Game Of BETRAYERS: The Poison Beneath (BOOK 1)
P R O L O G U E
Game of 𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗬𝗘𝗥𝗦:
The poison beneath-
Betrayal × Murder × Mystery × Suspense × Thriller × Crime × Detective × Mafia × Murder × Psychological × Tragic
---A mystery that unveils the mafia’s hidden empire.
In just twelve days, six mysterious murders took place across the Dhaka Division. The entire police department struggled to solve the case. Based on a few clues related to the killings, it was assumed that although the murders occurred in different places and at different times, they were somehow interconnected. Eventually, the case was handed over to the Detective Branch.
The investigation was assigned to the department’s most brilliant young investigator — Xavier Leister. Determined and relentless, Xavier threw himself into the case. But as he delved deeper into this web of mystery, he stumbled upon a dark and unknown story from the underworld — a labyrinth that soon entangled him completely.
His suspicions began to point toward a powerful prince of that hidden realm. But the kingdom had already fallen — the king and the prince had both vanished, leaving behind a shattered empire.
What really happened there?
Do these two events point to the same truth?
Are the murders truly connected — and if so, what’s the link?
Who is the hidden killer, and why is he orchestrating this trail of death?
Is it greed, revenge, vengeance — or some deeper, darker motive?
As Xavier searches for the answers, he encounters one shocking revelation after another — revelations that will astonish the readers as well.
Author
It's my first story on MT.
Hope you guys like it.
CHAPTER 1
Even on that freezing January night, beads of sweat ran down Ren’s forehead. Her throat was completely dry. Though her hands and feet weren’t tied, she couldn’t move an inch.
In front of her sat a man — a MT-9 pistol in his hand. His sharp, piercing eyes made it clear that if she even twitched, the bullet would tear through her body.
This was a fairly well-furnished apartment in Dhaka’s Banani residential area. Ren was alone tonight. Waiting for her husband, she had just begun to drift into a light doze when suddenly — the doorbell rang.
The clock showed 12:30 a.m.
Thinking her husband had returned, Ren quickly adjusted her dress and hurried toward the door — not out of love, but out of fear.
If she delayed even a little, a hard, brutal slap would land across her cheek.
He must have come home drunk again — she was sure of it.
No one else ever came to this flat. Even he came only once or twice a week.
And those one or two nights were pure hell for Ren.
Her husband came home drunk, beat her mercilessly, and satisfied his animal desires.
The word “affection” was unknown to her.
But when she looked through the peephole, she froze.
It wasn’t her husband standing outside —
it was a stranger.
Panic surged through her. For a few seconds, she couldn’t think or move.
The bell rang again.
Ren
Who is it? *trembling voice*
Anonymous
Your husband's been shot, he's critically injured. I don’t think he’ll survive. Open the door quickly! *deep voice*
The words struck her like lightning. Her mind went blank.
Without thinking, she unlocked the door.
Standing there was a tall, well-built young man, motionless as a mountain.
He wore a hoodie, half his face hidden in its shadow.
From the look of his clothes, it seemed he hadn’t changed them in days.
Ren nervously glanced around. Her voice trembled.
Without answering, the man pushed her aside and stepped inside.
Before she could scream, he clamped a hand tightly over her mouth and pressed the cold barrel of the gun against her throat.
Anonymous
If you want to live *low cold voice* stay completely quiet. I am not here to hurt you. Nothing will happen to you—but only as long as you silently obey everything I say. Will you?
The sight of the gun drained all colors from Ren’s face.
Terrified, she nodded rapidly.
The stranger took her phone, With cold, piercing eyes he ordered her to sit on the floor, and warned her not to make a sound.
Then he sat down on the sofa — and waited.
When the elevator doors opened, Dexon blinked his bleary, half-drunk eyes.
Realizing he’d reached his floor, he stepped out.
He hadn’t really planned to visit his third wife tonight.
But after drinking heavily, the call girl he was supposed to meet canceled at the last minute.
At this hour, finding another was impossible.
Nowadays, you have to book in advance.
