Smaller and Smaller Circles

By F.H. Batacan

A summary of Smaller and Smaller Circles

By Raven Bulseco and Jane Clarica Rasos

This summary was made for students who need to read the novel Smaller and Smaller
Circles but do not have enough time. Of course, this summary was not made to
encourage students to rely on summaries, but you cannot deny that there are times
when you just do not have the time to read the entire thing. To those who will read this,
enjoy! Remember to read a piece of literature not because you need to read it for
academic purposes, but in order for you to enjoy it! Padayon!

Prologue
On a hot afternoon around a garbage dump, Father Emil was being dragged by
three slum children. A sense of urgency is seen on their faces. When they arrived at the
place, one child pointed his finger and said, "There." The children offered Father Emil
sticks to poke down the garbage, and when he had cleared away most of the garbage,
something emerged. It was a corpse. The corpse's heart and genitals have been
removed, and the face of the corpse is gone as if it has been scraped off. Father Emil
threw up at the sight of the corpse, and the three children that accompanied him
grabbed his hand and led him out of the garbage site.

Chapter I
Father Gus Saenz was performing an autopsy on a boy when Father Jerome
Lucero walked into the laboratory. Jerome Lucero had known Saenz for two decades
now, but he still cannot stand the loud music he often blasts, so he decided to turn
down the volume. The laboratory that Saenz was working in was cold and full of
equipment he had bought with grant money.

Jerome noticed that Saez was lisping, so he asked him how his tooth was, to
which Saenz replied, "Do not ask me about that." Jerome then reminded him that it
was not good for his heart. Saenz then pointed to the corpse and said, "That's what's
bad for my heart."

It was the sixth corpse they had encountered with similar injuries: the heart
missing, genitals removed, internal organs scraped, and a heavy blow on the skull. The
age is assumed to be 12 or 13. The two of them then went to the white board in the
lab. Saenz was informed that the corpse was found on July 7 and was probably killed
on July 5. This sparked an idea in Saenz, and he realized that all the bodies that they
found were killed every first Saturday of the month.

In Saenz's office, Father Emil was seated. There was a typhoon, and the
higher-ups decided to only suspend the class when most students had arrived at the
university. Emil then asked Gus and Jerome if the boy found was one of their boys and
could be the motive of the killer's killing, to which Father Gus replied that they still do
not know.

When night came, Jerome had a dream. A child was screaming for help, and
Jerome was trying to help him. Every time he wakes up from that dream, he is
drenched in sweat. The killings have already consumed him, and so has Father Gus.

Chapter II
Two months ago, when Jerome went to Saenz's office, he found Saenz staring
at a tree. Saenz noticed Jerome's presence and said that the coconut trees had been
infected by a fungus, Phytophthora palmivora. Now, the fungus has spread, and Saenz
said that that is the nature of a rot [a decay]. It will keep on spreading.
Jerome then mentioned that no matter what Saenz did, the cardinal would not
listen to his pleas to remove Father Isagani Ramirez from the charity, Kanlungan ni
Kristo, or Refuge of Christ. Rumors of Ramirez molesting children have been going
around, but Saenz only got involved when one of his former students attempted
suicide, and that student confessed to him that he was molested by Ramirez as a child.
Jerome looked at Saenz's desk and saw an envelope. Once again, the result of his
pleas was in vain; Ramirez was not removed; instead, he was just moved into another
parish. To make Saenz feel good, Jerome invited him to dinner, which he refused
because he said that Jerome had no time for him to go to Chicago the next day.

When Jerome left the room, he bumped into another man. The brown envelope
that the man was carrying fell, and Jerome helped to get it. Jerome apologized, and he
realized who he had encountered and asked him where Saenz's office was. Jerome
was intrigued by why that person came, but he decided not to pry. The two parted
ways, with the mysterious man thanking Jerome with his name.

When the mysterious man arrived at Saenz's office, Saenz was shocked when
he saw the man, and he wondered what the director of the National Bureau of
Investigation (NBI), Fransisco Lastimosa, was doing there. They went outside, and
Lastimosa asked for Father Saenz’s assistance with a problem that the NBI was facing.

Chapter III
Lastimosa then explained that they had found a corpse. The corpse had its
penis removed, internal organs scraped, and the face mutilated. He said that a similar
body was found last February, but the police did not find a suspect, so they left it
alone. Saenz then asked if the bodies had been identified, but Lastimosa stated that
only one had.

Saenz opened the envelope that Lastimosa had, and what he saw in those
photographs was pure horror. After he saw the photos, Saenz said that he could not do
anything that the bureau could. However, Lastimosa said that this case is different.
They had already seen two similar corpses, so he believes that another one will occur
soon. Lastimosa then said that if he had any free time, Saenz's assistance would surely
be beneficial. Saenz was reluctant because he already had experience with the NBI
and knew how incompetent they were. Saenz added that many people in the NBI do
not like him, so Lastimosa's popularity would decline if he accepted, to which
Lastimosa said that he does not care about popularity.

Lastimosa then said that Fernando Rustia in SOCO (Ading) spoke highly of him.
Lastimosa also mentioned that he is trying to keep the good men in the NBI. Saenz
knows that, like any other investigative body in the country, the NBI was underfunded,
understaffed, and basically in shambles. Lastimosa then continued his request for
Saenz's assistance in the case.

When Lastimosa arrived at the NBI, his secretary told him that Attorney
Benjamin Arcinas was looking for him. Then Lastimosa ordered his secretary to call
Arcinas. When Arcinas arrived, he told Lastimosa that he had some papers that needed
to be signed, and he needed them by tomorrow. Lastimosa asked Ben to take a seat,
but he ignored him. Lastimosa, from the very beginning, knew who was allied with
whom. Arcinas was fiercely loyal to Assistant Director Philip Mapa, who was supposed
to be the one next in line for the directorship. For Lastimosa, this was the reason why
Arcinas was antagonistic with him, and it was amplified by the fact that Lastimosa
wanted Saenz to get involved with the case. Lastimosa said that he wanted Saenz to
help because they are understaffed. Arcinas explained to Lastimosa the implications of
his move, but Lastimosa said that they all want to solve this case. After hearing that,
Ben left the papers on Lastimosa's deck and left.

Chapter IV
The following weeks, Saenz began work on the case. He arrived at the similar
descriptions by Lastimosa. Saenz has been consulted because of his expertise as a
forensic anthropologist. However, he has been involved with various branches of the
police and has gained information about their investigative methods and their
inadequacy. For instance, when he talks with law enforcement officials about possible
serial killers, the police will give him a reply like, "You have been watching too many
movies," which pisses Saenz off. They say that we are too God-fearing for serial killers
to appear. But, in Saenz's mind, he believes that we cannot escape such evil.

When Saenz arrived at the NBI, he was greeted by Jake Valdez, and he
accompanied him to the place where they would conduct their meeting. When Arcinas
arrived, Jake's mood turned a little sour. Some time later, Lastimosa arrived. Saenz and
Valdez gave him a nod, but Arcinas just looked at the newspaper. After a while, Arcinas
said that he had no time for this meeting because he had other cases that were more
important, to which Lastimosa argued that this case was just as important to your
politicians or celebrities.

Saenz read the documents that were given to him, and he said that there was a
possibility that the killer for the two bodies was the same, and it is not something that a
drunkard would have done. This was when Saenz suggested that they should look at
the deaths around the area. When the next action was planned, the meeting ended
with Lastimosa looking tired because of Ben.

