THREATS
FRANKIE.
I trudged back to the station after hours of walking, my mind racing with thoughts I couldn't shake. I'd sworn to myself I wouldn't set foot in that hospital, not because I'm afraid of people's gazes, but because I don't want to be reminded of what happened to my family all those years ago. But now, it feels like the past is hunting me down no matter where I go.
"Frankie?" I heard Maverick's voice. I looked up to see him standing near his desk. "Hey, you okay?" he asked.
I walked over to my desk without answering his question.
"Did you dig more about Alex?" I asked.
"Oh, yeah. I was able to contact his brother earlier, turned out he hadn't had any contact with Alex for three years. And he's willing to meet up tomorrow."
I nodded. "What else did you find out?"
Maverick's expression turned grim. "We found Alex's plane ticket and passport. It looks like he was supposed to leave the country just a couple of days before he died." I looked at him. He sat on his chair and open something on his computer." We also had our tech expert recover deleted files on Alex's phone. It seems he was working on a case for over a year."
I leaned forward, scanning the files on Maverick's computer screen. There were several documents and cases listed, and I scrolled through them, taking in the information, my eyes caught on a files entitled "The 1940s".
"Forward the files to my computer," I said to Maverick, my voice firm.
Maverick nodded and clicked a few buttons on his computer. "Done." he said, my eyes focus on the my screen as the files popping up. "And also the tech recovered Alex contacts, and they found a number they tried to called it but turned out it's a burner phone."
I looked at him. "So this case is not really a suicide?" I asked after what he said
"We still waiting for forensic updates. As of now we need to meet his brother and gather more evidence" Maverick said, sighing. "What about you? What happened to.. you know."
I froze for a moment before speak. "I talked Dr. Marco and turned out the Disciplinary action is about the case that Alex is working on." I carefully said
"What case?" Maverick asked
"I don't know." I lied. "Alex didn't tell to anyone what case he was working. After he get kicked out, no one saw him." I explained
He nodded. "Alright, let's focus on meeting Alex's brother tomorrow and seeing if we can gather more information. Maybe he'll know something about the case Alex was working on."
I nodded, my eyes still fixed on the files on my screen. The "1940s" File.
"Let's get some rest and meet up early tomorrow," Maverick said, standing up from his chair. "We've got a long day ahead of us."
"Yeah. I stay, I can't go home yet." I said
He looked at me for a moment before nodding his head. "Alright, just hit me if you found something."
I nodded. I waited until Maverick left before opening the "1940s" file. As I scrolled through the contents, my eyes narrowed. It was just as I had expected - the file contained notes on the Logan case, and the history of the mansion on the edge of Valentia City.
The mansion was infamous, its grandeur and beauty now shrouded in darkness. The file mentioned that the surrounding areas were dense with big trees, and the locals avoided the place, fearing the souls that died within its walls. The mansion itself was said to be haunted, its history marred by tragedy and mystery.
I continued to scroll through the file, my mind racing with connections. The Logan case, the mansion, the 1940s... it all seemed to be linked to Alex's investigation. I couldn't help but wonder what he had uncovered, and how it related to his death that I was hoping not.
As I read on, my eyes caught a photo. It's them, Logan's family. I stared at the photo, my heart racing with recognition. In the picture, two beautiful girls stood on either side of a man, likely my great-great-grandfather Logan, while a stunning woman sat in a chair, all of them beaming with smiles. The girls' features seemed to radiate joy, their eyes sparkling in the light.
As I continued to scroll through the file, I saw more photos of the Sawyers, taken in different years. All were formal portraits. But one thing remained consistent - the amber eyes that seemed to gleam in every photo. I remembered my father's stories about the Sawyers and their distinctive feature. The amber eyes, he had said, were a trait that never left our blood.
I felt a shiver run down my spine as I gazed at the photos. I never saw any of these before, and I never imagined I'm going to see it, not like these. I continued scrolling as I reach the last file. I opened it, and my eyes wided in surprise as I saw a familiar symbol. It's a "Star of David" The same symbol I saw on Alex's wrists.
"What the hell is these?" I murmured
I continue scrolling, the file contains of Logan's information, the rumours everything about him was written in there. I sighed, leading back on my chair as I stare on my computer. The informations makes everything more complicated.
