Chapter 6

“WHY would I give my name to you? Do you have a crime scene that you want me to investigate?” Kriszel asked the Chef sarcastically.

The man took moments to answer. “P-Pardon me?

“Look, sir. I don’t want to be rude to you, but I did not come here to have a chit-chat with you,” she said and passed the champagne glass to Carlos. “And I prefer to serve my own glass.

Detective Albert touched her shoulder. “Hey, don’t be so hard to yourself.

Terence laughed, but when she glared at him, he shut his mouth and showed him a peace sign. Kriszel returned her gaze to her glass and pretended that the Chef wasn’t around. Carlos looked at her, and it annoyed her more.

“Why are you looking at me?” she snarled at him.

Carlos’ brows raised. “You’re squeezing my arm.

Kriszel paused, then gazed down at her right hand. Carlos was right, she was unwarily squeezing his arm. She let go of his arm with a jolt. “It’s rude to put your arms on the dinner table.

Lalaine snorted. “`Sorry,” she said when she looked at her. “Terence’s tickling my waist.

Terence looked at Lalaine, the surprise was apparent in her face. “Stop using me, Lalaine.

Everybody was stealing glances at her, and Kriszel started to feel uncomfortable. She cupped her forehead. She can’t believe she got herself into this situation. When the Chef placed the bottle of wine on the table, she quickly snatched it and poured her glass. The Chef then took it again and went around the table.

“Would you mind if I fill your glass of wine?” the man asked Lalaine curtly.

Kriszel prevents her eyes from rolling again, but she can’t help it every time she hears his voice she felt like her blood was boiling to the highest degree Celsius. Dr. Scarper must have noticed her because she suddenly put a sliced of chicken parmesan on her plate.

“Try this. I’m sure you’ll like it,” she said and gave her an assuring smile.

Kriszel smiled. “I actually love cheese—all kinds of cheese.

“It’s an honor for me, Chef,” she heard Lalaine replied to the Chef sweetly. “I saw your latest Instagram post that you’ve been featured in a women’s magazine in the previous month.

The Chef smiled shyly. “It’s a late upload. I’m not really into social media, I leave the promotions to my marketing staff.

‘So, he’s the owner?’ she asked in her mind. ‘And what do I care?

“Really? I actually thought you’re some kind of a model with those jeans and clothes.

Kriszel sipped on her glass. By the way that Lalaine looked at the Chef, she must have been stalking him. She smirked. She can imagine how thrilled she was when she found out that their meeting will be here.

“Thank you. The stylist just made me wear those clothes, but you see, it wasn’t really my style—”

Kriszel cleared her throat. “Carlos, what were you saying earlier?

Carlos, who was currently exchanging lame jokes with Detective Albert, turned to her suddenly. His expression was a mixture of surprise and confusion.

“You wanted to tell me something a while ago, but I unintentionally dismissed you,” she said slowly while staring straight in his eyes.

When Carlos knotted his forehead, Kriszel wanted to hit her head with her fork. She was about to speak again when Terence butt in.

“Carlos wanted to ask you out,” he said in a casual tone. “He’s been preparing for this dinner, you know? He even invited Dr. Scarper to be his witness.

“What?” Kriszel was doomed. “Wait—”

“Terence was right,” Lalaine said, then looked at the Chef. “Thanks for small talk, Chef. I’m looking forward to doing business with you in the future.

Detective Albert laughed. “Lalaine, are you serious?

“Yeah, why—?

“Wait for a second, could you please explain further what Terence was saying?” Kriszel was starting to get frustrated, even so, she still noticed when the Chef left them.

But, Carlos was as dumbfounded as her. “Hey, Terence!

Terence just laughed. “I’m just kidding,” he said and scooped another lemony tuna.

“But, as far as my knowledge is concerned, Carlos has a crush on you,” Lalaine said, but her attention was now focused on her plate. “The dishes here are the best!

“I told you,” Dr. Scarper said with a smile. “Carlos, you were about to say something to Kriszel, what is it?

Kriszel crossed her arm. “This is why I hate casual dinners. I better go—”

“No, please…” Carlos stopped her in the arm. “I-I just want to ask if you could switch posts with me.

“No way,” Detective Albert complained. “Don’t ever talk anything about your job in front of the food,” he said slowly, stressing every word. “Or, else, I’ll throw up on your plates.

“Yuck,” Lalaine commented. “That’s gross!

“Then what do you call the topic that Carlos wanted to start?” he asked, starting to get irritated.

“Why? I don’t see any wrong with what he said,” Lalaine countered. “He just wanted to exchange posts with Kriszel. He didn’t indicate that he wanted to exchange his headless decomposing floater with Kriszel’s—”

“Oh, my God, Lalaine—” Detective Albert suddenly raised from his seat and ran towards the comfort room.

Kriszel laughed. “Now, I know why you chose to occupy the table nearest to the comfort room,” she said, then shot Carlos a glare. “So, do you think I’ll trade my post with you just because Dr. Scarper is here?

“Kriszel,” Dr. Scarper called her attention. “It was a mistake that I gave you that case.

Kriszel knotted her forehead. She turned to face their deputy and waited for her to continue speaking.

“Case #1049 is a sensitive case,” she continued. “And I want Carlos to work for it.

“What?” she asked, surprised by what her deputy told her. “So, what, if it’s a sensitive case? I’ve worked in several sensitive cases before and—”

“Just give it to Carlos,” Dr. Scarper said with finality. “Now, let’s enjoy these delicious cuisines.

Kriszel didn’t answer. She doesn’t understand why suddenly their deputy wanted to pull back the case that she assigned to her. It’s not just a mistake, she knew it. She has a feeling that there’s something more with it. And, it’s for her to find out.

***

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