《BITBURNER: RIFTRUNNERS [CYBERPUNK]》


 When It All Began

    ??"Fuuuck!" I screamed out from the top of my lungs, every fiber in my body shaking as these emotions swirl inside me. The chair that I knocked over when I stood in rage were back in my hands before I tossed it across the room, before I doubled over and just screamed, "Goddamn it!"


    ??My nails dug deep into my palm, and I imagined the sensation of wringing his neck with my hands. And, like an epiphany, I knew that was exactly what I had to do. "M, no¡ªyou can''t!" the little ''Rookie'' stepped between me and the door. "M! Stop!" she tried again, raising her hands as if to block me¡ªas if she could.


    ??But when a pair of hands suddenly came from behind, restrained both my wrists, and forced me against the wall, I realized she was only a distraction. "Calm down! You going in like a terminator¡ªhead filled with a target and an execution¡ªwon''t do anyone any good! Not even you!" It sounded reasonable, maybe because it was. But¡ª"I don''t care! That sack of shit, I''ll kill him! I''ll fucking kill him!" I wanted to see him bleed. I wanted to see him dead.


    ??And just as I began to resist him, trying my hardest to break free from his grip, I realized, "Why?" I croaked out, and it sounded so alien¡ªweak and tired¡ªthat I was crying. It started with a soft sob before it came crashing down like a wave, and I was turned into a mess. I felt the strength in my legs give way, and I fell to the ground. The hands on my wrists were removed as they watched me unravel.


    ??My thoughts go to his face, the time we spent together, the love that was there. And next, I see Alex''s blood on his hands, and the sad smile on his face. "He killed him... he killed my baby brother... I- how can I..." my thoughts and speech were incoherent.


    ??"M, let''s get you home..." Her soft and careful voice broke my absent gaze from staring mindlessly at the floor and the mess I made, and turned it toward her. She crouched, slipped under my arm, and helped me up. Like her voice, her eyes were soft and filled with worry, as if I might break¡ªlike I was fragile.


    ??''But I am,'' I admitted in the back of my mind. Slow and gentle, she led us to the door¡ªMichael, the large hunk of a man, opened it¡ªand just as I stepped outside, I whispered, "Sorry, Rook," just over her ear before elbowing her in the gut, pushing her back into Michael, and slamming the door shut. "Shit! She disabled the door! I can''t access it to open!" "M! Open the door! M! M!" Her muffled voice and Michael''s attempts to force the door wrestled with my thoughts¡ªmy vendetta. And in the end, it won.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.??My steps were slow and heavy as I walked down the run¡ªdown apartment, its corridors were crowded with junkies, and its denizens-their weapons holstered openly¡ªuntil I reached a part of the apartment. "This is Redstone territory, so why don''t you-" a resonating echo from a single shot to the head echoed through the corridor, cutting him off, and before his lifeless body could hit the ground, several more gunshot followed before bodies fell down with a thud.


    ??Before long, the entire section of the apartment was under siege. Screams and gunshots rang out as gang members rushed in, taking cover and firing wildly. Then, amidst the chaotic mixture of sounds, I heard him. "Get the car ready! Come on," he shouted, his voice laced with urgency-and fear. ''That''s it.'' A sickening pleasure surged through me that I abandoned my cover, taking shots at him as a hail of bullets whistled past me.


    ??''Reckless, that''s what you are! That''s why you have me,'' Alex''s face and words flashed across my mind as a stray bullet struck my shoulder. ''What would you do without me, huh?'' Gritting my teeth, I switched the pistol to my other hand and continued firing, wiping out the last of his goons.


    ??Without a moment to waste and despite the gush of blood soaking into the fabric of my trench coat¡ªI pressed on after him. And just as I caught up, he stepped into the elevator and opened fire. In retaliation, we exchanged a flurry of gunshots until the elevator started its descent.


    ??Then, like a memory erased, I find myself in a highway chase. The car in front swerves wildly, crashing into others as it tries to lose me. And then, more blank spots, more scrambled fragments in my memories, until I''m here¡ªholding a pistol, its barrel pressed against his forehead.


    ??It was quiet. We were at the port, just the two of us under the black, moonless night, with nothing but the nearby streetlights. My breathing was ragged, exhausted, and my hand trembled as the pistol grew heavier. My eyes were locked on him, waiting for him to meet my gaze, but he never did. Yet, when he heard the faintest sound of the gears as I pulled the trigger, he gave me the saddest, most regretful, mournful look¡ªone that said everything. And then, they were lifeless.


    ??As I stood there, emotionless and drained of everything, I simply stared at his corpse, feeling no sense of justice¡ªor even a trace of satisfaction. Just another body count in Mistral''s City.

 Busted

    ??"You caused a mess! A mess! And it''s on every news channel, for crying out loud!" the chief shouted, his voice filled with frustration and anger. Yet somehow, he remained just composed enough not to ask for my badge¡ªor maybe, something else was in play.


    ??"They''re involved, aren''t they?" I said, voicing what I had deduced. His pacing around the room, lost in thought, came to an abrupt stop, and the look on his face said it all. "Well of course they are! Otherwise, you''d be in cuffs and behind bars, rather than sitting in my office, now, innit?"


