It was another busy week at the Bureau of Investigative Customs and Force in the city of Belgranna. It was flooding of paperwork and criminal cases. Good thing that the station has someone like Detective Stephen Weissman, who gives a great contribution in solving some of Belgranna’s sticky cases. He is a curious and ambitious detective, which sometimes leads him into trouble. His eyes are fierce and hazel brown, you’ll always see him wear a brown Diagonal Twill coat with his smoking pipe, and goes with a classic pompadour hairstyle.

Stephen recently finished a chaotic case, which led him to exhaustion. Nate Clarkwell was watching him as he carelessly threw his brown coat and sat in his office chair, in a heavy manner. Nate Clarkwell also works in the same field as a detective with Stephen in B.I.C.F. He also lives in Belgranna, like Stephen. His eyes are crystal blue, has thick eyebrows, always wears a black Wrap coat, and has an Ivy League hairstyle. Nate is a clever detective and a kind being, unlike Stephen.

Stephen was lost in his thoughts as he looked at the ceiling, without noticing that Nate was still standing at the door with his arms crossed while watching him. “You know what sounds exciting?” Nate asked as he walked around in Stephen’s office. “Going home… Sleeping all day long… Drinking coffee… Watching a movie and smoke my pipe… “Stephen won’t stop mumbling with his boring voice, so Nate finished his mumbling and says, “A vacation Stephen. A vacation”. He looked at Stephen with the same posture, and advises him to take a vacation. “I suggest, that you should take a break. You look dreadful and needs a vacation. Go to Vastile City. There’s an interesting exhibit show there by Stella Appleton.” Stephen listened with interest and replies, “Well, a vacation sounds good”.

The next day, Stephen takes a leave and travels to Vastile City. He drove his black car and checks in at a simple hotel named Vintage Hotel. Stephen wanders around the city, collecting memories of such beautiful sceneries. The exhibition held by the famous archeologist, Stella Appleton, is scheduled at nine in the evening, which means Stephen has enough time to admire and roam around the city. He continues to walk around the city with leisure as he looks around while smoking his pipe. The city shows its beauty; Flowers and plants are used as decorations; Clean streets and well-dressed people taking for a walk.

The time has come for the exhibition to begin. People went inside the glamorous building filled with beautiful lights and decorations. The place is bustling. Stephen squeezed through the crowd as he repeatedly says, “Excuse me… Sorry… Pardon me…” every time he bumps into someone. His seat has an excellent view for the show. The exhibition room consists of a medium sized stage with carpets on it, spotlights are everywhere and a beautiful large chandelier above the stage. There is a flurry of gossips and conversations around the room. As everyone has found their respected seats, the room turned dark as the show is about to start.

Soon enough, the room was filled with cheerful noises as the lights reveals Stella Appleton herself. Her shape is what every woman dreams to have, her lips are red as rose, she shines with her pale skin, her wavy blonde and short hair give a decent look. Her beauty was not the only reason why she’s well known. Her artifacts are very rare to find and has interesting stories in it. Stella is a genius archeologist, and that’s the reason she’s recognized and respected by everyone. She’s the definition of brain and beauty. Too bad this is the first and the last time Stephen Weissman would see her though. As with a blink of an eye, the remarkable lady is squished on the stage, by the chandelier once hanging above her.

The room quickly fills with silence, followed by chatter as the audience realized what happened. The massive chandelier covered the lady’s body and blood quickly spreads all over the stage. Detective Weissman makes his move; he showed his badge to the guards and told them to stop anyone from entering or leaving the establishment; he then went to investigate the stage.

Stephen sees a crying lady besides the fallen chandelier. It’s Stella Appleton’s secretary. She has a Bouffant hairstyle and a fitted sheath dress. He approaches her and helps her calm down, and tells her to call the police. As the crying secretary leaves the stage, Stephen observes the bloody scene. The once beautiful Stella Appleton is now a disfigured body crushed by a chandelier. Stephen looks around and checks the chandelier. There is something peculiar with the wiring of the chandelier, it looks like it was tampered. The detective proceeds to go backstage to investigate further.

