"I'm sorry. I'm about to lose you because I'm about to drive into a tunnel in a canyon on an airplane while hanging up the phone."

- Dr. House, MD

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Chapter 43:
Tick Tock

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RAINE

Even though we had apprehended the mysterious man, my mind remained restless. It felt as if an eerie presence lingered around, silently watching me.

One of my readers must be behind these events. With the three others already incarcerated, I couldn't tell if they ever read my blog or stories.

I continued documenting the happenings, taking care to alter the details and names to protect the identities of those involved. I'd known from the start that this would be necessary.

In the hospital, I understood that Mrs. Hernandez's chances of survival were slim. Her condition was deteriorating, and prolonging her life would only cause her more suffering.

I was ready to leave when Zane insisted on my return for a final consent. Upon returning to the room, I was met with a scene I had hoped to avoid.

I stood there, emotionless. When my parents passed away, I wasn't allowed to see them in the hospital. They were already gone by the time their bodies were displayed at the funeral home.

I saw something I wasn't meant to.

"Clear!"

My body froze in place, immobilized by an inexplicable sensation coursing through me. I struggled to catch my breath as I noticed the light flashing on my phone. The same message from the number that had disturbed us yesterday appeared again.

You know where to find me. Innovation.

I didn't wait for another wave of trauma and fear to strike. I broke free from the chains of dread and left the hospital.

It seemed the game was far from over.

I walked to the tricycle stand and told the driver the place I knew matched the message. "To Innotech, please," I said.

As we made our way there, my curiosity about the significance of the location grew stronger.

I took out my phone and allowed my expansive Memory Palace to open once more.

███████████

"Innotech," I muttered as I delved into the world of the internet.

Before me appeared the company heads, Jerick de Viejo and Loraine Garcia. Both were dressed in formal business attire befitting their enterprise.

"My parents and Mr. De Viejo's father, who was a close friend of theirs, founded this company," explained Ms. Loraine, clad in black high heels and a white cotton dress beneath a black trench coat.

"We manufacture Filipino-made appliances and devices of excellent quality!" added Mr. Jerick.

"But when was this company established?" I inquired.

"Five years ago, we erected this building after purchasing the land," replied Ms. Loraine. "This site was formerly home to a renowned dressmaking fac–"

"Wait!" I interrupted, extending my hand to signal her to stop. Instantly, she and everything around her froze. With a swift swipe of my hand, I rewound time slightly.

"This site was formerly home to a renowned dressmaking factory," she repeated. "However, after it burned down, the owner decided to sell it."

"So, any potential evidence was destroyed when the new building was erected," I remarked. "My father and at least one of the owners of Innotech probably knew about this."

"Innotech has eight floors and a rooftop–"

"But there's a possibility of a basement," I interjected.

"–where some helicopters for shipping can land," Mr. Jerick continued.

"There's a strong chance they have a basement there," I added. "And a parking area under the building."

"Showing off again, are we?" came Samantha's voice from behind me. "Just because she's got a screw loose!"

Ignoring her, I closed my eyes and opened them again, returning to the present.

███████████

Returning to reality, I was greeted by the sight of the tall, expansive building from my tricycle ride.

Stepping out, I headed directly to the parking area, filled with their products ready for dispatch to various branches around the world.

I was met by a deafening silence. It felt like no one was around, despite the numerous vehicles parked there.

The building was teeming with people, but the big question is, where were they?

"Hello?" I called out, my voice echoing in the vast, empty space.

From my bag, still packed with items from Professor Aguilar's class, I retrieved the clothing boxed by Mrs. Nuñez.

I sensed an unusual presence nearby. I refrained from drawing my dart gun, knowing it only had one round left after Zane's earlier use.

I knew CCTV cameras were likely focused on me, as Mr. Jerick had probably tightened security after recent events. Yet, something told me there was another unseen observer.

"What might this be?" I mused aloud, as if speaking to an invisible audience while I walked. "Hmm... Maybe a big clue for a recent 'm' thing. Or could be the only evidence left!"

I continued walking until I heard the sound of a pressure-sensitive automatic door opening not far away.

A smile lingered on my lips until I heard approaching footsteps.

That smile quickly vanished when I heard the voice. "Hi, Raine."

I knew that voice well. The slightly low timbre and the quick pace of his walk made me turn around.

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

A turn-up. How did he know my location? Had he approached Ron to track my phone?

"Zane?"

My feet seemed to freeze at the sight. Fear crept over me, chilling and goosebump-inducing.

"What—"

"Surprised?" Zane asked, offering a small smile. "Happy to see—"

I saw a gun in his trembling right hand, pointed towards his chest.

"Zane, stop—"

"Happy to see me before it's too late?" he added, his face showing no fear or even the glimmer of tears.

"What nonsense is this, Mr. Nuñez?" I wanted to approach him, but something held me back.

"Oh, she told me she was happy—"

She? Who is she? What is happening?

"S- Stop it, Nuñez!"

"She said she was happy to have played with you," Zane continued.

"Who are you talking about? Speak!"

Another enigmatic smile spread across his face, one that seemed to devour my already chaotic thoughts.

He adjusted his grip on the gun and pointed it in my direction, not far from where he stood.

I slowly set down the box I was carrying, ready to reach for my dart gun if necessary.

"Go on, Raine," he said. "Put that down so we can talk properly."

I did as he instructed, though I remained wary of his every move. I let the box containing his mother's clothes rest beside me. Secretly, I pulled the dart gun from my bag and slipped it into my pocket, hiding it under my long white polo tucked into my slacks.

"Five years ago... when the fire happened," he began. "Your father was useless..."

How does he know these things? Is this really him?

"...he didn't solve the case because he was too wrapped up in his love for you and your family!" Zane continued, as if these words came naturally to him.

What is he implying?

"The Fall of Detective Chief Superintendent De Verra," he said. "Yes, Raine. Don't you remember that being one of the headlines that year?"

"I don't have—"

"Ha! The so-called genius people talk about is actually an idiot," he laughed. "Out of sheer fear, you've forgotten what you wanted to forget!"

I swallowed hard, feeling my heart race.

"Join your worthless father, Lorraine De Verra." He raised his left hand and gripped the gun with both hands.

I couldn't believe I had trusted someone I didn't truly know. Is this the end for me?