▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃
—Detective Montenegro, are you all right?–
After locking the door of the interrogation room, several officers suddenly approach me quickly. Their faces show clear concern; perhaps in their eyes, everyone thinks that Sariel, the man on the other side, is very dangerous and capable of hurting me, since he was the only suspect at my Father's crime scene, who is the Commander of this entire Station. However, after spending an hour with him in there, I was able to realize that he is nothing like how they portray him.
—He's been in there for an hour or more –Says one of the burly uniformed officers from the Delta Team, this team that had suddenly appeared and whose members carried advanced shotguns I had never seen before, and even a sword on their backs. I've read about them in reports, my Father has also spoken to me about them, and furthermore, I've seen them as common officers, with the typical uniform, but I had never before seen them as a unit, deployed, wearing these uniforms different from the rest of the staff, and with equipment different from the usual– Is everything good? That guy didn't do anything bad to you?–
—My gaze darkens instantly. My scarlet eyes focus on him. For some reason, hearing this officer speak with such a derogatory tone toward Sariel triggers a cold fury within me. I understand they do it because they are afraid, but there is no reason to be so derogatory– What is your name? –I ask–
—Marvin Castro, Detective –The man responds, his tone now formal– Leader of the Delta Team, a special containment and elimination unit for serious threats that we have here at the Morian District Station–
—I nod my head. Impressive credentials, honestly. They are probably like the Specialized High-Risk Unit Tactical, SHRUT for short, except that, unlike the SHRUT, which covers the entire country, these are exclusive to this Station– If I catch you exercising unnecessary force against the man on the other side of this room again, I will be forced to file a report against you, understood? –Even so, that doesn't matter. His credentials do not give him the right to those kinds of actions.–
I've seen this officer exercise a lot of force against Sariel, like when he pulled him from his cell bed, kept shoving him every time he slowed down a bit, when he forced him down into the chair, or when he tightly fastened the chains he put on him. Sariel never did anything bad to him nor was he rude; he even tried to be friendly with him, but for some reason, this subject was very cruel to his person. As I said, I understand they acted like that out of fear toward a probably troublesome suspect, but come on, my scarlet eyes have only seen a man behave as a passive, obedient, and friendly collaborator. Someone like that doesn't deserve such treatment.
—Understood? –I ask again, seeing how he had frozen at my words–
—Yes, yes, Detective –Agent Castro responds nervously, swallowing hard–
—Good. I won't give you a second chance –I respond, my voice still cold, before walking forward– And by the way, let no one disturb the suspect inside the interrogation room until I return. –I direct my gaze, cold but professional, at the nearby uniformed officers– I assume I don't have to mention what will happen if you disobey, right?–
—Understood, Detective! –They all exclaim, giving a military salute–
Yes. I have the power to do something like that. Although I am a Detective for the National Police, and everyone at this station belongs to the state police, my Father left clear orders that if anything were to happen to him, and I, his only daughter, Salieri Montenegro Neiruk, was in the same city, I would have provisional control over this station he used to run. And that includes any decision I deem viable. It was a consensus approved by the National Prosecutor, Collete Lafayette, so no one—not even the State Prosecutor—can disobey those orders.
