Maxine's POV

I watched her walk away.

Each step she took felt like another nail hammered into my coffin.

A’ishah didn’t even hesitate. Walang pag-aalinlangan, walang hint ng pagdududa. Just a simple, cold, and final yes.

So, that’s it. That’s all it takes for her to condemn me.

I laughed under my breath, but there was no humor in it. Sakit lang. Sakit na gusto kong isigaw, pero anong silbi? She already made up her mind.

The metal bars felt colder against my skin as I leaned back, staring at the ceiling. My chest felt hollow, like something had been ripped out of me, no, like something had been missing for a long time, and I was only just realizing it.

I thought I was ready for this. Ready to face her. Ready to hear her side, to fight for my truth. Pero ‘yung ginawa niya? Hindi ko napaghandaan ‘yun.

Not when the person I loved the most, the person who once held my heart so gently was the first to throw me to the wolves.

The steady hum of the fluorescent lights filled the holding cell, an unrelenting reminder of how much time had passed. Ilang oras na ba? Ilang minuto mula nang umalis si A’ishah? Hindi ko na rin alam.

Tahimik lang ako, staring at the concrete floor. I tried to feel something like guilt, anger, regret, but all I felt was a numb emptiness, like a vast chasm opening up inside me.

Then, the sound of hurried footsteps. Heavy. Determined.

A loud clang rang through the room as someone slammed their hands against the bars of my cell.

I lifted my gaze to see Mara.

Her eyes were bloodshot, filled with nothing but pure rage. I barely had time to react before her voice ripped through the air like a sharp blade.

“Fuck you, Maxine! You killed her!”

I swallowed, trying to brace myself. But Mara, she was a force of nature when she was in pain. And right now, she was drowning in it.

"SABIHIN MO SA ‘KIN, BAKIT?!" She screamed, gripping the bars so tightly her knuckles turned white. "Ano'ng ginawa ni Nicole para patayin mo siya?! Ano'ng kasalanan niya sa'yo?!"

Her voice cracked at the end, her fury barely masking the devastation beneath.

I opened my mouth, but no words came out.

“YOU’RE A MONSTER!” She spat, her face twisted in anguish. "Ang kapal ng mukha mong sabihin that you're not guilty!”

I felt my nails dig into my palms as I clenched my fists, but I didn’t fight back.

What was the point?

Mara was in pain. A part of me wanted to let her scream, let her curse me, let her pour all that anger into me, because I deserved it, right?

“Sabihin mo sa akin, Max.” Mara whispered, her voice suddenly hoarse. “Paano mo nagawa ‘to?”

“I DIDN’T—” My voice cracked, frustration bubbling in my chest. I took a deep breath and tried again, lower this time. “I didn’t kill her, Mara.”

I would never hurt Nicole.

She stepped closer, pressing her forehead against the cold bars, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Dapat ikaw na lang ‘yung namatay."

A dull ringing filled my ears. I should’ve expected it. I did expect it.

Pero putang ina, ang sakit pa rin.

I swallowed against the lump in my throat, but before I could respond, the door burst open.

“Mara! What the hell are you doing?!” Jana came rushing.

Mara barely had time to react before Jana was pulling her back, her grip tight on Mara’s arm.

“Tama na, please.” Jana’s voice cracked, but her determination was unwavering. “Alam kong nasasaktan ka. Alam kong galit ka, pero—”

"BITAWAN MO KO, JANA!"

Mara thrashed against her hold, but Jana didn’t let go.

“Mara!” It's John that came with the Special Unit behind him. “You've been suspended. Hindi ka pwede dito!”

Mara’s rage burned brighter, her body trembling under Jana’s grip. She fought against it, desperate to throw herself at me, to rip me apart with her bare hands.

"Pinagtutulungan niyo ko?!" She spat, her voice raw with pain. "Para ipagtanggol yang kriminal na yan?! Siya na nga yung pumatay kay Nicole, siya pa yung kinakampihan niyo?!"

Her words sliced through me, sharper than any blade.

John stepped forward, his expression unreadable, but his presence carried authority. “Mara, you’re out of line.”

Mara let out a broken laugh. “Out of line? My love died because of her!” She jabbed a trembling finger at me. “Yet, you're siding her?!”

