The Arrival

Rain still clung to the streets, its scent lingering in the early morning air as a black car pulled up in front of the city’s Central Crime Bureau. The engine went quiet. A man stepped out—tall, broad-shouldered, with sharp eyes that had seen too much. Inspector Adrian Rook, newly transferred, glanced up at the old station building with a blank expression.

His polished shoes clicked on the wet concrete as he headed for the entrance.

Inside, the building buzzed with movement and laughter. Adrian paused at the sound—odd for a place like this. Just then, a younger man approached him, adjusting his badge and trying to match Adrian’s pace.

“Sir, I’m Officer Neil Vargas, assigned to assist you.”

Adrian gave him a quick nod. “What’s with the noise inside?”

Neil chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “One of the senior officers is retiring today. They're throwing a farewell party later. The squad’s excited… guess they’re celebrating early.”

As they entered, a tall man in uniform stepped toward them with a folded envelope. “Inspector Rook? I’m Deputy Chief Mercer. Welcome aboard. Here's your invite to the party this evening.”

Adrian hesitated, taking the envelope without looking at it. “I don’t know anyone here, sir.”

The Deputy Chief gave a small smile. “That’s exactly why you should come. It’s a good way to get to know your team.”

Adrian nodded again, noncommittal. “Alright. I’ll try.”

He made his way into his office—a quiet corner room with a single desk, a chair, and a stack of case files already waiting. He had barely sat down when Neil walked in again, holding a brown folder.

“New file just came in. Fresh case. Homicide,” Neil said, setting it down.

Adrian opened the folder. The crime scene photos showed a woman’s body lying in the rain-soaked street, blood smeared across her pale skin. Her eyes were wide open. Empty.

No ID. No suspects. Just one strange detail: a single red string tied around her wrist.

Adrian’s jaw tensed. He flipped through the report, already forming questions in his mind.

---

Meanwhile...

At the Courthouse

The heavy silence broke with the sound of Cambria Vale’s voice.

“What we’re looking at is not a suicide,” she said, pacing slowly in front of the courtroom. “It’s a cleanly staged narrative, crafted to make you look away from the truth.”

The opposing counsel stood, trying to object, but the judge raised a hand. “You may continue, Ms. Vale.”

Cambria turned, locking eyes with the jury.

“The victim left no suicide note. No digital trail of distress. No fingerprints on the balcony. The security camera footage is missing exactly twenty-four minutes on the night she died. And the only witness—the building’s janitor—just happened to be off duty for the first time in eight months.”

She paused.

“Suicide?” she repeated, softer. “Or something else?”

The courtroom was still. Even her opponent sat down quietly.

When the judge gave her the verdict to proceed with murder charges, Cambria didn’t smile. She simply nodded, gathered her papers, and walked out into the hallway where junior lawyers rushed to congratulate her.

Her phone buzzed.Dr. Selene Ward, her best friend and part-time partner-in-crime when it came to sarcasm, spoke the moment Cambria answered.

“I hope you’re not still lecturing that poor intern.”

“I was,” Cambria replied, pushing the courtroom door open. “But don’t worry. He’s scarred for life now.”

Selene snorted. “Good. You free? Guess who finally arrived?”

Cambria stopped walking. “You mean him?”

“Yes, your favorite grumpy inspector. He’s here. Freshly landed. Probably judging everyone already.”

“I am finally going to see this man in uniform with my own eyes,” Cambria said, already walking faster. “You coming?”

“I can’t,” Selene replied smoothly. “Some of us have patients who need help. You enjoy.”

“Fine, be boring,” Cambria teased, ending the call.

---

Back at the station, Adrian was still flipping through the file when someone opened the door and walked in without waiting for a reply.

“I said I didn’t want to be disturbed,” Adrian said without looking up.

A familiar voice snapped back, “And I said you need to fix that attitude.”

He looked up slowly.

Cambria Vale, umbrella in one hand, bag on her shoulder, defiance in her eyes.

Adrian stared at her, silent for a beat. “You never knock.”

“And you never smile. So we’re even.”

He leaned back in his chair. “Still barging in like a hurricane.”

She dropped into the chair opposite him. “Still reading case files like they’ll whisper secrets.”

They sat there for a moment—years of history resting quietly between them. Neither of them said what they were thinking.

And just outside the window, the rain began again.....

Countinue in next chapter........

I am introducing some of my main characters here to clear any confusion about the story

CHARACTER INTRODUCTIONS

Adrian Rook – Recently transferred Crime Department Inspector. Stoic, composed, with a sharp instinct for justice. Keeps emotions locked behind a guarded demeanor.

Cambria Vale – Fiery defense lawyer with a sharp tongue and unwavering confidence. She thrives in pressure, often taking on cases others avoid.

Dr. Selene Ward – Psychiatrist, intelligent and unreadable, with a calm presence that hides a sharp mind. Close friends with Cambria and Adrian.

I hope this is helpful and don't forget to subscribe, like and comment your thoughts in comment section it will helpful for me..... Then meet you guys in my next chapter...........

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