10 BOOKED V O L U M E 9 , PA R T 2
The Fourth Shot by Sijey Robles
Neighborhood dogs howled and barked at nothingness while streetlights flickered in the streets. On my right hand was a bag of rice and lechon while on my left was a dainty box. Suddenly, a wave of sharp pain radiated in my right shoulder as I climbed up the stairs to my house. It's long and slender make made my back ache a little more as the pain slapped my rear each time I took a step. As I took a deep breath then put on a smile on my exhausted face, I knocked on the old, narrow door. "Papa?" a small voice answered me. "Baby, Papa's got a pasalubong for you!" I said in glee as she struggled to open our door, making a scratching sound on the bamboo flooring. "Oh! It's a doll! I love you, Papa!" she excitedly said as she straddled me and showered me with kisses as I sat on our chair. "Yes. But first, dinner! I bought your favorite lechon! Look!" I said excit� edly while reaching for the small, plastic table. "But, Papa, put your gun down first." ~~~~ The hot, humid air along with the stench of rotten meat scraps and mag� got-infested pig skulls did not seem to bother Kirk Campos as he walked over puddles of questionable liquids and mud in the poorest wet market of the city. Flashing his brightest smile to the impoverished citizens, he reaches out to a crying child, then held her in his arms. He seemed to have a small talk with the people, casually wrinkling his nose at the stench. Just then, my cellphone rang. "Did you see him?" "Yes, sir. He's got four bodyguards with him today," I said as I scanned