“No one's siding no one, Mara.” Cleo leaned coolly on the wall. “This case is still under investigation. So, if you'll excuse us, please, you may leave.”

“Isa ka pa, Cleo eh. We all know you like Maxine, kaya there's no doubt that you'll also take her side.”

“Leave, Mara.” Is the only response she got from Cleo.

Mara’s glare darkened, her chest rising and falling erratically as her rage simmered beneath the surface.

She looked at Cleo like she wanted to rip her apart, but it's obvious on the slight tremble of her hands that she was barely holding it together.

Cleo, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. Calm. Unbothered. Malamig ang tingin niya kay Mara, parang natutuwa pa nga siya sa nakikitang galit nito.

Then, Cleo smirked.

"You know what’s funny?" She mused, crossing her arms. "You keep screaming about justice, but all I see is a grieving woman looking for someone to blame."

Mara’s fists clenched. "Putang ina mo, Cleo."

"Tsk." Cleo tilted her head, feigning disappointment. "Resorting to insults na agad? Nicole wouldn’t have wanted this, you know. She’d probably be rolling in her grave seeing how pathetic you are right now."

The air in the room shifted. Mara lunged forward.

If it weren’t for Jana and John grabbing her at the last second, Cleo would’ve been tackled to the ground.

“You bitch!” Mara screamed, thrashing against their hold. “Ulitin mo nga yang sinabi mo!”

But Cleo just chuckled, watching her struggle. "I said, you're pathetic, Mara. Clinging to your anger like it’ll bring Nicole back." She took a step forward, voice lowering, taunting. "Face it. Kahit anong gawin mo, wala na siya. And screaming at Maxine won’t change that."

Mara let out a broken sob, shaking her head violently. "Huwag mo kong pagsabihan kung paano magdalamhati, Cleo!"

"Then stop acting like a fucking child." Cleo’s voice was sharp now, the amusement gone. "You're a detective, right? Then use your damn brain instead of throwing a tantrum like a widow in denial.”

Mara stopped struggling. Her breathing was ragged, eyes filled with pure hatred. "Putang ina mo talaga."

Cleo just smirked again. "I get that a lot."

Jana, still gripping Mara tightly, shot Cleo a glare. "You’re not helping."

Cleo shrugged. "I never said I was trying to."

John sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Mara, you need to go.”

For a moment, it seemed like she was going to fight again, but instead, she swallowed the lump in her throat and jerked herself out of Jana’s hold.

With one last venomous glare at me, she turned and stormed out.

“Alam mo naman siguro yung daan palabas diba?” Cleo teased more, but Mara continued walking away.

Silence settled after she left.

Cleo turned to me with that same smirk. "Well, that was entertaining."

I stared at her, my emotions still a tangled mess.

I didn’t know whether to thank her or tell her to shut the fuck up.

I exhaled sharply, my chest tightening. "What the hell was that, Cleo?" My voice was tired, but the frustration was there.

She shrugged, nonchalant. "Just doing you a favor, sweetheart. That woman was one step away from putting a bullet between your eyes."

Jana scoffed, rubbing her temples. "You really don’t know when to shut up, do you?"

Cleo grinned. "Nope. Never had the pleasure."

Detective Santos chose that moment to enter, his presence immediately shifting the atmosphere. He didn’t waste time with pleasantries, cutting straight to the point.

"Maxine, you’re being moved to the city jail. The station can’t keep you here any longer.”

I knew this was coming, but the finality in his voice still made my stomach drop. I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat.

"I understand."

Jana shifted beside him. "Santos, come on—"

"This isn’t negotiable.” He cut her off firmly. "She’s lucky she got this much time here."

I forced a smirk despite the heaviness pressing against my ribs. "Wow, lucky me."

Santos sighed, clearly tired of the bullshit. "A patrol unit will transport you within the hour. You should prepare."

Prepare. As if there was anything left for me to do.

I had already lost everything.

Cleo clicked her tongue, shaking her head. "What a shame. Guess I’ll have to find another source of entertainment."

I shot her a look. "Do me a favor and don’t visit."

She smirked. "Oh, babe, now you’re just tempting me."