    ??It returned to quiet, the white background noise from the television breaking the painful silence. "Just why did you have to do it, M?" His tone changed, but it retained the frustration as he asked. He waited, eventually sitting down in his chair and interlocking his fingers on the desk. I didn''t say a word¡ªI didn''t have a response he didn''t already know.


    ??His eyes drifted from my face, and a long, deep sigh escaped his lips, heavy with stress over the circumstances¡ªand the part I had played in them. The landline on his desk grabbed our attention, and he reached over to pick it up. "Chief Bradley," he answered, his voice clipped but steady. His expression darkened as the one-sided conversation unfolded, his brows furrowing with every word.


    ??"Understood," he concluded, ending the call. He paused, taking a moment for himself while I waited in silence, my eyes tracing the subtle shifts in his expression, searching for any crack that might betray his thoughts. But the answer was already clear as daylight, even before he spoke.


    ??"You''re transferring me," I said matter-of-factly, yet with a hint of disbelief. I had already suspected it would lead to something like this¡ªbut not exactly this. He didn''t answer me, instead choosing to look out the office window at the vast metropolis. "Where?" I asked. He turned around and finally responded.


    ??"Consider this a promotion. Hell, anyone would see it as such, but you-" Bradley rambled, making excuses that made me stand up from my chair. "Where, Bradley?" I saw him think about it, but he didn''t really have a choice. It was decided¡ªwhether he wanted to or not, and whether I liked it or not. "You''re being transferred to the police department near Cyntech."


    ??"What? Why?!" I couldn''t stop the flare of anger that ignited out of thin air; my voice was sharp. "You know why! You''re out of it, M! I gave you plenty of chance and leave to sort yourself out, but you disregarded it¡ªyourself and everyone around you." He shouted before adding, "You''re dismissed. The issue is in immediate effect. Report there first thing tomorrow morning." I balled my hand into a fist before turning around and leaving. "Don''t bother packing up your things; I''ll have Rook handle them!" As a reaction, I flipped him off without bothering to look back.


    ??My memories cut off again, and I found myself standing in front of my apartment¡ªdrenched and shivering¡ªas the rain and thunder snapped me out of it. "Hey, M. Are you okay? You''re soaked," I heard someone say. Turning to look, I replied, "I''m fine, Mrs. Woods. Just... a lot has happened."


    ??She took a good look at me before her old, trembling hand offered me a plastic bag. "What- no thanks, Mrs. Woods. You''re too kind, but..." I tried, but she only gave me that look she gives when the neighbor''s children are being a nuisance. I walked over to her and gratefully accepted it. Her smile was something like maternal warmth.


    ??"Thanks, Mrs. Woods," I said with a small smile of my own before she waved me off dismissively and entered her apartment. Left outside, I checked the contents and hummed. ''An apple a day keeps the doctor away...'' I looked back to her door, before I turned around and went into my own apartment.


    ??As I shut the door, the sound reverberated through the empty space. The silence inside felt oppressive, suffocating¡ªlike what I was feeling¡ªas I removed my sodden trench coat and draped it over the back of a chair, standing in the middle of the room, staring at the mess around me¡ªpapers and case files scattered across the coffee table; an old mug left forgotten on the counter, and the faint smell of something sour lingering in the air.


    ??The weight of it all pressed down on me, and something inside just snapped. "Goddamn it!" I screamed, sweeping the pile of papers off the coffee table with one violent motion. They fluttered to the ground in a chaotic storm, but it wasn''t enough. I grabbed the nearest chair and slammed it down against the floor, the wood splintering under the force.


    ??Breathing hard, I stormed through the apartment, shoving over stacks of books and knocking a lamp off the end table. The crash of glass shattering was oddly satisfying, yet the knot in my chest only tightened. My anger burned hot, whispering for more destruction¡ªlike I needed it¡ªand so I grabbed a framed photo sitting on the bookshelf, ready to hurl it against the wall¡ªuntil my eyes locked on it. The photo was of Alex.


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.??I froze. The rage inside me that has been out of control went still, and in an instant, it was gone. All that I was left with was a wide empty hole¡ªa part of me that felt dead¡ªwithin me. My chest heaved as I stared at his face¡ªthe face that always wore a smile capable of brightening anyone''s day. My hand trembled, and I found myself tracing a finger over the glass, following the curve of his cheek.


    ??Tears blurred my vision as I slowly turned the frame downward and placed it gently on the shelf, careful not to break it. "You don''t need to see me like this," I whispered, my voice cracking under the weight of my guilt, grief, and so much more. Turning away, consumed by disappointment and loathing, my gaze fell on the cabinet.


    ??I stumbled into the kitchen, stepping over the mess and debris left in the wake of my outrage, before yanking the cabinet open and grabbing the first bottle my hand found. Without bothering with a glass, I twisted off the cap and took a long drink, the sharp burn doing little to numb the ache inside me. The first bottle emptied faster than I realized, and soon, I could only vaguely count the bottles littered around me as I sat on the floor, my back pressed against the wall.


