The Villaverde mansion loomed behind its high steel gates, its sprawling estate shrouded in silence. The air smelled of freshly cut grass, and the dim glow of the estate's porch lights barely touched the long driveway lined with towering acacia trees. It was a fortress of wealth and power, untouched by the fears gripping Bantayan.
But tonight, its walls could not protect what lay within.
Sgt. Alvaro Morales stood outside the gate, his uniform damp from the humid night air. Flanking him were three of his officers, their presence a stark contrast to the grandeur before them. He rapped his knuckles firmly against the iron bars, the echo swallowed by the vastness of the estate.
Poldo, the security guard emerged from a small outpost near the entrance, flashlight in hand, his eyes wary
."Good evening, sir," he said cautiously.
"How can I help you?"
Sgt. Morales held up his badge.
"We need to speak with Samuel Villaverde. We'd like to invite him to the precinct for questioning regarding an ongoing investigation."
Poldo hesitated. He was trained to keep unwanted visitors away, but these were police officers.
"I'll inform the councilor," he said before retreating toward the house.
Minutes later, the grand doors of the mansion swung open, and Councilor Villaverde stepped out, his presence commanding even in casual linen clothes. His salt and pepper hair was neatly combed, and his sharp eyes took in the officers with calculated precision. A well practiced smile curved his lips as he approached the gate.
"Sergeant Morales",
what brings you here at this hour?" His voice was smooth, polite, but laced with an underlying authority.
Sgt. Morales met his gaze evenly.
"Good evening, sir. We need to speak with your son, Samuel. We have some questions regarding the recent incidents in town."
Councilor Villaverde's expression didn't falter, but a slight stiffness crept into his posture. "I'm afraid Samuel isn't here," he said smoothly. "He left town a few days ago for some time alone after" he sighed dramatically, " his academic troubles. The boy has been through a lot."
Inside the house, just beyond the grand staircase, Samuel Villaverde stood frozen in the dimly lit hallway, his breath shallow. He had been listening. His fingers twitched at his sides, his nails digging into his palms. He wasn't surprised the police had come, but the feeling that coiled inside him wasn't fear. It was something colder. Something darker.
Back at the gate, Sgt. Morales didn't miss the flicker of discomfort in the councilor's eyes. He had questioned enough men like councilor Villaverde to know when someone was lying.
"Sir, as you know, under Article III, Section 2 of the Philippine Constitution, every person is entitled to due process and protection against unlawful searches and seizures. We are not here to arrest your son only to invite him for questioning. If he has nothing to hide, we ask that he cooperate with the investigation."
Councilor Villaverde's smile remained, but his fingers tightened slightly against the iron gate. "I understand the law very well, Sergeant," he said, his voice still measured. "Which is why I must remind you that unless you have a warrant, you cannot force your way into my home or compel my son to come with you."
Sgt. Morales nodded. "You're right, sir. We don't have a warrant. But we do have strong reason to believe your son can help us with our case. If he refuses to come in voluntarily, we will proceed with the proper legal measures to obtain a subpoena or a warrant of arrest, depending on the circumstances."
A tense silence hung between them.
Finally, Councilor Villaverde sighed, as if burdened by the weight of his own reputation. "Fine," he said. "I promise I will bring my son to the station first thing tomorrow. There's no need for a spectacle, Sergeant. I am a man of my word."
Sgt. Morales held his gaze a moment longer before giving a slow nod.
"Tomorrow morning, then. We will be expecting him."
With that, he turned on his heel, motioning for his men to follow. The officers exchanged glances, but none spoke as they retreated into the night.
Inside the mansion, Samuel remained in the shadows, his pulse steady. He listened to his father's footsteps as they approached, the weight of expectation pressing against him like an iron grip.
"You've embarrassed me enough," his father said coldly, stopping just a few feet away. "I've protected you for long enough. Tomorrow, you will go to the station. You will say nothing unnecessary. And you will remember who you are the son of Rogelio Villaverde."
Samuel slowly lifted his head, his lips curling into the faintest of smirks.
"Of course, Father," he murmured.
But as he turned toward the darkened stairwell, something flickered behind his eyes.
Tomorrow, they would all see.