Chapter 1: The Accidental Crisis

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.

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