Illinois 1973

Well, at school time, I was a respected student. I was good in sports, an excellent speaker, a quite loved boy and a genius mathematician. For a 15-year-old boy, I was better than most students of the era. The environment of our school was quite toxic. To me, it didn't matter much earlier but many students hated coming to school.

One particular Thursday, one girl named 'Christina' was on the roof of the school, almost in a mood to jump from there. She usually was also very sad. She was a quiet kid. She barely opened her mouth in front of teachers. On that particular day, I was also on the roof. I was there to find my tennis ball.

When she was at edge, I immediately ran to stop her. I almost reached her but she jumped. Everyone down there assumed that I pushed her.

The teachers, the students, everyone blamed me. They called me a killer. Some called me a psycho.

When my own parents were called, they rather than believing me, they believed the liar teachers and students. My two of the friends -Radalaf and Clara, and the gardener were the only one who trusted and supported me. Everything was black and white to me. I could finally see the truth now. Clara and Radalaf were suspended and the gardener was fired from the school. And me? Well I was sent to Young Asylum.

I knew none of it was my fault. But I realized there still was something wrong with me. I was not scared.I didn't shed a tear. Maybe it was my arrogance or ignorance. The asylum had different type of children. I could feel that most of them were desperate to be free to the outside world. Most of them were somewhat alleged with some sort of crime.

I had an appointment with a child psychologist.

He asked me several questions. He asked if I loved my parents, did I like school, was I a bully and many other dumb questions. One question he asked was 'Do you feel guilty?' and I replied 'Do they?'. He then walked away from the asylum.

My name was already dirty by then. I could never easily become a doctor or a professor. I had a permanant record of a psychological ill child. I decided to be something dangerous in future. I thought nothing can be worse than what happened to me. I decided that I should be somewhat like a spy, agent and detective.

I was released from the asylum in 3 years .Within my time in asylum, I read a lot about investigation. I learned much more things alone there than I could have ever learned in school. Most of it was quite unnecessary for daily life but I needed it for what I wanted to be.

At the age of 21 I was accepted in a private agency - CBA. It's main aim was to complete the assigned mission and punishing the criminals -even if it cost crossing 'the line'. I had one year training and then my job started. I solved small cases,performed small talsks until the big game came in hand.

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Miami, 1982

Although it was undoubtedly not my first case, 

this was my first "big case."

Miami, where the wealthy spend their hard-earned cash for a cool and enjoyable vacation, is a city of hotels, beaches, and neon lights. A nice settingfor someone to wait to be.The Miami case was the perfect opportunity to show the agency my value.

James Jackson, a wealthy businessman who ran a casino in Las Vegas, was killed in Miami. 

On the hotel dining table, he was discovered 

dead. The hotel's chef made a police report and gave them the details of the occurrence. 

James' wife, Jennifer Jackson, called our  organisation and demanded that the murderer of her husband to be punished well. The police already drew a fake conclusion, still not revealed to the citizens

So, it was my chance to succeed. When I arrived at the crime scene, I presented the police with my business card with detective approval. They seemed disappointed, but they couldn't turn me away. It was clear that this is not an easy case because it took two weeks for them to receive a "fake conclusion". Though to the citizens, it was revealed that Mr.Jackson is on a 2 month regeneration break.

The pool of blood was dry till then, but there was no other sign of blood splash. Only a pool of blood which must have come straight from his head.(As reported, his head was damaged). This means that he wasn't murdered in the dining area, neither it was a suicide. There were no security cameras in the dining room. Rest of the rooms were under surveillance. Of course - except Bathrooms.

So, I went to check in the washroom near the dining room. Everything looked completely normal. But I was pretty sure that the Mr. Jackson was murdered there only. The killer definitely didn't intentionally left a clue. I checked the bathtub, wash basin and everything else. The only strange thing was a bloody razor. Someone might have cut himself off shaving. But it was too much bloody as if someone used the blade as a weapon. It was obvious that the little sharp thing couldn't kill a grown man on head. So, it was used as a defense by Mr Jackson.

Well it was time for investigating the suspects. First, I asked the hotel chef if he was the one who reported the case to the police.

"He left the job the day after the crime case. He had fear in his eyes. As if he saw something malicious front of eyes"

"Any idea where he might be"

"No mister, I am merely a chef. Maybe, ask the manager, he has list of everyone's whereabouts. His office is on the top floor"

"Okay gentlemen, but stay alert"

While on my way upstairs, in my mind was only the amount of money to drive in after this case.

Well I just reached the top floor and asked the sweeper that I wanted to meet the manager. It was a fairly gritty and empty floor. Something odd.

