Chapter 6 - Investigation begins 

"Hey, dude, where are you right now?" I inquired of Mark after leaving the cafe.

"I'm already back home, reading a case file. A few minutes ago, I asked my father if he had any cases that needed solving, and he handed me one. Now, what's your situation? Did they agree to give you the case?" Mark asked with concern in his voice; he was my best bro.

"Don't worry, dude. I already told you I'm different today. They believed me, and they want me to investigate their case," I assured him cheerfully.

"Yeah, yeah. I believe in you. Don't make any mistakes in this case, and if you find yourself in a difficult situation, don't hesitate to call me. Okay, I don't want to waste your time. You should be busy with your investigation. So, bye, talk to you later," he said in an orderly tone, yet I could sense his happiness about me getting a case.

"Yo bro, don't worry if I find myself in a difficult situation. I'll call you for advice. Also, bye bro," I said before ending the call.
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3rd person POV:

Arthur drove his bike towards the alleyway's direction, heading to the West Plaza, a 20-minute journey. Kenny's home in the Tanvi colony was near the West Plaza, and this alleyway served as a shortcut.

20 minutes later,

He arrived at the Tanvi colony, knowing that Miss Kenny and Mr. John wouldn't be home since they were headed to the hospital.

Arthur parked his bike near the alleyway and walked towards it. Despite the police tape indicating the area was sealed, he approached. A voice from a nearby grocery shop warned him.

"Hey, boy. Don't go there. Police sealed the place," an old man from the grocery shop cautioned.

Arthur halted and redirected towards the grocery store.
1st person POV:

"Hello, grandpa. Why is this place sealed by the police? I just wanted to go to the West Plaza quickly," I asked the old man, concealing my identity.

"Are you new here, boy? You really don't know what happened here?" The old man asked me.

"No, grandpa. I just came to meet a friend who lives in the Tanvi colony, and now I plan to go to the West Plaza," I explained.

"Even your friend didn't tell you? Um... Just forget about it. I will tell you. Yesterday, a serial killer tried to kill a girl who lives in the Tanvi colony. Fortunately, some people quickly went to the alleyway when they heard the girl's scream..."

"Grandpa, did you also go there?" I interrupted him with a question.

"Hmmm… obviously, I also went there. Let me tell you, boy, the killer was about to kill the girl with a metal pipe, but many people quickly intervened. However, the killer managed to escape. Just thinking about the girl's condition makes my blood boil. I quickly called the ambulance, and they arrived promptly. Because of this, we could save the girl from losing too much blood," the old man explained, expressing his anger.

"Let me tell you, if we can catch the killer, I will beat him to death. How can he beat a girl like this?" the old man retorted.

"Calm down, grandpa. Don't worry; the police will catch the killer," I tried to calm him.

"Sigh, I also hoped that," he said, sighing. Then he looked at me and said, "Therefore, the police sealed the place for their investigation."

"Grandpa, did you see the killer's face?" I inquired.

"No, boy. Because there aren't any lights in the alleyway, no one could see the killer's face," the old man answered with a sigh.

"Oh… Thanks, grandpa, for telling me about the killer," I thanked him and left the place. Now, the only way to find anything was to go to the alleyway.

Once again, I approached the alleyway. This time, the police were there. Previously unnoticed, they must have arrived from the West Plaza, using the alleyway.

Two police officers attempted to stop me from entering, but after displaying my detective badge, they allowed me to pass.
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3rd person POV:

Entering the alleyway, Arthur surveyed the area where the killer attacked Kenny. Initially, three policemen were present, investigating like him. After finding nothing, they left.

As Arthur walked through the alleyway, the policemen made no comments or inquiries. The relationship between private detectives and the police wasn't always smooth.

From Kenny's description, Arthur discerned the killer's cunning. Wearing gloves during the crime prevented leaving fingerprints, and some unusual covering on his shoes indicated an effort to avoid footprints. Arthur surmised that the killer chose this alleyway due to its lack of lighting.

Even the most skilled criminals made mistakes. Arthur needed to find that mistake.

To be continued...