FLAKE FLARE

"The death of Police General Arman Ortiz was brought to justice after the suspect was caught in the entrapment operation of the National Police in his hiding place in Bataan. It could be recalled that the victim died on the spot in a van ambushed two decades ago, riding along with his wife and daughter, who were the only survivors of the crime. It was… ”

Zeke grimaced and glanced at his boss, Ninong Jack, who nonchalantly turned off the television. Jack Campos was his mother's younger brother and his superior at the agency where he was working.

"Congratulations, Zeke, on your excellent work. It took us a lot of time and perseverance to review this case. It has been two decades since the crime happened and I'm glad that justice has been served with your help and efforts. I'm sure my friend will be able to rest in peace and his family will be able to live at ease without worrying about living in danger anymore.” His Ninong Jack proudly said while tapping his shoulder.

"I just did what must be done,” he replied. Accomplishing cold cases was not new to him, so he just shrugged at his praise.

"Don't be too humble son," his Ninong Jack told him while giving him an envelope. "You should take a vacation first. You had been focussing on this case for years”.

"What is this envelope for, Ninong? You already gave me my bonus”. He asked while opening the envelope and narrowed his eyes when he saw what it was. “Nothing would change even if I leave the condo and take this vacation, I would just get bored ”.

"That's your ticket. And tell your complaints to your mother, who has been pestering me to give you a vacation. I think she is waiting for you to introduce a woman to her. She must be excited to have a grandchild.” Ninong Jack laughed while showing his cellphone to him.

He frowned and read the message.

"Tell your godson to take a vacation here and visit me. If he doesn't come home, I will go there with a woman and I will push him to marry any woman I can pick up for him.” He shrugged and stood up to leave when someone carelessly opened the office door, revealing a tall man wearing a cap, with a broad grin on his lips.

"Hello Dad!" Ninong Jack’s son, Dustin, yelled while entering the room.

"Wow my dear cousin!” Dustin turned to him. “Congratulations! You may want to have a drink. I will call the gang for…” Dustin stopped speaking when he noticed the ticket he was holding. "Oh, maybe next time." A mischievous grin appeared on his lips, followed by his laughter. “Enjoy your vacation! It looked like it would be a hell of a vacation for you. If I were you, I would take a woman home with me so that my mother would not tease me about marriage anymore. ”Dustin teased him.

Zeke frowned at what Dustin said. Five months ago, his mother suddenly visited him in his condo and asked for a grandchild. Her reasoning was that his age was nearing beyond the calendar, but he knew that she was just jealous of her friends ​​in the village who already had grandchildren.

To make the situation worse, his cousins ​​were also there drinking, and his patience was tested because of their annoyance. Among his cousins, he was the only one who had never had a girlfriend and he’s twenty-eight already. He was the eldest among his cousins, given that his mother was also the eldest of her siblings. She was the only woman, followed by Jack, and the twins, Uncle Jake and Uncle Jay. His Ninong Jack and his father, Xeke, were best friends.