Chapter 117 - Turn Over 3

Just then, a light flickered at the top of the slope, just few meters away away from where the troop sprawled. They looked at each other then cast their eyes towards Dino, who positioned himself at the front line. He personally lead the troop in rescuing Allie due to the fate he had dragged her into. He never expected that she would go to this extent; if ever something would happen to her, he would never forgive himself. When Ajie came to talk to him about this, he could not help cursing himself for allowing this horrible thing to happen to his bestfriend.

Furthermore, he could not keep himself from somehow blaming her for making such a stupid decision. Why would she feed herself to the lion when she knew she would be too helpless to survive? She had ran away for already five years, why not run to another hiding place? However, Ajie was right to suggest to let her be. They needed the evidence against Hayri in order to end this ordeal Allie was plunging herself to. Though the reports about his bloody interrogations and revenge plots had already called their attention a long time ago, no strong evidence would point out to him as the mind behind it. That night was the moment, the very night the full glory of the Diokos would completely crumble down upon his hand.

The flickering light they all thought as just some sort of light reflectors suddenly spread out into a long stream of a live video coverage. Constricted eyes glued into it in absolute bewilderment as the scene opened to beautiful sceneries around the place in broad daylight. It then slowly broke into splendid picturesque of sunsets by the sea and beyond the hills until the night took over the grandeur of daylight. The Hungarian Sonata which blended beautifully with the video presentation softly faded away and was change into a thrilling, love- themed ballad. Ajie and Dino's eyes, together with Allie's parents and the rest of the troop, grew even wider when what came next was a run-through of Allie and Hayri's photos. Those may not be intimate ones but their happy portraits together was more than enough to break Ajie's heart.

Soon, all gazes fell on Ajie and though he, himself, was clueless to what's really happening, he could feel that everyone wanted to know what exactly was going on. Before he could think of some ways to divert their questions, the screen changed into another scene. Allie was then seen stepping down from a car, wearing a tight-fittng dress. It's burgundy shade deepened her fair complexion and it's body-hugging design outlined perfectly the countour of her shape. With the enhancing touches of her make up, she looked so stunningly beautiful even if it did not conceal the fear in her eyes. They were wondering at first if it was a recorded video but her beautiful, frightened looks gave way to the reality that it was a live video coverage.

____

Joshua grieved as he looked at Allie while she walked towards him. The mockery of Hayri's plot made his blood boil even more briskly. He felt his heart was about to burst, with its complicated feeling of anger, fear and pity. He reached into the pocket of his jacket and felt the smoothness of the cold, metallic object he kept ready for the encounter. Even before they were on their way, he had already decided to do this. Since this foolish cousin of his made such a silly decision to die, then he would shot Hayri to death before he could fire his own bullet.

"Josh, let's get this done with. Tie me the blindfold now." Allie said as he handed the cloth to him.

Joshua nodded, his eyes fixed on her. "Cous, I didn't know you're this beautiful."

Allie, somehow, managed to let out a chuckle. "Too bad the discovery comes late already."

"It's not," Joshua protested.

"Josh, please. I don't want Hayri to go to jail. I have already explained everything to you, haven't I? It's all my fault. I hope you get my point," begged Allie as she cupped his face with both of her hands to ensure he was listening.

Joshua smirked. If only she was a man, he would surely punch him to death if that would open her eyes to the great folly she had made. "You must be really crazy..."

"Josh..." Allie tried to beg further. She understood that Joshua had an alternative plan to save her. She was too late to realize that. She was presuming that he wouldn't betray his boss who had employed him for many years already but during his phone calls a while ago, she realized how stupid this move was.

"Shut up! I'm already getting so impatient. Let me tie you the blindfold now." Joshua glowered as his anger was intensified, making him wish his eyes could emit fire to show her the depth of his anger.

He then held up the red handkerchief into her eyes and tied it gently around her head. As soon as it was firmly fixed, Allie held his arm like a bride to his groom on that aisle to matrimony.

To Joshua's amazement, the paved path towards the cottage was carpeted. His eyes were blurry as they walked the distance towards the cottage. The moment was now getting nearer and he just couldn't predict who would come out as a victor.

The cottage was built in a native design. The roof was made of Nipa leaves and the beams were made of coconut tree. It stood in its four pillars, enclosed with waist-high walls, leaving all sides open.

As Joshua and Allie reached the entrance, Joshua's eyes widened in confusion as he saw Hayri standing at the center in a grey suit with a long burgundy tie, its shade was similar to Allie's dress. Mr. Dioko was there as well, standing at the corner. Joshua blinked to ensure that he was not dreaming, because as he stared at them, he did not see any hatred and fury in their eyes, but love and tenderness. Another thing which he noticed was a bouquet of red roses in a table not far from Hayri. And wait, he just came to realize it, the whole cottage was heavily-decorated with flowers!

Hayri gestured for Joshua to come closer and to his amazement, Hayri smiled at him, hinting with his eyes that he wished him to step aside. He turned to look at Mr. Dioko and the latter gestured for him to stand next to him.

Before he left her and walked to the side, he lowered his head and whispered in her ear. "Cous, he's here."

Allie nodded and Hayri could see that her hands were shaking. She stood for a long while and tried to speak but she seemed lost at words so Hayri broke the silence.

"My dear, why did you hide it from me?" said Hayri as he looked at her with tender eyes.

She stuttered at first but as she was able to overcome her fear, she spoke thoroughly. "If I did, you will end up in jail."

"What's the difference between telling me about it before and telling it to me now?"

"Hayri, I'm sorry. I was afraid. I want to live for my family." Allie said as she began to cry.

"And you're not afraid anymore?" Hayri followed up his question another question.

Allie sobbed loudly this time before she answered. "I couldn't bear the guilt anymore and I am tired of hiding."

"What do you expect me to do?" asked Hayri once more.

Allie did not answer right away and Hayri watched her take off her bag and fumbled on its zipper. She then pulled out a 9mm pistol and handed it to him.

"Use my gun, Hayri. And before you do it, take me to another place where we no one can see you. Somebody out there may use the evidence against you. Don't do it here. I honestly desire that you will go on living a peaceful and succesful life," Allie whispered but loud enough to let everybody hear her.

"Why not here?" said Hayri as he looked closely at her pistol, amused at how come she was able to secure this at such a short time.

Watching Hayri closely as he flipped the gun over, Joshua positioned himself with his ever alert eyes, his hand creeping inside his jacket to hold the gun.

Ajie and Dino, on the other hand, climbed up simultaneously towards the cottage...