I was busy staring the my computer when my phone rang. I grab it on my pocket, and saw a the familiar name.
[Hey, cous.] A woman voice greeted me as I answer the call
"Hey, Elodie." I greeted back. "How's life in there?" I asked
Elodie was my cousin, and she's living in New York with her husband and son.
[Well, good but I miss you so much. What about you?] She asked, her tone was lovely
"Just working on a case, usual." I replied
[You okay? What case it is?] She asked careful
"I'm fine. It's confidential, and not really worth of talking." I pause, sitting straight on my chair. " How's Devin and Evan?" I asked
[Devin was busy handling his business, same as mine. And Evan really misses you.] Elodie said
"Tell him I miss him too. I really wanted to visit but work keeping me busy." I said
[Just don't pressure yourself too much, okay? Call me when you need someone. I can fly there anytime] El said.
"Nah, you have so much work there. Don't worry I can handle things here." I assure her
[Iknow you can handle things, just don't forget you're not alone.] She determined
"Yap." I pause for a moment, gathering my thoughts. "El, can I ask you something?" I asked
[Sure, what it is?] She asked, voice low and laced with concern
"Did... Uncle Joe... Hm, tell you something about our relatives?" I carefully asked
The other line fell silent for a moment before I heard her voice again. [No. He didn't talk much about them. Did something happen? Oh please, Frankie don't tell me it's nothing, I know you.]
No, it's not nothing. It's just... the case I'm working on, it seems to be connected to our family's past. Specifically, to Logan. I hesitated, choosing my words carefully.
[Logan? You mean, like, Great-Great-Grandfather Logan?] Elodie's voice was laced with curiosity and a hint of concern.
"Yes, that's the one. I'm not sure how or why, but the case seems to be linked to him. Alexandro, the person involved, he was investigating something, and it led him to... well, to our family's history," I explained, trying to keep my words vague.
[What do you mean "involved"? Was it a murder or an accident?] Elodie asked, her tone serious.
"I'm not sure yet. That's what I'm trying to figure out. There's no official report yet, but... I don't know, something doesn't add up. And now, with the connection to Logan, I'm starting to wonder if there's more to it." I said, my mind racing with possibilities.
[Frankie, be careful. If this is connected to our family's past, you don't know what you might uncover.] Elodie's voice was laced with concern.
"I will, El. Don't worry. I'll keep you updated if I find out anything new," I promised, trying to reassure her.
[Okay, please do. And Frankie?] Elodie paused.
"Yeah?" I responded.
[If you need anything, I'm here for you. You know that, right?] Elodie's voice was warm and reassuring.
"Thanks, El. That means a lot to me," I said, feeling a sense of gratitude towards my cousin.
We talked for couple of minutes before she hang up. I stood up from my chair, grabbing my leather jacket before heading out of the station. I slipped into my car and started the engine, I don't feel anything at all, just my mind racing.
Without thinking, I just drove, leaving the city behind. I followed the road that wound its way towards the coast, the GPS guiding me to the nearest ocean. The city lights gave way to darkness, and the air grew cooler as I drive. The tension in my shoulders began to ease, replaced by a sense of freedom.
After an hour of driving I found myself walking on the shore, I left my shoes and my jacket on my car. I only wearing my pants and black T-shirt. The night air was cold, the surrounding was quite but I saw some people nearest.
I sighed as I walked besides the ocean watching the waves roll in. The water was icy cold, but I didn't care. I let it lap at my feet, feeling the sand shift beneath me as the waves receded. The stars twinkled above, and the full moon cast a silver glow over the ocean. I sat there, mesmerized by the rhythmic motion of the waves, my mind slowly unraveling the knots of tension and worry.
As I sat there, the sound of the waves and the wind filled my ears, blocking out the thoughts that had been racing through my mind. I felt my breathing slow, and my shoulders relax, letting go of the tension that had been building up all day. The ocean's vastness seemed to swallow me whole, and for a moment, I felt small yet connected to something much bigger than myself.
I lost track of time, sitting there, watching the waves. Minutes turned into what felt like hours, and still, I sat, entranced by the ocean's beauty. The stars wheeled overhead, and the moon cast its gentle light on the water. I felt my thoughts drift away, carried by the waves, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, I felt at peace.