That night, Saenz e-mailed Jerome about the case. Saenz said that he would
need Jerome's assistance with this case, to which Jerome agreed.

Chapter V
When Monday arrived, Saenz received a phone call from Valdez stating that the
documents about the deaths in the area had arrived. Saenz was greeted by Valdez
when he got to the NBI and was accompanied to the same room, where the meeting
took place. Valdez introduced Norman Estrella and Ed Borja to Saenz, stating that
they helped with arranging the documents.

After the introductions, Saenz asked if they had found anything; they mentioned
that two other bodies with similar injuries were found in March and April. When Saenz
asked what happened after that, one of the three answered that when no witness
turned up, the bodies were carted off to the cemetery. Saenz was dissatisfied because
of what happened. So, he ordered them to find the bodies. Following that order, Saenz
asked if Rustia had found anything new on the site. Valdez said that he has good news
because Rustia found a fabric similar to the fibers found in the second boy's body.

Valdez left the room with Ed because he got a phone call. Norman got up and
went to get coffee for him and Saenz. While Saenz was alone, Rustia came. Saenz
applauded Rustia for a job well done on the site. Saenz said that he was fast, to which
Rustia commented that he could have been faster if he was not swamped with work.
Saenz then asked Rustia if they could identify the second boy with the fabric, but
Rustia said it might be hard, but Norman was optimistic.

That night, Saenz was having a conversation with Jerome when his phone rang.
Rustia said that the second boy had been identified. When Saenz arrived at the NBI, he
found the parents. The mother was crying, and the father was angry. Saenz asked
Rustia if he could talk with the parents, to which Rustia replied that he could, but
maybe not tonight.

Chapter VI
Father Saenz was interviewing the second boy's parents. Saenz learned that the
last time they saw the boy was on a Saturday morning. The boy said he was meeting
his dumpster friends in Payatas. Saenz learned that the boy was the breadwinner of the
family; he stopped school when he was in the fourth grade. Saenz then asked the
parents where the boy could have gone, to which the parents responded that he could
have gone to the parish because it gives free food on Saturdays. Saenz asked more
questions about the boy's routine, but he could not gather anything more useful.
 That night, Saenz messaged Jerome, informing him of what he had gathered.
The first time Jerome and Saenz's paths crossed was when Jerome was still a
freshman in high school. Saenz mentioned that even though Jerome was one of his
silent students, he was one of the brightest. Sanez noticed that Jerome does not have
many friends, and his parents do not attend parent-teacher conferences. Immediately,
he knew Jerome grew up in a troubled family.

It had been 25 years earlier that Saenz tried to befriend a young Jerome.
Although Jerome did not fully open up to Saenz, Jerome became more active in
Saenz's class. When the school year ended, Saenz went to France to complete his
doctorate. When he arrived in Manila years later, he found Jerome again. He was now a
Jesuit novice, and he was his pupil in his theology class. They became mentors and
students, and they found common ground in their thirst for intellectual curiosity and
social justice. Now, Jerome is a clinical psychiatrist. Their bond had gotten deeper, and
they now resemble a father and a son. And in the last twenty years, they have become
each other's consciences and sounding boards.

Chapter VII
Back to the present, Saenz and Jerome were revisiting the documents when
they started creating a possible profile of the suspect.
Suspect:

Personal Information: Unknown

Description: The suspect is probably a man who knows the area [the dumpster] well
and probably someone who works near there. He has not aroused suspicion, so he is
probably someone who is well-known in the community. His feet are men's size six,
and he uses rubber rain boots. He watches and waits for his victim. This act is
important to him.

He kills his victims every Saturday evening. When he catches his victim, he stuns them
with a rock and then takes them away somewhere, a place where he will not be
disturbed. He then stabs the victim once or twice, and then he will start the
evisceration and mutilation after they are dead. He does not torture them. The organs
removed are not found within the site, so he keeps them. The possibility of a sexual
dimension to the killing needs to be confirmed. The possibility of depersonalization is
very likely as well.

When they had gone through their possible profile of the suspect, Jerome asked
Saenz why they were doing this, to which Saenz replied because of boredom. Jerome
replied that he has an interesting life, but he was humbled by Saenz. Jerome then
admitted defeat, saying that life should not just be interesting, but it should also be
meaningful.
 Chapter VIII
Director Lastimosa and Cardinal Rafael Meneses were to guest on a TV show.
However, before the show started, Cardinal Meneses talked to Lastimosa about Saenz,
saying that he was one of their greatest minds and that they were very proud of him.
Lastimosa premiered, saying that certain events might have made Saenz doubt them.

The show Harap-harapan had started, and the topic was about a German priest
who had been arrested for sexual abuse of several children. The host of the show,
Vergel "Gil" Salceda, asked the Cardinal how they addressed such an incident, to
which the Cardinal replied that investigations conducted within the Church are
confidential, but he assured the viewers that such misconduct is reported to Rome. Gil
then asked Lastimosa about this, and his answer made the Cardinal's mood really
sour. Lastimosa mentioned that if a priest commits molestation and sexual abuse, the
matter should become civil, meaning the law should get involved.

The banter between Lastimosa and Meneses continued for some time. However,
during the end of the commercial break, Lastimosa felt strange. He managed to finish
the broadcast, but before he could even grab the Cardinal's hand, he fell to the ground,
and the light faded into the darkest of nothing.

Chapter IX
Jerome called Saenz past midnight to inform him that Lastimosa had a heart
attack after the TV show. When Saenz heard of this, he immediately asked Jerome
about which hospital Lastimosa was put into, and Jerome said that Lastimosa was
admitted to Saint Luke's.

Jerome hated the hospital, but when he saw Cardinal Meneses, he immediately
grabbed Saenz's hand so that he would slow down. Saenz saw Meneses, and his face
darkened. Jerome advised him that he should keep his cool and suggested that they
just go in the morning. When they were about to leave, Cardinal Meneses saw them.

The Cardinal approached them with open arms, but Saenz did not do the same.
While talking about Lastimosa's condition, Meneses said that he knew that Saenz was
helping Lastimosa with a case, to which Saenz replied that he only does what he can.
The Cardinal said that he knew because he was familiar with Saenz's zeal, which is to
do what he can whenever he can.

The topic of Ramirez was then brought up, with Saenz saying that sweeping the
dirt under the rug is not a way to keep the church in order. If only Ramirez was handled
by the police, then it could have only resulted in one outcome. The Cardinal then tried
to protect the image of the church, but Saenz just ended the discourse by saying that
the Cardinal should believe what helps him sleep at night.
 Chapter X
Lastimosa's heart attack was the headline of all the news in the country. Most
commentators focused on his age, and the topic of who will replace him was also
brought up on many news stations. Jerome questioned why people act like this and
wondered what was going on inside their heads. Saenz said that this was freedom of
the press; he said that they fought for it, and now they need to listen to the nonsense it
spews.

Saenz recommended that Jerome eat his breakfast because Mapa [currently
acting as NBI's director] called him. Jerome said that that could not be good because
he knew that they were probably getting removed from the Payatas case, to which
Saenz answered that the NBI was planning to because Arcinas had told Mapa that they
should rethink their approach.