Sirens filled the air as the B.I.C.F. of Vastile City arrived. Stephen’s investigation was stopped by another B.I.C.F. detective, as he was given no permission nor authority to be involved with the case. Detective Weissman might be with the B.I.C.F., but he belongs to a different station. However, Stephen may stay and observe everything as the police investigates. He overheard the conversation of the police and Maria Eve. “Can you tell us the address of Mrs. Appleton?” The officer calmly asked Maria. “Yes, at Dark Rose Town – fifth street – you should not be mistaken, it is the only mansion.” The officer thanks Maria and asks his last question. “And may you tell me your address madam? – for further interrogation?” “Oh... My apologies... but I won’t stay at home; I have to run errands at my office, but I could give you its address“ “Yes, so what’s the address of your office?” “Same town but in fourth street, the second lot.” Stephen remembered the conversation of Maria and the police.

The B.I.C.F. of Vastile City, concluded that the tragic death of the famous Stella Appleton as an accident. Stella’s controversial death was the talk of the whole city. Her death was printed in every magazines and newspapers. However, Stephen is not contented with the conclusion of Vastile City’s police regarding Stella Appleton’s death.

Whatever the case of Stella Appleton is, there is only one thing that Stephen knew.

This is not an accident; this is a murder case.

"Then, what did you find?” Nate asked through the phone.

Stephen was still puzzled by the incident and is hesitant to answer

“Well... The switch seems quite odd...”

"It was on, wasn’t it?" Nate briskly said his theory and obviously, turned out to be right.

“It was clearly a homicide, a set-up. The chandelier's light should've turned on, but instead fell... Stephen, you know you’re prohibited to investigate this case, right? Look, I know you love trouble bu– “

“No, I don’t,” Stephen answered abruptly, quickly denying the statement in a serious tone.

“...Yes, you do." Nate sighed through the line, "Look, I’m not really into these kinds of stuff, but if you get into trouble again and need a backup, I’m in - oh and please try not to get caught, I have much problem as it is.”

"Thanks, pal-" The call abruptly ended as Nate was somewhat irritated and hanged up the phone.

...

When the sun disappeared and shadows turned to blackness, Stephen's mind wondered sleeplessly thinking about the case. "Was it really an accident? Was it really homicide? if it was...then what was the reason for Stella’s death?" Stephen said mumbling to himself as the night gloom washes over his eyes and thoughts.

...

When Stephen woke up it was still nighttime, he then thought about the same thoughts that flooded his restless mind. "What is the reason for Stella's death?" They say curiosity killed the cat, but Stephen was determined to find the truth that he became tasseled by his own curiosity and went to Stella Appleton’s home despite it being very late. “Dark Rose Town, fifth street, mansion…” He mumbled repeatedly to himself as if he would forget if he stops altering the word repeatedly.

Minutes have passed as Stephen navigated through the night and although it was dark, he had no need to squint his eyes as he easily spotted Stella's House - the obvious two-story mansion at the end of the pavement with its glimmering strong metal gates that stands straight; surrounding the mansion's property. The gates glowers at Stephen's silhouette as he began to climb the bars - quickly trespassing without a trace. Once inside, he wore his black gloves and started to investigate. He roamed around the mansion observing every detail and predicting possible events to might have taken place. Moments have passed, and with no luck he found nothing. The mansion appeared clear and unsuspecting – maybe for the police but not for Stephen.

Stephen walked inside the room of Stella’s deceased husband. It was a dusty bedroom; his awards are displayed all over the walls and shelves. Books are everywhere. “#1 Bestseller Novelist, Booklist 1942 Editor’s Choice. Winner of the 1942 National Book Award. 1942 Best Book of the Year. ‘The Dreadful Sins of the Mysterious Illusionist’– Heinz Appleton.” Stephen read the trophy awards one by one as he walked around the room. Everybody knew Heinz Appleton and his amazing fantasy books, but it was a waste of talent since he died five years ago of illness.

