"When three people know about a secret, it is no longer a secret because, sooner or later, it will be exposed." I couldn't help but reflect on this proverb as I entered the police station. Something felt off from the moment I stepped out of the car and walked through the familiar precinct doors. It was as though the air itself carried an unusual tension, and I braced myself for a day unlike any other. Everything, however, seemed as normal as it ever had. In a bid to maintain composure, I played along, pretending that nothing had changed, and made my way to my office.
Minutes passed as I settled into my workspace, relieved that no one had discovered my secret, which also meant I didn't have to put my crazy contingency plan into motion. This desperate plan involved leaving my current life behind and moving to another state. But regardless of my desires, I had a more pressing mission: finding my family's killer.
Just as I was beginning to feel a modicum of comfort, the shrill clang of the emergency meeting bell pierced the air. My heart skipped a beat, and anxiety gripped me as I contemplated the reason for this general meeting. Why had it been called, and why was the Major General casting strange glances in my direction?
The meeting room was already filled with personnel, and I realized I was at the back among the officers rather than where I should have been - on the stage with the other heads of DISAG (Department of Investigative Services and Anti-Crime). As the General began to speak, it was apparent that they noticed my absence. Detective Williams informed them that he had seen me earlier, prompting the General to call my name, ensuring everyone in the room could hear.
As I made my way to the stage, a hushed murmur spread among the officers. Their curiosity was palpable. I took my place, and the General wasted no time in addressing me. "Where were you yesterday, and why did you leave so early? You departed before the investigation was completed."
My heart seemed to pause, and I found myself staring at the floor. Then it struck me that I had no reason to lie. After all, I had left to check on my brother, fearing that the killer had him in their sights. But sharing this information would undoubtedly lead to more questions, and I wasn't sure if I should reveal the reason I believed my brother was a target.
With a deep breath, I looked up and replied, "I had to check on my brother at home, and I needed a break from the case. But now, I'm fully back." Detective Williams, positioned just behind the General, seemed to be whispering something to him. Their exchange looked far from favorable, and I sensed the urgent need to take control of the situation before my reputation was further tarnished.
The room was tense as we all watched the large screen suspended from the ceiling. Detective Williams stepped forward and connected his phone to the screen. A picture appeared - a picture of me. My legs shook, my palms grew sweaty, and a surge of discomfort washed over me. I glanced nervously to my left and right, wondering if anyone else in the room recognized me on that big screen.
Detective Williams then turned to the junior officers and posed an ominous question: "How would you feel if I were to say that one of the individuals on this stage belongs to a unique clan, one of the strongest - the Blue Fox clan, a bloodline that traces its origins to the merging of the Wizards of Hoods and the Red Foxes?"
He pointed directly at me and continued, "Mr. Joe, please join me on stage. I have a few questions for you to answer, and I need you to swear on that Bible." The Bible he indicated lay on the table next to him. My body was drenched in sweat, and my nerves were on edge. It felt as if I were about to explode, and the heightened pounding in my chest made it difficult to hear anyone else's voice.
A soft voice beside me asked, "Why are you sweating so profusely? He just called you to the stage." I opened my eyes to see that I had been beckoned to join Detective Williams. With a smile, I approached the stage and accepted his extended hand. Relief coursed through me, and the handshake felt refreshing.
This was a case I had to undertake for myself. My only escape lay in capturing an image of Detective Williams when he transformed into a beast, revealing his true nature. I had a plan, and it required careful execution. My team and I were on another case when we received a call that the killer was in a hospital and targeting a patient.
We rushed to the scene without waiting for Detective Williams and his team. We were allowed to move freely within the hospital due to our status as law enforcement officers. However, there was one room we were explicitly told to avoid. It was used for storing blood, maintained at a high temperature for preservation. I proposed entering the room alone, suggesting that the temperature needed adjustment and that I could ensure there was no one hiding inside.
Entering the frigid chamber, I knew I couldn't remain in my human form for long without freezing. It was at that moment that I decided to let the beast within me take over. However, my attention quickly shifted as I became entranced by the sight of the stored blood. The room was filled with it, and my internal battle raged. I needed to focus on my mission, not this newfound fascination.
Despite the double vision and the persistent buzzing sound, I pressed on. Then, something struck me from behind, and I collapsed. My vision was blurred, and I couldn't make out a clear picture of my attacker. My instincts told me it had something to do with the killer, and I was left sprawled on the floor, emitting a low growl, like a wounded, hungry lion. In that moment, I felt helpless and exposed, as the unknown danger loomed large.