    ??Time blurred as I drank. The sharp edges of reality softened, and my line of sight grew hazy. ''When did it all go wrong...?'' I muttered to no one, slumped on the floor with the back of my head resting against the wall as I stared up at the ceiling¡ªsearching for clarity in it all. Then the room began to spin slightly, and I closed my eyes. The alcohol in my system unlocked the floodgates, and memories and voices came rushing in.


    ??''Watch it, buster, or you''ll get into trouble.'' My voice rang out, teasing but firm, as I watched Alex fiddle with some gadget at the kitchen table. ''Yeah, well, I doubt it. I mean, my sister is in the MCPD!'' He looked up at me with that familiar grin¡ªso full of life, so unmistakably him.


    ??''Until I can''t, so watch it,'' I''d said with a soft laugh, ruffling his hair as I passed by. But as I looked over my shoulder, his grin faded¡ªreplaced by something more serious, and a sadness that came at a quiet realization. ''You won''t...'' The words came so softly I almost didn''t hear them, but their weight was enough to make me pause. ''You won''t let anything happen to me... I know you won''t.'' His sudden vulnerability took me by surprise, as he stood there firm in his belief on his words. I turned, leaning against the counter to face him fully.


    ??''Hey, buddy... What got you thinking?'' I asked, my tone was gentle as I match his, but he seemed to regret it and started to back out. ''Nah, it''s nothing... Probably because I just haven''t seen you around, is all,'' he said, brushing it off. But it was in his wildest dream if I would just let it go.


    ??''Come here,'' I said, holding my arms open. ''Yeah, I''m not that young anymore,'' he said, rolling his eyes but letting me pull him into a hug, and we stayed like that for a moment. ''Oh yeah? Well, tomorrow''s Monday, and you''ve got school,'' I teased, trying to lighten the mood, as he pulls away. ''No thanks. I''m going over to Paulie''s to learn how to tinker with cars,'' and immediately he regrets it when I shot him a pointed look, and he raised his hands in surrender.


    ??''I''m joking! I''ll go to him on the weekends. Happy?'' Satisfied, I gave him a silent nod of approval along with a smile as I replied, ''Good boy,'' as I ruffled his hair again.


    ??The memory shifted, sharp and painful, to the last time I saw him. ''Hey, I''m running late¡ªwatch the house?'' I called out as I grabbed my badge and headed for the door. ''Sure thing, "Mom,"'' he replied, a gaming headset resting on top of his head. But just as I went to turn the knob on the door, I called out to him again, ''Oh, and Alex.'' He turned around to look. ''Love you.''


    ??''Yeah, yeah, I love you too¡ªsis,'' he replied, grinning at me one last time. The words echoed in my head, overlapping with his final breath in that sterile hospital room.


    ??"Yeah... and I miss you too..." I croaked out, my voice lost to all my earlier outrage. My head lolled back against the wall as exhaustion caught up to me, the whiskey bottle slipping from my hand. The photo of Alex sat facedown on the shelf, safe from my anger and recklessness, but its presence lingered in my mind as I slowly slipped into a restless sleep.

 Going Out

    ??It was a lucid dream¡ªeverything had just gone sideways. I thought about waking up, and when I did, I realized I was living in that nightmare. My eyes fluttered open, the traces of dried tears tight on my cheeks, and a throbbing headache hammering at my skull. ''Stupid,'' I muttered inwardly, leaning the back of my head against the wall. Through the pain and haziness, I glanced at the photo, still facedown¡ªexactly where I had left it.


    ??My mind started to drift off, thoughts of Alex reminding me that I still had to plan for his funeral. I searched for my earpiece¡ªafter yesterday, I had stuffed it somewhere, not caring if anyone would bother to call¡ªuntil I finally found it in my pocket.


    ??"One voicemail, Rookie," it said as I slipped the earpiece into place. "Play it," I muttered, groaning as I forced myself to stand and staggered toward the sink for a glass of water.


    ??"Hey... I hope this finds you at a sober time," I heard her stifle a small laugh. Then, her tone shifted to something gentle. "But I''m worried." I noted how obvious it was in her voice.


    ??"Oh, and I was thinking, if you''re still interested in the latest stock of implants you''ve been eyeing, I heard they''re back in stock¡ªthough limited. Lucky for you, I know someone." She fell quiet, and I could almost hear the gears in her brain turning as she searched for something else to say¡ªshe was always a little awkward. "Anyway, call me back when..." She began to trail off, and I was just staring absently into space as I listened, before she ended the line with, "It''s nothing. Well, see you around, M."


    ??I found myself standing still, a glass of water in my hand and a mind occupied by countless thoughts. But I shook myself out of it. ''I''ll get back to her,'' I decided, especially since I was already expecting to be bothered at the new precinct and wouldn''t have the time to.


    ??Then, like before, my memories felt fractured, as if they had cut corners¡ªsome parts missing entirely, much like how I suddenly found myself outside my apartment. "M, going out?" I turned to Mrs. Woods. It seemed like she was heading out for a walk, probably to the nearest convenience store, given the small trolley she had in tow. "You don''t look so good, dear." She added, when I realized I had spaced out. "I''m fine, Mrs. Woods. Just another day, that''s all," I replied, forcing a half-smirk to soften the concern etched on her face.