So, to satisfy his needs, he decided to go to his wife instead.
He had already called her to say he was coming.
On the way, he’d cursed the call girl with the filthiest words imaginable.
Swaying slightly on his feet, he stumbled down the hallway, humming a drunken tune.
Reaching his door, he pressed the doorbell.
He didn’t know it yet — but coming here tonight
was the worst mistake of his life.
And he wouldn’t even live long enough to regret it.
The second ring startled Ren.
The stranger’s calm, still eyes suddenly gleamed with alertness.
A mysterious smirk curved his lips.
The prey had arrived.
He looked at Ren, lowered his hood, and pressed a finger to his lips — silence.
Then he knelt before her and whispered.
Anonymous
Don’t try to act smart. If you do, both of you will die. Now open the door.
Ren trembled violently. Her whole body shook in fear.
When the bell rang again, the man stood up and pressed himself against the wall beside the door.
With a sharp look, he gestured for her to open it.
Swallowing hard, Ren approached the door and slowly opened it with shaking hands.
Dexon burst in, hurling filthy abuse.
Dexon
Which bastard did you bring home? Why the hell did it take so long to open the door?
Ren
*stood frozen with fear*
Dexon
Why aren’t you talking?
Dexon growled, biting his lower lip in anger.
He raised his hand to slap her — but the sound of the door clicking shut made him stop.
He turned around sharply. A tall young man stood by the door, calm, and dangerous.
He turned — and saw a handsome young man standing against the door, watching him coldly.
Dexon didn’t recognize him.
Dexon
Who the hell are you?
He glanced back at Ren, his eyesight blazing with fury.
Dexon
So you’ve invited a lover? *grabbed a fistful of her hair*
Dexon
You little bitçh! *snarled* Burning for another man when I am gone. You couldn’t wait, could you? I don’t come home for a few days and you bring a man in? You think I wouldn’t find out? You didn't take him out even though I told you that I am coming today? How dare you, little whöre? *clenched teeth*
The voice was cold, sharp, and commanding.
Dexon turned — and froze again.
The man was holding a gun.
Instantly, Dexon’s drunken hazen evaporated.
He fumbled to draw his own pistol —
but before he could, the stranger hurled a flower vase that smashed against Dexon’s hand.
The gun fell to the floor.
The stranger darted forward and picked it up in a flash.
When Dexon tried to attack again, the man struck him hard on the ear with the gun’s butt.
Dexon screamed in pain, clutching his bleeding ear.
The stranger ejected the magazine from Dexon's gun and threw it aside.
Then he grabbed Dexon by the collar and yanked him upright.
He turned to Ren and said calmly.
Anonymous
If you can’t stand to watch the murder, go inside.
Ren didn’t hesitate.
She ran into the bedroom.
The word 'murder' froze Dexon's blood.
He had no gun now.
He could never stand against such a well-built young man empty-handed. Death was certain.
The man shoved Dexon onto the sofa.
In a trembling voice, Dexon stammered.
Dexon
W....who are you? W...what profit will you get by killing me?
*trembling voice*
The stranger placed one foot on the sofa beside Dexon's shoulder.
Anonymous
You should have realized who I am by now.
And profit? Nothing.
I don’t even want to kill you.
I just want one answer.
Answer truthfully — and I’ll let you go.
Dexon
W...what question? *Whispered*
The man said a name — and added.
Anonymous
Where is he now?
The moment he heard the name, Dexon’s blood ran cold.
He licked his lips nervously, realizing who this man was.
Dexon
*Panting* I...I don’t know.
The stranger gave a cold, mocking smile — and smashed the gun’s butt into Dexon' s mouth.
Blood gushed out.
Already drunk and dizzy, Dexon’s head drooped.
The man pressed the gun against his throat.
Anonymous
Loyalty is a dangerous thing! *hissed* They wouldn’t think twice about killing you if needed. Yet here you are, ready to die for them. Foolish, isn’t it?
Dexon’s eyes widened in terror.
The stranger tilted his head slightly — he could see Dexon still wouldn’t talk. The man understood his silence — he wasn’t going to talk.