—Good, how is the situation out there? –I ask as I walk toward the station's exit–
—According to our reports from the crime scene on the outskirts of the City, at the Lanel Recreational Center, several reporters are trying to enter the site, attempting to find answers regarding your Father's passing, and also about your possible reaction as the daughter and Heiress of the Montenegro Family. –Responds a female with purple hair so dark it looks black, fair skin, and five-foot-five. She was behind the Delta Team, and unlike the previous officer, she wears the typical uniform. Her eyes, curiously amber, focus solely on the tablet in her hands, its reflection illuminating the lenses of her thin gold-rimmed glasses that cover her mysterious eyes– However, the Imperial Armed Forces deployed from the State Military Bastion, here in Melbury City, have prevented their entry and stopped them from trying to investigate more into your Father's death. Though it is likely the reporters will come to this place, since, as you know, Officer Montenegro is the one who ran this place, and they probably know that you, as his daughter, are here–
—Good. If they arrive here, make sure no one passes. Call in the rest of the off-duty assets. The overtime will be on the Montenegro Family's tab –I respond. Money is the last thing we lack, the Montenegros, the second richest family in this country, the Central Republic. I feel sorry for those who are resting, but with everything that has happened today, we need them more now–
—Very well, Detective –The uniformed woman responds as she manipulates her tablet–
—Has Prosecutor Lafayette responded regarding my Father's body? –I ask a second question–
—The Prosecutor has received the information and has accepted the request to safeguard it. Her forces have taken the body to the San Louzen Private Hospital, in a VIP area of the morgue there–
—Perfect–
The good part about my Father having been childhood friends with the Prosecutor is that we can have access to better services than the rest. Although well, considering our Family's position, we don't need much of this. However, the fact that it's the Lafayette Family—another Founding Family like mine, whose specialization is National Security—makes me trust them to protect Dad's body.
—Has Aisha Mendelhem, the Governor of the State of Melbury, responded to the email I sent her? –A third question. This time more personal. Aisha was Dad's girlfriend and a very good woman. Practically like a second Mother to me, and furthermore, she was the pillar of our family, as she was always there for us after my Mother disappeared when I was 5 years old. I ordered my people to inform her about my Father's passing, as I didn't want to hide anything from her–
—Negative, Detective –The uniformed woman responds– The email app shows that the message has been read, but she has not responded–
—I sigh with sadness– It's understandable –Aisha spent 20 years as Dad's friend since Mom's disappearance, and 10 years in a romantic relationship, so it's understandable that she wouldn't respond to news like that. Surely she is processing it. I don't plan to bother her with it. Later I will go to her to offer my condolences as well–
I keep silent. The sound of our footsteps, the bustle of the employees, and the noise of the air conditioning are the only things heard in the hallways we pass through. Thus, until we finally reach the reception area.
—I'll be back in an hour or so –I say as words of temporary farewell– I will return to the crime scene to bring someone back. Remember not to disturb the suspect–
After receiving their confirmation through another military salute, I leave the building and head toward my black utility truck, bound for the Lanel Recreational Center, the crime scene where Dad died.
Let's see if that blonde-haired officer, whom Sariel told me to bring, has the answers I need for the case related to my Father.
▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂
Lanel Recreational Center. Emerith District. Melbury City. Melbury State. Central Republic.
11:00 AM
—Detective Montenegro, welcome back–
Upon arriving at the crime scene, just as I had been told, the place was surrounded by reporters not only from different networks in Melbury but even from nearby states. They probably flew over here as soon as they received the news. Fortunately, the place was surrounded by the Imperial Armed Forces—IAF—from the State Military Bastion, which blocked their way and, additionally, distracted them. I was even sure that the Private Military Agency (P.M.A.)—the private military order of His Majesty Emperor Lan, ruler of our country—was here, as I noticed some of their attire: black uniforms, firearms distinct from protocol ones that were more advanced than those of the SHRUT, and helmets with hoods, both black, to hide their faces.
Even so, thanks to the indirect help of all of them, I was able to take an alternate route so they wouldn't see my truck. This very one I bought with a lot of effort at 18 is already highly recognized in Centralia, the Capital, so if they see it, those vultures will surely fly toward me. And that is something I don't want.
