A clinking sound echoed throughout the building. A man with an angry appearance glared at the cop who cuffed him.

The ebony-haired detective sighed as he saw the perpetrator being apprehended. He still had another drug-dealing case to finish.

He got the case a month ago from his colleagues, who required help discovering the offender, and now his job is done. The narcotics bust had been a triumph. The drug dealer caused some damage, but they will be repaired.

The man reached into his pocket and took one of the cigarettes. A rough voice called his name just as he was about to put it between his lips.

"Mr. Owen, I received a message from the sergeant he wanted to speak with you. ASAP." He was notified by one of the police officials.

Owen lowered the cigarette he was holding and nodded in response. "Alright, if you need anything, please contact me." He responded while donning his fedora hat.

He moved away from the incident and towards his car. He took out his car keys and began unlocking the door.

He sat in the driver's seat and inserted the key into the keyhole, and the engine began to run. Owen shut the car door and began driving towards the police station.

Owen had no idea what kind of case he was getting until the sergeant summoned him. He is hoping that the case would not be difficult.

Owen silently prayed as he considered his office, which was piled high with paperwork. He had just completed one of his thirty-four investigations and is about to start another. He doesn't need anything else, Owen reasoned.

■□■□■

Owen parked his car safely outside the police station and entered. He arrived at the sergeant's office after some walking. He came to a halt in front of the door. Owen took a long breath before knocking.

"This is Detective Owen Wallace reporting in, sir."

It was silent for a time before he heard, "Come in."

Owen's finger wrapped around the doorknob, twisting and pulling it open. When it was open, his gaze met his sergeant's.

The sergeant gestured for Owen to sit on the leather couch facing him, which he did. Beside him was a man wearing suspenders and a black tie. The man had fair skin, auburn hair and his eyes were dark brown.

"Good morning, gentlemen." The sergeant welcomed Owen, and he answered, "Good morning, sir, with all due respect." The man beside him greeted the same.

Before launching into his lecture, the sergeant nodded. "I was informed today that a new murder case has been opened in Birmingham. It's nearby in a dense forest and I'm putting you in charge of a newly promoted investigator."

"I apologize for interrupting, sir, but why are you giving me this case?" Today is not my turn to take a case; if I'm not mistaken, Mrs. Vivian is meant to." Owen attempted to defy the sergeant's directive.

"Also, who is this recently promoted detective you mentioned?" Owen inquired out of interest.

"To answer your questions, I'm assigning you to this case because Mrs. Vivian has caught up with a few troublemakers in one of her investigations, and you're the only one who's available and suited for it so far." The sergeant replied.

Owen kept a poker face after hearing the sergeant's response, even though he wanted to bust out screaming. Surely the sergeant is aware of how many investigations and cases he is handling, and they are just piling more on him.

"The new detective that will be assigned to you is right beside you," the sergeant said. "Introduce yourself, Henry." The sergeant gave the command to the man with reddish hair.

He took a step forward, bent 90 degrees, and introduced himself. "Hello, my name is Henry Austin. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Owen looked over to his new partner, Henry, and said, "I'd expect you to shake hands, but I guess bowing works too."

Henry's pupils dilated. "I'm sorry, but I'm half British and half Japanese." "I'm still not used to the cultures of the United States and the United Kingdom." He deliberated. Henry extended his hands for a handshake. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well," Owen remarked as he shook his hand. Owen Wallace is my name, and I'll be your new companion."

Following their introductions, the sergeant cleared his throat, drawing their attention to him.

"Now that this is settled, I'll entrust the duty of handling this case to you." He declared this as he handed out a thin yellow file with a few papers protruding from it. Owen nodded in agreement and accepted the file.

The sergeant soon discharged them both. Owen and Henry walked away from the sergeant's office. Owen directed Henry to follow him to their office, where he told him, "This will be our office from now on." You will have the table near the window." As he pointed to Henry's table, he stated this. It was a long wooden table with a few books and stationery neatly organised on top, but slightly dusty.

"My table is just right there," he added, indicating his table, which is directly across from Henry's. "I haven't had time to clean this place because I've been out investigating, but please make yourself at home," Henry responded with a nod.

"Now, let's get down to business. Later, I'll assist you with your move. "Get your belongings; we're heading to the crime scene," Owen remarked as he exited the office.

"Where's the location, and should we take a cab?" Henry inquired, following Owen.

"I'll drive us to the scene, and as for the location," Owen said, pausing to hand Henry the file and continuing, "Read it and tell me." As Henry accepted the paperwork from Owen, his eyes widened. "Alright, sir." As they proceeded towards Owen's car, Henry responded. When they got in the car, Henry opened the file and examined the contents while Owen started the engine.

"The crime scene is located in a forest." "We need to get to Livelry Street, and there will be a few officers waiting for us," he continued. Henry informed Owen solemnly. Owen nodded and drove to the address.