Chapter 48: Operation Paper Clip
Marawi City – 7:43 PM
The moon hung high over the skyline, a silver coin in the ink-black sky. The city below was still alive, its narrow streets bustling with tricycles, vendors, and locals wrapping up their day. Despite the hour, construction sites echoed faintly with clanging tools and late-night welding—remnants of a city rebuilding itself.
A white van, unassuming and coated in light road dust, pulled up beside one of the unfinished structures. The engine cut, and a man stepped out.
He wore a casual outdoor outfit—cargo pants, a windbreaker, and a cap pulled low. Slipping a pack of gum from his pocket, he crossed the street with a laid-back gait, the kind that didn't invite attention.
He approached a small sari-sari store, its aluminum shutter half open. A fluorescent light buzzed overhead.
From inside, a woman in her fifties emerged, wiping her hands on her apron. "What do you need?" she asked casually.
"One pack of Marlboro, please," the man replied with a friendly nod, fishing a ₱100 bill from his wallet.
As she turned to get the cigarette pack, he leaned in slightly."Ma'am, is it alright if I leave my van just over there? Someone might, you know... mess with it." He glanced subtly across the street, implying possible theft.
The woman followed his gaze, then chuckled."No problem at all. My son and his friends usually hang around here. I'll make sure they keep an eye on it."
The man smiled, appreciative. He pulled another ₱500 bill from his wallet and extended it."This is just a small gift, ma'am. Thank you."
"Oh no, that's too much. Really, it's okay," she said, trying to hand it back.