Sanez went to the hospital to visit Lastimosa. The director said that his children
are convinced that he needs to get surgery in the US. He also added that the doctors
agree with his children. He said that traveling could put a strain on him, but the longer
he held the surgery, the director did not finish his statement.

Lastimosa then ended their conversation with him saying that by the time he
was out of the country, many people would try to make things difficult for Saenz. In
Saenz's mind, he said that they had already begun. Still. Saenz assured the director by
saying that they would manage.

Lastimosa then ordered Saenz to get him a piece of paper and a pen. He wrote
in the paper the number of Jake Valdez, and he said that if they need anything, just
give Jake a call. Lastimosa, once again, tried to express his gratitude for Saenz's help,
but Saenz only replied that he would do what he could.

Chapter XI
Director Lastimosa was woken up by Arcina's voice. When Arcian noticed that
the director was looking at him, he mentioned that Lastimosa was still not looking well,
and he had the audacity to ask when he would be released. Arcinas then mentioned
the reason why he visited the director. It was to inform him that they would now start
questioning some suspects, and he emphasized that they had done a better job than
the two priests.

When Lastimosa heard that, he knew that there was something wrong. He asked
Arcinas if the only thing he desired was recognition and credit. Arcinas then questioned
Lastimosa if he thinks of them as clowns, and he said that the organization was better
without him. Lastimosa told Arcinas to stop before he said something that he would
regret, but Arcinas mentioned that he had already said what he needed to say, and he
left.
 Chapter XII
It was a Tuesday afternoon, and Saenz was looking at the budget for the lab; it
was coming in short. Saenz always tried to maximize the budget for the lab, but there
were times when he needed to pull money from his pocket to actually pay what needed
to be paid. Jerome arrived at Saenz's office and devoured the food that he had, for he
had not eaten anything because he was so busy. Saenz informed Jerome about the
budget shortage, and both of them were saddened. Saenz tried to lighten the
atmosphere by saying that it was okay since he does not have a family to feed.

Suddenly, the phone in Saenz's office rang. It was Jake Valdez informing Saenz
that Arcinas was rounding up sex offenders in the community. In Saenz's mind, he
thought that it was a bad move since he was causing a scene. Valdez mentioned that
Saenz and Jerome must visit Arcinas as soon as possible. He also mentioned that he
was certain that Arcinas would be in his office all day, trying to make himself famous in
the media. When the call ended, Saenz told Jerome that they would visit Arcinas the
next morning.

Chapter XIII
Arcinas was looking at the psychological profile of the suspect that Jerome and
Saenz created. He kept on saying that it was good, but the two priests knew that
Arcinas was not even reading the document; he was just looking at it. Saenz reminded
Arcinas that this profile was important in cases like this, the Payatas Case. However,
Arcinas reminded Saenz that the NBI had been operating for so long that the traditional
method still works.

Saenz mentioned that he was not trying to discredit the NBI's success over the
years. He was trying to make Arcinas cooperate with them and stated that they were
dealing with someone who was something more, to which Arcinas completed the
sentence by saying "serial killer" with a mocking tone. Jerome exploded when he heard
Arcinas, and he ordered him to read the profile. Saenz was trying to make Jerome calm
down when Arcinas said that in a few days they would already have the suspect. The
two priests were shocked and tried to gather more information, but Arcinas said that it
was confidential. Saenz then said to Arcinas that he really hopes that they get the right
man.

Chapter XIV
On a peaceful Saturday morning, Jerome's peace was destroyed by Saenz, who
said that they should go to Payatas. Apparently, he remembered the notes he wrote
while talking to the second boy's parents. He said that the last time they saw the boy
was on a Saturday, going to the parish to get some free food.

When they arrived at the parish, they were greeted by Emil. Emil became
worried because he knew they were here because of the case, to which they assured
him that they were just looking for clues, so Father Emil should not worry much. Father
Emil answered all the questions of the two priests. When Jerome was walking, he
noticed a large vehicle on it with a description stating that it was from Counselor Cesar
Mariano. Father Emil said that it was a free clinic. The doctor who runs it is Dr. Alice
Panganiban, and the dentist is Dr. Jeannie Santa Romana. Father Emil said that they
have been here for a long time, and they also come to the parish every Saturday.
Jerome then asked Father Emil if they could get the names of those who had worked in
the clinic, to which Father Emil agreed to cooperate.

Jerome then noticed that Saenz was looking at the feeding program. Intrigued,
Saenz asked for more details about it. Father Emil stated that the feeding program has
been around for a long time. The counselor provided the ingredients, and the parish
would cook them; sometimes, however, they also provided packed meals. Saenz
asked where those packed meals come from, and Emil answered that they come from
a catering service.

In Jerome's car, Saenz mentioned that the packed meals arrive still hot, which
means that the place where those meals come from is near the parish. They decided to
have a talk with the counselor next week to learn more about it, and they were
reminded that it was more than halfway through the month, which means that another
body will be found very soon.

Chapter XV
The following Monday, Jerome walked into Saenz's office. He saw Saenz with
the phone. When Saenz noticed Jerome, he said that he came at the right time
because he could nearly get an appointment with the counselor, and he needed
Jerome to come up with an excuse.

That night, Jerome and Saenz found themselves sitting in front of Counselor
Mariano. Without further ado, Saenz mentioned that they needed a catering service
whom the consul could recommend because apparently the parish was organizing a
fundraiser, to which Mariano questioned why Emil was not with them. Jerome
answered that he was busy trying to find donors and assured him that sooner or later
Emil would come to ask for his assistance. Sanez said that they would be grateful if
Mariano could refer them to a regular caterer service. Mariano gave Saenz the number
of Mariano's assistant and said that they should contact her because she knew more
about the delivery service. After that, Mariano was still wondering why they said that
this was an urgent matter [catering recommendation]. Saenz answered Mariano by
saying that for him, this must not be urgent, but for the kids, it was.

Chapter XVI
In Boston, Massachusetts, Lastimosa was lying on his bed when his son, David,
came. He told his father that Jake Valdez called, to which Lastimosa replied that he
would take the call. David told his father that he could not; he purposely did not give
him the phone so he could rest. David said that Jake would call in 30 minutes, and he
promised that he would give the phone to him.
 Jake Valdez called, informing Lastimosa that Arcinas had found the suspect.
Jake said that Arcinas followed the right procedure, but Lastimosa completed his
sentence by saying that something was not right. Lastimosa ordered Valdez to tell
Philip Mapa to call him.

Lastimosa and Mapa were on the phone. Lastimosa was asking Mapa how they
got the suspect, to which Mapa said that they followed the usual procedure; he also
mentioned that they would announce this to the public. Still not satisfied, Lastimosa
kept on questioning Mapa. Mapa became furious and told Lastimosa that the suspect
had confessed. Lastimosa also questioned how they extracted the information from the
suspect. Lastimosa became tired of his questioning of Mapa, so he just gave him
advice; he told him not to hold the press conference that Mapa was planning.
Lastimosa put the phone down, and he looked at David. He said that he would fly back
to the Philippines as soon as possible.