    ??"Huh, ''just another day.'' You''d think they''d treat their officers better. You take care of yourself, hear me?" Her tone carried genuine sympathy, and I couldn''t help but smile¡ªa tired, worn-out smile, but a smile nonetheless. "Will do," I replied softly. "Your eyes softened¡ªthey''re prettier that way," she said with a gentle smile of her own, nodding before giving a small wave as she walked away. Her words lingered in my mind, settling like a soft echo before stirring a distant memory. My face softened into a stoic expression¡ªone I could almost picture, as Alex had never failed to point it out whenever he saw it.


    ??''You''ve got that look again, something troubling you?'' He never failed to notice, and I never failed to reassure him, even if it meant pretending with a smile I didn''t feel. But I didn''t want to dwell on the past¡ªat least not now. So I headed for the elevator and forced my thoughts toward the day ahead and what awaited me at the precinct. It was better than the ghost that haunts me.


    ??The journey to the precinct was grueling. The train reeked of something foul, its carriages packed with people¡ªa scene all too familiar. But when it pulled into the interchange, the station was a stark contrast¡ªclean, orderly, and worlds apart from the grimy platforms of the district below. ''The line between the filthy rich and dirt poor.'' My boots crossed the small gap as the door chimed open, and I disembarked the train. Only a rare few walked alongside me to the other side, toward a different kind of train altogether¡ªcrafted to serve the comforts of a privileged few.


    ??"You, halt!" a digital voice barked. I stopped and glanced over my shoulder to see a police mechanized droid with its imposing frame approach and block a man¡ªan eyesore among the few who looked well put together, their polished uniforms reflecting their professions, including mine.


    ??"What is the nature of your visit?" I turned back around, my eyes fixed on the tracks as I waited for the train, not wanting to get involved. The chill of the season bit through the air, and I buried my gloved hands deeper into the black police bomber jacket I''d been issued, its wool collar shielding my neck from the breeze.


    ??"Why do you gotta know? I got money to burn¡ªthat''s all those rich bastards care about, right? Industrialists'' machine pawns!" The slur in his voice and the recklessness of his words made it clear he was under the influence¡ªno one would rant like that here otherwise. I hadn''t even realized I''d caught his attention until he turned to me, his voice cutting through the station noise. "Hey, you! The cop! Yeah, you!"


    ??"I see you shaking your head over there like what I''m saying is shit. But you know what is shit? It''s all of you in your fancy uniforms, slaving away. And guess what? You''re still stuck down here with the rest of us! Now that''s the real bullshit¡ªand you''re all happily swallowing it!" he snapped, his voice dripping with venom, the words burning in the cold air as he ranted on.


    ??I wanted nothing to do with him¡ªI already had enough on my plate. Ignoring him was an easy decision, but predictable as ever, it only fueled his anger. The police droid sprang into action, detaining him while repeating, ''Calm down,'' in its flat, mechanical tone¡ªa command that only seemed to agitate him further. As the train pulled up, I slipped my shades from my pocket and put them on. As I stepped into the train, I turned back briefly, meeting his glare with an expression as impassive as stone. The doors slid shut, cutting off his protests as the droid forced him to the ground. With a faint jolt, the train carried me away, leaving the chaos behind.


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.??"Welcome to the Metro Police Department. Things are different here compared to the City Police Department¡ªyou know how it is: same city, different branch," the captain greeted, giving a nod as he gestured for me to walk alongside him through the precinct. "That said, let''s be clear. I''m not here to babysit you, though I don''t think you need it, with all the news hovering over you like a damn halo. Your partner, on the other hand, will have your back. Head to the firing range to meet him; you''re already in a case. He''ll fill you in." His voice echoed faintly in the quiet halls as we walked. The place was spotless, yet there was an unsettling emptiness to it, as if we were the only ones there.


    ??"This is your workstation. The computer¡¯s connected to the police database network, and that wraps up your tour. Anything else¡ªagain¡ªyou can ask your partner," he said, gesturing toward the desk. The silence in the precinct was unnerving, so I asked, "Where is everyone?" His expression faltered, as if caught off guard by my question. "Your chief didn¡¯t tell you? That¡¯s... odd," he said, his tone carrying a hint of curiosity. My mind immediately drifted to Bradley¡ªhow he¡¯d started making moves behind my back. This was just another one of them. "Whatever. Anyway, this department handles rapid response. You¡¯re with the Special Response Unit, or SRU." He paused briefly, then added, "I¡¯ve got plenty to handle myself, so I¡¯ll leave you to it. You¡¯d best get started as well."


    ??When I was left to my own devices, I took one last look around the vast, empty space filled with tables, chairs, monitors, and stationery destined to gather dust¡ªexcept for the single occupied station beside mine, most likely my partner¡¯s. With nothing else to do other than get on with the day, I made my way to the firing range, preparing to meet the partner who¡¯d either grate on my nerves or land somewhere between tolerable and infuriating. As I walked through the wide, empty hallways, the sound of my boots echoed¡ªeach step reverberating in the silence. Between that and the oppressive stillness, it gnawed at my temper, an irritation I couldn¡¯t shake¡ªuntil I finally reached the firing range. The muffled crack of gunfire echoed faintly, each shot accompanied by bursts of light escaping from the barrel. I stood behind the protective glass, watching as he consistently hit his mark with impressive precision. When the session ended, the target slid forward, revealing just how sharp his aim truly was.


