Eloise stood by the bulletin board, pinning up the updated case files for review. Her new life at the Eastern Police District Headquarters was anything but boring. For 6 months, between balancing behavioral analyses, occasional interrogations, and deciphering motives behind crimes, her days were packed.
Yet, amidst the hustle, one constant thorn pricked at her patience—Detective Helios Mikhael Rios.
"Miss Rubio," a familiar voice drawled from behind her.
Eloise clenched her jaw before turning around. There he was, Detective Rios, looking as unbothered as ever. His sleeves rolled up, tie slightly loosened, and that perpetual air of arrogance surrounding him like a bad cologne.
"Rubio," he said, his gaze flicking toward the bulletin board. "Still pretending to know everything?"
"Not pretending," Eloise replied smoothly, arching an eyebrow. "I actually do try to know everything."
Rios smirked, clearly amused. "Is that so?"
Eloise crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "I've been profiling offenders and analyzing behavior for months now. At this time, I don't guess—I observe."
"Right," Rios said, leaning against the wall, his posture relaxed but his tone dripping with sarcasm. "And I've been chasing down criminals since before you learned how to spell 'P.S.Y.C.H.O.P.A.T.H'."
"Good thing spelling isn't a prerequisite for understanding the mind," Eloise shot back, refusing to back down.
Rios chuckled, shaking his head. "You're something else, Rubio."
"And you're predictable," she replied with a smirk.
Their verbal sparring was cut short by the sudden buzz of Rios' phone. He glanced at the screen and immediately straightened.
"Body found in Barangay San Lorenzo," he muttered, already moving.
"Let's go," Eloise said, grabbing her coat.
Rios hesitated. "You're not coming."
"Yes, I am," she replied firmly. "I was hired to assist in active investigations. That includes crime scenes."
"Crime scenes aren't classrooms, Rubio. What you did last time is completely out of luck." he snapped.
"And luck aren't evidence, Rios," she countered. "You need both to solve a case."
They locked eyes, the tension thick enough to slice through.
"Fine," Rios muttered, turning away. "But stay out of my way, and don't play around my crime scene."
"Wouldn't dream of it."
☆☆☆
The narrow alleyway in Barangay San Lorenzo was dimly lit, the flickering streetlight casting eerie shadows over the scene. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and… something else.
"Victim's name is Ramon Diaz," one of the officers briefed them as they approached. "Local vendor. Found dead by his neighbor early this morning."
Eloise's sharp eyes scanned the area, taking in the surroundings. The body lay slumped against the brick wall, blood pooling beneath him. His wallet and phone were gone, suggesting a robbery gone wrong.
But Eloise's instincts told her otherwise.
"Doesn't feel right," she murmured.
"Here we go," Rios muttered under his breath, crouching down by the body.
Eloise ignored him, her eyes narrowing as she examined the scene. "The position of the body… it's too staged."
"Staged?" Rios echoed, looking up.
"Yes," Amelia said, her voice steady. "Look at his hands. Palms up, almost like he's presenting something. And the way his head is tilted—it's intentional."
Rios frowned, examining the details she pointed out.
"Robbery's a cover," Eloise murmured. "This wasn't random."
Rios glanced around, his jaw tightening. "Any signs of forced entry or struggle nearby?"
"None," one of the officers replied.
"Whoever did this knew him," Amelia added, her eyes narrowing. "Someone he trusted."
"Or someone who wanted it to look like that," Rios countered.
Their eyes met again, an unspoken challenge passing between them.
☆☆☆
Back at the precinct, Amelia and Rios poured over the evidence. The hum of the station filled the air, but the tension between them remained thick.
"Staged murder. Trusted acquaintance," Rios murmured, rubbing his jaw. "Could be a business deal gone wrong."
"Possibly," Eloise replied, her gaze focused on the victim's financial records. "But look at this."
She pointed to a series of payments made to an unknown recipient. "These started six months ago—small amounts, increasing gradually. Blackmail, maybe?"
Rios leaned over her shoulder, his proximity making Eloise acutely aware of how close they were.
"Could be," he murmured, his breath warm against her ear. "Or maybe he was paying someone off."
Eloise ignored the sudden heat rising in her cheeks and focused on the task. "Either way, we need to find out who was on the receiving end."
Rios smirked, stepping back. "For someone who claims not to like me, you sure don't mind me getting close."
Eloise shot him a glare, her cheeks still warm. "Professional proximity, Rios. Don't flatter yourself."
Rios chuckled, clearly enjoying her discomfort.
☆☆☆
Hours later, Eloise's persistence paid off.
"Got it," she announced, her eyes gleaming with triumph.
Rios, who had been dozing off at his desk, sat up immediately. "What?"
"The payments," Amelia said, turning the screen toward him. "They were being sent to a woman named Teresa Diaz."
"Diaz…" Rios frowned. "His sister?"
"Exactly," Amelia nodded. "She was in deep debt. Ramon was helping her. But it looks like someone else knew about it—and used it against him."
Rios' jaw tightened. "Let's pay her a visit."
☆☆☆
Teresa's modest home was tucked away in a quiet neighborhood. As Rios and Rubio approached the front door, they exchanged a look—silent agreement that this could go south fast.
Rios knocked firmly, "Police... open up!"
After a few moments, the door swung open. Teresa stood there, her eyes puffy and red.
"What… what's going on?" she murmured, her voice trembling. "
"We need to talk," Rubio said gently, but her eyes were sharp, watching her every reaction.
Rios stepped forward, his gaze sharo and penetrating. "Teresa… we know about the payments."
Teresa's face went pale. "I… I didn't…"
"Please," Amelia said softly. "We just need the truth."
Tears welled in Teresa's eyes. "It wasn't supposed to happen like this," she whispered.
"Who?" Rios asked, his voice calm but firm.
"Marco," Teresa sobbed. "My… boyfriend. He found out about the money. He said… he said Ramon was keeping me weak, dependent. He wanted me to cut ties. But Ramon refused to stop helping... and... and... he.."
Rios' jaw clenched. "Marco killed him?"
"He didn't mean to... I swear... he's just helping me... and they argued... and then.."
"He hit him..."
Teresa's sobs echoed in the small space.
☆☆☆
Back at the precinct, the weight of the day settled over Eloise.
"Nice work, Rubio," Rios murmured, leaning against her desk.
Eloise gave him a tired but satisfied smile. "Thanks."
Rios crossed his arms, his expression softer than usual. "You're good, Rubio. Annoying as hell… but good."
Eloise chuckled, shaking her head. "I'll take that as a compliment."
"Don't let it go to your head," he teased, but there was a hint of admiration in his eyes.
As he walked away, Eloise allowed herself a small smile. Their dynamic was complicated, filled with friction and occasional sparks, but there was no denying one thing—they made a damn good team.