Carlos POV
I jolted awake to the sound of an explosion echoing from a distance. My brow furrowed as I realized where I was—inside a church. I sprang to my feet, only then noticing the gun clenched tightly in my hand.
Another blast shook the building. My heart pounded as I rushed toward the entrance. When I pushed the doors open, chaos greeted me. The front of the church was in ruins, gunfire erupting nonstop. I saw fellow officers running, firing back at unseen enemies.
Then my eyes locked onto the center of the chaos.
Elena.
She was in someone's arms—being shielded, protected. For a split second, I thought it was me.
But it wasn't.
"Leo…" I whispered, my voice hollow.
The man holding her turned. Our eyes met. Could he see me? Before I could process it, his body jerked violently. A bullet struck his left eye, and he collapsed. I watched, frozen, as Elena caught him, screaming, sobbing, begging him not to leave her.
Something sharp twisted in my chest, forcing me to turn away.
That was when I felt it.
A searing heat tore through my chest. I gasped, my hand flying to the wound as my knees buckled. I dropped to the concrete, the world spinning, the pain unbearable.
"Santiago! Santiago! Wake up!"
I snapped my eyes open, clutching my chest. I frantically checked for blood—nothing. No wound. Just my racing heartbeat. I dragged a hand down my face, trying to shake off the lingering terror.
"You okay?" Jam asked, concern etched on his face.
I nodded and stood, grabbing a cup from the dispenser and downing it in one go.
"Jenna said we should head out for lunch early," he added.
"Yeah," I replied, still distracted.
We went to our usual spot—Aleng Maleen's small eatery. The food was good, cheap, and familiar. As soon as we sat down, the staff already knew our order.
While waiting, my phone buzzed.
The number was familiar—the same one that had been messaging me since yesterday.
My eyes widened.
A photo appeared on my screen. Jam and me. Sitting here. Taken just moments ago.
I scanned the surroundings, my pulse quickening. No one looked suspicious.
Then my phone rang.
I answered immediately. "Hello?"
Silence.
Jam leaned closer. "Who was that?"
I shook my head and ended the call. Thankfully, the food arrived, cutting the moment short.
That night, I walked toward the jeepney stop—my motorcycle was still at the repair shop. As I moved through the dim streets, I noticed a shadow trailing me. It had been following me for a while now.
I quickened my pace. The street was dark. Nearly empty.
I broke into a run, then ducked behind a wall. Peering out, I spotted him—scanning the area, searching for me.
Before he could react, I lunged.
I shoved him hard, sending him to his knees, then drew my gun and pressed it against his side.
"Who are you?" I demanded. "Why are you following me?"
He laughed. "Easy there, boss."
I pressed the gun harder. "Who sent you?"
"Take a guess," he said with a grin. "I'm not joking," he added coldly.
"Looks like we're alike," he muttered—then slammed his head into my chin.
Stars exploded in my vision.
He didn't waste the opening. He kicked me down, yanked the gun from my hand, and aimed it at me. He grabbed my hair and slammed my head back. I cursed at him—and earned a brutal punch in return.
Blood filled my mouth.
I glared at him, and he struck me again and again until my head spun.
"Damn, your skull's thick," he sneered, slapping my face.
"Let me go!" I shouted.
He leaned closer, smiling. "This is a warning, SPO1 Santiago. Stay out of Anna's case."
"Who are you? What do you know?" I growled.
"You're chasing the wrong enemy," he said calmly. "What's coming for you is far worse. If you want to live long enough to see another year—drop the case."
I struggled, but he tightened his grip.
"You know," he said casually, glancing at the gun, "I could kill you right here. No one would ever find out. But I'm generous."
My vision blurred.
"I'll just put you to sleep… for a few days."
The last thing I felt was the crushing impact of the gun against my head.
Warm blood trickled down my face as he walked away.
"Damn it…"
The cold concrete met my body, and the world slowly faded to black.