Case 1, Part 1: Deal with businessmen

"So, I am handling the case of the infamous Nolan Lochlainn, CEO of Ponsford Corporation. I don't get it. I'm a rookie. Why would they assign me a case of such importance? He probably has an obnoxious personality or something. I better watch out."

As soon as he Pierce got out of his office, he heard the Chief's voice calling out to him. The Chief greeted Pierce and said, "Mr. Williams, this case is of utmost importance. I even sent my best detective there but it seems like the theif didn't leave any trace at all. Moreover, there are no solid suspects! You are our last hope and it's okay if you cannot solve it either. Looks like we have to just drop this case." Pierce lightly patted the Cheif's shoulder,  "Rest assured. That will not happen." After thinking a while he continued, "May  I speak to your 'best detective'?"

Oh Seong Yoon was a well known detective. He was a foreigner but he still adapted here extremely well. And for the 'best' detective to fail to solve something as trivial as theft scarred him.

"Mr. Oh can I come in?"  "Hm."  "May I ask a few questions?"  "About the Ponsford case? Sure."  "The Chief said that there is close to no suspects in this case-"  "It is true. I have suspected the company they were in a deal with but it seems like they are also facing a huge loss."  "Any extra details?"  "I'm afraid not. The CCTV was busted, there were no security guards and even Mr. Lochlainn himself don't know who to suspect."  "It could be a robbery from one of the 'street mafias'."  "That is what I was thinking as well. But finding them and even trying to arrest them will be a nuisance. A huge one I may add..... I'm not joking it could get us killed."  "I see."  Pierce slowly got up from the chair and shook Seong Yoon's hand.  "Thank you for your co-operation."  "The pleasure is mine."

As Pierce was opening the door to leave, Seong Yoon called him and said, "If you want somewhere to vent off, my door is open for you." Pierce chuckled slightly and said, "I appreciate the offer but may I ask why? I am a complete stranger to you." "Your family holds a endearing memory for me. I have a feeling that you will too."  "You are confusing but it gives some food to my brain..... hmmm.. I'll see if I ever decide to vent off." Pierce then smiled faintly and left the room.

Pierce decided to go and interview the CEO himself. He took his files and stuffed them in his backpack. As he got closer to the main gate he started hearing shouts from many people. Then he saw the Chief facing people who looked like businesspeople. The Chief tried to calm the raging crowd down. This angered the people even more.

"What about us?! The money that was stolen was our salary!" "Are we going to starve while you chickens stay cooped up in here?!" "No way!"

Pierce walked past the Chief and ordered, "Move." "Why?! Do us common people mean nothing to you?!" "They do and that is why I'm telling you to move." "Even Oh Seong Yoon couldn't do anything! What makes you think you can?!" "What a nuisance."

Pierce then did something that earned him scared gasps from the crowd. He pulled out his gun, loaded it and aimed it towards the people. He started speaking again, still keeping his poker face, "Then I can give you two options: The first one is that one of you will go and bring the culprit yourself. And the other is that you let me through." "And if we don't-" "I will shoot. It's as simple as that." Pierce smirked seeing the shocked faces of the people." "Use your brains. Either you have to solve it or I will. One way or the other the theif needs to be caught. You are just wasting time."

He stepped forward and shoved one person. The others scuttled away in fear. Pierce adjusted his suit and said in a satisfied tone, "That's more like it."

After a few hours he reached the business firm. "A notorious firm like Ponsford has thieves lurking around as well. Eh, that is not too surprising."

After he reached the CEO'S room he observed Nolan for a bit. His suit was was all ruffled up, his hair was messy and dark circles were starting to form under his eyes. One thing that Pierce found unsettling was that his expression was somewhat unreadable. It felt like no one knows what he is thinking.

Nolan looked up and said in a tired voice, "Oh, you are the last one? I hope to God some kinda miracle happens and whatever. There's no hope after all." Pierce took a seat and sat on the other side of Nolan's table. Then Pierce placed his elbow on the table and rested his jaw on his palm.

"Mr. Lochlainn, I will only ask you a few questions."  "Ask away, ask away."  "You are quite an impatient one, aren't you?" "Whatever. What-"  "Alright, alright. Why did you never bother to hire a security guard?"  "I was an idiot, okay? This is my worthless father's firm and I became suddenly responsible for taking care of it."  "How much money is missing?" "A hundred thousand dollars." Pierce's eyes widened when he heard the amount but immediately regained composure."

"That is quite an am-"  "I know or else I would not have called the department!" Pierce gritted his teeth as he tried to control his temper. "I request you to stop interrupting me."  "You are a beginner detective and yet you're looking down on me. Who do you think you are you entitled brat?" "Eh, you revealed my identity already."  "Huh?"  "I'm nothing more than an entitled brat."

Pierce got up and adjusted his black silk tie. Then he slammed his hand on the table and pointed his finger towards Nolan. "Watch your tongue. It's an order." "YOU-"

And Nolan was interrupted by the sound of the door.

Pierce was walking through the hallway when he was stopped by a female employee. She asked Pierce, "Did you talk with the CEO?" Pierce muttered, "Nah, I just danced with him." "Come again?" "I did and his words are dancing in my head. Ah..... if it's not a problem, can I ask you some questions?" "Sure!" "This company was undergoing a deal with another company, right?"  "Yeah. And let me tell you, those crooks are behind all th-" "How can you tell?"  "Think about it! C'mon you're a detective, no?"  "That is why I don't jump to conclusions."  "Maybe this piece of information will change your perspective."  "I'm listening."  "The company we're in a deal with is at the top of the power chain and very wealthy. They probably bribed your 'Sir' and that is exactly why Seong Yoon couldn't do anything."  "Ok. It was nice meeting you."  "Same here. Do-"  And Pierce was out of her sight.

Pierce ran a hand through his navy bluish hair and sighed in frustration. "That CEO was lying. His expression didn't seem settling, he touched around his mouth a lot, he was fidgeting and speaking in a defensive voice. The other one is a complete bragger. F**k etiquette. Really. I need to tour this building myself."

This time Pierce left his coat, ID, hat and backpack in his car. He strolled around the building wearing a plain white shirt, black tie and black pants. It looked like he was no more than an ordinary employee.

He took out a small notebook from his pocket and noted down each and every detail in the building. It seemed like the company was in a poor condition inside. He was sure that the company was on the verge of bankruptcy before the theft.

He stopped in his tracks when he noticed shadow cast from one of the many abandoned rooms. He took out a gun from his pocket and slowly approached the room.

He has found his last puzzle piece. All is left to do is to capture it.