Jana groaned. "I swear to God, Cleo—"

"Alright, enough." Santos cut in. "Jana, you and Jeremy handle the paperwork. Cleo, get the hell out of here."

Cleo raised her hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. No need to be so dramatic, detective.”

With a final wink in my direction, she strolled out, leaving nothing but exhaustion in her wake.

I sat back, sighing. My wrists ached, my head throbbed, and my heart…

Well, that was another wound entirely.

Santos gave me a look that almost seemed sympathetic. Almost. "Get ready, Maxine. It’s going to be a long night.”

Jana wasn’t letting this happen without a fight.

"Just give her one more day.” She argued, arms crossed as she blocked Santos’s path. "She’s not a flight risk, and she sure as hell doesn’t need to be thrown in with—"

"Jana." Santos interrupted, his voice firm but not unkind. "It’s not up to me.”

Jana clenched her jaw, clearly not ready to give up. "At least let me file for a motion to stall the transfer."

Santos shook his head. "Jana, it’s done. You know that."

Jana’s jaw clenched, her frustration evident in the way she exhaled sharply. She wasn’t just stalling. She was trying to buy me time, but it was useless.

I placed a hand on her arm, giving it a small squeeze. "It’s okay." I murmured.

Her eyes flickered with something unreadable before she sighed, dropping her head.

"Goddamn it, Max.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat as Santos stepped forward. "She’ll be processed within the hour. I suggest you say your goodbyes.”

I didn’t realize how much it would hurt until I was standing at the front desk, facing the other remaining members of the Intelligence Group.

Sienna was already blinking too much, her hands clenched at her sides. "This is bullshit.” She muttered, voice tight. "First Nicole, now you?"

My throat burned.

Sasha pressed her lips into a thin line. "You don’t deserve this, Max."

I let out a dry chuckle, shaking my head. "Guess the universe disagrees.”

Sienna sniffled, then scowled. "Don’t joke about this, you asshole."

I smiled despite everything. "Sorry."

Then she did something I wasn’t expecting.

She stepped forward and hugged me. It was quick, tight, and full of unspoken words.

"I already lost Nicole.” She whispered, barely audible. "I never thought I’d lose you too."

Fuck.

I squeezed my eyes shut, forcing myself to keep it together as she pulled away.

“Even if the evidence pointed at me as the one who killed her?”

Sienna tensed, her grip on my arms tightening for a brief second before she pulled away completely. Her eyes were glassy, but there was something fierce behind them. Anger, sadness, and something else I couldn’t name.

“Bullshit.” She spat. “I don’t believe it. Not for a goddamn second.”

Sasha nodded, her expression grim. “None of us do.”

But A'ishah does. Her, Mara, and everyone else does.

My chest tightened. I wasn’t sure what was worse. The fact that I was about to be locked up or the fact that they still had faith in me when I wasn’t even sure I deserved it.

Sienna exhaled sharply, shaking her head. “I don’t care what they say. We know you, Maxine. You wouldn’t—” She cut herself off, biting her lip like she was afraid to say Nicole’s name out loud.

Like even mentioning her would break something irreparable.

I swallowed hard. “And what if I did?” My voice came out rougher than I intended. “What if—”

“Stop.” Sienna’s voice was sharp, her eyes hard. “You didn’t.”

Sasha crossed her arms. “And we’re gonna prove it.”

I blinked at them.

How were they still willing to fight for me?

Jeremy, who had been quiet this whole time, finally spoke. “We’re not letting you rot in there, Max.” His voice was steady, certain. “We’ll figure this out.”

My throat burned. I didn’t know what to say. I wasn’t sure if I even deserved their loyalty.

Gwyneth sighed beside me, rubbing her temples. “Gosh! I hate this.”

Sienna sniffled again and swiped at her eyes aggressively. “This isn’t goodbye, okay?” She pointed at me like she was daring me to say otherwise.

I forced a small, crooked smile. “Yeah.”

But we all knew it was.

For now.

A loud buzzer echoed through the station, signaling my impending transfer.

The moment shattered.

Sienna inhaled sharply, looking like she wanted to say something more. Gwyneth’s jaw was clenched so tightly it looked painful.

John moved closer to me, standing at my side. “I’m coming with you.”