After reading, Stephen observed the room suspiciously. He found nothing at the moment. He stood there with his arms crossed – clearly wasn’t ready to leave because he felt that something was hidden, a secret. He then noticed the typewriter. It was quite dusty... But strangely, some letters have less dust than the others, as if the letters were recently used. “A code... Just great.” He muttered.

The typewriter was placed on the table next to the bathroom door, and the fireplace was in between the bookshelves. Stephen continued to be preoccupied with searching for some clues. Later, he noticed an article on the table and a bulletin board that was hanging above the typewriter. The article was entitled “A Writer’s Dream” and there’s nothing more about it. He then noticed another motto written in one of the notes “A writer’s dream, is a dream that all writers have. A miracle inside their imaginations.” Stephen was perplexed after reading these obvious mottos and thought that these are the biggest hints that he had. He was standing in front of the bulletin board while tapping his feet.

He thinks for a second, then recalled a book that he once read – he remembered the phrase “Every writer's dream is to write without having to worry about the hassle of marketing and self–promotion. It’s to focus on the craft. All writers dream of one day, being their own gatekeeper.” He mumbled the phrase carefully as if rearranging a puzzle piece, then Stephen's eyes widened - he impulsively reached the typewriter and typed down the code “gatekeeper”.

A small thud can be heard to his right, he looked and noticed that the left bookshelf next to the bathroom door began to move - opening an archway that appears to be a hidden passage. Stephen was astounded by his discovery as his eyes wandered wide open; as if he saw a dead body on the scene. He reluctantly entered the passageway, for there might be something in there that he wouldn't expect. He descended the stairs and began to manage through the dark hallway, and in the end, a room full of dust-filled artifacts protected by its clear cases with each being held by a pedestal with its corresponding names.

"This might be Stella's private artifact room" He mumbled as he touched the first artifact that he saw. Stephen wandered around the room and observed quietly. When Stephen came further into the room, he noticed an empty pedestal in the middle of the room with its case being clean.

"One artifact is missing"

...

The next day, Stephen woke up with his heavy eyes and sluggish movements. “Same town… Fourth street… Second lot.” He recalled the conversation he overheard about the address of Maria Eve so that he can locate the place and once he gets there, he will ask Maria about the empty artifact case.

Stephen once again went to Dark Rose Town and found himself in front of Maria’s office, he knocked on the door.

“Hello? Who’s there?” Maria asked without opening the door. “Good morning Ms. Eve. I am Stephen Weissman, a detective from the B.I.C.F police. I came to ask you some questions if you don’t mind?” Stephen greeted and showed his license through the glass peephole. Maria was satisfied enough with the detective’s license that she invites Stephen inside her office.

She offered Stephen a seat and asked if he would like some coffee. “Thank you, Ms. Eve – “

“I’ll be fine with just Maria, Sir.” She smiled and sat on her office chair. “And I’m Stephen, nice to meet you.” Stephen extends his hand to shake Maria's, which she promptly ignored. Stephen just stood and smiled awkwardly to himself. “So, what are the questions that you want to ask me, Detective?”

“I came here to ask you about the information of Ms. Stella’s collections.” Maria’s face became solemn. “I’m afraid that’s a vital topic, Sir.” Maria repudiated the question. With her response, Stephen decided to tell her what he found in Stella's Manor. “I investigated Stella’s home.” Maria glanced at him – rejecting to look at him attentively.

“I went to her husband’s room and discovered a hidden passage. The password was ‘gatekeeper’.”

“How? How did you – “

“Long story. I saw many artifacts there and they seemed to be important... and rare.”

“Yes... they are.” Maria agreed.

“Worry not, I closed the passage when I went out so the artifacts are safe," Stephen said to reassure Maria, but Stephen's gaze turned cold and serious. "One was missing.”

“One was missing?!!” She exclaimed, shocked by what she heard. Stephen observed Maria's reactions.

