Their misunderstanding on Sunday weighed heavily on Jamie. He believed Bogart must have been hurt and felt like they were conspiring against him. Three against one was not fair. So he felt tired and lazy as he went on his usual morning routine.

By noon, he was totally uncomfortable that he decided to finally see his friend. He ate his lunch fast and immediately prepared his bike. It was a sunshiny day but he was fine with the blazing sun. He just needed to see Bogart.

He passed by Tonton's house and stopped. He was debating whether to invite him but finally decided not to. He could do this simple task and whatever transpired between him and Bogart, he would just relay it to them. Besides, Bogart might feel he was being attacked if they visit altogether. Once again, he pedaled his bike and went on with his plan.

He was sweating profusely when he arrived at Bogart's house. Mrs. Pescador was all smiles when she received him. She felt something bad had happened to the friends because his son was not responding to Jamie's call.

"I'll talk to him first," she told Jamie, "and then maybe he would let you in."

Jamie nodded and Mrs. Pescador disappeared. He felt worried while waiting. He could not help but wonder if Bogart really felt so hurt. Torturous minutes passed by before she came back. She was grinning when she appeared.

"You can come in now," she whispered.

Happily, Jamie entered Bogart's room. He was seated on the edge of his bed, his back towards Jamie. He was staring at the windows, too shy to face him.

"Hello Bogs!" Jamie said and stopped by the door.

"Hi!" Bogart said without looking back.

"Still mad?"

Bogart shook his head which made Jamie instantly leapt and hugged his friend.

"Don't be touchy," Bogart said while trying to push away his friend. "Boys don't do that."

"Really?"

Jamie quickly ran over his friend that they were both thrown on the bed. They wrestled and grappled until they were both exhausted.

"That's how boys make peace!" Bogart hollered.

The two friends laughed and then rested lying on the bed until they caught their breaths.

"Sorry about yesterday," Jamie finally opened up. "Did you feel like we were coming against you?"

"Honestly, yes," Bogart answered. "I thought we would always agree on things, especially about Dr. Alvarado. I just felt bad that you, guys, did not support me."

"Not that we don't support you. I just feel like things are getting more risky for us now."

Silence.

"Sorry, too," Bogart also opened up. "I was not thinking straight yesterday. I was too emotional."

"We were too emotional, I think. This adventure we have is making us go crazy."

"Yeah, that we do crazy things as well."

Jamie laughed. But when Bogart remained silent, he became curious.

"Jamie?"

"Yes?"

"I have something else to confess."

"Uhmm. What is it?"

"I told them about Dr. Alvarado."

"What do you mean?" Jamie said and immediately sat up.

Bogart also sat up and looked at his friend.

"Remember Estella Bermudez, the news reporter we met on the market? I told her that Dr. Alvarado caused the outbreak."

"How?"

"I called her last night." When Jamie's face went blank, he went on and explained. "She gave us her calling card that day. You must have forgotten that moment because you were too sick that time."

"Okay. So what exactly did you tell her?"

"Just like I said that Dr. Alvarado caused the outbreak."

"Only that?"

"Yes, nothing more. I was too scared that I immediately put down the phone when I said that."

"Do you think she believed you?"

"I can't say. She did not instantly received my call. When she finally did, she sounded irritated and asked if I was just kidding her."

"And then you told her and hang up?"

"Yes."

Jamie thought for a moment.

"I don't think she believed you. With her job, she must be receiving plenty of prank calls."

Bogart beamed upon hearing it.

"Do you believe so?"

"Yes," Jamie declared confidently. "Besides, Dr. Alvarado is a very respected man and she will not easily believe such words."

"I think you are right!"

Bogart jumped out of the bed and cheered. He felt liberated from a guilt.

"You are such a smart friend, Jamie."

"And you are one witty and brave friend."

The two chuckled.

"Why are Tonton and Kiko not with you?"

"I decided to do this mission by myself. You might be overwhelmed if we go together."

"Yeah, you're right. I was really embarrassed."

"Don't worry, I will tell them that we have talked after this. For sure, they must have also felt bad."

"Thanks, my friend."

For a while, Jamie stayed and played with his friend. By five, he left and decided to pass by Kiko before going home. He turned a lonely street. There were not actually too many people in Kiko's neighborhood. It was still too early for the night so people had not yet gone home.

He was passing by a vacant lot when a car parked on the area suddenly started its engine. Jamie was startled, more so when its headlights flashed in high beam. He was blinded and lost balance that he fell on the ground. Several men then appeared and took him. A burly man picked up and grabbed his entire body. By then, Jamie understood what was happening that he resisted his abduction. He yelled, flung his arms and kicked his legs, hoping to free himself. However, more hands held his limbs. A fragrant cloth was then placed on his mouth and nose. In a matter of few seconds, Jamie felt his body weakening. He was nauseated and no sooner, he lost consciousness.

When he woke up, Jamie saw nothing. There was only darkness because he was blindfolded. He tried to move his arms and legs but a strong tie held them. He was strapped. He tried to speak but his mouth was also covered. Yet, the smell of disinfectant and fresh paint hang heavily on the air. Things became clear to him. His dream was coming true....