He loaded the gun and aimed it at Dexon’s head.
Dexon
*Screamed in fear* Dubai! H...he’s in Dubai now!
Anonymous
Where in Dubai?”
Anonymous
*Pressed the barrel harder*
Dexon
*said through pain almost tearfully* I swear I don’t know! Believe me. I have no contact. But Griffin talks to him.
The man knew at once that Dexon wasn’t lying.
Anonymous
Where is Griffin?
Dexon
L...Lakshmi Bazar. *stammered*
Dexon stammered, pressing a bloody hand to his ear. Sweat soaked his trembling body despite the winter chill.
The man forced Dexon to type Griffin’s address into his phone.
Then — a gunshot shattered the silence.
Ren screamed from the other room.
She had been sitting there trembling, listening to every sound.
Now, hearing the shot, she couldn’t stay still.
She rushed to the living room — and froze.
Dexon’s lifeless body slumped on the sofa, eyes wide open. A dark wound marked the center of his forehead. Blood pooled beneath him.
Ren couldn’t even scream. She just stood there, numb.
The stranger turned to her and said quietly.
Anonymous
He didn’t suffer. It was over in a second.
Anonymous
But I’m sure you wouldn’t want your seven-year-old son — the one staying with your mother — to end up the same way. I hear he goes to school every day, right?
Anonymous
Don’t worry. I won’t hurt you.
But you’ll forget my face completely. If you ever remember it — you’ll have to forget your son instead. Understand?
Ren understood perfectly.
She nodded quickly.
The man gave a faint smile, tucked the gun into his pocket, and walked out.
He knew Ren would never go to the police.
Her husband’s death wasn’t a tragedy — it was freedom.
Now he must leave this place quickly — before others come. He still had a lot to do. The final task.
Meanwhile Ren stood staring at her husband’s corpse- her eyes dry, her soul strangely calm. She closed her eyes and let the tears flow — not from pain but from relief. There was no sorrow in her tears, only relief.
For years she had prayed for this day.
And tonight, her prayer had been answered. The monster was finally dead.
To Ren, the man who killed Dexon wasn’t a demon —
he was a messenger of deliverance.
But who was this stranger, truly?
That handsome face, drained of all emotion —
those bloodshot eyes and rough stubble —
they all told of sleepless nights and inner torment.
Behind that cold, expressionless face
lay a man whose own life was shattered —
a man hiding a story far darker and more tragic
than anyone could imagine.
CHAPTER 2
Inspector Nicolas Smith of Gulshan Police Station slammed down the telephone. He began to grumble with anger. The Commissioner had scolded him for the third time today. His ears were hot with anger and humiliation. In his long career he had never been put through such a reproach over a case—well, except once: that was a different, sigh-worthy past. Nicolas took a deep breath and picked up the phone again. He summoned his SI to his room. A peon came and placed a cup of tea on the table. Irritable, Nicolas lifted the cup. Just as he took the first sip, SI(Sub-Inspector) Adam entered and stood by the door.
Adam/Sub-Inspector
May I come in, sir?
NICOLAS SMITH
*looked up*
Come in.
Adam/Sub-Inspector
*bowed his head and entered*
NICOLAS SMITH
*took a second sip of tea*
The commissioner called. There was another murder in Banani yesterday. It’s not in our area, but when you look at all those parts of the city together, six murders have been committed. Yet there’s no resolution. The entire department is under immense pressure. My three cases here are still unresolved. He scolded me to relieve the pressure. Maybe we’ll get some peace now.
Adam/Sub-Inspector
*surprised* How’s that, sir?
NICOLAS SMITH
Don’t you see? The murders are very mysterious. From the information we’ve been able to collect, it appears there’s a deep conspiracy. Very deep.
Adam/Sub-Inspector
So this time the detective branch will take over?
Adam’s voice showed curiosity.
Adam/Sub-Inspector
So the case will surely fall into their hands?
Inspector Nicolas leaned back in his chair, deep in thought.
