“I CAN’T believe Thaddeus would go to this extent just to prevent me from not showing up,” Rochelle said as she parked her car in front of a restaurant. “Still, the Condo Case is mine.”
Rochelle leaned back to her seat and scowled at the restaurant’s signage. She can’t believe she’ll be here again. If not for their deputy’s request, she won’t go here. She was about to walk towards the entrance gallery when her phone rang. Rochelle took out her smartphone from her small purse and rolled her eyes heavenwards upon seeing Thaddeus’ name registered on the screen. She immediately dismissed the call and made her way towards the entrance.
Dr. Thaddeus Martin was one of the few numbers of men that she talked to. But sometimes, she regretted including Thaddeus in them. Sometimes, one of those was what would happen inside the restaurant that she’s been avoiding to dine for a month.
As soon as she stepped inside the restaurant, she heard Thaddeus called her name. She turned to the corner of the dining area and caught Thaddeus waving at her. The broad smile on the man’s face just added to Rochelle’s annoyance. She wished that the famous Chef wouldn’t show up tonight. Rochelle shook her head; she’ll make Thaddeus regret doing this to her. Otherwise, she’ll despise this day for the rest of her life.
“I thought you changed your mind and decided to don’t show up,” Thaddeus told her as he ushered her on her seat.
Rochelle controlled herself from shooting him a glare, but she forgot to leave her sarcasm at home. “Really? You came with that thought?”
And the bastard had the nerve to chuckle. “Honestly, I know that you can’t afford to miss this dinner.”
Marielle laughed. “Why do I feel like tomorrow will be a nice day for Thaddeus?”
“Thank you for not turning down my invitation, Rochelle.” Their deputy chief smiled and nodded at her. “How’re your today’s posts? Did your patients give you a headache?”
Angela sensed the next question, but she still managed to put a genuine smile on her face. “Not quite, Dr. Saavedra. It was actually a nice day for me because you invited me to this dinner.”
Marielle snorted loudly that all of them looked at her. Janus nudged her in the shoulder and gave her a warning look. “`Sorry,” she said and giggled. “Can we order now?”
“We’re still waiting for Detective Albert,” Thaddeus said and took out his phone. He adjusted his bar-rimmed glasses before he typed on his screen. “He’s on his way.”
As if on cue, Janus waved at the passing waiter behind them. “You may serve our orders.”
A few minutes later, their orders were served on the table. Different kinds of mouth-watering Italian Cuisines welcomed their appetite. Rochelle was not a fan of international food, but she guessed she’d make an exception tonight. Too bad, these delicious foods were cooked from this restaurant. ‘And why am I even thinking of him?’
“Italian cuisines here were cooked with a touch of Filipino taste,” Dr. Saavedra informed them. “This is my favorite restaurant; that’s why I told Thaddeus to set the dinner meeting here.”
Rochelle paused. “Meeting?” she asked, a little surprised at what she just heard. “I thought it was just a casual dinner.”
“I thought it’s team-building,” Marielle said while serving lemony tuna on her plate.
“What made you think that it’s team-building?” Janus asked with a knotted forehead. “Team buildings weren’t held in restaurants.”
Marielle grinned and then glanced at her, “because Rochelle is coming with us.”
Rochelle narrowed her eyes at her colleague. “Is that so?” she asked sarcastically. “So, what are you trying to say?”
Marielle laughed. “Nothing!” she said with a sway of her hand. “Oh, please, don’t give me that look, Roch. It gives me creeps.”
All of her colleagues laughed while Rochelle just shook her head. She can’t blame Marielle for saying it, she was known to be snobbish in their team, and she doesn’t hang out with anyone unless it was part of her job. She also limits herself from talking to other people—especially men—that doesn’t have to do with her profession. Everybody in their team knew that she hated men, and she guessed she’d live by that label for the rest of her life.
“Why is Detective Albert taking so long?” Dr. Saavedra asked as she scooped rollatini pasta. “Is he on a crime scene now?”
“Maybe he was caught again in traffic,” Thaddeus replied, grinning like a schoolboy. “A traffic that wears police uniform—”
“So you’re talking shits behind my back, Thaddeus?” Detective Albert arrived with his usual worn-out hoody and ripped jeans. “I’m sorry if I kept you waiting, Dr. Saavedra.”
“It’s fine,” Dr. Saavedra said. “I’m used to that.”
Rochelle shook her head. Detective Albert Torres was their team’s Homicide Detective. And, he was known to be so hard-working and determined to his profession that he often ditched his bed for some rest during an investigation. Worst, most of their cases were remained unsolved for months now.
“Oh, so we have a Beauty Queen guest here,” he said and reached to tap her head, but she quickly avoided it. “Why? You haven’t washed your hair?”
Rochelle rolled her eyes ceilingwards. “Sanitize your hands first, Detective. I don’t know where you used that a while ago.”
Detective Albert groaned. “It’s nice to see you, too.”
“Come on, take your seat,” Thaddeus told him. “We should celebrate this moment. Rochelle finally joined us in dinner.”
“Oh, please, spare me, Thaddeus,” she said and crossed her arms. “I didn’t go here to be bullied by the two of you.”
Dr. Saavedra laughed. “They’re just happy that you’re here with us. We’ve been working for four years, and this is just the second time that you joined us in dinner without saying that it’s something important to our investigations.”
“I was actually shocked when Marielle told me that you’re coming tonight—”
“Oh, shut up, Janus,” Rochelle cut off. “If this meant for a celebration, then we should get a wine.”
“But, before that, Rochelle.” Thaddeus looked at her and smiled. “I want to tell you something.”
Rochelle can see mischief in his eyes, and it annoys her very much. She raised her hand and called for a waiter without taking her eyes off him. “Oops, sorry,” she said. “I didn’t hear you.”
Thaddeus groaned in defeat. “Are you a psychic?”
She smirked. “Sort of? It’s just obvious—”
“Do you need anything else, Madame?” A rasp baritone tone of voice interrupted Rochelle’s voice. “You called for me, right?”
Rochelle felt a sudden chill along her spine. She looked up, and when she saw the man’s face, a creased between her brows suddenly appeared. This night was indeed a nightmare.
***