“The Item was at the end of the room - in the middle. This missing artifact might be connected to Stella’s death.” Stephen stated in a stern frigid manner.

"The Item was at the end of the room - in the middle," Maria muttered to herself while immediately opening her drawers to search for the files. She opened each cabinet and pulled out a basket filled with labeled documents.

Later, she found the file of the missing artifact and gave it to Stephen - a picture was attached to it. It was a disturbing black Mask with big eyes. The Mask seemed to be very old. Stephen raised his eyebrows and gave a questionable look at Maria. “Yes, Sir. That’s the item.” Maria nodded, reassuring Stephen.

Stephen observed the picture intently. As his eyes gaze through every detailed line and texture of the picture he was holding, he saw a logo written on the mask. “S.E.U” He muttered as he reached for Maria and asked her about the logo. She then searched her desks but found nothing. If Maria doesn't a complete file about this artifact, then it seems like Stella didn't want the artifact to be disclosed to anyone, not even her assistant...

Stephen asked Maria if he could have a copy of the Photograph, which Maria agreed to. As Stephen exists Maria's office, He was left with the feeling distraught while thinking about the logo on the Mask. Stephen was certain that it was stolen, and that this case... was bigger than he expected.

Stephen wanted to know more about the Mask and the logo, so he called Nate. “Hey Stephen, anything going on?” “Yes. Definitely. I wanted to ask you a favor, you’re in the station, right?” Stephen answered through the phone while looking at the picture of the Mask. “Yes, and what favor?” Nate asked quickly. Stephen explained the situation, he discussed about his findings at Stella’s mansion. “You discovered a hidden room, and a missing artifact? Brilliant. So, what about the logo?” “Yes, speaking of that, I wonder if you could search any files about the S.E.U? That would be a great help.”

“I’ll call you when I found something.” Nate does his best to find data about the S.E.U logo. He went in a dim room that’s full of old documents. Boxes are labelled and filled with files. He moves quickly around the room and searches everywhere. Nate opens some files, and finds nothing. An hour has passed, Nate lost his hope finding anything relevant. He is about to give up, but he continues to search for more. Some time later, he notices a dusty and old box hidden at the very end of the shelf. The box seems to be insignificant. He pulls out the box, and it contains some files about the unsolved crimes in the 1940s. Nate rummage through the box, hoping that he would find a file about the S.E.U.

Later, he found a slightly wrinkled paperwork entitled “Seeing Eye of the Union (S.E.U)”. As soon as he found the file, he called Stephen.

“Found anything?” Stephen asks with excitement. “It’s not a lot but, S.E.U means Seeing Eye of the Union, and it exists way back in 1941.” Nate stated curiously. “Well, that’s it?” “Yeah. Nothing more.”

Even though there are no further records about it, both detectives realized that the organization exists way back in 1941 – when the Second World War is still happening. And because of the name and timeline – it might be connected to the Nazis. “This is definitely a confidential topic, and a dangerous one. We’re talking about a big – Nazi fanatics - organization. You’re still going to investigate?” Nate asked apprehensively.

“I’m not sure…” Stephen answered hesitantly.

“That means ‘Yes’. I said this once and I’ll say it again. Don’t get caught and be careful.”

After their conversation, both detectives became aware. Thoughts lingered in their minds. What if the S.E.U is really a Nazi organization? Does that mean that they intentionally killed Stella? Was the Mask that Stella keeps belongs to the S.E.U? If that’s so... the Mask is very valuable that it would kill a person for its possession. But what if the organization does not exist at all? What if it was really an accident?

Stephen tries his best to discover more. He investigates the town hoping for more information. Stephen knows the danger he puts himself into, his curiosity and ambition drive him to meddle more into this case. He became wary, looking for hints of threats.

He spent days of investigating. This organization is too confidential that he found nothing, but he felt something while he investigates. He felt that someone was monitoring him. He noticed a tall guy with a fit body. The shady guy followed him everywhere. It turns out that Stephen and Nate, were not the only ones who knows their investigation. Someone who works at the S.E.U was listening through the operator while they were at the phone.