"Sss-si-i-rr, d-o-n-t"

And he continued his work. I moved further. This floor was unlike other. Instead of luxurious, it was smelly. Well I found the manager's room. As soon as I opened the door. I was s-h-o-c-k-e-d. The manager was dead. There was also a body of a dead police officer. Well these bodies were much fresher. They were not killed before 2 or 3 days. It seemed like the police was here for investigation as well. Well I decided to keep the secret for a while. I took the manager's file from there. I searched for the chef and just realized I didn't knew his name. I decided to ask this from the sweeper but he was no longer there. I was alone on the whole floor. Without much thinking, I immediately went downstairs to the the kitchen. Thankfully, he was still there. I asked him the name of the previous chef.

"Colone Herriot" He replied calmly

I immediately looked it up in the manager's file.

"Sir, did you borrow these files from the manager"

"No, I stole it" I don't know why I gave so dry reply

"Ahhh Well, okay sir, Have a nice day."

Well now I found his name within 4-5 minutes. He lived in 27/6 Bay Front. It was not too far from here.

I walked out of the hotel. It was raining heavily outside. Even in a weather like this with midnight, the city was alive. The neon district lights, loud nightclubs, golden casinos and luxurious cars parked near hotels. Everything seemed completely regular, but I could sense some danger. My clothes soaked wet in that weather.

At least I was successful to find a cab.

"6th District, Bay Front"

"Get in sir"

I entered the cab. It was somewhat strange. Some strange smell. It was light, but I could smell it.

"Are you wondering about the smell sir"

"Yup, I don't have a problem, but it is strange"

"Well it's just some fish. I don't have house. This is my whole house, workplace and family. Not a lot of people travel by my cab as it has a decade old model. Only those who are unable to afford much travel from my cab"

"Well, are you having enough money to survive? I could give you a nice tip."

"If you asked this a fortnight ago, I would have said yes. About 2 weeks ago, A kind-hearted rich man gave me a huge tip - more than I could earn in an year."

"Well, I hope everyone to be as good as him"

"Yes sir. Mr.Jackson was a really generous man."

I remained silent. My face went blank. Not because Mr.Jackson was the one who gave the tip, but because the driver knew that he is dead. It is not yet revealed to the citizens. Well, the destination arrived soon. I still gave him some tip. I noted his car number in my diary. He left saying "Thank you detective." Again, I was blank.

Well, 26/11 right? This mansion was way bigger than I expected. For a chef, it looked like a millionaire's mansion. Well, without any hesitation, I rang the doorbell. Someone opened the door. It was a cute little girl, not older than 10.

"Is this Mr.Herriot's house"

"Who are you and why should I tell you:

"I am a detective, want some important information from Mr.Herriot"

"My father don't want to meet anyone. Especially a grumpy old man like you"

Her attitude!! She's so dumb and arrogant. How can she call a handsome 24 year guy as old! And why is a little girl awake at 1:30 am. Well, she is just as spoiled as I was.

"Who is there" a bold masculine voice came from the home.

"A grumpy old so called detective" girl replied

I had no other choice to keep my anger under control.

"Don't call anyone like that. When will you learn huh!" The bold voice replied in a sleepy voice.

He arrived at the door and asked" Hello sir, can I help you"

I showed him my detective card.

"So you are for the billionaire's murder case, right?"

"Well yeah, I want detailed information. You are the only witness."

"Nothing happened in front of me. I was in the backroom, searching for some equipment. He was sitting at the dining table before and when I came back, he was dead! Within a span of 5 minutes"

"Why did you left the hotel?"

"To not get involved, but Alias, your the 12th person to investigate me- and especially in the midnight"

"Are you sure you have nothing else to tell?"

"Don't you trust me?"

"Can I fully trust a man whom I met 5 min ago?"

"Of course, why not"

"Can I investigate your house"

"Well my wife won't like it, but I guess you can. Trust me I have nothing to hide"

I entered the house. The house was more luxurious than the hotel itself. He had some other source of income as well. I investigated all the rooms roughly. It took me over 3 hours. His daughter was troubling me throughout my investigation. Her habits were actually a lot similar to what I was back in my childhood. While I was investigating the mansion, she investigated me. Her mother was a really compassionate one. She was very confident the whole time that I am mistaken, but she helped me throughout. There was nothing much I could find.

"Mr Herriot, If possible can you meet me in the afternoon as well?"

"Sure sir If it's possible I w-" Daughter interrupted our conversation- "Dad don't meet him, he himself seems a walking danger. He looks like a guy who would have pushed someone off the roof at a young age"

It was the moment I realized that I am not the smartest one in this universe. Her confidence speaks some half truth about me.

"Is this a way to talk to an adult" Mr Herriot scolded

"She is small, will learn when she will grow up. I should go now. Sorry for interrupting your sleep"

"You should be" replied the daughter

I left from there. It was still raining. 5 am in the morning. Surprisingly, I found a cab in instant. It was the same one I used before. Why was he there? At the perfect time? Was it a coincidence? Or he was just waiting for me? I asked him that to take me to hotel.

