The Casa Del Castaneda

Gathering Evidence

After hanging up the phone, Sebastian again sucked his cigar deeply. Thin smoke billowed, but it did not make him feel disturbed. Sebastian enjoyed it. The man who still looked handsome and charming at the age of forty, closed his eyes.

Suddenly, Paloma's beautiful face was present in his mind. The woman's beautiful smile was clearly visible. So alluring was like a magnet pulling iron so strongly, that Sebastian immediately approached. One friendly kiss was present, making the widower owner of thousands of hectares of olive plantations so complacent. However, suddenly Paloma unsheathed a knife towards him.

Sebastian immediately opened his eyes, along with a ringing call from his phone. The forty-year-old handsome widower put the cigar into an ashtray. He immediately picked up the phone, then answered an incoming call that turned out to be from Martin.

“How, Martin?” sebastian asked while fixing his seat.

“I told Luciano to check the recording on the date you requested. We have also played it repeatedly,” reports Martin.

“Then, how did it go?” ask Sebastian to be curious.

“We know that Casa del Castaneda is not located in the common lane. So, the vehicles that pass in this area, if not to come here means to go to the villa owned by Mr. Gonzalez. On that date, there were three vehicles passing the Casa del Castaneda front road. Two of them are sedan type vehicles and another black SUV car,” Martin explained.

“Can you see the license plate?” ask Sebastian.

“Unclear, sir,” replied Martin. “We just saw without checking more details.”

“Good.” Sebastian took a deep breath. “Then, take the recording and hand it over to me,” the landlord said.

“Good, sir. Should I take you to your room now?” ask Martin again.

“Bby. I wait now,” Sebastian said. After the conversation with Martin was over, Sebastian was pensive again. However, he did not immediately put down his phone. Sebastian, it's like he's been weighing up to contact someone.

A moment later, the man looked for Abelardo's contact number. He sent a message and invited his old friend, to meet again outside work hours. Abelardo agrees. They made an appointment to meet tomorrow afternoon, at a cafeteria where they used to gather first.

The next day, Sebastian and Abelardo meet on the spot and at the agreed hour. They again discussed the problem of the accident that hit Paloma, to kill Rafael.

“Based on the investigation conducted by our forensic team, they found that there were two types of tires that are estimated to be on the scene of the crime in the event of the fatal accident. One type AT and the other type HT. For HT-type tires, it certainly belongs to the vehicle driven by Rafael Hernandez. For AT type tires, we are still deepening it. Whether it's a jeep or an SUV,” explained Abelardo, who then continued by smoking cigarettes.

“Actually, I have footage from the surveillance cameras on the front of Casa del Castaneda. Maybe you can analyze it. Who knows can help your work a little,” said Sebastian.

“Really?” Abelardo dumped cigarette ash inside the ashtray.

“To be honest that I haven't seen this tape either. However, my staff has explained the contents. He said an SUV passed in front of Casa del Castaneda, the date of the crash. My residence is not a common path that many vehicles pass.” Sebastian reached into his jacket pocket. He took out Micro SD CCTV, which contained footage of the moment Paloma's car left Casa del Castaneda. The man handed the thing to Abelardo.

“I hope this can help you and of course help me regardless of the accusations of Paloma,”, Sebastian said slowly.

“Paloma?”

“You are very afraid of the woman,” said Abelardo, observing the object he had just received from Sebastian.

“Not scared,” rebut Sebastian, “aku only ...” The handsome man with the honey brown eyes chose not to continue his words.

Meanwhile, Abelardo only laughed in response to the uncomfortable attitude of his old friend. As a fellow man, he was able to understand Sebastian's strange demeanor. Abelardo took back the cigarette he had placed in the ashtray. The thick-moustached police officer sucked him back in. “Honey, I didn't come to the hospital,” I regret.

“What's the reason?” sebastian asked, raising one eyebrow.

“I'm just curious about Mrs Hernandez,” replied Abelardo lightly, “but, in a moment I'll find out soon. I plan to meet that woman.”

Sebastian breathed a heavy breath. The man also nodded slowly. “Please don't say anything of the sort,” Sebastian said threateningly. Makes Abelardo laugh. “What's funny?” sebastian protest.

“Sebastian.” Abelardo shook his head in disbelief. “I'm happy, because you finally have another interest in a woman,” the lead is satisfied.

“Damn you!” Sebastian snorted in annoyance. Abelardo laughed again.

......................

“Luz Maria,” Paloma said after opening her eyes. His voice was loud and he sounded weak.

“Nak.” Rogelio immediately got closer to the bed. “Luz Maria is at home with Lady Teresa and Kalida. Today, I will accompany you,” said the middle-aged man. He held Paloma's hand and held it tightly.

“Dad,” said Paloma still with his raucous voice. “I miss Luz Maria so much. Can you ask the doctor to let me go home as soon as possible?” ask the woman with teary eyes.

“Your condition is still not fully stable, son. Be patient. In a few more days, you will definitely recover as soon as you can. You're my very tough daughter. Just like your late mother.” Rogelio kissed the back of Paloma's hand lovingly. He gave his daughter a boost. However, what the man said actually made Paloma shed tears.

“Why are you crying, son? You don't need to be afraid, because there is me and Luz Maria who will always accompany and provide support for you. We both will always be there.” Rogelio kissed the back of Paloma's hand.

The man's pain was actually not much different from what Paloma felt. He lost a son who loved him dearly. Rafael is not just an adopted son or daughter-in-law. He's more than that.

“I want to get out of the hospital immediately. I swear I will thoroughly investigate the perpetrators of the collision that caused us to have an accident. I won't stop until the killer gets a proper reply.”

“Don't think about it first, son. For now, try to make sure you can recover as soon as possible,” said Rogelio softly. He looked at the door when he heard a knock. “I'll check." Rogelio walked over to the door, then opened it.

There was a man in a leather jacket who was smiling kindly. "Good day" said the man warmly.