THE SIDAPA RESIDENCE, Manila

Robin led the Mayari and Ikapati clan members to a room deep into the Sidapa Residence. He didn’t want Sophie to hear the shouting that he knew was going to happen. 

The room worked like a function room which had a long table and several chairs. The room was dimly lit and the windows had curtains, shielding most natural light from entering the area. Robin sat at the farthest chair to the edge, while Jude Mayari and Xavier Ikapati sat on his left and right, respectively. Their clan members followed the seating arrangement accordingly. 

He had prepared animal blood on their glasses to ease both parties. The Ikapati clan, a clan who refused to remove their fangs as part of the truce, still occasionally craved animal blood. The Mayari clan, a powerful mafia clan in the healthcare system removed their fangs as part of the truce, as well as to work better with humans in hospitals and clinics. The humans trusted the Mayari clan more than the Ikapati clan who made money off of protecting businesses and VIP’s for a hefty fee. 

The Mayari clan and Ikapati clan were almost natural enemies. The Mayaris have no problem working with humans and do their best to treat and cure them using the clan’s vampirical powers. The Ikapati clan however, have made several enemies, mostly with humans for protecting other humans, those in more powerful positions. The Ikapatis had no problem with violence and are desensitized from it.

The Mayari clan politely drank the blood, though there was a hint of distaste in their faces. 

Robin read the file given by Dani during their investigation. When Robin put the file down, the room went silent. “Don Ikapati,” Robin said calmly. 

He was more familiar with calling him Xavier but they were on business. “Worry not about reimbursing the cattle in Zen Vita Farms as you were not the cause. I’ll shoulder the cost for your clan.”

“Thank you,” said Xavier. Despite his verbal gratitude, it was obvious he was angry. Not at Robin, but at the situation the Mayari clan had placed him in. 

“Now, Doña Mayari,” said Robin.

The beautiful woman with pale brown skin and dark princess curls looked intently at Robin. If Xavier had a wild demeanor much like a wolf, then Jude Mayari had the regal air of a lioness. Complete opposites.

Robin slid to her side, photos from CCTV cameras of the Mayari Foundation Hospital.

“We caught these photographs from the CCTV cameras at the back of the hospital. Would you mind explaining why there are trucks of cows?”

Jude went through the photos. “As far as I see from these photos, these cows don’t go out of the truck. The Mayari Foundation Hospital looks like it happens to be a meeting place for these… activities. These photographs don’t prove that we have any participation in the matter.”

Jude sighed. “And how could I know everything that happens in my chain of hospitals and clinics? We cannot always be like you, Don Esperanza-Sidapa, that are very hands on with his work.”

Before Jude could finish her sentence, Xavier muttered something under his breath.

“What was that, Xavier?”

Oh goodness, we’re now going on a first name basis, thought Robin. 

Xavier looked at Jude Mayari straight into her eyes. He had the same twisted smile from when he was about to get information from the thieves. 

 Xavier said in a deadpan voice, “I said, if you weren’t fucking the Secretary of the Department of the Supernatural, maybe, just maybe, you’d know a little bit more about your business-”

“DON’T YOU FUCKING TALK ABOUT HIM!”

Both parties were now on their feet. Xavier sniggered.

“I would, if your clan didn’t get most of their funding from Solano’s department. You think us, Ikapatis, don’t know your schemes?”

“Xavier-” Robin said, attempting to cut him short.

“No, Robin.” Xavier said. “Surely, they can’t launder that much money from illegal surgeries and bribes!”

“Why don’t I bribe you to shut your damn mouth?” Jude said.

“Jude, Xavier. May I remind you two that you are under my roof.” Robin said in a firm tone.

Jude and Xavier stopped and sat down in an ashamed manner. They avoided Robin’s gaze. 

Robin exhaled, trying to stay calm. “Doña Mayari, I’ll be having my men search the hospital for unknown activities. I’m not asking for your permission, I’m letting you know. This is no longer about the cattle. There is something we don’t know that is happening in your hospital which you are supposed to know.”

Jude still avoiding Robin’s eyes, said, “Alright,”

“And Xavier,” Robin said.

“Yes?”

“This case is now under Doña Mayari’s jurisdiction. Since I am reimbursing the cost of the missing cattle, this is no longer your problem. I urge you to go back to your regular duties.”

“I see,” Xavier said, with a slight relief that he had nothing to worry about anymore.