The low murmurs from the field officers slowly dissipated into nothing as a black Moto Khan slowly rolled into an empty space. The Detective stepped out of the car and began to walk towards a faded green house surrounded by security barriers. He flashes his badge to one of the officers as the barriers deactivate momentarily. The Detective quickly scanned the front lawn, making a mental note as he walked down the driveway. There’s too many people here for a burglary. Something’s off. The Detective’s mind churned slowly as he approached a man in a dark gray suit.
“Great Night Detective. Did the Captain fill you in on the way here?” the man spoke outloud, without looking up for his digital notepad.
“No. Captain said the rest of the information will be provided when I get here. All I know is that there was a break in.” The Detective said.
“Well Detective,” the man began, looking up at the Detective. His brows pushed together slightly as he analyzed the face before him. “Charles?” the Detective said, partly confused.
“Yes it is I, old friend. Is age getting to you tonight? Or is it sleep this time?” Charles asked while cleaning his glasses, a quizzical look formed from his dark green eyes.
“Just didn’t expect you to be here is all.” the Detective said, taking a look around the scene.
“Well why wouldn’t I be here? This sector is my responsibility, so any and all cases I record and report them back to the Captain. Then he sends the right person for the job. We've been doing this kind of work for too long haven’t we?” Charles trailed off as a smirk began to creep at the edge of his lips. The two shared a heartfelt laugh as Charles led the Detective into the house.
“I’ll give you the rundown. Suspect seems to have come in through the back door, the youngest admitted to not locking it. Suspect comes in and starts looting the place. But there's something off here Detective. Can you see it?” Charles said, stopping in the kitchen where the backdoor was left ajar.
“You're not just gonna tell me if I wait long enough?” the Detective said.
“Why of course not. You're no rookie, Detective.” Charles said with a smile. The Detective chuckled and shuffled past Charles. He began walking around the kitchen, taking in every detail. The backdoor was left ajar, the drawers of the countertop were open, some of them even yanked all the way out and emptied. The cupboard doors were open, a few cans knocked over inside.
But nothing seemed to be missing here. The floor is also littered with……papers. The Detective crouched down and started picking up some of the papers. Hm, these seem to be adoption papers. The names are blacked out, leaving only a date here. Looks like this group of misfits got a new member to their club. The Detective picked up some papers and approached one of the nearby VIS officers. “Those papers in the kitchen aren’t blank. I want those papers sent to me in a zip file. And delete my prints off these and send them to Charles now.” The Detective handed the officer the papers and made his way to Charles.
“Too easy, Detective?” Charles asked.
“If I wasn’t on the force a couple of years ago I wouldn't have noticed the drawers were emptied of their silverware. Or the fact that the kitchen was probably the hardest hit area in the house. Food missing and another family who hides important files on top of the highest shelf of the cupboards.” The Detective stated. He turns and looks at Charles as they spoke in unison: “The Lost Kids Gang.”
“I thought their leader was shipped out of the sector to join the armed forces?”
“Seems like they got a new leader. Every year they seem to be getting a tad bit more smarter than the last. Remember when they couldn’t read or write Detective?”
“Yeah, it was pretty easy back then. They literally used to leave a trail of breadcrumbs.” The Detective chuckled to himself.
“Ah yes, I remember those days. It always makes me feel bad when we have to cover one of their petty crimes. Such great minds put to waste.” Charles said somberly.
“They have a choice to join that gang or not. We both know that Charles.” The Detective said flatly.
“Very true Detective. But we both know how hunger can alter the mind of a child.” Charles replied.
“No excuse for turning to a dangerous life. First it’s petty robbery. We know this song, Charles, tune for tune.” The Detective's cold words seemed to catch the ear of every nearby officer.
“Luckily the Captain sent the right Detective for this job. We'll catch up to them before they go off the rails. We both don't need another late night lounge incident.” Charles said, walking away from the Detective. “Feel free to investigate the rest of the house, Detective. I have paperwork to file, as usual.” Charles patted the Detective's shoulder, leaving the Detective in the kitchen. Came in through the backdoor, raided the kitchen. The Detective thought as he started to look around the rest of the house. The living room was a mess, but it was obvious only one kid made this mess. The Detective made his way across the room, taking note of any drawers left open. There was a door on the other end of the living room that probably led to the basement. Locked. Kids can steal but are still afraid of the dark. He thought to himself. The Detective walked out the backdoor from the kitchen, surveying the backyard. The Detective pulls out his E-cigar and takes a thoughtful pull. So it begins. He thinks to himself, watching the smoke rise into the treetops.
