[Tap… tap… tap…]

The tempo of the clicking noise disturbed the stillness that was reigning inside the isolated apartment. Inside, there was a guy who was mischievously smirking while facing the screen. He skillfully controlled the mouse using his right hand while the other hand was expertly tapping the keyboard. He then tapped the space button and pressed enter before resting his back onto his chair’s upholstery.

Seconds later, an internet attack provoked the whole online nation into shock. Computers in cafes and computer shops stopped operating for a few seconds and later on started to work on their own. The computers are operating in harmony — making it appear to be working for one person and one purpose. It took a while before a video played online.

From some experts' point of view, the tape that was being played online which ordinary users assume to be a simple serial murder documentary is the actual video of a crime. The person involved was the evidence that the video isn’t scripted. Dead bodies were being shown. Some were bloody, some were not.

“Do you think that’s enough to seize him down?”

Shit?! The guy in front of the screen took his pistol in the cabinet and kicked his right foot against the cabinet’s door bumper. The swivel chair turned around making him face the door where the newcomer was standing. He pressed his lips before he pointed the muzzle directly at the guy’s head.

“What an actual piece of shit!” he cursed only to see a familiar guy, grinning ear to ear.

“Relax, Mr. Jerson Luiselli. I stopped by for an important business,” the guy whispered.

“Relax my ass! You almost gave me a heart attack, bastard!”

Jerson took a deep breath before he deliberately brought down his hand, and rested it on the countertop. He started to disassemble the gun before putting it back in the drawer. His knitted brows and frowning face slightly spruced up when he saw the family photo he’d been keeping for years. Inside, Jerson knows he missed his parents so much even after they left him, but his expression doesn’t discern his emotions at all. He usually displays an indifferent expression which most people find annoying.

“I’m sure that they are proud of you,” the guy murmured out of nowhere. Jerson pressed his lips again, preventing himself from yelling at the guy’s smug face. He found the guy agitating — unduly irritating that he couldn’t stand a mere second alone with him, but what choice does he have? He had to stay close to him no matter what.

“You know that we were not on good terms when they disappeared, right?” Jerson asked, still facing the screen of his computer.

“I know,” the novice answered.

“You know? And you are still tempted to assert such nonsense?”

“I meant what I said. They are pr—”

“Degree, that’s enough! What is it that you want this time?” Jerson calmly said, cueing himself not to shout at the elderly who were obviously taunting him.

Degree let out a discreet cough. Jerson’s expression was indifferent but his voice revealed too much irritation. He knew that the boy’s parents ran AWOL, leaving their child unaccompanied.

“We have a new mission.”

Jerson pressed his lips before speculating whether to take a leave as an excuse or just directly decline the mission. Either way, both choices were meant to ditch Degree. He decided to leave just now and live by himself. In addition to such occurrences, now was his only time to review for the entrance exam. He planned to continue studying.

“I know that kind of tinge on your face, and no! You are required to be with me,” Degree declared.

“You said I could quit whenever I wanted, right? Why are you forcing me to do this now?”

“You are most compatible with this. You’ll just have to trace and hack all the CCTV scans while I’m catching the target,” Degree explained. Jerson’s brows puckered.

He made it sound like it’s a piece of cake. Just how many CCTV does City B own anyway? Jerson frustratedly massaged his temple. Does he have another choice? Probably, none. Degree is his boss — the one who pays him and pays all his bills.

He sighed before he looked again at the computer. The video went viral and immediately became the talk of the town. Some users who were roleplaying detectives posted their findings of the video and gave links and references to facts and proofs that’ll prove their claim. Of course, trolls from users got more attention because of their nonsensical logic which outrages most netizens. Both roleplaying detectives and trollers play a big part in disseminating the video until it reaches the hot topic.

But, Jerson knows this isn’t enough to ruin the politician’s image. He knows that the damn big shot politician could find more ways to cleanse and fix his appearance to the public. Jerson just shrugged it off. He could always find more ways to ruin the mentioned bastard.

“Just how much will you pay me this time?” Jerson asked Degree while tapping again on his computer’s keyboard.

“Depends on your execution,” Degree retorted. “Maybe I’ll give you my brother as per compensation.”

“You need to shut up. I’m a man.”

“He’s a man too. A decent one at that.” Jerson raised his hand and lifted his fist to give Degree a middle finger. Degree heartily laughs at Jerson’s attitude.

Jerson has a well-built body compared to his age. His hands show his vein which reflects his massive training and workout. Her brows and cold eyes complement his sharp jawlines and dark hair. His perfect nose would make every man envy him. His lips are naturally rosy. However, behind his manly complexion and not mentioning those hundred girls who would wag their tails for him, he is a queer. He’s not attracted to both sexes. He doesn’t feel sexually aroused when being flirted.

“Vishnu would be perfect for you tho,” Degree muttered silently but it was still loud enough for him to hear. “I wonder what it’s like when two indifferent people get together? Would it look good?”

Jerson shook her head. Degree is such a humorous guy and him being a mood killer would irritate the former. Despite their growing differences, they would still get along well when it comes to accomplishing their objective.

“It’s time,” Degree mumbled as he checked the time in his watch. “I’ll get their fucking ass while you have to make sure to report their moves correctly. I want this done smoothly.” Jerson bobbed his head as a response without showing any emotions.

Seeing Jerson's reaction, Degree sneered after he saw Jerson’s indifferent expression. They will really look good together, Degree assumed. He was looking forward to those two, after all, when they were still young and naive, Jerson and Degree’s younger brother swore to marry each other.

When Degree got out of the apartment, Jerson began clicking the number keys, symbols, and codes.

The record says that there are at least 5 CCTV cameras on every corner of each street but on my record, the number of installments doubled. This means that in some corners of City B, there are unauthorized installments of CCTV and God only knows who did it. Authorities wouldn’t claim this as illegal unless used to harm citizens. One of those corners is where Degree was heading to.

After such deductions, Jerson sighed deeply before massaging his eyes. He gritted his teeth before looking at his computer which was currently browsing and accessing the records of each camera installed at City B. His screen shows the exploitation of databases.

Watching the whole scenario on his computer where Degree was being tailed by random strangers, Jerson perceived that Degree is in danger.

“So troublesome,” he whispered. He dialed Degree’s number but he wasn’t answering. Thinking that he might still be trying to lead the piece of shits in a wrong way, Jerson started to install a rootkit at the municipal computer where CCTV's were being monitored. His lips twitched when he got in easier than anticipated. What’s happening with the Municipality’s security? he asked himself.

Thereupon, he dialed Degree’s number again. Still, there was no response from him. Jerson began to squirm his restless right foot as he anxiously examined the whole situation through the computer.

Feeling restless as ever, Jerson decided to foot out at his dukedom where his computer was installed to help the elderly who’s currently on the verge of being caught. He connected his IPad to his computer before walking out of the room. The recorded data that had been accessed by the motherboard was being transferred into his IPad without leaving any trace. He brought the key of his cruiser

a type of motor

. Before he could even start its engine, a loud shot was heard making the crowd panic.