Setting: Command Center – Local Station
The command office smelled faintly of old paper and black coffee. Piles of burglary reports covered Levi's desk, each one more infuriating than the last. He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples, the weight of command pressing on him as heavily as the desert heat outside.
A knock at the door broke his thoughts.
"Come in," he said.
The door opened to reveal a young woman in a crisp white uniform. Her posture was rigid, professional—but what struck Levi most was her hair: snow-white, rare for someone so young.
"Lieutenant Lily," he greeted, rising from his chair. "Welcome. What can I do for you?"
"Captain, I wanted to formally introduce myself."
Levi motioned to the chair opposite his desk. "Have a seat."
As she settled in, Levi studied her face. Calm, deliberate, yet sharp—her eyes carried an intensity he'd seen only in seasoned officers.
"So," he asked, leaning forward, "what's your story?"
"I'm from the West Region," Lily replied, folding her hands neatly. "I served in the capital the last few years—handled everything from burglary to murder investigations. I was promoted recently, then transferred here."
Levi nodded with approval. "Solid record. So why this path? Why law enforcement?"
She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "Because I want to make a difference. To protect people. To serve something bigger than myself."
Levi's expression hardened. "And what does keeping people safe mean to you?"
Without flinching, she answered, "It means putting yourself between danger and the innocent."
Levi leaned back, arms crossed, his tone grave. "Dying for someone is easy, Lieutenant. Living for them—that's the hard part. When you die, their protection dies with you. Remember that before you step into the line of fire."
Her gaze didn't waver. "Understood, sir."
For the first time, a faint smile tugged at Levi's mouth. "Good. Don't go dying on me, Lieutenant. I need a right hand I can rely on."
She extended her hand. "You can count on me."
He shook it firmly. "From now on, where I go, you go—field or office. Clear?"
"Clear."
Levi grabbed his coat. "Then let's get to it. Time to meet the people we protect."
Scene: On Patrol
Leone's streets were alive with midday bustle. Merchants called out from their stalls, children darted through alleys, and dust swirled in the warm breeze. Levi and Lily walked side by side, exchanging nods with townsfolk, checking in on shopkeepers, listening for the whispers beneath the noise of daily life.
At a general goods shop, Levi noticed the owner outside, glancing nervously up and down the street.
"Everything alright?" Levi asked, narrowing his gaze.
The man forced a smile. "Yes—yes, Captain. Just tired, that's all."
Lily stepped forward. "We've had a run of burglaries lately. Has anything unusual happened? Anyone suspicious hanging around?"
The shopkeeper rubbed his neck. "Now that you mention it… the stockroom's been tampered with. Thought I was imagining it, but—no, something's wrong."
Lily frowned. "These jobs feel too organized. Someone's feeding them inside information."
Levi gave a slow nod. "Could be an inside man."
Her eyes shifted past the shopkeeper to the assistant behind the counter. The young man fidgeted nonstop, avoiding their eyes, stealing glances toward the back door.
She leaned close to Levi. "That one's hiding something."
Levi's tone dropped. "Then we follow him."
Scene: The Chase
They waited until the assistant slipped out for his midday break. Moving through Leone's narrow alleys, Levi and Lily tailed him quietly—until the boy suddenly bolted.
"Damn," Levi growled. "He made us."
They gave chase, boots striking cobblestone, weaving between crates and barrels. The assistant ran hard, desperation in his steps, but the lawmen were faster. They cornered him behind an abandoned warehouse, panting and trapped.
"Enough running," Levi barked. "Talk. What do you know about the burglaries?"
The boy froze, guilt written across his face. After a long pause, he broke. "I didn't want to! They threatened me—said they'd burn the shop if I didn't help! I gave them stock logs, delivery times—that's it!"
"When's the next job?" Lily pressed.
"I don't know! Soon, but they never said where or when."
Levi exchanged a look with Lily. "It's enough to move."
Setting: Command Center
Back at headquarters, Levi stood over a map pinned with markers at every burglary site. His team gathered around, listening closely as Lily stood at his side.
"This isn't random," Levi said firmly. "Someone's coordinating from the shadows. Until we know who, no one is above suspicion."
Lily folded her arms. "If they're planning something bigger, we have to stop it before it starts."
Levi nodded, decisive. "We'll tighten patrols. Double-check every lead. We cut them off before they strike again."
The room buzzed with orders and movement as the team mobilized. Levi glanced at Lily once more. For the first time in a long while, he felt the town had a fighting chance.