“The backyard seems to be clean of any evidence. Question, could I get access to the older files on the LKG?” the Detective said to Charles, who was a few steps away from the porch.
“Sure, I’ll send them to your work email when I get back to the office. Speaking of the office, there's going to be a party there tonight.” Charles turned to the Detective after passing over more evidence to a nearby officer.
“What’s the party for this time? Another rookie? Or is it a baby this time?” the Detective said while activating an E-cigar.
“Neither, actually. More like a promotion of sorts. A rookie yes, but to a new field not the precinct. A new detective is born today and it would be nice for you to turn up. Just to show your face, even if I’m the only one who's actually seen it.” A smile began to stretch across Charles’ face. “The dark nights can’t provide you with madam Tursile’s ribs can it?” he added on, watching his infectious smile reach the Detective.
The Detective had no choice but to return the E-Cigar to his pocket as the fond memory of savory ribs started to turn him into a drooling pit. So instead of making a point about work getting done, he didn't even put up much of a fight. “Fine,” the Detective finally said after a long pause. “Is the party happening now?” Charles walked over to his patrol car opening the passenger door for the Detective, with a jubilant smile on his face. The Detective took one last look at the crime scene and entered the patrol car of his closest friend. “One plate.” the Detective said flatly to Charles. “One plate, of course. No need to have more right?” Charles responded with a smirk, knowing they were going to have about 3 or 4 plates combined. With the deafening sirens and manual drive on, the pair made their way to the precinct.
After a short drive, the two arrived at the precinct. “Doesn’t it feel nice to be back here, Detective?” Charles said. The Detective set his eyes on the precinct building. “The 72nd Precinct. House of the sleepless. Home sweet home, I suppose.” The Detective answered as he followed Charles into the building.
“Hey Charles. The party is happening upstairs.” the officer at the front said.
“Thank you, make sure you get a plate to take home.” Charles responded as he waved at the officer. The female officer nodded with a smile and turned to a filing cabinet just as the Detective silently walked by.
“I always find it comical when people cannot hear you walking by.” Charles said as they marched up the stairs.
“I tread lightly.” The Detective responded as he marched past Charles.
“Ah yes, with steps like the sound of thunder you must tread very lightly.” Charles laughed as he pushed the Detective onward. Once they exited the stairwell they found the lights dimmed in the hallway and music coming from the large conference room at the end of the hall.
“How many dark halls have we walked down now?” Charles asked quietly, almost as if he was talking to himself.
“Too many. But we are undefeated, how much does the numbers matter?” The Detective whispered back. The two shared a silent look that transmuted their cautious feelings into confidence as they marched down the hall towards the music. The party was in full swing as the two entered the room. While the Detective walked through the crowd of retreating officers, Charles was met with handshakes and embraces. The Detective made his way to the line of steaming food and loaded his plate with ribs. Once the greeting settled down, Charles followed in the footsteps of his friend, joining him at the table.
“Here I am thinking I will be dead before I get to see you again.” The graying lady set her plate on the table as she began to ease herself into the seat. “It’s ok Charlie.” She said, shooing away Charles as he attempted to help the elder lady sit. “I still have a few more years until I need help putting my ass in a seat.”
“Of course Eleanor. Still strong as ever.” Charles said with a smile.
“Good evening Mrs.Cloud. How have you been?” the Detective said, wiping BBQ sauce off his face. Eleanor rested her cane beside her after she sat down, her face beaming with joy as she fixed her glasses to her face.
“Well, I’ve been taking it day by day. Starting to get used to the silence. How has life been treating you young man?” Eleanor asked, stabbing her fork into a steaming portion of macaroni and cheese.
“I guess the same as always. Chasing after something I’ve never seen before.” The Detective answered, placing a bone down.
“Sounds like the rest of us in this place.” Charles chimed in.
“Yes, this is very true,” Eleanor said, “But don’t you forget to get enough sleep, Detective. Don’t let it creep up on you.”
“I won’t let it creep up on me Mrs.Cloud.” the Detective responded, taking another bite into the pile of ribs.
“Good, sleep helps the mind and the body. A chance for us to catch up to our thoughts. A chance for us to relive some moments to get a better perspective on situations.” Eleanor said, swinging a fork full of mashed potatoes. The sound of glass tapping caught the room's attention.
“Hello, good evening everyone. Well, a lot of us know why we’re all here. No, it’s not for a full house raise. Sorry, the big heads weren't entertaining that conversation.” The man in white scoffed.