Chapter XVII
Saenz had invited Jerome to a family dinner. Jerome had known Saenz's family
when he was still an awkward teenage boy. Jerome grew up in a family where his
family rarely talked to him. This is why, with Saenz's family, Jerome felt himself become
almost giddy with an unexplainable feeling of happiness. Saenz's family was a happy
one.
However, when Jerome arrived, it was not the usual happy atmosphere that was
present. The family was gathered around the entertainment center, silent. They were
watching a newscast about the Payatas case. They were silent because they knew that
Saenz needed to hear the news. Jerome whispered to Saenz, asking him if he thought
they caught the right person, but Saenz only replied that he really hopes they do.

Chapter XVIII
Joanna Bonifacio was in a newsroom trying to solve a newspaper crossword
puzzle. She glances at the dozen monitors they had in the newsroom every now and
then. She saw Arcinas on one of the monitors and asked his boss, Wally, to turn up the
volume.

The content of the news was about the Payatas case. Joanna asked Wally who
the reporter assigned for this news, and Wally mentioned that it was a pretty
newcomer, Claire Manalo, who was able to snatch the report, to which Joanna
complained that these newcomers were only beauty but no brains because the reporter
just swallowed what Arcinas said.

Joanna then noticed that she had seen this Payatas case before. She mentioned
that last February, a body with similar injuries, as described in the report, happened.
Joanna mentioned that she was planning to revisit that report, but Wally mentioned
that she did not have the time because it was impossible to revisit a past story whose
trails have grown old.
 Joanna then mentioned to Wally that she now had the time, and she promised
Wally that the only time she gave him a headache was when there was a
corresponding reward for it.

Chapter XIX
Saenz and Jerome were in front of Arcinas. They were proposing the need to
question the alleged serial killer. Arcinas gave them ten minutes to interview the killer.

On their way to the room where they would meet the serial killer, they bumped
into Joanna Bonifacio. Joanna and Saenz knew each other because Joanna was a
former student of Saenz. Saenz introduced Jerome to Joanna, and Joanna introduced
Leo, his cameraman, to them. Joanna started questioning Saenz about the Payatas
case because apparently no one would tell her anything. to which Saenz replied that it
was good to not say anything.

Joanna brought out her calling cards and gave them to the two priests, and she
said that they do not need them to tell her anything because they will be seeing her a
lot from now on.

When they arrived at the room, Jerome asked Saenz what the things were that
they needed to look for—the information they needed to gather. They both know that
this was not the killer, because if he were, he would not confess easily. When the guard
had found the key to the room, Saenz said to Jerome that Jerome would do the talking
and he would observe.

Chapter XX
Ricardo Navaro, or Carding, was the alleged murderer in the Payatas case.
Saenz thought that he was a little bit too young, with spindly legs and arms.

Jerome began the interrogation as soon as he could, when Carding arrived. He

started by greeting Carding and introducing himself to him. When Jerome met Carding,
Jerome already had an idea of how Carding spent some of his time. He then asked if
Carding knew why he was being interrogated, to which Carding did not answer. Jerome
then folds his fingers, exposing his golden ring. Jerome noticed that Carding's gaze
immediately shifted to the ring.

Jerome then proceeded to ask for information about the murder, to which
Carding answered impassionately. When Jerome asked why he chose those kids,
Carding answered because he knew them and saw them. When Jerome mentioned
that Father Emil knew his mother, his atmosphere began to change from being
defensive to being anxious. Jerome then asked why he killed them,to which Carding
answered that he was angry. He was angry because his life was terrible—no money, no
job—and his mother was sick. Carding also mentioned that he only gets by by doing
odd jobs. Jerome then pressed more questions to Carding, like, What did he use for
killing? How many did he kill? How did he take their face off? All of them were
answered alright by Carding.

Arcinas came, putting an end to the interview. Jerome warned Carding that he
was getting himself into trouble for doing this, and he could receive the death penalty.
When Saenz and Jerome were about to leave the room, Saenz said to Arcinas that
sometimes the truth takes some time to be revealed. They left the NBI and planned to
visit the catering.

Joanna Bonifacio was outside the NBI with Leo. Leo asked Joanna why they did
not ambush the two priests, to which Joanna replied that it was not the right time yet.

Chapter XXI
Saenz and Jerome went to the catering service provider. The owner was Mrs.
Erlinda Salustino, now asking if someone was poisoned because two priests were
asking her about her connection to packed meals. Jerome and Saenz then gave her a
picture of Carding and asked her if she ever hired Carding to deliver the packed meals.
Salustiono did not even recognize the man, so she called her son Rommel.

Rommel arrived, asking what her mother wanted, and she asked if he ever saw
the man in the picture. Rommel recognized Carding, and he explained that he helps
unload the boxes from their minicab from time to time. Mrs. Salustino asked if he was
being paid, and Rommel answered yes, which made her mother angry. Rommel then
asked for the two priests to leave, which they did.

On their way to the university, Jerome logically explained why Carding was not
the right man. Jerome explained that Carding's answer could easily be scripted by the
NBi, but what intrigued Jerome was the "gray areas." Jerome mentioned that Carding
kept looking at his ring, meaning he wanted material things and a shot at something
better in life. He was angry at poverty, which was not enough reason for someone to
kill.

Jerome mentioned that the person they were looking for was someone smart
and focused, and he asked Saenz if he thought that Carding was really capable of what
their killer was doing. Saenz mentioned that Jerome already knows his answer to his
question. The first Saturday of August was fast approaching. If Carding was the wrong
man, then another body would show up.

Chapter XXII
Saenz was busy writing a 10-minute presentation when Jerome called, asking
about lunch. Saenz refused, but ultimately ended up asking Jerome to bring him some.
Their call ended when someone knocked at Saenz's door, and he asked that person to
come in. The person was Rommel Salustiano.
 Saenz was flabbergasted when he saw Rommel and asked what he could do for
him, which was ignored by Rommel. Rommel then made himself at home in the Saenz
office. Rommel then started behaving really oddly. He started by mentioning that he
knew Saenz was not there [in the calenderia] to see if Carding was qualified for the
gift-giving program. Rommel mentioned that he saw the news [about the Payatas case]
the night after they visited. Rommel said that he knew that Saenz did not believe that
Carding was the killer because he was not smart enough. He then asked Saenz if he
had anyone in mind. When he asked this, Jerome arrived. Rommel then greeted the
other priest and left immediately.

It was definitely one of the most surreal visits Saenz had in a while.

Chapter XXIII
Dodong had a tooth out earlier, and it was hurting. He was from Payatas, so the
only pain reliever he could think of was ice. He was going to Aling Pepang's store when
he heard a hiss. He looked back and asked who was there, but only the bark of dogs
was heard. Dodong remembered that there were talks about boys disappearing, but he
did not believe it. However, now that he was in a dark alley, a dark and cold sensation
crept under him.

Dodong kept on walking and felt the tooth that was now gone. A few moments
later, he saw Aling Pepang's store, but it was closed. He put the coins in his pocket,
but the pockets have holes, which is why the coins slipped. When he looked up, he
saw a stone descending from the heavens to his face.

"...ssssh. Yes, I know it's dark. Isn't it better?... See, I wouldn't have to do this if you
had just ignored me... Anyway, it's too late now. Shhhh, this won't hurt. Well, maybe a
little, but not for long."

Chapter XXIV
Joanna got a call at 3:30 in the morning for her connection at the Quezon City
Police; apparently, a new body was found, and, a few minutes later, she was on the
phone with Leo. Joanna got up from her bed hesitantly, and her lover told her that she
must go if she must.