—Commander Roger –After getting out of my truck, parked near the crime scene in a nearby parking lot, the one who receives me is the Commander of the scene– Was my order carried out?–
—Indeed, Detective. Full access was restricted for everyone near the strange greatsword found –He says. At the crime scene, we found a strange greatsword that, even with the help of burly officers, couldn't be moved even a bit. We left it there. But later, before leaving the interrogation room, Sariel told me that sword was very dangerous, so I ordered them to cordoned it off and ensure no one approaches within a 5-meter range–
—I nod my head– Understood. Have you found anything else that can help us?–
—Negative. The forensics team is currently analyzing the bullets from the strange firearms found earlier, the blood, and the destruction. However, aside from this sword, we haven't found anything else that is of any use–
I sigh. If what that man says is real, then it will be difficult to find anything. According to Sariel, during our one-hour talk in the interrogation room, that demon named Lumen (yes, I feel strange thinking about that) dissolved into particles when the sunlight came out. He vanished. Therefore, aside from his greatsword, there will be nothing else of use. Furthermore, the killer, Lumen, is dead due to sunlight, so there isn't a real suspect either.
—On this occasion, I have returned because, according to the suspect we have at the Morian Station, there is someone who can help us in this case –I say, while looking around, trying to find the woman mentioned by Sariel. Even if Lumen has died, I am sure there are more things that can be of use– It's a uniformed officer with straight blonde hair, blue-green eyes, fair skin, and five-foot-nine. Unlike the previous officers, if I remember correctly, she wears a black uniform that distinguishes her from the other uniformed staff, and a jacket for the cold–
—Are you talking about Arisa? –Commander Roger asks, while taking out his phone and unlocking it–
—Arisa? Is that her name?–
—If I remember correctly, she was talking a lot with you while you were investigating the scene with the other forensics team members, right? –The Commander opens the Zelix instant messaging app–
—I nod my head– Yes. Unfortunately, I lost sight of her and couldn't ask for her name –
—Done. I've sent her a message. She's still at this location –He tells me, while opening the interface where the chat with her can be seen– She was talking to her partner's cousin, that's why she walked away from you. She's not too far, so she should be coming in a few moments–
—Good, I'll wait for her here. If anything happens, do not hesitate to contact me.–
—Understood, Detective –Commander Roger responds, making a slight 10-degree bow. After that, he turns around to head back to his team–
▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂
—Detective Montenegro, were you looking for me?–
After about five minutes of remaining seated on a nearby bench, watching the coming and going of the military personnel helping to clean up the destruction, the uniformed officers coordinating, and the forensics team analyzing, a female voice with a touch of elegance is finally heard near me.
I raise my gaze to look at the woman. In front of me stands a figure with a contrast of tactical neatness and natural elegance. She is tall, slightly more than me—as I measure five-foot-seven—and her bearing is that of someone who commands respect effortlessly. She wears the regulation uniform with a distinction that makes it look custom-tailored. The most prominent garment is a black leather police jacket, made of a thick, textured material that fits her figure without restricting her movement, with metal zippers and flap closures that give her an air of modernity and authority. Something normal, since we are in Hivern, the season of cold, and right now we should be at about 15 Tamperati degrees. On her right chest, her police badge shines with a burnished silver and blue details, reflecting the surrounding light.
Arisa's hair is a cascade of silky platinum blonde, meticulously gathered in a low, long ponytail, perfectly combed, which falls over her right shoulder. A few loose strands frame her face with a softness that balances the hardness of her military attire. Her complexion is of flawless porcelain, complemented by intense, direct blue-green eyes that look at me with a mix of professionalism and subtle curiosity.
Beneath the leather jacket, the stiff collar of a uniform shirt peek through—black leaning toward dark navy blue—buttoned to the top, and a sharp black silk tie. The tactical belt cinching her waist is made of high-resistance black nylon, with a central black buckle. On the sides, the belt is loaded with neat, orderly service equipment: I see a holster with a semiautomatic pistol on the right side and a double magazine pouch on the left. The black uniform pants, matching the shirt, are straight and tucked into thick, black leather tactical combat boots with high laces and deep lugged soles, ready for any terrain.