    ??"Impressive shooting," I remarked as the door clicked shut behind me. Stepping into the shooting range felt far better than standing outside, spectating through the glass. The idea of giving it a shot myself was hard to resist. "Well, if you think so. But since it''s coming from you, I have no doubt then," he said, setting the gun down on the bench after inspecting it and extending his hand. "I''m Lloyd¡ªyour partner and the only other human in this precinct." I shook his hand and met his eyes. "You''ve heard of me?" I asked, letting go of his hand. "Hard not to. You''re something of a legend, and with all the rumors surrounding you¡ªyeah, as I said, hard to miss."


    ??I hummed as I eyed him, "Alright. Say, regarding about why we''re the only ones here, care to fill me in?" He whistled, leaning back. "Here¡¯s what I can tell you. The city council, along with the mayor, just passed a bill cutting down on human officers in law enforcement, replacing them with more of those metal ones instead. It won''t happen overnight, but by the end of the week, you can bet that everyone in your old precinct will either be out of a job or transferred here¡ªif they''re lucky, or if they¡¯ve got the right connections."


    ??"Hey, there''s no need for you to give me the stinky eyes. You¡¯ve got connections, I¡¯ve got mine. And it seems like your connections want you around whether you like it or not. Want to tell me who they are?" He was clearly enjoying pushing my buttons, and I was more than tempted to break his jaw. "By the way, the captain mentioned you¡¯d fill me in on the case we¡¯ll be working on. How about we shift focus to that?" I steered the conversation away, and he shrugged, complying as we left the shooting range and made our way back to our workstation.


    ??"Straight to it, huh? Alright. Victim''s a corpo exec. No ID yet, but the scene... let''s just say it''s far from your average break-in. Something feels off. You''ll see for yourself." He flicked a holo-disc my way. "Briefing''s on there. Read it while I drive us over. They''re expecting us¡ªor maybe not." I narrowed my eyes at him, confusion turning into irritation. "Wait, are you seriously telling me no one''s been questioned yet?!" My voice rose, fueled by the kind of frustration only incompetence can ignite. He shrugged, entirely unbothered. "What can I say? Yesterday, this precinct didn''t even have human officers. So, when the call came in, all they sent were a bunch of empty-headed metal drones. Not exactly great for questioning, are they?" I let out a long, exasperated sigh, the weight of this mess sinking in as I pieced together the details.


    ??"But it looks like before we head out, someone''s here for you." We came to a stop, my gaze lingering on him until he nodded toward a figure nearby. ''Rook.''

 The Crime Scene

    ??I couldn''t mask my surprise as she approached, and the soft look on her face shifted to subtle concern the moment she noticed. "Hey, how are you holding up?" she asked gently. Her tone was innocent, yet it grated on me in a way I couldn''t quite place. I knew she meant well¡ªjust checking in¡ªbut maybe that was the problem. She had every reason to believe I needed it. Even I couldn''t deny that I wasn''t the most predictable¡ªor stable¡ªperson around, not after everything that''s fucked me over. "M?" she called out to me. "You''ve been spacing out, haven''t you? You look really worn out." I couldn''t help but wonder how bad I must look for her to comment on it, but it was probably written all over my face. "Don''t worry, you''re still dashing." Between that and her earlier unexpected appearance, her words left me momentarily breathless. The fleeting look on her face made it clear she hadn''t intended to say it out loud, leaving us trapped in an awkward silence that neither of us seemed ready to break.


    ??After a moment to gather myself, I managed a casual, "Thanks." But when her eyes widened and her cheeks flushed a deep red, I quickly clarified, "For bringing my stuff. You didn''t have to." Her gaze dropped to the white tiles beneath us. "Sure. It was no problem," she murmured softly. The silence that followed felt different¡ªless awkward, more like there simply wasn''t anything left to say. At least, nothing I could think of. "Sorry, but maybe we can catch up another time? We''re in the middle of an investigation," I said, offering her a small, apologetic smile. "I''ll give you a call." I hoped the promise would ease her as I excused myself and stepped away. I gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder before turning and signaling to Lloyd, who stood waiting patiently in the distance¡ªjust like the case that was waiting on us.


    ??By the time the elevator brought us to the underground parking lot, Lloyd broke the silence. "Your friend''s got it out for me¡ªgave me that look, like she doesn''t trust me." I hadn''t noticed anything, but with my back to her earlier, it wasn''t surprising. "Just ignore it," I replied. "I doubt you''ll have to deal with her much." He glanced at me sideways before offering a nonchalant shrug. "Fair enough. So, are you driving or should I take the wheel?" he asked, holding up the key as we reached the police cruiser. "You drive. I need to go through that holo-disc you gave me," I said, opening the door and sliding into the seat as he did the same. "Didn''t think you''d actually bother reading it," he said, a hint of honesty in his tone as he started the engine. I gave him a once-over, sizing him up. He didn''t seem like someone who''d openly slack off, but he had the air of someone who''d take things easy whenever he could. I just hoped he''d know when to drop that attitude and step up when it really mattered.


