Chapter 82: Drama
Standing in front of the conference room doors had given me trauma. I was only ever there for work—or for a confrontation. Today, it would be the latter, and I suspected there would be more than one.
The doors creaked open, revealing Señora Alcantara seated at the rearmost chair of the long table, staring out the window, biting her nails.
I might have misinterpreted what Dimalanta meant by upset. She looked more worried than angry.
Señora Alcantara took a few moments to notice me. She had been out of sorts lately—and understandably so. When she finally did see me, she sprang up from her seat like a coiled spring.
"Heneral!" she exclaimed.
"Please, be seated, Señora." It was immediately clear there would be no fiery confrontation today. That said, I was now worried for her. "Were you escorted on your way here?"
She returned to her seat as I took the one opposite her. "Yes... by two soldiers. I left Sargento Tolentino to watch over my daughter... and the house."
"How can I help you? Did something happen?" I asked, noting how panicked she looked. Her hands were trembling, constantly rubbing against each other, and her eyes darted about, never settling on anything for long.
"I’m here for the lad... What happened to him?" she asked.
Of course, she was.
"He is in our custody. The people of Tabigue caught him trying to flee toward the Boac River, where a boat had been arranged for his escape."