Chapter Three_Handover

The air smelt of stale cigars, acrid sweat and heavy perfumes, despite the air conditioning operating fully.

Work was really at top speed, at the Fourth Bay Police Station.

Detective Kesley looked round carelessly, then yawned.

A very bored one.

He walked past various partitions, down a long, lone corridor with thick doors on both sides, then stopped in front of a door that had 'Deputy Chief' in bold cursives written on a golden plate, pasted on it.

Detective Kesley bent the door handle, then pushed the door open, entering the office without any further preamble.

He looked round, his dark brown eyes silently taking in the whole layout of the office, then went and casually sat down on one of the seats, in front of the large desk.

No one was in the office, but he didn't mind.

So he sat, languidly tapping his fingers on the desk, and waited.

Time trickled by.

And his patience almost reached a dead end, after two whole hours of waiting for the Big Man.

Another frustrating hour passed, then Deputy Chief Kant bustled into his office, banging the door shut after him.

Detective Kesley stood up in respect.

"Sorry to have kept you waiting, Detective Kesley.

I was handling a lot of issues," Deputy Kant apologized, pumping Kesley's hand energetically.

"No problems at all, Sir," Detective Kesley replied. "Shall we proceed?" He asked, seeking to get straight to the matter.

"Certainly," Deputy Kant agreed, then walked round his desk to sit down heavily.

"There has been a high profile murder in this City, which is like a big, giant slap on our faces," Deputy Kant began, his tone somber with grief.

"We thought that this City was well protected, but with the recent happening, it seems it is not," He continued in anger.

"Apparently not," Detective Kesley quietly chipped in.

"Saying something, Kesley?" Deputy Kant asked, his bushy eyebrows rising.

"Definitely not, Sir. Please continue." Detective Kesley denied.

Pausing to clear his throat, Deputy Kant resumed his briefing, "The Governor has ordered a high-powered investigation, and instant resolution of the complex murder of Mr. Turner, and we have decided to go discreet."

"Where do I come in?" Detective Kesley asked, despite his mind already knowing the answer to his question.

"After much consultation and consideration, we decided to hand the case over to you..." Deputy Kant informed the man seated in front of him.

"Why me?" The man asked.

"Your record, Detective Kesley." Deputy Chief Kant reminded him.

"You see, you have the penchant for resolving hard cases, with less noise, but great aplomb.

"We believe the killer is out there, waiting to strike again, as this case looks like one that might give rise to a series of political murders.

"We do not want to scare the killer into hiding. Just some space, and feints, then we close in.

"That is why we are going small, and solo.

"We believe you are the best person for this case, that is why you were chosen." Deputy Kant finished, smiling slightly at Detective Kesley.

The said man nodded in comprehension.

"Do not forget though, that you will be working closely with the CID, and other Departments of this Police Station.

"We do not want this to be overblown, so do be very careful." Deputy Kant sternly warned him.

"All clear, Sir. When do I proceed?" Detective Kesley asked his Boss.

"Immediately. And whatever resources you need, just ask." Deputy Kant replied.

"We just want the case resolved as soon as possible. Bring the murderer to book." He further instructed.

"Yes Sir!" Detective Kesley responded, then rose, and smartly saluted Deputy Chief Kant.

The seated man nodded to acknowledge the salute, then excused him.

Detective Kesley then brought down his hand, and with steady steps, walked out of the office.

The shut door reminded Deputy Kant of his remaining duties for the day, which he fell to, but not without a thick scowl on his face.