-
MAVERICK.
I woke up way earlier than usual. After crushing a solid hour-long workout, I showered and slipped into my casual fit. It was already 7 am, and I had my first mission this morning: visit my grandfather at the nursing home. I gave myself a once-over in the mirror, nodded in approval, grabbed my car keys, and headed out. The elevator whisked me down to the parking lot.
Waking up early really give me a good mood, I was happly went to my car, fired up the engine, and the music kicked in, getting me pumped for the drive ahead. The nursing home wasn't too far, and I knew the route like the back of my hand.
It took only minutes. I park my car, and went out the car. I walked into the entrance the guard was smiling seeing me.
"Goodmorning Detective!" The guard greeted while waving his head
"Goodmorning!" I greet back
As I walked through the familiar halls of the nursing home, the scent of disinfectant and fresh laundry filled my nose. I nodded at the staff members, who greeted me with warm smiles. They knew me well, and I knew them. I'd been visiting my grandfather here for years, ever since my relatives moved abroad, leaving me with him. I don't know about my parents, I never met them. And I don't have a plan of finding them.
My footsteps echoed softly as I made my way to my grandfather's room. I pushed open the door, and a warm smile spread across my face as I saw him sitting in his favorite armchair, looking out the window. His eyes sparkled as he caught sight of me, and I could see the excitement in his eyes.
"Hey, Grandpa!" I said, striding over to give him a gentle hug. He patted my back, his hands frail but warm.
"Good morning, Maverick!" he said, his voice weak but full of love. "I'm glad you're here."
I pulled up a chair and sat down beside him, taking in the familiar surroundings. His room was filled with photos and mementos from our family's past, reminders of happier times.
"How are you doing, grandpa?" I asked
He smiled. "I'm doing fine... I enjoyed being here... What about you?" Grandpa's voice was weak but there was a faint smile on his face
"Hm, I'm doing great and happy even though work is always keeping me busy." I happily said
He laughed. I smiled hearing his laughs.
"Are you even resting?" He asked
I nodded. "Don't worry about me, Grandpa. I'm fine and I'm resting." I said. "Actually, I'm planning on buying you something. Is there anything you want? I'll buy it for you."
"Maverick... I'm happy that you came to visit... you don't need to spend money... I'm fine here... you... should be getting married by now." He said in a weak tone
I smiled "Nah, I'm busy." I joked
He shook his head. "Oh dear... maybe there's someone you like at work..." He jokingly sa
I laughed. "Who? Frankie? Grandpa, Francesca is my best friend, you know that. She's colder than a corpse."
He just shook his head while smiling. We talked more about our lives. I tried to convince him to tell me what he wants but he really doesn't want anything. I stay and talk to him for more minutes before I bid my goodbye. I need to meet Frankie to question Alexandro's brother.
I texted Frankie on my way to the meet up location, usual I didn't get any reply. That woman really cold, I wonder what running inside her head. I just shook my head and drove fast my car.
I pulled into the coffee shop parking lot, spotting Frankie's car parked near the entrance. As I got out of my car, I saw her stepping out of hers, her eyes fixed on her phone. She looked up, caught my gaze, and gave me a brief nod before turning towards the coffee shop.
I followed her lead, pushing open the door and scanning the room for Alexandro's brother. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, and the hum of conversation provided a gentle background noise. Frankie had already secured a table near the window.
"Right on time" I said as I took a seat across from her.
"Always." She replied, glancing around the coffee shop. "Is Alexandro's brother here yet?"
Frankie checked her watch. "Not yet. But I'm sure he'll show up soon." Her tone was detached.
I ordered our coffee first, it didn't took long, just then when I get back on our table a man wearing light-blue long sleeve polo tuck on his black slacks approach us.
"Are you the Detectives?" The man asked, and extended his hand
I put the coffee on table before I reach his hand for handshake. "Yeah, I'm Detectives Dallas, and this Detectives Sawyer."
The man eyes shipped on Frankie's direction I saw how his eyes widen in surprise, but it's only for a sec before he cleared his throat.
