"The body of superstar Ian Armitage was found in his apartment early this morning, police arrived the scene and are now trying to suppress the swarm of fans that are gathered at the foot of his apartment complex," The news that Ian died kept repeating on every news station and all social media platforms. It did not help that I am his brother and also the detective handling the case. My brother and I were never really close, but despite that fact, he was still my brother. I made my way to his apartment after battling through the crowd gathered downstairs.

"Detective Armitage, you are finally here. First of all sorry for your loss, are you sure that it is wise of you to directly handle this case?" My partner, Detective Roland, asked me.

"I assure you Roland, I have no feelings toward my brother, and this is just another case that hit our desk," he raised his hands and backed off.

"So what do we have?" I asked while assessing the crime scene. Ian's body was on the chair facing away from the window, he had a bullet lodged in his forehead. I saw what looked like a bullet hole on the window. I walked around the apartment to see if I could find any signs of forced entry.

"OK so what is the story here?"

"The maid came in this morning like she always does and found him like this, she immediately called the police and here we are now," Roland answered me.

"How did this information reach the media first?"

"I have no idea. I am just a surprised as you are with this. The crowd had already gathered even before we could answer the call."

"Alright, I need this room sealed off, we are going to look through every inch of this place, beneath the floorboards even in the ceiling and walls, there is clearly something bigger at work here and I want to find out what. Get forensics here this case is taking priority," I stated and made my way towards the maid who looked shaken.

"You are Sir Ian's brother aren't you?" she said as soon as she saw me.

"That is irrelevant, tell me what happened this morning."

"I was already interviewed by that other officer."

"But I am the one asking the questions now, it would be better if you answer me and be on your way or we can go down to the station and you can make your statement there with all the criminals."

She looked shaken when I said that but this is an easy way to get things done. People tend to reveal small expressions when they are scared. Most of the time the person who calls in the murder is part of it.

"Umm, alright. I came in this morning and found him like that and I immediately called the police."

"What about last night? What time did you leave and was Ian here when you left?"

"I left at around nine pm which is normal for me and yes he was here. I prepared supper and did the dishes and left."

"Was there anything different about his behavior lately?"

"Not that I can think of. He had more people over than usual in the past few weeks but that's about it.���

"Oh really and do you know any of those people?"

"Some of them yes."

"Good, now I need you to write down their names and contact information if you have them. I would also like to know why there isn't any security in this place. Considering how famous Ian was it does not make any sense to me why he wouldn't have at least two security guards."

"They were fired months ago, Sir Ian has not been in the spotlight for some time so he thought them to be an unnecessary expense."

"Thank you for your time. I will be expecting that list by the end of the day bring it to the station" I walked to my partner after that. "Well I was able to find some useful information, come on we can discuss the rest of it at the station, leave the clean up to the forensics and cleaners."

The drive back to the station was silent and awkward. I could tell that Roland wanted to say something but did not know how to bring it up.

"Spit it out Roland!" I demanded.

"I am just wondering how you can be calm and your brother has been murdered. In most cases anyone in your position would not be allowed to work this case."

"My brother and I did not have that kind of relationship. We haven't spoken for over twenty years he is practically a stranger to me. Our parents died when we were about ten and we were put in the system, we tried to stick together but in the end we couldn't. Next thing I know, he is a famous actor and I am a detective, we couldn't be more different."

"Still, I am sorry for you loss."

"Whatever."

The drive was quiet after that. I knew my brother was into shady dealings, despite the fact that I may come off as standoffish, I did care for him but I also could not help but think he brought this upon himself. We finally got to the station it was time we started working this case from all angles, maybe with this I can catch the organization that Ian was involved in.

"Ok what do we have so far?" Roland asked.

"From what I could get from the maid, Ian was pretty busy the past few weeks. First he fired his security which is not normal considering how many crazy fans have tried to break into his apartment. Then he has had guests over right after he fired them. It sounds like the same people came over and over again. His apartment was secure and all guests are required to sign in before we enter the building even the cops had to sign in. So how is it that when I checked the log in book, no one checked in for Ian's apartment for the past month?"

"That is curious. That would mean that Ian made sure no one could know who came in during those times. What if they were other celebrities? I mean it would make sense he would want to protect their identities."

"Yes, but why fire the guards? Why only leave the maid? Understandably he would need her for chores but why only her? Something tells me that she knows more than she is letting on." I concluded.

"Well for now all of this is speculation. Let's go find some clues. We should first go to the security company that Ian was contracted with. That will help us answer some of the questions we have."

As we walked out my phone rang. It was the one person I never expected to hear from. I walked off to the side to answer.

"Armitage," I answered coldly.

"Really Ryan, that's how you are going to greet the love of your life?" Her sultry voice made its way to my ears and I gulped.