The Only Exception

Equinox's POV:

Billy immediately pulled us and hid us. Toni came out to meet the police. But what about the two children who were left outside? I knew Adam wasn't going to speak but he might be nervous.

"What do you need?" Toni smiled openly at the police. Jesse and I are watching here on the CCTV monitor. I feel Jesse’s deep breathing.

"This guy is our target," the policeman said and pulled out a photograph.

My eyes widened because it was me. That's a truck shot, shit! Turns out there was a CCTV on the truck that I rode out of the Project Melos site! Couldn't they have followed me?

"Oh, I don't see anyone who looks like that, sir. It certainly attracts attention because it's handsome. Well, when I see it, I'll call the number right away. Just leave a copy," Toni said smiling at the police.

The fat policeman nodded and gave Toni a copy. Next, the police looked at the twins.

"They're Adam–"

Jesse was about to speak when I immediately covered her mouth. We can't make any noise, we might get caught.

"You children, have you seen this man?" the police asked the brothers.

"No," Adam answered while Koko just stared.

"Why don't you want to talk huh?" the policeman asked Koko arrogantly. I might wring that fat man's neck. Who threatened the child to be answered?

"My brother is a pipe, sir. I'm sorry," Adam said straight away.

The fat policeman moved away and stared at the shop again. After a minute of looking around the pet shop, he came out. Toni waited a few minutes before letting us out to make sure the police wouldn't come back.

"What does that mean, Billy? You're hiding them? Oh, that's a mess. It's been said and this one's face is familiar," Toni asked Billy while pointing at me.

"I'm helping them with the mission, Pareng Toni. Don't be noisy and I know I can trust you. Also, I have a good reason. Let me and I'll tell you the story the next time we meet," Billy answered him.

"Oh he's fine, go ahead. Be alert around and bring this paper," said Toni.

Billy, Jesse, and the kids thanked him before we left. We all bowed as we walked under the sunlight. Very hot and really burns the skin. The hot weather is more intense because the tree is scarce all over the world. The ones planted inside each country's barrier are often fake.

After we finished shopping, we returned to Billy's car. We immediately went inside and sat down. I sat in the back next to Jesse because Billy instructed. Maybe at every checkpoint we pass the camera will capture. I might be found.

It took us another half hour to get home. We immediately arranged the shopping. We tear apart what should be together. Billy forgot to buy groceries, so he said he would leave first to buy them later. It is said that he leaves in the evenings so that there are not many people outside.

After we arranged the shopping, we put it aside. I don't know the exact date of our visit to Billy's friend but I hope it will be early. Because we shouldn't waste any time. Every running hour counts.

Dinner came so Jesse took the initiative to cook. I found out that he was a good cook especially and I remembered that he has Filipino blood. I really like Pinoy food.

"Uhm Billy, I'm going to mess with your kitchen. I'm going to cook and use the ingredients you have left in the kitchen," Jesse said goodbye to Billy.

"Alright, just walk. Even if you eat it. You're still good and kind to say goodbye. Equinox just got it and I'm running out of food," Billy acted.

"I'm not even messing with your refrigerator. Have a daydream," I said shaking my head.

I just followed Jesse into the kitchen. I look at the vegetables he is taking. It's all vegetables, what will he cook? It's guaranteed to be delicious. I have confidence in this girl's cooking skills. There's nothing in survival awareness because it's always bad.

"What are you going to cook?" I asked Jesse.