“The money is going to their head stands.” Eleanor said out loud. After a few moments of laughter, the man in white regained the floor. “Yes, yes, Mrs.Cloud is our gilded head joker. But on a more serious note, for those who do not know why we are here, there is a new detective being born tonight. Today, we got a transfer coming right from the academy. Ladies, gentlemen, and those who are still kicking, let's give Rookie Detective Harry Lillian a warm 72nd welcome.” The room erupted with celebration and chants of “Rookie Harry” A short ginger man made his way to the front of the room getting head rubs and pats on the back.
“Someone get him a chair to stand on.” Someone shouted. A chair made its way to Harry and he climbed on top of it.
“Well, I can’t say it's not the first time I need a chair to speak to a crowd.” Harry said with a smile as the crowd laughed. “It is very much an honor to not only become a detective, but to be a detective here, at the 72nd. Every aspiring detective wants to be here. We dream about it. The days are never the same here. Always out solving a new mystery, all of us attempting to make this neighborhood a better place at the same time. Yes it is very dangerous, but what's life without a little bit of spice am I right?” Harry shouted with a smile, listening to the group of people smile and cheer him on. Harry bends over to grab the nearest glass and raises it to the ceiling. “So, to the Castle of Detectives, The 72nd precinct!” Harry watched as the rest of his new coworkers raised their glasses and cheered with him. From atop of the chair he scanned the entire room. He noticed there was only one person who wasn’t drinking in his honor. Confused and feeling a little disrespected, Harry jumped off his chair and tried to make his way over to the table in the corner of the room.
“Looking for someone Mr. Lillian?” Eleanor said. By the time Harry finally made it to the back of the room, only Mrs. Cloud was at the table.
“Was there a guy sitting here with you?” Harry asked in a huff.
“Good evening to you too Mr. Lillian. Welcome to the 72nd Precinct, I’m Mrs.Cloud.” Eleanor said, with her hand out. Harry, who just wanted answers, shook her hands and apologized for his rudeness. Before he was able to ask his question again, Eleanor spoke.
“I’ve heard you are quite the prodigy when it comes down to collecting information. I have also heard you can be a little absentminded to rankings and disregard jurisdictions when working. With that being said, I have been sitting by myself all night. If you must know.” Eleanor said politely, throwing in a smile at the end. Before Harry was able to respond, one of the officers grabbed him by the arm.
“Hey Harry, tell them that story about the homeless guy you dealt with back in the academy.” Seeing the eager look on the officers’ face, Harry turned his attention to the group of officers. Being noisy is not a good trait to have here. I hope he doesn’t find this out the hard way. Eleanor thought to herself. “These Detectives just get more and more wild. You would’ve loved them Eric.” Eleanor said to herself. The party continued on, as the Detective and Charles stood outside smoking.
“Will you ever stop smoking?” Charles asked the Detective.
“When a thief stops stealing then I stop smoking. Until then, I’ll carry on my merry way Charles. Besides, the nights don’t get any easier.” The Detective replied.
“Indeed, they seem to only get worse don’t they?” Charles said, taking off his glasses to clean them.
“What was it that the Captain told us?”
“One crime at a time. Two if your job is on the line.” Charles said. After a short while the two shared a laugh, thinking about all of the wild things the Captain has told them over the years.
“Don’t forget to get some sleep, Detective.” Charles said as the Detective began to walk away.
“I gotta get my car first, left it at the crime scene.” The Detective said.
“Check the lot first. One of the officers probably hitched it back, they know whose car it is.” Charles said.
“Ok, I'll check there first. Have a good night Charles.” The Detective said with a wave as he made his way to the lot.
“Have a Great night Detective.” Charles said, waving back. Before Charles could get back into the building, another one of the Detectives was coming out.
“Hey Charles, talking to yourself out here?” The woman in a green coat said. Charles turned to see only an empty street.
“You can learn a lot about yourself if you just ask.” Charles replied with a smile.
“I don’t think that’s how that works Charles. Have a good night.” The lady giggled as she walked past Charles on the steps.
“Have a good night.” Charles responded back. I wonder who that was? Charles thought as he made his way back to the party. They really did bring my car back. How courteous of them. The Detective opened the door with ease as he began to start the car to drive home, thinking about whether he was going to a diner to have a bite or not.
“What is that sound?” He said outloud, breaking his train of thought. He stayed perfectly to listen with all his might. Then, the sound appeared again.1-2..1-2..3. The beat sounded close and loud so the Detective began to check his car for the source of the sound. Maybe it’s my watch. He thought to himself. He raised his wrist and, to much of his amazement, the wristwear’s battery was depleted. Dead? On a working night? The Detective thought to himself as he tapped the screen to no avail. The sound persisted, slowly getting under his skin. He checked the back seat and the glove compartment, both were clear. Not even a dust bunny.
