspicion. He hadn't expected his first assignment to be so straightforward. With binoculars in hand, he kept his distance and waited for Daniella Reyes patiently.

It was already dark when he noticed some movement on the front lawn. Judging by her confident stride, he surmised that the woman wasn't a pushover. He wondered who had requested Ortega to tail her. For a week, he maintained his vigil, but there was nothing unusual, and the woman rarely left her house after her Dad's death.

Around four in the morning, he observed her carrying luggage to her car, and he heard the engine started. A red seltos pulled out, and someone closed the gate behind her. He waited a moment before deciding to follow her. She was driving fast, as if in a hurry.

"Where are you going, Dani?" he wondered aloud, scolding himself for giving her a nickname. Her name was simply too long to pronounce, and "Dani" seemed to fit her.

He followed the red seltos carefully, ensuring that she wouldn't notice him. He was cautious about their distance, not wanting to raise her suspicions and risk botching his first assignment. In truth, he was exhilarated by the task!

"Mactan Cebu International Airport? Why would she be heading to the airport at this hour?" He parked his car beside the red seltos and waited until she was about a hundred feet away. With his backpack, he blended in with the crowd of passengers in a hurry to catch a flight.

Dani headed for the international departure area, and he followed discreetly. Was she planning to leave the country? Did Samuel know something like this might happen when he insisted to bring passport, extra cash, and credit cards?

He tailed her, keeping his distance, and waited to see her destination. When she lined up at the Cathay Pacific counter, he sent Ortega a message to confirm Daniella's destination and book him a ticket.

Within five minutes, he learned that Daniella was bound for Hong Kong and had booked a one-way ticket. He sprang into action as soon as he received his e-ticket for the same destination.