"I'm Joshua, Alex's older brother." He said before we sit. I sat beside Frankie
"Yeah well. About Alex." I cleared my throat as I started. "Tell us more about your brother, Alex" I said, leaning forward slightly.
Joshua's eyes took on a faraway look, and he nodded slowly. "The last time I saw Alex was about three years ago. He was working on something big, and he seemed really careful about it. He was always like that, though - obsessed with his research. That's why we drifted apart, to be honest. He was so focused on his work, and I had my own life to live."
He paused, collecting his thoughts before continuing. "But this time, it was different. He mentioned that someone was working with him, someone he trusted. He didn't give me any names, but he seemed...excited. Like he was on the verge of something big." Joshua's voice trailed off
"Do you see the face whose he was working?" Frankie spoke
"No. They always talking on the phone, I just heard him always." Joshua response
"Is there anything unusual except his research?" I asked again
He shook his head. "Everything about Alex is unusual. He always like that obsessed." He sighed. "Do you know what happened to him?" He asked
"Well, as of now we're still investigating it. But I promise we will do anything to give him a justice." I assure him.
He nodded. "Thank you."
I nodded and smiled, after we asked for a few questions we leave the coffeeshop. And went back to the station. Where Richie was already on the board looking at the evidences.
"Captain." I called him
He faced us. "You finally here." He said, his voice was firm.
"What happen?" Frankie asked
Richie put down the papers he was holding. Frankie grab it.
"The forensic result." Richie's expression was grim as he continued. "The forensic report confirms that Alex was murdered. It looks like the killer injected him with a massive dose of potassium chloride, which caused a fatal heart attack."
Frankie's eyes narrowed as she examined the report. "And the staging of the body?"
Richie's voice was firm. "The killer hung Alex's body from the ceiling, making it look like a ritualistic killing. The ME estimates that Alex was dead for around three days before we found the body, with the time of death likely being around midnight."
I felt a chill run down my spine as I processed the information. "The brother mentioned that Alex was working on something big, and he seemed really careful about it. Do we think the murder is connected to his research?"
Richie nodded. "It's definitely possible. We'll need to dig deeper into Alex's work and see if we can find any leads. Frankie, can you review Alex's notes and research, see if there's anything that stands out?"
Frankie nodded, her eyes already scanning the documents. "I'm on it, Captain."
Richie turned to me. "Maverick, I want you to look into the security footage around the area where Alex's body was found. See if we can spot anything suspicious."
I nodded, already mentally preparing for the task ahead. "Got it, Captain."
"Delivery for Francesca Rowan Sawyer" A woman voice called out
My eye brow frowned. "For Frankie?" I asked
"From whom?" I heard Frankie's voice behind me
She grab the package, and signed the paper.
"You have a secret admirer?" I asked, can't believe
"Secret admirer my ass." She respond I watched her as she open the package.
As Frankie opened the package, a smoke bomb exploded, releasing a cloud of white smoke and a loud noise. I instinctively jumped back.
"Frankie!" I shouted, rushing to her side.
But as the smoke cleared, I saw that it wasn't just smoke - Frankie's hand was covered in blood. She was staring at it in blankly, her eyes was dark.
"Shit!" I exclaimed, grabbing her hand to examine the damage. But she grab it back
"I'm fine." She coldly said, her voice was dark
I froze. Her aura change, I feel the atmosphere around the room turned thick. I know I'm not the only who feel it.
Richie was already on the phone, barking orders at someone. "Get the medics in here, now!"
"I'm fine, captain." she repeated
"No." Richie tried to help her but she looked at us blankly
She didn't say another work as she stood straight, grabbing something on the floor, I caught a glemce of it. It's a paper with the a letters.
"I'm watching you, Sawyer." I whispered as I read the letter.
The room full of noise because of what happened turned quiet as Frankie walked without glancing to anyone. I feel a chill run down my spine as watched her disappear.
The atmosphere was heavy with tension, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that something had shifted. Frankie was always cold, but this was different. This was like she had flipped a switch, and all her emotions had been sucked out. Her eyes, usually piercing and sharp, had been blank and dark, like two voids devoid of any emotion. It was as if she'd become a different person, one who was capable of shutting off her feelings entirely.