A small flat in the quiet sector of Uttara. Investigator Xavier Leister of the detective branch was fast asleep. He had returned late last night. After long work, he’d finally solved a critical case. To celebrate, he had gone to a club with some old friends and had a few drinks. After so long, he got tipsy easily. He collapsed on his bed as soon as he got home. In a dreamlike state the sound of the doorbell came to him like the commanding voice of the Director General: an order piling more work on his shoulders. The bell repeated like harsh instructions for the next steps — and he kept replying ‘Yes sir’ in his sleep. But as the bell kept ringing, his brain realized what it was. Gradually the drowsiness cleared and he jolted awake. He looked at the wall clock: it was half past eleven. Seeing the time, he closed his eyes and sighed regretfully.
𝗫𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗟𝗘𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥
All the best, Xavier Clifford. *mumbles*
Quickly he put on a t-shirt and hurried to open the door. He opened it and saw Evelyn standing there.
She frowned in annoyance. He tried to force a smile but it didn’t work. Evelyn glared up at him over—tall, broad-shouldered, fair skin and messy hair. Xavier kept his foolish smile and tried to charm her, but it didn’t work.
𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗬𝗡 𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗡𝗡
*pointed at her wristwatch*
What time is it?
Xavier realized he was in trouble, she was quite upset. He tried to smooth things over.
𝗫𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗟𝗘𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥
It’s half past eleven. Why? Is your watch battery dead? Wait—today I’ll change it. No, no—I'll buy you a new one.
𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗬𝗡 𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗡𝗡
*pushed him inside*
We were supposed to have breakfast together and spend the day out. And you? You slept until noon? Do you get days off like this every day, Xav?
𝗫𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗟𝗘𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥
*helplessly*
Sorry. What can I do? I came home late last night. I did set an alarm, but—
𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗬𝗡 𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗡𝗡
But the alarm didn’t reach your ears, right?
Xavier made a sheepish face.
𝗫𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗟𝗘𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥
I was exhausted. Maybe that’s why. I had to explain everything to Sir last night before I could leave.
Evelyn looked at him with teary eyes and said in a voice mixed with tears.
𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗬𝗡 𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗡𝗡
And me? Can’t you think of me sometimes? You were free today after a long time. I have no importance in your life.
𝗫𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗟𝗘𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥
*guilty*
I think I’ll be free tomorrow too. We’ll go out tomorrow, okay?
*cupped her cheeks*
𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗬𝗡 𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗡𝗡
*pulled his hands away*
You’ll have work again tomorrow. I know. See, a new case will come today — my sixth sense says so.
𝗫𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗟𝗘𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥
*look at her angry face lovingly*
(Adorable!)
He hugged Evelyn from behind. And place his hands on her waist.
𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗬𝗡 𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗡𝗡
*place her hand on his*
𝗫𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗟𝗘𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥
So let’s spend the day at home. Outside there’s too much noise and pollution. It’s not romantic. Isn’t it better here—just you and me? No one will be here.
He snuggled on her neck from behind and kissed her shoulder. Evelyn suppressed a smile but didn’t show it to him.
𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗬𝗡 𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗡𝗡
Where is Ana aunt? Where did she go? Is she not here?!
𝗫𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗟𝗘𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥
She took two days off.
𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗬𝗡 𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗡𝗡
You haven't eaten?
𝗫𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗟𝗘𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥
*snuggling in her neck* Starving! 🥺
𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗬𝗡 𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗡𝗡
Leave it! I’m cooking. Let’s eat together. Go freshen up properly.
Xavier kissed the back of her ear and let her go.
𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗬𝗡 𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗡𝗡
*walked toward the kitchen with a smile*
Xavier breathed a sigh of relief, then went to the washroom to freshen up.
𝗫𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗟𝗘𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥
*come out and peek into the kitchen*
𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗬𝗡 𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗡𝗡
*chopping vegetables*
𝗫𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗟𝗘𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥
*In mind*
If Eve finds out why I woke up late, she’d stab me with that knife.
Just imagining that made him swallow hard. The most courageous investigator in the detective branch was apparently so afraid of this simple girl — one can imagine.
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