    ??As he drove us to the crime scene and I finished going over the holo-disc, I set it aside and finally glanced out the window, letting my eyes take in the towering, pristine skyscrapers that stretched nearly endlessly into the sky. "First time in the rich part of the city?" Lloyd''s voice broke the silence, drawing my attention. I glanced at him, his eyes steady on the road ahead. "Not that I''d blame you. Before you, me, or even the captain, this place didn''t need cops like us. Everyone''s got their own private security teams, so honestly¡ªwhat good are we to them, right?" I stayed quiet, thinking about it. "Then how did they handle cases like murder¡ªthe case we''re on¡ªbefore us?" I asked, but he was just as clueless as I was. "Beats me. They''d probably dump the body somewhere out of sight, then just push the narrative that their part of the city is crime-free¡ªall smiles and shiny faces."


    ??Just as he finished speaking, he gestured toward a towering skyscraper and pulled the car to the curb. "That''s our crime scene," he said, cutting the engine. The low hum of the exhaust faded, replaced by the chaotic symphony of the city around us. "Excuse me, but you''re not allowed-" began a man, a valet, as he approached us. His words faltered, however, the moment his eyes locked onto mine¡ªhe must have recognized me from the news. "We''re here on official business, and we won''t be long. Besides, wouldn''t the sight of a police cruiser reassure the tenants in this building and ease any worried minds?" Lloyd said, his tone calm but persuasive as he reasoned with the valet.


    ??The valet stood firm, though the beads of sweat on his brow betrayed his unease under our scrutiny. Before he could stammer another protest, a well-dressed man stepped in with an air of practiced authority¡ªthe kind that screamed he was either tied to the case, a neighboring tenant, or just a pompous rich asshole. "Mr. Wade, it''s fine. I''ll handle this personally. I''m sure the other tenants won''t object¡ªafter all, as the officer said, their presence is reassuring, whether it''s their car or their company." I studied him carefully, my gaze steady until he met it with a polite smile. "Ah, forgive my manners," he said with practiced ease. "David Johnson¡ªa close friend of the victim in your case. It''s comforting to see justice in action, and fascinating to witness the law embodied by its officers."


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ??Lloyd and I shared a puzzled glance, silently asking, ''What''s this guy''s deal?'' He caught on almost immediately and offered a quick explanation. "I''m sorry. It''s just... it''s been ages¡ªor maybe never¡ªthat I''ve seen a police officer in person. Or anyone I know, for that matter. So, pardon me if I seem a little overly excited." David offered a bow, and Lloyd took the opportunity to silently mouth to me, ''He''s nuts.''


    ??"I see. In that case, would you mind answering a few questions?" I asked as he straightened up, his chest puffed out with confidence. "Absolutely," he replied, almost too eager for my liking¡ªespecially when a close friend of his just died. "You sure you don''t mind standing out here for this? Looks like it might be a bit too cold for you," Lloyd cut in, slipping his hands into the deep pockets of his black bomber jacket, a twin to mine. Lloyd smirked as David failed to hide a shiver. "Yes, I suppose we should step inside and make ourselves comfortable," David said, his smile unfaltering, his tone effortlessly polite. He gestured for us to follow, leading the way with the valet quietly trailing behind.


    ??Lloyd let out a low whistle as we stepped inside, and even I had to pause, momentarily taken aback by the sheer extravagance of the lobby. At its center hung a massive, ornate chandelier, so grandiose it seemed almost stupid¡ªlarge enough that, if it fell, it might take the entire building down with it. "Pretty, isn''t it?" David''s eyes gleamed with pride as he glanced back at us over his shoulder. "Sure," I said, my tone flat now that I was over the initial awe. "Mr. Johnson, can you show us to Michael Angelini''s unit?" I interrupted just before he could start mouthing off again. The idle chatter was wearing thin, and honestly, I could tell even Lloyd was eager to cut through it and get down to business.


    ??Instead of looking hurt or offended, his face lit up. "Of course, right this way." By now, I was already skeptical, and while I knew Lloyd was too, he hid it fairly well. As we followed him, David led us to the elevators and called one through the button as we trailed behind. While we waited, the soft music playing in the lobby wasn''t breaking the silence; if anything, it seemed to make it louder, more noticeable. The awkwardness was thick, and while I believe I could tolerate awkward moments, this one felt unbearable, like staring directly into its glaring spotlight. "After you, officers," he said with a slight wave, gesturing to the open lift doors.


    ??Once we were inside, he stepped in after us, pulling a card from his suit and tapping it against a scanner. Only then did he press the button for the floor, and the elevator began its ascent. ''So, they do have some level of security,'' I mused silently, while I took a mental note. "Mr. Johnson, is there a staircase here that leads to all the floors¡ªlike a fire exit?" I asked, my tone deliberately casual, carefully masking any hint of suspicion he might catch. "There is, but it''s locked. You can only open it either from the security control room, where the guards keep watch, or by drilling through it¡ªbut that would create a lot of noise and instantly alert security."