—Is your name Arisa? –I ask as I stand up from the bench. After seeing her, I confirm that she is the same officer who surely, this morning while I was investigating the scene, was guiding me so I could see a bit beyond the "normal and common"–
—The woman nods her head– Arisa Montessori Romanov. 30 years old. Aside from an agent with the Rank of Officer, I am also Officer Montenegro's Chief Secretary. You probably didn't see much of me before, because while I am your Father's direct secretary, I also command the three who attended to him and usually interact a lot with you—including Nemeia, the one who seems more like your Personal Secretary than anything else –Hearing this, I can't help but laugh in my mind. It's true. Nemeia, that woman with dark purple hair, suddenly stuck to me, becoming like my personal secretary for when, on occasion, they left me in command– Despite me being your Father's secretary, I was more about being locked in my own office dealing with Officer Montenegro's major problems, the station's issues, or correcting the mistakes of my subordinates –Agent Montessori continues. A smile sketches across her crimson lips–
I think I have seen her on the occasions I visited my Father at his work. My mind has flashes of her. The fact that I don't remember her that much is surely because of what she said. No matter how much I have a photographic memory, if they don't present themselves before me, I won't remember them as I should.
—After listening to her, I nod my head– Nice to meet you. As you may already know, my name is Salieri Montenegro Neiruk. Montenegro on my father's side, Neiruk on my mother's side. I am a Detective for the Homicide Unit of the National Police of this country, and also the current Heiress of the Montenegro Family. Regarding my age… well, I'm almost 25 –She stated her age, so I did too. Have to balance it out, right? Heh–
—The girl's smile widens– I know. Everyone in this country knows a lot about you. In fact, you are a role model for many of us, common employees who are not from prominent families, and for other people in general. Someone who, despite being from a powerful family, has been characterized by effort, meritocracy, justice, and impartiality–
Hearing her words—soft, but without a single trace of a hidden agenda like the typical Nobles I sometimes have to interact with—I cannot help but blush slightly. Compliments from sincere people always end up affecting me.
—I decide to go straight to the conversation, as I don't know how to respond to that compliment. I just hope she doesn't take it the wrong way– If I remember correctly, you told me to send the only suspect we found here at the crime scene to the station where my Father worked –I begin. Upon seeing her nod, I continue– I already spoke with him for quite a while, and I came to the conclusion that he is not my Father's killer–
—Upon hearing me, Agent Montessori drops her smile and then lets out a deep sigh of relief– I am glad to hear that, Detective –Once again, she sketches a smile, this time a calm one– That man was completely innocent. Even if he had bloodstains on his clothes that didn't belong to him, I truly knew he wasn't the killer–
—Hearing her words, I cannot help but raise an eyebrow. How is it that she knows this? But well, let's leave that for later– Yes. However, there are still matters to resolve, such as the ancient weapon we found at the crime scene. Sariel, the suspect, has a clue about it, but according to his words, he will need your help to solve it–
—Me? –She is surprised, even making a gesture where she touches her chest with her right palm, as if pointing at herself–
—Yes. I could easily tell you what it's about right now, but surely if I do, he is going to reproach me. And though he looks funny when he pouts and I would like to see more of that, I don't really want to make him angry –An unconscious smile sketches across my face. However, I quickly realize what I just said. How did I blurt out such words?–
—Oh… –Looking at Agent Montessori, I can see a new expression of surprise on her face. She probably even has her mouth open, however, her right palm covers it– Heh, heh–
—Forget that last thing I said –Once again I blush, with more force than before, so I try to suppress it– Sariel is waiting for you at the Morian Police Station. Let's go now before he grows impatient –I say, before turning around and moving forward in a hurry–
—Ho, ho, you even say his name with such naturalness and worry about him already? And to think it hasn't even been half a day since you met, eh. If we count the hours you've known each other through your interaction, it would be... two hours, two hours and a half, maybe three? –A mocking voice along with a soft giggle is heard from the uniformed woman–
—Silence –I grumble while taking long strides–
—Heh, heh~ –I hear her soft but clearly mocking laugh again–
______________ >> Parking Lot >> ______________
—So this is the famous detective truck…–
Upon arriving at the secondary parking lot, which fortunately did not have any journalists yet, Agent Montessori lets out a whistle as she stands in front of my vehicle.