Walking down the street, Stephen acts normally so that the stalker will not be scared away. He casually stayed at the coffee shop, drinking his coffee and smoking his pipe. He bought groceries at the small market, his walks appeared to be relaxed as if he was not wary at all, and later - he went back to the hotel. The whole time he did his casual activities – the shady guy was nearby. There are no further leads on his investigation, so he thought that his stalker might know something about the organization - or might be connected to it. He made a conclusion that the organization is attempting to kill him.

The next day, Stephen went outside with his long black umbrella and his pipe. He steadily looked around and immediately noticed the stalker. The stalker followed him as he walked. Stephen leisurely walks as he goes to the coffee shop. “Good morning sir! It’s nice to see you again! Have a seat, and may I take your order sir?” The maid greeted him. “Thank you. Can I have an espresso and bread rolls please?” “Sure, no problem.” When the maid brought him his orders, he casually sips his espresso and read a newspaper. His stalker patiently watches him at a distance. Moments later, Stephen finishes his meal, paid, and walked outside. Then goes in an open phone booth and intentionally called Nate. The stalker seats on the bench next to the phone booth - pretending to read a magazine - so that he could eavesdrop Stephen’s conversation.

“Uh... Hello Nate?” “Hey, what’s up?” Nate answered. “You know, I just wanted to inform you that I will be going home.” Stephen talked loudly. “Oh cool. When exactly?” Nate asked incredulously. “Tomorrow, in the afternoon.” “Well, that’s good to know. See you at the station Stephen.” “Thanks pal.” He ended the call. The stalker clearly heard the conversation as Stephen talked loudly. After this event, he went back to the hotel.

Stephen wasn’t really going home. This is a part of his set up. He pretended to call Nate and only made a schedule that will be known by the stalker, so that the stalker will be forced to come out and make a move. He knew that they planned his death before the day that he leaves, so he was prepared for whatever will happen. Therefore, the stalker must act his murder tonight while he’s asleep, or tomorrow in the afternoon. Either ways, Stephen was ready for the attack.

As he predicted, the stalker - not just a stalker but an assassinator - quietly went into his room at night time. The killer quietly and cautiously lock-picked the door, he sees Stephen sleeping and his clothes are lying on the floor. The room is dark where one can barely see. The killer looms out of the darkness and slowly sneaks closer. When he was next to the bed, he readies his knife – but someone’s hand clutched his arm, preventing him to strike. It was Stephen. The fake person on the bed was only a bunch of pillows covered in a blanket. The killer is startled and starts to lose control. Stephen acquires the weapon. The killer tried to fight but Stephen is a better fighter than him. He tried to strike an uppercut and a right hook, but Stephen successfully defended himself – he even wounded the killer.

The assassin was defeated, he might even die of exhaustion. The S.E.U organization have underestimated Stephen’s abilities and sent one assassin for the detective. Stephen interrogates and frightens the killer by aiming his gun at him. The killer had no choice but to answer Stephen’s detailed questions. “What’s your name tough guy.” Stephen asked frigidly while aiming his gun. The killer was hesitant to answer, but he immediately answered as soon as he sees Stephen points the gun. “Hawk! My name is Hawk…” The guy has a gray hair and fierce eyes with pale skin and wears a black mask. “And who sent you Hawk? Do you work for the S.E.U?” Stephen asks calmly but his face was terrifying. “Yes, I recently work for the S.E.U…” “Say, Hawk. What do you know about the Mask?” Hawk clearly doesn’t want to answer, but again, Stephen is scarier. He has a face of a murderer. “The Mask originally belongs to the organization and Stella Appleton accidentally found that Mask and considered it as a rare artifact…I only heard that it has a special ability, but I don’t know what.” Stephen was dazed by his revelations. It was at that moment he realizes; this case is bigger than he thought.