    ??He looked at me the same way he had since our first meeting¡ªcooperative, smiling, with that practiced facade of servitude glinting in his eyes. As the elevator doors slid open and we arrived at the floor, he stepped out first. "What do you think, Lloyd?" I asked. His response mirrored my own thoughts. "From what he''s said, it¡¯s either someone on this floor or someone in the security team who tampered with the system. They could¡¯ve looped the camera feed and unlocked the door. There¡¯s still plenty of room for speculation." I let out a weary sigh, my mind juggling the weight of the case and the funeral. ''I¡¯m so tired,'' I thought as we trailed behind him.

 Lead

    ??"This is it¡ªMichael Angelini¡¯s penthouse," David announced, unlocking the door and stepping aside to let us in. "The droids that responded to the call already combed through the place. Honestly, if there was anything to find, I¡¯m sure they would have uncovered it." He leaned against the wall, arms folded, lingering near the doorway. "Has anyone else been here since then? You do have the key, after all," Lloyd asked, his tone sharp as he voiced the suspicion that hung in the air. David¡¯s earlier comment had unintentionally painted a target on him. "What? No, absolutely not," David protested, shaking his head. "I haven¡¯t set foot in here since... since it happened. I couldn¡¯t bear it¡ªjust the thought of him, dead like that. But if you don¡¯t trust me, I get it. You can check with the security control room I mentioned earlier. There¡¯s a camera that covers Michael¡¯s door. You¡¯ll see if anyone entered when they weren¡¯t supposed to." He excuses himself afterward, leaving us alone in the penthouse.


    ??"So, what do you think, Detective?" Lloyd broke the silence. "Too many factors, not enough answers," I replied, keeping myself busy by looking around the place. "Which is why you''re on the case," he said, stating the obvious. Maybe he was trying to be annoying and get under my skin¡ªor maybe he had nothing better to do unless I gave him direction. Either way, I ignored him.


    ??After what felt like an hour of scouring the place, I heard Lloyd call out, "Hey, Detective! I think I found something." In seconds, I was by his side, watching as his hand reached behind the wide-screen TV. With a groan, he pulled out a transparent plastic bag filled with a powdered contents. "Drugs, huh," he said. I walked over and gently took the bag from him, holding it up to inspect it under better lighting. "Bits..." I muttered unconsciously, naming it without offering an explanation¡ªhis confused reaction made that clear.


    ??"What kind of drug is it?" he asked. "I''m not sure," I murmured, my attention fixed on the shimmering blue crystals. "But it''s been making waves in the lower sectors of the city," I added, recalling Michael''s report about the new substance spreading through the streets. "And, it finally got here. Huh..." I hear him say. I turned to him, catching the thoughtful look on his face as the gears in his head turned. "What''s on your mind?"


    ??"Nothing, except we now know who and what to look for." I nodded, seizing the drug as both evidence and a clue. "That''s right. We''ll visit the lower sectors and talk to some people I know. But for now, we still need to question the tenants on this floor and speak with security." I said this as we left the penthouse, closing the door behind us¡ªonly to find David waiting outside. Clingy, as far as I''d come to know him. "Detective," he called out. I glanced at Lloyd, silently signaling him to handle the conversation while I hung back. A sudden, mild headache almost made my legs give out beneath me. I shut my eyes tightly as my mind spun in turmoil.


    ??"Detective, are you alright?" Lloyd''s voice prompted me to crack an eye open, the dizziness still lingering along with the nagging headache. "I''ll manage," I said, raising a hand to stop him from touching me¡ªlikely intending to steady me by my arm. As I looked around, I realized David was missing. Lloyd caught on from the way my eyes shifted behind him. "I told him to gather the tenants here," he explained. "It''ll be easier and faster, so we can wrap this up quicker." I caught the annoyance in his tone and wondered if it was because of me¡ªprobably, considering he was looking out for me while I could barely stand. "Great, but we still need to check with security. Ask them for the recording footage so we can review it back at the station." I replied.


    ??The sound of footsteps drew our attention. "Sergeant, allow me to introduce¡ªMs. Mikaela Volkova, Monsieur Gaston Lapetit, and Mr. and Mrs. Crownley," David said, a hint of pride in his voice. All their eyes were on Lloyd, except for a pair with dark green hues that were fixed on me. "And who''s the cute vixen?" Her accent was thick¡ªRussian¡ªas she circled around Lloyd and approached me. She hummed, eyeing me intently, taking me in before letting a small smile play on her lips. "You must be important, though I don''t know who you are," she said, her gaze still fixed on me.


    ??"Ms. Volkova, I''m Sergeant Lloyd. I''d like to ask you a few questions. The detective still needs to check with security," Lloyd interrupted, giving me a chance to step away. "Detective?" she asked, as if she weren¡¯t already interested¡ªthis only seemed to pique her curiosity further. "Miss," I said, acknowledging her before turning toward the elevator. "Wait," she called out. The awkward feeling, combined with my fading but lingering headache, made me sigh as I turned to face her. "Here," she said, handing me a card. "This will let you activate the elevator. I''m sure David showed you when he brought you here?"