The police had already arrived at the crime scene when Joanna and Leo arrived.
The police were probably waiting for crime scene personnel. Joanna then asked Leo if
they could go and see the body, to which Leo answered that it would be hard.
However, Joanna said that it might be their only chance. After a while, they found the
body. The body has similar mutilations as the previous ones.

Leo, while filming, caught a rat on his camera and said, "Shoo." Soon after, they
heard a policeman say that they were not allowed there, so Joanna and Leo left the
site. When they were back on the pavement, Joanna mutters, "Ah, Ben. You've really
stepped in it now."
 Chapter XXV
"Because the director wants to see you," Jake Valdez said to Arcinas after he
arrived at the NBI. When he arrived at the director's office, he saw Philip Mapa washing
his hands of Arcinas and throwing him under the bus. Director Lastimosa questioned
Arcinas if he knew they had the right person. Arcinas replied that he thought it was
possible, but Lastimosa corrected him, saying that their evidence was not enough.

Mapa was agreeing with what Lastimosa was saying, but Lastimosa shut him
up, saying that he was just as responsible for this as Arcinas, and his name would be
tarnished. Mapa was furious, and he said that many people would be displeased if he
got winded up in this case; however, Lastimosa did not succumb to Mapa's blackmail,
and he dismissed him.

Lastimosa explained to Ben that if the political games they play become more
important to them than their real jobs, that's what happens. Lastimosa then revealed
that he was not firing Arcinas because someone asked him to give him a second
chance. Arcinas was in disbelief, but Lastimosa said that he should help them, even if
the two priests would help,to which Arcinas immediately said yes. After that, Lastimosa
told Arcinas to get moving, but before he could leave the room, he asked who vouched
for him, but Lastimosa only said that he would tell him if he had earned the right to
know.

Chapter XXVI
Saenz was taking a bath and was singing his heart out when the music he was
playing so loudly suddenly turned way down. He got out of the shower and saw
Jerome sitting on his bed, reading a newspaper. Jerome asked Saenz if he had heard
the news, and he nodded. Saenz mentioned that Arcinas called, informing him that
Lastimosa was back from the surgery, and Jerome was shocked to find out. Saenz
then asked Jerome what his schedule was today, to which Jerome replied that he was
not busy until the afternoon.

When Saenz and Jerome arrived at Arcinas's office, they were peeking at the
window. Arcinas noticed them, and he jumped out of his seat and opened the door for
them. He greeted them, and Jerome immediately sat down on the sofa without
permission. Arinas does not know what to say, but Jerome helped him finish his
sentences for him. Arcinas then proceeded to tell Saenz and Jerome details about the
new victim, which they were able to identify immediately. Saenz then said to Arcinas
that they would be willing to extend their help and shook Arcinas's hand.
 Chapter XXVII
Joanna was looking at the footage they took when she noticed something
unusual in the video. She put the video in slow motion and saw something glimmering
in the mud. She believed that it might be a scrap of metal, but it was so out of place.
She told Leo to make a copy of the video, and she would go to the church and give a
copy to Saenz. When she was at the university, she did not see Saenz, so she handed
the video to Jerome.

When Saenz arrived, he and Jerome watched the tape. They saw a glimmering
object in the mud while watching the tape, and they decided to go to the NBI. In the
NBI, they made Rustia watch the clip, but, unfortunately, he told them that none of his
men worked on the site because it was handled by the Quezon City police. Jerome
asked if they [SOCO] could search again, and Rustia said he could and he would go
alone, but he cannot go there until early morning.

Chapter XXVIII
Saenz was examining a body in his lab when Jerome called, telling him he had
food. Jerome said he would arrive at the lab in 10 minutes. Then, Saenz went back to
work. Not long after, he heard a knock on the door, and when he opened the door, he
saw Rommel Salustiano.

Saenz was shocked by the unexpected visit. Rommel asked if he could come in,
but he just forced his way to Saenz's lab, even when Saenz said that he could not
entertain someone at that moment. Rommel said that he was right about Carding, and
he also believed that Saenz knew that Carding was not the killer. Rommel said that
Carding was not smart enough to be the killer. Rommel firmly believed that Saenz knew
that Carding was not the killer, and he wanted Saenz to say that he was right. Rommel
picked up a bone on Saenz's table, pointed it at Saenz, and said that if Saenz believed
that Carding was the killer, he was not good at his job.

Fortunately, Jerome arrived on time. He saw Carding pointing the bone to

Saenz, but Carding explained that he was just returning the bone to Saenz. Carding left
the laboratory, but before he left, he told Saenz that he was right about Carding.
Jerome locked the door after Rommel left, and he was concerned for Saenz. Saenz
mentioned that Rommel's action was not normal, and he would really hate it if they
would stick to their theorized profile and not believe other possibilities.

Chapter XXIX
The Magic Flute was about to commence, and Saenz was not prepared. Susan,
Saenz's secretary, was in distress because of this. Susan mentioned that Ms. Atsuko
Iwasaki from JapanConnect sent them some tickets for the event, and Susan reminded
Saenz that they really need their sponsorship right now. Suzan called Jerome and said
that he must arrive in 10 minutes.
 Jerome and Saenz arrived at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and
saw Ms. Iwasaki. They greeted her, and she reciprocated. Ms. Iwasaki sadly
announced that the funds that Saenz's laboratory would receive from now on would be
reduced by 40% because she said that the board believed there were other pressing
matters that needed more attention.

Ms. Iwasaki saw Mrs. Veronica Urritia with Cardinal Meneses and said her
farewells to the two priests. The Cardinal noticed the two priests and greeted them.
Jerome and Saenz were about to leave when Urritia said that she wanted to look at
Saenz, who, she said, had been giving their charity, Kanlungan ni Kristo, huge trouble.
Cardinal Meneses was shocked by what Urritia said and tried to escort her away to
prevent any worse situations. Saenz asked if he had heard what Ramirez had been
doing, to which she replied that it was all lies.

She gave Saenz advice, saying that one should not drag his brother down when
he is doing good deeds. Jerome was furious, but Saenz prevented him from spewing
spiteful words, and Saenz retorted to Urritia's advice by saying, "A man of God does
not help himself by pretending to be good to others," and said his farewells. However,
before they could leave, Urritia said that what goes around comes around, maybe in
the form of deducted funds for a lab.

And the night went on…

Chapter XXX
Arcinas arrived at Saenz's lab. Jerome and Saenz were in the lab, doing their
own work. Arcinas came to declare Romme's innocence with valid proofs. Arcinas,
before leaving the lab, said to Saenz and Jerome that he does not want them to think
that he does not care for the kids.

Jerome said that this was a dead end for them, and they were back to square
one. He wondered why the killer kills his victims every first Saturday of the month., to
which Saenz replied that they have already hypothesized that maybe he does have
contact with the victims every first week of the month or maybe it was a ritual.

Saenz bit a monay, and he felt intense pain afterwards. Jerome reminded him of
his tooth again. Saenz then had an idea that there might be a way for them to identify
the other kids. He said that when Saenz and his assistant examined the children, there
were signs of tooth fillings and tooth extractions. So, they might have dental records in
the bus clinic of the church. Saenz told Jerome to get ready because they would visit
Counselor Mariano and tell him the truth.

Somewhere in the university, Joanna watched as the two priests left.