“And why is my car parked so far into the lot?” The Detective realized how far into the lot he is currently compared to his usual spot in the front. The confusion slowly started to settle in as the Detective searched his car even harder for the annoying sound.
“Alright time to check under the hood.” He finally said, unlatching the seat belt.
“Automatic Lock System Activated.” The MotoKhan system blurted out.
What the hell? I don’t even have that option on this model. The Detective could see his own anger stare as he continued his attempts to leave the vehicle. Which is slowing proving to be impossible
“What the hell is going on dammit?” Against his own character, the Detective slipped into a font frenzy. He pulled at the seatbelt with all his might. It did not budge. He set his hands on the dashboard and activated the screen. The Detective tried tirelessly to override the security system of the car to no avail, making the Detective even more frantic. The Detective pounded the dashboard, sending the computing system back down in the dashboard.
“Let me out. Let me out.” He started to demand. “LET ME OUT. LET ME OUT OF THIS GODDAMN CAR!” The Detective shouted as he began to throw his shoulder in the door with all his might.
“Activating Interior Sound Insulation.” The system announced. The Detective’s ears filled with nothing as all sounds were either absorbed or blocked out.
The Detective released his anger on the car's dashboard again as his cries of anger and frustration appeared to be the works of a skilled mime as the silence from the outside stood unbothered. WHERE THE HELL IS THAT SOUND COMING FROM?! The Detective roared to himself as the beat grew to a noticeable alarm. The noise started to get even louder and faster as the seconds painfully dragged on. He winced in sudden pain as he grabbed the side of his head, the intensity was so much the Detective was almost sure his head would explode any minute now.
“D….tive…..ello?.......DETECTIVE CAN YOU HEAR ME? HEEELLOOO.” Suddenly all at once the sound returned, popping his eardrums while the haunted intense beat disappeared completely. The Detective jumped so high his head hit the ceiling of the car. He frantically looked both ways, locking eyes with a woman outside the driver side window.
“I think you got in the wrong Moto Khan.” The woman said with a giggle. A group of women was standing outside of the car, watching the Detective as he got his bearings. The Detective hesitated slightly, not sure if everything was back to the way it should be.With one quick breath the Detective unlatched the seatbelt smoothly and exited the car with no problem.
Interesting. Perhaps Mrs. Cloud is right, I need more sleep. He thought to himself as he checked his pockets to be sure he left nothing in the car. One the women stepped closer to the car, taking a close look at it. With a slight look of confusion, the woman looked up at the Detective.
“You didn’t break the locks on my car right?” the woman asked, with a confused little smile.
“No, I don’t think so. If you don’t mind me asking, how long were you ladies standing outside the car?” the Detective asked, looking across the faces of women.
“Don’t worry, it was only a few seconds. We just got out here.” One of the other women answered.
“Oh, okay. And, uh, ahem, sorry about that,” the Detective said, checking his pockets again. He turned to the owner of the car to properly apologize and suddenly became as stiff as stone. The lady’s dirty blonde hair fell and bounced on her shoulders majestically, while her black framed glasses sat perfectly on her small nose. The glasses magnified her smokey gray eyes, perfect for pulling the Detective in before he could resist. Her set of eyes locked the Detective in place as he tried to search for the words he was going to say.
“Don’t worry Detective, it’s ok. We all get tired from our job. We’re all human, well some of us.” the lady said. All thoughts left the Detective’s mind as he felt himself beginning to fall deeper and deeper into her eyes.
“What wrong Detective? What happened?” the lady said as she went to grab his hand.“You have to take care of yourself, Detective.” The words left her lips with such softness, the Detective felt his eyes forced to look into her eyes. Then the air itself began to move in slow motion. The Detective felt the trap of the trance, but refused to be directed by it or controlled again. Just as he forcefully broke eye contact, a searing headache immediately hit his temple. Oh………shit… his mind suddenly came to halt as the odd pain bore a hole into the Detective’s head. He looked down at his occupied hand to see the lady’s hand fully holding his, as if they were a couple in the schoolyard. Upon one of her fingers he saw a bright well-sized ruby ring on her finger, just as she was letting her hand slip out of his. The pain teleported from his head to his hand as if he was under attack by his own body.
This has to be more than fatigue. He thought as he felt the heat now begin to fill his chest. The Detective opened his mouth to let out a shout of pain, but instead of words a thick cloud of smoke escaped from his mouth instead.