—It's nice –She adds after saying the former– It looks like an ordinary utility truck, but it has thick tires and surely a military-level armor. Furthermore, the black-tinted windows prevent anyone from seeing the siren lying inside, and the metallic black finish also prevents seeing the police LEDs hidden on its facade –She speaks while sliding her hand over the chassis– It's from 2018, right? If I remember correctly, its engine is a ZMF-2018-V3-Max, one of the most powerful engines for a truck of this type, which came out exclusively for 10,000 vehicles and no more have been produced. It doesn't even require much fuel, so it has a brutal autonomy. It could easily last more than 150 years without the need for constant maintenance. And as for speed, it's like a sports car engine, capable of reaching 350 kilometers per hour, zero to one hundred in three seconds –Another whistle comes from her– Definitely a car for police officers–
—How is it that you know all that? –I ask, raising an eyebrow, while opening the driver's door–
—My partner is very curious. She likes to accumulate all kinds of knowledge, even the most mundane ones –She responds to me, while opening the rear right door– Since she gets bored of just keeping them to herself, she usually shares some with me. That's how she ended up sharing information with me about this vehicle, the ZMF Canion Rider–
—You don't need to go in the back –I tell her, stopping her before she enters– Come upfront with me–
—Can I? –Instantly, I can see how her expression brightens up–
—Seeing her, a soft smile sketches across my face– Yes. You can do it. Just don't slam the door too hard. I like to take good care of my vehicle. That's why you can see it like new, even when it's already 7 years old–
Agent Montessori, following my permission, closes the rear door gently and opens the co-pilot's door with the same amount of strength as before. Then, she enters it with the characteristic elegance of a Noble and puts on her seatbelt. In the end, she closes the co-pilot's door in a way that prevents it from being slammed.
—I can understand it –She says after fastening her seatbelt– Considering that before you weren't a full Montenegro, you surely have a great bond with this vehicle, which was won with a lot of hard work–
—I smile and nod my head– Yes, it's true –I bring the key to the slot to start the car– Due to my Grandfather's, the Old Patriarch's, repulsion toward my Father, the designated Heir, for the fact of marrying my Mother, who had the same appearance as me, scarlet eyes and silver-white hair, about whom it was said that this type of woman would bring bad luck to the family, I didn't have the benefits of being a real Montenegro from the time I was born until he passed away 5 years ago, in 2020. And even when I was reinstated, I didn't get immediate power. I had to fight to prove that I was worthy of being the Heiress, while at the same time navigating my career as a law enforcement officer. That's why this truck is like a friend to me, as it represents the era when I was nothing, where everyone laughed at me for being a "crownless princess," and yet, I was able to stand out and have the power I now possess–
—Uff, I still remember the news on the Lumos social network that came out about you –Glancing over at the agent, I could notice how her expression had turned into one a fan would have– When you first arrived at the Family and were named as Heiress, it caused mockery from both allies and enemies of the Montenegros, as they believed you wouldn't be able to handle the position, since your Cousin, Olivia, had been trained by the Old Patriarch for this and she practically held all the power of the family. Or also that fact when their jaws dropped after the publication of Olivia herself announcing that she would give you her position and that she would subordinate herself to you. And the best part, which is when you began to prove that you really were worthy of the position, making rivals fall, creating new alliances, increasing the family's prestige, shutting the mouths of the allies, until reaching today, where you already have absolute control and your words in the Montenegro Family are law –With every word, her fangirl mode keeps increasing– And all while, as you said, maintaining your career as a Detective at the same time–
As she looked at me, I could notice a spark of joy in her blue-green eyes. A spark similar to what a close relative, like a sister, would have, being very proud of her little sister.
