Elena Moretti's POV
My head spinning, my vision was blurry with a heavy feeling of dizziness. I pushed myself up and noticed I was on a worn out chair in a small apartment. I sat up a bit, my muscles protesting against my movement to wrap my head around my current position. The memory of how I was jacked my Micheal immediately hit me, The ache in my shoulder was a harsh reminder of the previous encounter. I immediately felt a surge of wrath. My eyes darted around, searching for Michael, but he was nowhere to be found.
"That son of bitch" I shouted hitting my hands aggressively on the chair. I saw my gun placed in a rather nice position on the table, fueling my temper. As I reached for my it, I noticed a piece of paper beneath. I snatched it up, my fingers trembling with a mix of anger and frustration. The handwriting on the note, were horrible and ambiguous and took me time to discern the message. The note read: "Come alone, my queen.", with a written address at the back of the paper.
I squeezed the paper in my fist, anger bubbling up inside me. I was sure that Micheal was messing with me. Without wasting another second, I grabbed my coat and headed straight for my office.
I walked in with a rather stern and unfriendly look. Christopher, my apprentice, looked up from his desk, surprise etched on his face. He stood giving me a standing salute. "Elena, what are you doing here? It's your day off." He proceeded to ask after dropping his hands down.
"Something came up," I replied curtly, avoiding his gaze.I went straight to my desk, to prevent further explanations.
Detective Joe, my captain, noticed my mood and approached me. "What is the matter, Elena, you should be enjoying your day". He asked trying to put up a friendly tone. I avoided eye contact and ignored him.
He sighed "I hope this isn't about your father's case." He said.
"We both know my father's death was never an accident. The police system is all fucked up for covering it up," I snapped, my voice rising with each word. Heads turned, and the office went silent as everyone's attention shifted to us.
"And I will make sure, everyone involved pays for it" I continued reducing my tone and looking at him straight in the eye.
Joe sighed deeply, his worry evident. "Just don't do anything that will put you in trouble," he said before walking away, leaving me seething.
I banged the table in frustration and needed to clear my head, I left the office and went to a spot not too far from the station, that had always helped me think. It was a secluded area with a great view of the city. As I sat there, the city's noise seemed to fade into the background, giving me a moment of peace.
"I knew I'd find you here," came Christopher's voice from behind. He walked over and sat beside me, offering a cup of coffee.
"Oh, Sergeant Chris, how did you know I'd be here?" I asked, taking the coffee with a small smile.
"As your apprentice, I've noticed you come here a lot, not sure why though," he replied with a gentle smile, his presence comforting.
I took a sip of the coffee, its warmth spreading through me. "Thank you," I said softly.
"Seems I have formed a bit of an habit, I come here most times to clear my head" I said with a smile rubbing my hand on the coffee cup.
"Well, I can say this place actually gives a bit of silence and peace". He said and chuckled.
I had never been on a one on one conversation with him, so it felt kind of awkward.
Christopher studied me for a moment before speaking. "Permission to be informal, ma" He requested. I looked and gave him a smile, "Permission granted" I replied
"Elena, I know things have been tough, especially with your father's case. But you're one of the strongest people I know. And I am sure that nothing will change you mind from capturing your father's killer. I just want you to know that, I will always be available, whenever you need me."
His words struck a chord with me, and I felt a bit motivated . "You're right, Chris. I can't let this break me. I need to find the truth"
Christopher nodded, his eyes filled with support. "We're in this together. You're not alone."
I smiled, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "Thank you, Chris."
He looked at me with genuine concern. "Just be careful, okay? We need you here, and I need you safe."
I nodded, appreciating his concern. "I will. I promise."
"And also..." Christopher paused. "What is it?" I asked. "Please withdraw from all mafia cases" He responded. I stood up, posing like I never heard his statement.
I hurried to my car in haste, leaving Christopher on sit. "See you later" I said from afar as I entered my vehicle. I immediately searched for the paper and drove to the address on the note. The neighbourhood was all normal, nothing indifferent but all the more reason there was an increased tension within me. I reached a path where my car could no longer pass, and took the rest by feet asking passerby for directions.
The location led me to a burnt-down building, its charred remains standing as a testament to destruction. I was confused for a second but decided to go in.
I navigated through the debris, my senses on high alert and my gun in my hands. A faint light came from the basement. I made my way toward it, my heart thudding.
As I descended the stairs, the smell of burnt wood and ash filled my nostrils. The basement was dimly lit, the light flickering weirdly. In the middle of the room, Michael sat on a makeshift chair, his posture tense with a gun in his hand pointed to his own.
"Michael, what the hell is going on?" I demanded, my voice echoing, pointing my gun at me.
He looked up, his eyes meeting mine with an intensity that sent a chill down my spine. " I thought I said you should come alone" His voice filled with despair as he cocked the gun towards his head.
"Alone? I am alone, you fucking bastard. You had a gun to my head, and now you have a gun to yours. What the hell are you plotting, Explain yourself!" I shouted, taking a step closer.
His hands were closing on the trigger. "Micheal, what.., what are you doing?" I exclaimed in fear as he pulled the trigger. I closed my eyes not hearing any sound I opened my eyes back.