Santos sighed but didn’t argue.

Jana ran a frustrated hand through her hair before shooting Santos a glare. “If anything happens to her—”

“She’ll be fine.” Santos muttered, rubbing his temples. “Let’s move.”

The weight of reality finally sank in as I stepped forward, my wrists cuffed once again.

This was real.

I was really going to jail.

As I passed Sienna, she grabbed my arm one last time.

“We’re going to fix this, Max.” Her voice wavered slightly, but the determination was there. “I swear to God, we will.”

I wanted to believe her.

But as I stepped outside into the waiting patrol car, the cold metal biting into my skin, I realized something.

Hope was a dangerous thing.

And I wasn’t sure if I had any left.

The ride to the city jail was silent. John sat beside me, his presence steady, unwavering. He didn’t speak, didn’t offer empty reassurances. He just stayed.

I wasn’t sure if I appreciated it or hated it.

The patrol car rumbled through the darkened streets, the city lights flickering past in blurs. My fingers curled against my lap, cuffs digging into my wrists as I forced myself to breathe evenly.

“You okay?” John’s voice was quiet.

I almost laughed. “Seriously?”

His jaw clenched, but he didn’t push. He just nodded and looked forward again, keeping his hands in his lap.

When we finally arrived at the city jail, the harsh fluorescent lights cast everything in a cold, sterile glow. Officers moved around the intake area, their voices blending into a dull hum.

“Step out.” One of them ordered, tapping the door.

John shot me a glance before stepping out first. I followed, the familiar sound of my boots hitting concrete grounding me in the moment.

I was escorted inside, John right behind me. He was silent, but I could feel him watching, making sure every procedure was followed. He wasn’t leaving my side, not yet.

Processing felt like a slow unraveling of whatever dignity I had left. They took my fingerprints, snapped my mugshot, and logged my personal belongings. My watch, my ring, the bracelet A’ishah gave me.

“Is this necessary?” John’s voice was sharp when they reached for the chain.

The officer barely glanced at him. “No personal items allowed. Hindi mo ba alam yon?”

“We already got everything on the file. Hindi niyo na kailangang ulitin pa lahat ng ginawa namin. Hindi mo rin ba alam yon?” John shot back, his eyes are the ones like a hawk.

“Malay ba namin kung iniba niyo yan? After all, she's a Colonel. One very close to you.” The officer wasn't also backing down, matching John's fierceness.

“You know I can sue you for false accusation, right?”

“John.” I warned him, telling him to stop.

John’s nostrils flared, but he exhaled sharply and took a step back. His fists remained clenched at his sides, a visible effort to contain his frustration.

The officer scoffed before turning back to me. “Arms out.”

I obeyed, my movements mechanical as they patted me down once more. They didn’t find anything, of course. But this wasn’t about security, it was about power. About stripping me down to nothing, piece by piece.

A new officer, a woman this time, approached with a folded uniform in her hands. “Suotin mo to.”

I took it, feeling the cheap fabric between my fingers. No one offered me privacy as I changed, slipping into the drab clothing that made my reality all the more suffocating. The cuffs were removed just long enough for me to switch, but the moment I was dressed, they were snapped right back on. As if I was some dangerous criminal they couldn’t risk unshackling for even a second longer than necessary.

John’s eyes burned into my back, silent but seething.

“Move.” The officer gestured toward the hallway leading to the holding cells.

With one last glance at John, I stepped forward. The walk felt endless, the walls narrowing with each step. My breath was steady, but my hands were ice-cold.

The cell door groaned as it slid open.

“Pasok.”

I hesitated. Just for a second. Then I forced my feet forward, stepping inside as the bars clanged shut behind me.

The first thing I noticed was the smell. Sweat, metal, something stale that clung to the air. The cell wasn’t empty. Two other women sat on opposite ends, their eyes flicking toward me but quickly losing interest.

I didn’t speak. I simply walked to the corner, sat down, and rested my head against the cold wall.

For the first time since this nightmare began, I was alone.

And I had never felt so hollow.

Time blurred. Minutes. Hours. I wasn’t sure. The hum of distant voices, the occasional clang of bars, the flickering bulb above, it all became a dull backdrop to the chaos in my mind.