    ??"Oh, yes he did. I forgot," I recalled. "Thank you, but don''t you need this?" I asked, unsure if it was okay. "I''ll just get another," she said. Then to my surprise, she leaned in close. "So you can come over, whenever you like," she whispered, her breath soft against my ear before she blew gently on it, the soft wind sending a tickle through me. I glanced carefully between her mischievous eyes and the card held between her fingers before silently taking it, just as the elevator door slid open with a soft chime. "If you''ll excuse me, then," I said, dismissing myself. As I stepped into the elevator and turned to press the button, I caught her eyes lingering on my rear before meeting mine. Instead of looking flustered or embarrassed at being caught, she simply smirked and blew me a kiss just as the doors slid shut.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    ??After questioning the security staff and requesting the surveillance footage from the month of the crime and the months prior, I was ready to head back and get Lloyd. As I waited for the elevator, with the day¡¯s tasks nearly complete¡ªthough the real progress was only beginning¡ªmy thoughts drifted to personal matters I had been trying to avoid, delay, or, ideally, forget altogether. But I just couldn''t, even if I truly tried.


    ??I pulled out my phone, debating whether to make Alex''s funeral public¡ªinviting his friends, the neighbors, anyone who knew him¡ªor keep it private, just him and me. ''Just you and me,'' a phrase we¡¯d said so many times before. I didn¡¯t know what to do¡ªhonestly, for the first time in my life, I had no idea. My mind goes blank every time I think about him being gone. It feels like a nightmare, one where all I need is a bullet to the head to finally wake up.


    ??"Detective," a familiar voice that sounded like Alex snapped me from my trance. ''Alex?'' For a brief moment, I felt a surge of hope¡ªonly for it to crash when the voice became clearer the second time. It was Lloyd, holding the elevator door open. "Yes, what is it, Sergeant?" I asked as I stepped into the elevator with him. "I was just done questioning them, thought I should head down your way," he explained. "Were you successful in getting the surveillance footage?" I hummed in response, already too tired to speak, let alone say anything.


    ??On the way back to the cruiser, I glanced at him, and, like the perceptive person he was, he noticed. As he slid into the driver''s seat and I took the passenger side, he began, "Figured you''d be curious. Just like you, I got an entry card¡ªfrom the Frenchie, Monsieur Gaston Lapetit." He grinned before scoffing. "The bastard thought I''d entertain the idea of spending a night with him. Yeah, tough luck," he said, smiling as he drove us off. The drive to the precinct was uneventful, much like the small talk Lloyd kept trying to initiate and my brief, disinterested responses. It was a repetitive cycle.


    ??"Wait, so you¡¯re the one who caught the psychopath from the Calrog sector?" he asked, surprise and enthusiasm written all over his face. When my silence was his only answer, he continued unfazed. "Huh, I¡¯m guessing that¡¯s the case that got you promoted to your rank. Can¡¯t say you didn¡¯t earn it," he added, casually steering the wheel as if discussing the weather.


    ??Just as the silence finally settled, allowing me to appreciate it along with the beautiful sights of the higher sector, he broke it¡ªwith something I didn¡¯t expect. "The man you last killed, Ryan Smith," he said so casually I almost missed it. Almost. But that name was like a venomous snake, hissing in the back of my mind. "I heard he killed your brother-"


    ??I snapped my head toward him, my voice razor-sharp. "Don¡¯t. Ever. Say his name again." Anger, pain, and rage burned in my eyes, raw and uncontained, as I locked my gaze on him. My nails bit into my palms, reopening half-healed wounds. My breathing turned ragged, each breath a struggle against the weight pressing down on my chest.


    ??''Breathe, just breathe...'' Alex''s voice echoed in my head, but the anger inside me was stubborn, refusing to give in. "Don¡¯t talk to me like you know me¡ªyou don¡¯t," I raged, my voice rising. "And I don¡¯t know who you are, nor do I intend to. We¡¯re here to do a job, so let¡¯s focus on that!" I shouted the last part, my temper flaring beyond control. He fell silent, his eyes fixed on the road, refusing to glance my way.


    ??I ran a hand over my face in frustration, letting out an exasperated sigh before rubbing my temples, trying to shake off the tension and the regret. I wanted the quiet, but how I got it gnawed at me. ''I''m so stupid,'' I thought, the admission hanging heavy in my mind. A thousand¡ªmaybe even a million¡ªthoughts raced through my head on how to apologize. But he beat me to it.


    ??"I''m sorry," he said softly. As we came to a red light, he took the moment to turn to me, meeting my eyes before quickly looking away, refocusing on the road ahead. "It''s just... I know how it feels to lose someone to someone you trusted. It doesn''t sit right." He continued, his voice tinged with sincerity. "I just wanted you to know I¡¯d do the same, despite what the people¡ªor even the officers in your precinct¡ªmight think." I couldn''t quite place my reaction, but if I had to guess, it mirrored the sad look on his face.


    ??The rest of the drive was silent. And, before I knew it, I was back at my apartment, standing on the balcony with a lit cigarette in hand. The night breeze felt good against my face as I took a drag, closing my eyes to savor the heat of the smoke in my lungs. When I cracked an eye open, I looked out over the city. A thought crossed my mind¡ªhoping a nuke would come out and strike it, burn it to ash and smoke. I exhaled, letting the cloud drift over the city¡ªthe closest I could get to ''ashes and smoke''¡ªbefore it faded into the night.