 Chapter XXXI
They arrived at Counselor Mansano's house. He was tired, hungry, and irritable.
Saenz explained to him the current events that were happening. Counselor Mariano
clarified to them that he does not appreciate being lied to and said that if they need
anything, go straight to the point.

The two priests expected that they were to be thrown away, but Mariano asked
what they needed. Saenz mentioned that they wanted the dental records, even though
they were confidential. Mariano asked why they had not asked the NBI to get those for
them, but Jerome mentioned that they needed the records as soon as possible.
Mariano asked how many kids were dead; he was shocked to learn that there were
seven.

Mariano called someone and asked for Dr. Panganiban's number. Afterwards, he
was already calling her number. Mariano explained the reason why they needed the
records. When Mariano hung up, he looked at Saenz with a face that indicated that
they needed to wait for some time. Then, a minute later, the phone rang, and Mariano
was looking less tense. He said that Dr. Panganiban agreed, but they needed Dr. Santa
Romana's permission.

The next destination was the district's health center.

Chapter XXXII
Saenz, Jerome, Mariano, and Panganiban arrived at the health center. There
stood Jeannie, waiting for them. Alice thanked Jeannie for meeting with them during
those hours. Afterward, Mariano introduced the two priests to Jeannie. Jeannie was
skeptical about giving access to the [confidential] records until she learned that there
were already seven victims. Mariano said that many people break the rules, so they
might as well break the rules for the greater cost.

Jeannie led them to the room where all the records were filed. Alice and Mariano
went home, leaving Jerome, Saenz, and Jeannie to analyze the records. They
compared the records to the priests' dental X-rays. On Sunday morning, Alice and
Mariano dropped by. Jeannie said that there was no luck. Mariano asked Saenz about
his next move, but Saenz said that he had no idea what to do next.

Alice wondered if Dr. Alex Carlos records were already filed. Saenz was
intrigued, so he asked more about Alex. The doctors said that he is a good dentist but
really absent-minded. Saenz asked if maybe he has records that were still not filed in,
to which Alice replied that there probably are.
 Jeannie called Alex and, after some time, returned to the room. She said that
there were more files and that Alex would drop by in an hour. Jeannie and Alice waited
for Alex to arrive. Some time later, Alex arrived carrying a box of records. He asked
Alice if he should proceed to the recording room, but Alice said to just leave it at the
entrance. Jeannie reminded Alex that the records should be filed centrally. Upon
hearing that, Alex snapped, saying that it would be annoying to find the records again if
the patient returned. When Alex got the second box, he reminded them that they were
heavy. However, Alice just said that she would let the interns carry it. She had a chit
chat with Alex until she escorted him to the entrance door. The records that they
needed were in the boxes.

By noon on Monday morning, all victims were identified except one. All of them
were worn out, but the two priests did not waste any more time because they knew
that there were families waiting for news. Saenz asked Jerome if they should proceed
to the NBI next, but Jerome responded that they should take a bath and grab a nice
meal first.

When they left the record room, the clinic was almost empty. It was almost
empty because there was only one person in his late twenties sitting there reading a
newspaper. He does not look at the two priests as they go and open the entrance door.

"They know. The tall man knows. They're watching me now."

Chapter XXXIII
In the early morning, Father Gus went to work to prepare for the 9am faculty
meeting. On the way to his department office, he stops by his pigeon-hole to check for
mail. He got mails from journals, faculty and university notices, and a letter envelope
made out of heavy, cream-colored linen paper, which hooks his attention. He takes the
envelope and studies it in his office. The envelope has no postmark, no return address,
just his name and office address written in a small, precise hand. Father Gus flipped
the envelope to open it and saw that it had been sealed with tape instead of the
adhesive strip on the flap. Because of what he had seen, he went to Jerome.

Meanwhile, Jerome was busy with his breakfast when Saenz suddenly came
and snatched his food. Saenz, with his full mouth, informed Jerome regarding the mail
that he had received that morning. They examined the envelope; the address are
written with a fine-tipped sign pen in small block letters, evenly spaced, and the
address lines straight, which can obviously notice that it is neatly handwritten

They find out that the envelope is sealed with tape—because to protect and not
tear up the adhesive strip as the adhesive strip contains something. So, they take a
look at the adhesive strip, and they've seen that there are random lines on the strip like
a pointed instrument (a pin) that had been used to scratch the adhesive. They find out
that the instrument that is used to scratch the adhesive is very well the same
instrument that the marks of the victims have.
 They assume that the messenger of the mail is the killer and that it is a warning
for them that the killer knows who they are, what they are doing, and he (killer) is
watching them. And they (Saenz and Jerome) realized that they struck a nerve
somewhere and they are close to finding out the truth.

Chapter XXXIV
Edith Solis had given birth to Noel under difficult circumstances. She is 15 years
old when she got pregnant with Joel, 16 years old, and working as a newspaper
delivery boy, while Edith is a carinderia girl. Edith was kicked out of their house after
she told her mother that she got pregnant. Joel didn't take the responsibility of
impregnating Edith, so she didn't have a choice but to do all things just to survive with
the baby inside her. Edith stayed with her friend and did odd jobs just to earn a living.
She worked until her tummy was big, and in her eighth month, her water broke, so she
walked herself to the community hospital. The baby came out and didn't breathe for
several minutes. They gave the baby to her and gently told her to say goodbye, but she
refused. She held him, talked to him, and the baby came back to life. She didn't name
her son after his father, who suddenly disappeared. She faced many challenges in the
first year, Noel got sick, so she did everything just for her son to survive and live. Noel
is six years old when things/life are getting better. Edith found a job, and Noel is
already studying. Noel is a good boy and can do simple house chores. One day, Noel
suddenly disappeared. Several months had passed, but she still washed her son's
clothes. Until two men come and call her name.

The men came to tell Binang today, after more than five months. Binang was
forty-two when she gave birth to her sixth child. She didn't want to bear a child
anymore, but her husband, Edong, persisted even if it was against her will. When Lino,
the sixth child, was born, she sent him off immediately to be raised by her eldest
daughter, who was married and had a child of her own. Meanwhile, Edong died
because of an illness in his liver. The boy, Lino, grew up away from his mother and felt
her dislike for him. When he was about six, he saw how his mother treated his
nephews in a way that she never did to him. Lino blurted out to his sister: "Lola doesn't
like me." And that was six years ago. It dawned on Binang that her youngest son died
knowing who his real mother was.

In the afternoon, Lolita Bansuy sells maruya and turon. Lolit has an extraordinary
talent for happiness. The only thorn on her side is her son. Thirteen-year-old Vicente
(Enteng) went around with a rough, glue-sniffing crowd of mostly older boys; he often
acted as their lookout during burglaries. He had grown from a quiet and well-behaved
child to a tough, sour-faced, belligerent ruffian. Lolit tried to talk to him and scolded
him, but the boy just merely stared out the window and would go out after she was
done. Lolit would be left alone and wonders if her son's changes were because he
misses his father, who died when Enteng was nine years old. His father died due to
pneumonia following weeks of back-breaking work in the new market along the
highway. The construction crew, most of them paid less than minimum daily wage, had
to rush to finish the structure; the mayor wanted it completed before the elections.
Enteng had loved his father, and he watched his father suffer from illness. Enteng
watched his father die while Lolit was busy with work. He didn't call for his mother after
his father died. Instead, he waited for her to go home. He fell asleep, holding his father
and resting his head against his father's arm. That was how Lolit found them.
Afterward, Lolit would see Enteng's eyes following other boys his age, walking with
their fathers, and there's a sadness and longing in his eyes, but he never said a word.
Then, a year later, a purse snatching, his first run-in with the police. Lolit's boy
disappeared several months ago. She tries to stay cheerful, hoping that he will come
home soon. Suddenly, two men came and talked to her about her son.