Then, footsteps. A familiar presence.

John.

I didn’t move, but my fingers curled slightly against my lap.

“Max.”

I exhaled, slow. “What now?”

“There’s movement. Gwyneth and Sienna are pulling every string they can. Santos is speaking to the higher-ups.”

I let out a humorless chuckle. “That supposed to make me feel better?”

John was quiet for a moment. Then, “No. But you’re not alone in this.”

I didn’t respond. Because part of me still wasn’t sure if I believed that.

The silence stretched. Eventually, his footsteps receded, leaving me in the dim, flickering light.

I closed my eyes.

Hope was dangerous.

And yet, somewhere in the depths of my hollow chest, I could feel it clawing back to life.

I didn't know how long I'd been staring at the ceiling when the Jail Officer ordered us to line up for counting.

“Anong kaso mo?” A woman in her late 30s with a weird smile asked me.

“Murder.”

“Hala ka! Nakakatakot ka namang kasama. Baka mamaya patayin mo rin kami ah!” She said in her overreacting facial expression.

I exhaled. “Hindi pa ako nasintensyahan.”

“So, you're still waiting?” Another woman who's roughly about the same age as me asked this time. Her voice is soft, melodic, with a slight lilt that makes everything she says sound more comforting than it should be.

She also looks pretty. Her face looks soft and inviting. She has brown doe-like eyes that hold a quiet sadness but also a hint of something mischievous, like she knows secrets no one else does. Her skin looks smooth, a natural sun-kissed tan.

Even in a jail uniform, she has an effortless grace. There’s something about her, something angelic, like she doesn’t belong in a place like this. Yet, she sits there with an amused twinkle in her eyes, completely at ease.

I only gave her a nod. We settled back on our single beds when the counting was done.

“My name's Lovely.” She said that almost made me choke in my own saliva. I almost laughed! What the hell.

“She's Ate Carmen.” She pointed at the woman with a weird smile. “We're both sentenced to drugs.” She shrugged.

“Use?”

“Me? Yes. Ate Carmen was selling them.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You were her customer?”

She chuckled. “No. I didn't even know her when I got here.”

“Ano ba yan! Puro naman kaya ingles. Hindi ko maintindihan.” Ate Carmen protested as she scratched her head frustratingly.

Lovely laughed lightly. “Sabi ko pareho tayong illegal drugs yung kaso.”

“Ah! Oo, nahuli ako. Ang tanga ko kasi, di ko alam pulis na pala yung pinagbebentahan ko. Tinodo ko pa naman yung charms ko. Ano ba yan!” She exhaled disappointingly. The way she speaks, it's just funny. It made Lovely laugh even louder.

“Tawa-tawa ka diyan, mas tanga ka nga sa akin!” She said that made me chuckle.

“Mas tanga sakin yan. Sine-set up na siya di niya pa alam.” She shook her head, as if disappointed.

“How would I know? Hindi naman talaga ako adik no!” Lovely argued while still laughing.

I furrowed my eyebrows. “What do you mean?”

“Well, I had a girlfriend before, and she's a police officer.” She chuckled humorlessly. “She asked for my help sa kasong hinahawakan niya. She basically asked me to lure these drug addicts in the club that night.”

“Tapos kahit ayaw niyang magdrugs pumayag si gaga para lang maging success yung kaso ng girlfriend niya. Ang tanga tanga diba?” Ate Carmen laughed out loud.

I stared at Lovely, processing what she just said. "So, paano ka nasabit?"

Lovely exhaled, her lips curling into a wry smile, but her eyes dimmed with regret and bitterness.

"Nagkamali sila ng huli.” She said softly. "The moment na lumabas yung drugs sa table, the whole squad stormed in. But instead of pulling me out, they arrested me too. Sinama ako sa mga addicts na dapat hulihin namin."

I frowned. "Hindi ka tinulungan ng girlfriend mo?”

Her smile dropped. A beat of silence. Then, she laughed, but it was hollow this time. "Well, here's the best part, she let me rot here. Sinabi niya sa report na I was a willing participant. Na sumama ako sa kanila by choice."

"What the fuck." I muttered under my breath.