—It seems people really love gossip –A chuckle escapes my mouth at the same time the powerful engine of my vehicle roars, which even with the passage of time sounds brand new–
—It's impossible not to. Everyone is trying to find out more about "The Frozen Woman," "The Ice Detective," or the "Queen of Hivern," "The Ruthless Detective Heiress," heh heh –At that moment, I feel the seat next to me shake– Ah. Excuse me if I offend you–
—I shake my head with a smile– Don't worry. I'm already used to those flamboyant titles–
Because I don't usually smile much—naturally rather than forced—I don't usually mingle much with my colleagues. I am quiet and focused, solely on my work and social obligations, and furthermore, I tend to have a heavy hand against injustices. Because of this, surely many have given me similar titles.
But, as I said, I am already used to them. They don't bother me. On the contrary, some seem very good to me. They sound like some titles from fantasy series that I might like a lot if they were to air.
—By the way, to kill time while we reach the Morian Station, why don't we talk about something? –Agent Montessori proposes–
—Hmm? –I glance at her, curious about her proposal–
—I don't know… about entertainment or showbiz? –Apparently, she has no idea either. I can't blame her for trying. It also feels strange to me to just be quiet without saying anything, waiting to reach Point B– Have you seen that urban fantasy series that came out a month ago, about Dungeons suddenly appearing in our world, called "Chronicles of the Rift"?–
—Oh. Yes –My eyes light up upon hearing those words–
—Great! Which episode are you on? For instance, I'm caught up–
—Me too. I've watched the four episodes that have come out so far, and I'm waiting for the next one to drop in a fortnight. Personally, I dislike having to wait 15 days for every 4 episodes, but I tolerate it because of the plot, settings, and special effects–
—Ugh, I know. It's so annoying –The blonde girl exhales through her nose and crosses her arms– But still, which has been your favorite episode? I really like episode two, which is about Malia and Kaled, two enemies who hated each other to death and competed in everything to be the best, and who suddenly appeared inside a Dungeon where they had to collaborate, healing their relationship –A chuckle escapes her mouth– Who would have thought the reason for their hatred was something so cliché. That thing where they like each other but their ego prevents them from confessing it to the other seems like nonsense to m… –She pauses. Glancing at her, I can notice a blush of embarrassment on her white cheeks, as if Agent Montessori herself were the living image of this classic trope she is mocking– Ahem. So, which one was your favorite?–
—I raise an eyebrow. It seems Malia and Kaled weren't the only ones going through something like that, heh, heh. Art imitates life, as they say– Well, I'm more into the revenge and new life episode, the latest one that came out. The brother whose Fiancée betrayed him for his Mother's illegitimate son and threw him into a Dungeon. I really liked how the Protagonist not only survived the Dungeon but became so powerful that he even became the new leader of all the beasts, and then went outside to hunt and torture those who betrayed him –I respond, while simultaneously focusing on the road– The good part is that along the way he found a Beast that ended up becoming his new light, his future wife, so the revenge took a backseat and no deep emptiness was left after executing it–
—Ah, yes. In fact, I still have nightmares from the visceral vision of the torture. I didn't really think they were going to show something like that. I expected at least some censorship, but there was none –She says with a shaky voice– The good part is that they require Personal Identification to access the 18+ content on Saga, the series and movie platform owned by Lan Companies, so minors under 18 cannot watch episodes with such explicit content–
—That's true. Fortunately, the Central Republic is very restrictive with explicit content toward minors –I respond–
During the next few minutes, the two of us started talking not only about the series—what we thought of it, what we expected—but even about others, both fantasy and space-themed, that we had watched on Saga.
It was truly interesting how the conversation became so natural, so fluid, as if Agent Montessori were just another friend. As I said before, I am not one to relate to people in this way, so I was even surprised that this was happening.