Chapter XXXV
In a conference room at the NBI, there are Saenz and Jerome, Arcinas, Jake
Valdez, Director Lastimosa, Cesar Mariano. They talked about the victims and identified
them; two from Payatas, two from Manggahan, one from Litex, one from Riverside, all
poor, and two trash pickers. They also talked about working with the barangay officials
of Mariano's district so it might be a help to make sure that their place is safe as they
will have a community surveillance.

Chapter XXXVI
Early in the morning, Saenz immediately went to Jerome to inform him that he
missed something...obvious. It Is obvious that the killer could be working in the mobile
clinic himself. It is because of the mystery envelope that came a day after they were
seen at the district health center. Jerome is not sure about the mobile clinic as they
know that the mobile clinic has been around for years so why didn't the killings begin
much early. However, Saenz said that what if there are personal changes such as the
workers move and get replaced all the time. So they speculated that the killer are
taking advantage of his job to select his victims.

Chapter XXXVII
Along with Councillor Mariano and Dr. Alice Panganiban, Saenz, and Jerome
asked how things work at the mobile clinic, how often it goes to the parish, and how
often Jeannie's there. At first, Jeannie incredulously asked Saenz if they were
suspecting her as the killer, but they immediately told her that they didn't have a
suspect yet. So, Jeannie answered all their questions. Then, Saenz asked Jeannie who
was her alternate in dental, the one who always forgot to file the records. She said that
it was Alex Carlos who comes to the health center every Monday and Friday, and goes
to the mobile clinic every first and third Saturday of the month, and he's been with
them for less than a year. Saenz showed the envelope and identified that the
handwriting was from Alex. The priests interviewed Alice and Jeannie about what they
know about Alejandro Benitez-Carlos Jr. (Alex Carlos). When Saenz asked what Alex
looks like, Alice showed Alex's picture and Saenz immediately recognized him: the man
who was seated at the reception desk when they finished the identification work on
Monday. Saenz strictly instructs Alice and Jeannie to act normal around Alex. On the
way back to the university, Jerome asked what they will do next; to advise Valdez and
Arcinas to arrest Alex or to conduct a background check on Alex first. Saenz decided
to ask some help to their friend, the news producer, and her army of contacts.

Chapter XXXVIII
By Quezon City Hall, Toyang Bailon, Clerk II at Human Resources, waits at the
squid ball and fish ball stall of the tiangge. She bought sago't gulaman and squid balls
while waiting for someone. She carefully tucked the file folder she was carrying under
her arm so the sauce doesn’t drop on it. While eating, here comes a tall woman whom
she was waiting for, and she gave the file folder to the woman. The file contains Alex's
service records and some of the pre-employment he submitted for his application. It
also contains that he hasn't been in any trouble, no administrative cases, or
disciplinary actions, a good boy.

Ciony is taking a break from the morning's work, sitting in a quiet corner of the
University of the Philippines' registrar's office (so, registrar siguro siya sa UP) when a
phone rings from the office and someone came and told her that she got a phone call.
The caller called her "manang cion" and she immediately recognized who it was. They
just made kamustahan to each other and finally, Ciony asked what she can do for the
caller.

The following monday, Joanna called Saenz informing him that she'll fax him
some information that she dug up on Alex Carlos. In a few minutes, the papers begin
coming through: birth and baptismal certificates, school records, newspaper clippings.

Chapter XXXIX
Jerome will go to Alex's parents to ask them regarding Alex. But Jerome will
pretend that he is Alex's spiritual advisor and has been concerned as he hasn't heard
from Alex in a while.
As Jerome was otw, Saenz was at the laboratory. He makes some calls, and he
falls asleep after that. As he woke up, he sensed that he was not alone and there he
met Lolit, Enteng's mother. She knew what Saenz was doing for his son, so she gave
him turon and immediately went out to go home.

Chapter XL
Flora Carlos, Alex's mother, told Jerome that they haven't had any contact with
Alex in over a year. Jerome saw that Alex's frame was the same as the victims; thin and
small-boned frame. And that was when Alex's about 13 y/o or 14 y/o. When Jerome
introduced himself, he first noticed how guarded Mrs. Carlos was; she halts every once
in a while when she talks about her son. She also presents Alex's all awards he got
from Payatas High School. However, Jerome noticed that there was an absence of PE
or athletic awards or any picture of Alex in high school CAT. So, he asked if Alex likes
PE or sports. Mrs. Carlos said that Alex was a medic. Suddenly, Mrs. Carlos asked why
Jerome kept on asking questions when, in fact, Jerome must know all of it as he was
with Alex back then. She was suspecting that Jerome was pretending, so she
challenged him that if she called Alex, Alex would know who Jerome was. So, Jerome
also challenged her as he recapped that Mrs. Carlos told him that they hadn't heard
from Alex in more than a year. Mrs. Carlos asked Jerome, who he really was, and asked
what happened to Alex. Jerome honestly told to the mother that the NBI were seeking
Alex's help in investigating a series of murder of young boys in Quezon City; all the
victims looked like Alex in the picture, same build and almost the same age. Mrs.
Carlos think that they/Jerome will think that Alex killed the victims. Meanwhile, Mr.
Carlos came, Alex's father, and asked what Jerome wanted. So, Mrs. Carlos said that
Jerome was asking if Alex liked PE, and Mr. Carlos' face darkens in anger and tells
Jerome to get out and never come back. Jerome doesn't have a choice but to excuse
himself and heads out the door. When he touches the handle of the car's door, it's
burning hot so he reaches for the towel inside his bag but he realized that he left it
inside the house so he turns back to get it but he bumps into Mrs. Carlos and sees her
clutching it. She pretended that she was angry, but she whispers to wait for her at San
Francisco de Asis.

Chapter XLI
Jerome met Mrs. Carlos at the church of St. Francis of Assisi. She made sure
that Jerome was really trying to help Alex. So, she said that Alex didn't like PE as he
wasn't good with any sports. Also, she shared that something changed Alex when he
was in his 2nd year of high school. Last year, Alex told his parents he'd seen his old PE
teacher from high school, Mr. Gorospe. A week after that meeting, Alex told his parents
that he wouldn't be able to see them for a while. And she was cutted when Mr. Carlos
suddenly came. At first, Mr. Carlos don't want to talk about Alex but Mrs. Carlos
persuaded him so they told him what Alex's experiences were when he was still in their
care.

Mr. Carlos said w/teary eyes, "One day I woke him up early for school, and I saw
him. There was blood on the sheets, on his shorts. Not much, just spots here and there.
But I panicked. Started shouting. He tried to get away, but I held him by the shoulder. I
couldn't make him understand that I was trying to help him. I thought he was sick." ..."
He begged me not to hurt him. He said he would be good; he would do what I wanted.
Then he wriggled free and ran to the bathroom. He locked the door, but I pounded and
pounded until it flew open. I made him show me."