Lovely shrugged. "Edi ayun. Drug case. Sentenced. No bail."

Ate Carmen snorted. "Ayan ang lesson, hija. Huwag magpakatanga sa pag-ibig.”

I glanced at Lovely, but she was already leaning back on her bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling, lost in thought. I wasn't sure if she was still bitter about it or if she'd already accepted it. Either way, I could tell, this woman had been broken before.

Silence hung between us, save by the occasional clatter of handcuffs outside.

"Ikaw?" Lovely asked suddenly, turning her head toward me. "Anong kwento mo, Miss Murder Case?"

I let out a slow breath, feeling the weight of my own mess press against my ribs.

"Hindi ko pa alam." I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "Pero isang bagay lang ang sigurado ako..." My fingers curled into my palm. "Hindi ako pumatay."

Lovely held my gaze, her doe-like eyes searching mine. Then, she smirked. "Good. Ayoko sa killer na roomie."

I huffed out a short laugh despite myself. Lovely may have been through hell, but she still carried that lightness, that strange grace that made it seem like she was untouchable.

Maybe this place wouldn't be as suffocating as I thought.

The next morning.

The sound of the heavy metal door unlocking jolted me awake. A guard stepped inside, his gaze scanning the room before landing on me.

"De Luna, may dalaw ka."

Napatingin ako sa paligid, half expecting someone to wake me up and tell me this was all a bad dream. But no, I'm still here, in this hellhole, and my family actually came.

Tumayo ako, nilagpasan sina Lovely at Ate Carmen na parehong nakatingin sa akin. I felt their stares on my back as I stepped out.

Dinala ako sa isang maliit na visiting area, separated by a thick glass window with a telephone on either side. My heart slammed against my ribs as I saw my whole family waiting.

Si Mom ang unang bumigay. The moment our eyes met, she burst into tears, her shoulders shaking violently as she covered her face. Her pain was palpable, like a knife twisting deep into my chest.

"Mom..." My voice cracked as I took the receiver.

"My baby..." She sobbed, shaking her head in disbelief. "Hindi ko matanggap na nandito ka. Bakit ka nandito, Maxine? Bakit?”

I bit my lip hard, trying to stay composed, pero wala akong maisagot sa kanya. Because even I still don’t understand why I'm here.

Dad, on the other hand, looked furious. His jaw was locked tight, his grip on the receiver turning his knuckles white. "Don't worry, Maxine. I'll do everything in my power to get you out of here." His voice was like steel. Cold, determined, and full of restrained rage.

I nodded, kahit na hindi ko alam kung paano niya ako mailalabas dito.

Then, his expression darkened. "Kasalanan ni A’ishah ‘to."

Napasinghap ako. “Dad—”

“She built the damn case against you!” His voice rose, full of bitterness. “I knew it! I should never have let her into our family! Akala ko ba mahal ka niya? Then why the hell is she standing on the other side, making sure you rot in here?!"

My sister flinched, placing a hand on Mom’s back as she continued sobbing.

I gripped the receiver tighter, my stomach twisting in knots. "Dad, please. Don't blame her."

"Don't blame her?!" His eyes blazed with fury. "She's the prosecutor! She's making sure you get convicted, Maxine! And you're telling me not to blame her?!"

I clenched my teeth. "She’s grieving too."

His nostrils flared. "And that gives her the right to ruin you?”

“Dad, please? She's hurting—”

“And you're not?!” He cut me off. “I heard she filed a divorce. Pirmahan mo na yan, Maxine.”

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to steady my breathing. My heart ached in ways I couldn't explain.

How could I make him understand? How could I explain that I knew A'ishah wasn't doing this out of spite? That she was hurting too? That this was killing her just as much as it was killing me?

I looked at him, at the disappointment in his eyes, and then at my mom, who was too broken to even speak.

"I will fix this.” Dad said with finality. "And when you get out of here, I never want to hear that woman's name in our family again."

Mom hiccupped between her sobs, shaking her head.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, knowing that this was just the beginning. That if A’ishah and I ever had a chance at fixing things, this was the greatest storm we would have to survive.

And I wasn't sure if we would. Not when she had lost her hope in me, and she wanted me completely out of her life.

~~~

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