Chapter 1

"He's here."

The entire station flew into a panic.

"This was a bad idea," one of the junior officers mumbled, handing his superior a cup of bland coffee. The chief glared at him until he slunk away, but she didn't disagree. The heads of crime syndicates didn't take this type of offense lightly. Dragging the second master of the city's most powerful organization in at this late hour was not something likely to be brushed off.

"I just meant," the junior continued as he retreated further away, "this doesn't seem like the kind of case worth getting anyone angry for—especially not him."

The junior disappeared from sight, and the chief sighed. It was too late for that. Inside the interrogation room sat Wen Ro, an aura of darkness growing around him with every passing second.

Avie Rowan was the officer in charge of this case, and it fell on her to do the interrogation. The chief watched from behind the one-sided glass, but this was less comforting than intimidating.

The second son of the Green Sea sat stone-faced on a cheap metal chair, hands resting on the wobbly table. The door swung open, and Officer Rowan strode in, her presence instantly lessened by the slight way her hands shook.

"Good evening, Mr. Ro. My name is Officer Rowan. I'll be the one interviewing you," she paused, gathering a bit of courage, before adding, "You know why you're here."

The man in front of her glanced sharply in her direction, saying nothing.

Officer Rowan willed her hands to stop shaking and tossed a manila folder on the table, flipping it open. The moment Wen looked down, his jaw clenched, and his eyes grew slightly wider. It only lasted for a fraction of a second before he regained his composure—a lesser detective wouldn't have noticed, but Avie did.

Stapled inside the file was a low-quality image of a man smiling widely.

"You recognize him," Officer Rowan stated.

Wen didn't raise his eyes from the image.

"You were the last person he was seen with," she continued, watching for another reaction. None came. 

"Why would a man with no criminal history, no history of really anything, have business with you?"

At that, Wen glanced up. Thinking she struck a nerve, Officer Rowan continued, "I have it on good authority you were spotted together less than a week ago, and now he's missing. Whatever you did to him, I'll find it."

Wen Ro glanced down at the photograph, then slowly back up. "Officer," he said, low voice chilling the room, "I meet many people in my line of work, and I don't remember most of them. I have no information on this man's whereabouts."

"I find that hard to believe. This will be much easier for you if you tell me what you know."

"Am I being charged with something?"

"Not yet," Officer Rowan snapped, "but when I find-"

Wen Ro stood, brushing off his already impeccable suit, "In that case, I must be going."

"Wait-"

"Are you detaining me?"

"No, but-"

"I'll see myself out, then. Any further interviews will be arranged through my lawyer."

Officer Rowan sat in stunned silence, watching as the one lead she had strode out. After a few seconds, she sprung up.

"I'm following him," she growled, brushing past the chief, who made no move to stop her.

The night was ice cold despite the heavy coat Officer Rowan had grabbed on her way out of the station. She had followed Wen Ro until his chauffeur dropped him and two bodyguards off at a seemingly abandoned warehouse, where she followed timidly on foot. Hiding behind an empty crate, she was just close enough to see a tattooed-covered man approach.

At once, Wen's collected persona crumbled. "Caid, have you found him?" he asked, his voice edging on frantic.

The man shook his head, "We know nothing more than before you left."

Wen ran a hand through his hair, sticking it in multiple directions.

"Come with me," the man suggested, putting a hand on Wen's shoulder, "Let's get some tea and take a moment to relax."

Wen instantly pulled his shoulder away from the man, pushing both hands into his hair, "No! We have to find him, NOW."

"I have every man looking for him. As you ordered, we've ceased all operations. No one is doing anything besides searching for him."

"Well, do it faster!" Wen snapped before dropping his hands from his head as his shoulders sagged, "Please," he said, voice softening into a plea, "you have to find him."