They saw that Alex was bleeding but they did nothing. They did not ask for any
help from anyone. They let Alex stay at school as he has a scholarship at Payatas high
school, and they can't pull him out there because they don't have enough money to
send him to school. However, his scholarship suddenly stopped but his PE teacher (Mr.
Gorospe) arranged something for him to continue. They let Mr. Gorospe take care of
Alex and they were grateful not until years later that Alex told them that it was Mr.
Gorospe who "did that" to him.
 They also know that Alex saw Mr. Gorospe after so many years and it didn't end
well and again, they decided to keep silent. They told Jerome that he should talk to his
friends as he was not the only one. After that, Jerome excuses himself and calls Saenz
to investigate Mr. Isabelo Gorospe, Alex's first victim.

Chapter XLII
Alex's parents called him, saying something about coming home, something
about being sorry for everything that happened to him. His father says something
about a priest coming to visit, about the police looking for him. He asked what he (the
priest) looked like and asked what they told him.

Chapter XLIII
The priests went to meet Jake Valdes as he's with one of Alex's high school
classmates and also experienced "it." Guillermo "Emong" Ricafrente was Alex's
classmate, and he filed a police report involving Alex as Alex suddenly came to him to
invite him to come and meet their old PE teacher, Mr. Gorospe, but he refused.
According to Emong, Alex went crazy, started yelling at him, and told him he was no
friend, but he responded to Alex that he barely knew Alex and they were not friends
then and now. Alex started to throw everything that Emong and his clients owned in his
shop. He also ran to Emong with his jack.

Jerome asked Emong regarding Mr. Gorospe, but he didn't say anything as he
didn't want to remember it anymore. However, the priests said that Alex may have
been involved in the murders that happened in Payatas, and they need proof, so they
are asking why Alex did the killings. Because of this, Emong told everything that
they've experienced from Mr. Gorospe, especially Alex's suffering as he was "the
favorite one." After that, they informed Emong that Mr. Gorospe was found murdered in
his apartment.

Chapter XLIV
At the laboratory, Valdes is holding the file of Mr. Gorospe, as they investigated
who he was and how he was murdered in his own apartment. Face, heart, and genital
were removed just like the seven victims. Alex didn't want to be Gorospe's favorite and
special little boy, he wanted to erase himself; he wanted to be like an ordinary victim,
just like Emong and the rest, and he didn't like being looked at by the others.

So, they speculated that the reason why Alex was killing the boys were because
killing Gorospe wasn't enough; the others were still alive. However, Alex couldn't kill
the others as they were already adults, so he killed those who looked like him when he
was in high school. Suddenly, a phone rings, and they assume that it was Alex. Even if
he wasn't talking, they're just hearing his heavy breathing and noise from the
background.
 Chapter XLV
Alex Carlos is dressed and ready to go to work but as he stepped out of his
gate, he sensed that he was being watched so he went back inside his house. He
closed and locked his door, and he entered his bedroom with his kit. He opens his kit
and the shiny metallic thing confronts him; he takes out the dental instrument and a
thin knife. He rips a shirt from its hanger and wraps the instrument up in it and stuff it
down at his back, in the waistband of his jeans. He opens his bedroom's window and
jumps out.

Meanwhile, Saenz and Jerome are the last to arrive at Alex's apartment. There
are media who flock to Saenz to ask many questions but he didn't entertain any of
them. Arcinas met the two priests at the door. They didn't go inside as they waited for
Saenz, so they went inside when Saenz went first. They surveyed all the things that
were inside the apartment; an envelope, several black rubber rain boots, a
refrigerator…

Chapter XLVI
Alex saw a man heading home around 7 o'clock. The rock is wrapped with a rag,
to keep it from slipping from his grip at the crucial moment. Crouching low behind the
stacks, he catches a glimpse of a young boy.

Dennis doesn't scream when he wakes up. He whimpered as the pain in his
head was intense, throbbing, something warm and wet trickled across his forehead,
and he felt like throwing up. He realized that he was being carried by a man heading to
the dump. He panics as he remembers all the talk about the monster that wonders the
dumpsite. He tried to fight but the man was stronger than him.

Chapter XLVII
Saenz talked to Arcinas and Director Lastimosa as he insisted that he'll be the
one to talk to Alex as he wants to peacefully arrest Alex because there's a big chance
that Alex will die if the other group is the one who will be assigned.

Suddenly, the phone rings to inform others that there's a missing boy, and it is
reported that someone saw a man who fits Alex's description dragging a boy of about
12 or 13 y/o. They're informed that the boy is still alive, so they immediately go to the
site, and they let Saenz handle it, but with an adequate backup.

Meanwhile, Dennis is lying on the floor, hands and feet are bound with tape, and
a dirty rag in his mouth. He tried to fight, but Alex is stronger.

Chapter XLVIII
They are preparing to go to Alex, and Saenz refuses to wear a life vest. Joanna
and Leo also went with them.
 Chapter XLIX
After they leave the Church, the agents' two-way radios crackle to life. It's
Valdes, informing them that the tanods saw the missing boy not far from where they
are, already dead.

They went to the dump, they saw the dead body; it was still warm, the face was
gone but the usual injuries weren't there—the evisceration, the removal of the heart
and the genitals.

Chapter L
It is 11 pm. on the first Saturday of September when the car pulls up to the
gates of the school: a drob, broxy three-story building with rows of darkened windows.
The gate has been busted open. It was Saenz who decided to make the first move as
he moved out of the car. Saenz walked forward and approached the gate. Other NBI
personnel started to move out also.

Saenz wants to bring Alex alive as they will arrest him because he needs to
know why Alex killed the boys. After that, several sirens and several police cars came
as it will serve as a police backup if something goes wrong.
Saenz turns and begins to walk until he sees the mobile clinic. He slowly walks there,
and the door creaks when he opens it.

Chapter LI
Saenz tried to talk to Alex, saying that he knew what happened to him and that
he would help him and that Alex would atone for what he had done.

However, Alex didn't believe what Saenz told him because of what he had
experienced from the past that no one believed and helped him. But Saenz didn't give
up on persuading Alex, and he thought that he persuaded Alex and they would come
out.

Suddenly, Saenz feels pain in his arm, shoulder, and chest. Alex hurt him
through his knife. Because of this, the police fired their guns on Alex. He died.

Chapter LII
Saenz dreamt (bad dream) about talking with Father Ramirez and Cardinal
Meneses.

Saenz woke up after four days of being unconscious. He immediately asked

about Alex, but Jerome answered that Alex received four bullet shots from an
over-eager policeman.

Saenz thinks that all their sacrifices are useless because Alex died as he thinks
about what to say to Alex's parents.
 Chapter LIII
Director Lastimosa came to Saenz to inform him that they are conducting an
investigation into why they shoot Alex. However, Lastimosa has another agenda for
Saenz. It was about Monsignor Ramirez. Lastimosa told Saenz that he would tell a
story soon.

Little by little, Saenz's wounds began to heal, and his strength returned.

Again, Lastimosa met Saenz and Saenz to remind him about the story. He
showed evidence about Monsignor Ramirez wrong doings; child abuse, and stealing
money (funds of Kanlungan).

Chapter LIV
Jerome and Saenz visited Alex's grave.

Epilogue
Cardinal Meneses went to Saenz to inform Saenz that Father Isagani Ramirez
was no longer connected with Kanlungan, and they will investigate his activities and his
conduct at Kanlungan.