"You are the same guy, what a nice coincidence"

"Are you sure it's a coincidence" I replied

"I don't know but maybe" He was still calm

I have three suspects now - Mr Herriot(The old chef), The sweeper and the cab driver. Most likely one of them is the murderer. The driver wouldn't have been allowed to enter the hotel bathroom. He was neither a hotel employee, nor he can afford it all. But there are still some chances of his involvement. Mr. Herriot , quite a regular person but somewhat mysterious who was hiding something. He knew something that I shouldn't. And the sweeper, I don't know much about him, but he was the only one other than me who also witnessed the manager's murder. I asked the driver "You know about James Jackson murder, don't you?"

"I was quite sure you would ask it. Mr.Jackson asked me to pick him up at the same time the next day. I waited for quite long but he didn't come. After sometime, I saw police entering the area and knew something ain't right. The hotel chef escaped the place from a window, hurriedly and looked very scared. I observed it all and concluded Mr.Jackson is dead"

Well the destination arrived, I asked him to return here within 2 hours and he nodded. There was a tall woman waiting for me in front of the hotel gate. I guess I know who was her.

"Are you the CBA investigator"

"Yes"showing my CBA card, I added "Are you Jennifer Jackson?"

"Yeah, Have you completed the search?"

"Not yet, but I am close"

"Remember to punish the killer- A prison is not just enough for a maniac who took his life. My husband's work was about gambling, but he used the money he earned for kind purposes. A person as good as him does not deserve it.

"I don't even like working with the police. So a win-o-win for both of us"

"Fair enough, I am here only"

She sat in the hotel hall while I went to the kitchen. The chef wasn't there, but the sweeper was cleaning the kitchen.

"I think we have met before"

"N-o- s-i-r I d-o-n-t rr-emm-e-mm-bb-e-r"

"So let me remind you, I am the detective, who met ya on the top floor. And I know you remember me"

"Nnooo I don't kk-nn-oo-ww annyytthhiing"

He was sweating, shivering and was too scared as if I was looking like a monster.

"You come with me" I asked him. He nodded

We walked into the room behind kitchen where the store the cooking stuff. I thought it would be a good place for some important clues. I searched thoroughly here. The sweeper was just looking at me. I thought I could find some information about Mr.Herriot here. I found one strange thing. Among the knife collection there was one which wasn't clean. I looked it up closely, avoiding touching it. It was nothing other than blood-spots. This one was quite fresh. Other than Jackson, Manager and the police officer, there was another unknown victim. But the murderer was now confirmed. Other than the chef, noone else is allowed in that room. The previous chef Mr.Herriot hasn't returned here, so the new chef is probably the one we are after.

I made a plan in instant and then I went to Jennifer Jackson and told him about the murderer.

"I want him to be punished- in a worse way - he doesn't need to be bragged to the court. The police will draw off a fake conclusion. I trust your agency. Go ahead with your plan"

I smiled and went again inside. I asked the sweeper for some help for a nice pay. I hid beneath the vegetable. Took out the silenced pistol and kept in one hand. I waited calmly and waited for him. After 2 hours and 10 minutes, I could sense someone coming. He came inside singing and murmuring. I could get that he was the chef from the his voice. Just as he came near the table, I jumped out of it and pointed a gun towards his head.

"What the heck, detective"

"Why did you killed him?"

"Whom"

"You know who are murdered, don't act innocent"

"Sir you are mistaken, I didn't kill any of them"

"So you know who else is murdered"

"Ahh enough, you caught me. But I wonder if you could escape from here. You were just smart enough to catch me, but not as smart to escape from me."

He walked holding a blender in one hand and a shark edged meat knife in the other. Enough to kill a grown man.He walked near me, and I walked towards the windows. He came closer and closer. I almost reached the window- and the door was shut.The sweeper did his job. He poured turpentine on the floor surface. Just a little spark needed. I always keep a lighter in my pocket- just in case. I first shot a bullet in his leg to distract him. I immediately jumped out if the window and threw the burning lighter inside. I walked my way out from there.

Jennifer Jackson was sitting on beach chair. I approached him and explained my job done. She looked at the burning kitchen from outside. She gave a weird smile and had a sense of satisfaction. The sweeper also approached us and I paid him well. He was happy- but still scared.

"T h a n k yy oo uu s-s-i-rr"

"You were good at your job. It's just a small gift"

He walked away from there.

"I will give you 2 suitcase full of dollar bills. You are good at your job.Thank you" She said with relief.

"My pleasure"

She brought the suitcases from her car and drove off. It was my first time seeing this money.

I couldn't travel via plane with this amount of money. I looked out for the cab and surprisingly, it was still there. I went to the car and the driver was not there. The car was no longer smelly. I waited for an hour but he didn't returned. I had strange experiences throught I had my ways to reach Chicago. I would get an implement. Only half the mystery was solved. But I did my job and that's what matter. I had just scratched the surface - the world has much uglier face.

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