Chapter 6

　　"Mom! I am leaving!" 

　　"Alice! Do not forget your sandwich I made for you. It is on the table!" She yells from her room while getting ready to run an errand. 

　　"Yes, mom! Thank you, and I love you!" And that is how I start each day with my mom. It is wonderful, and it feels like I am just living a normal life. Well, I call my life normal because I have achieved my dreams and will not help those who are in danger. But when things went ferocious and problematic, that is when it became difficult for us to consider living a normal life. 

　　My mom packed my breakfast and my healthy lunch for me not to collapse again. I am sure that she is sick worried about me. If she could go to my department and be there to watch me, she could. But even I am saying those things, I still think about what happened to me when I collapsed in my office. It feels new to me, given that I have not done so much work yet to make me tired. Am I thinking of something else? Or are some thoughts trying to get inside my head? 

　　As I was driving to the department, I saw Detective Alex walking on the sidewalk. I decided to stop over and offer him a ride. 

　　"Detective Alex! Good morning! Are you also going to the department?" I asked after opening my window.

　　"Oh! Detective Alice, right? Good morning as well! Yes, I am on my way to the office."

　　"I see. Since we are at the same destination, I can give you a ride." I politely offered. And again, that is new to me.

　　"Oh, thank you, Alice!" Detective Alex entered my car with his bag and his lunch bag. 

　　"So Detective Alex, if you don't mind, why are you walking? Are you near our department?" I asked while driving slowly and carefully. 

　　"Actually, the taxi I had earlier had to repair the flat tire, so I decided to walk since it is just a few kilometers away. You know, just think of it as an exercise." He chuckled as he said that—what a morning for Detective Alex. 

　　"I guess your mom packed your lunch again." He asked.

　　"Oh, that. Yes, my mom packed me a sandwich for my quick breakfast and my lunch, of course. She became extra caring after she knew I collapsed in my office." I responded. 

　　"For sure, your mom really cares for you." He smilingly said while looking at the road. 

　　"She is indeed the sweetest." 

　　When we reached the Verano Police Department, Detective Alex received a call while we were walking at the entrance. 

　　"Thank you for the ride, Alice...oh hold on, please excuse me." He answered the call. 

　　"Good day, Chief Rylan. This is Detective Alex speaking...yes, I am on my way inside the department. Okay, this is noted, Sir." 

　　"Chief Rylan just called. I think it is an important matter. Let us make a hurry." He said as we were approaching the entrance of the department. 

　　Before we entered the main office, I saw the other officers inside, and it seemed to be a serious matter. Maybe we are going to handle a case, which is for sure. 

　　"I had to conduct this meeting this early to inform you all that we will handle a case. A murder case, for your information." 

　　When I heard that from Chief Rylan, I had mixed emotions inside me because I am glad that I am able to show what I am capable of, but at the same time, I am downhearted to know that there is such a case we have to solve. 

　　"Detective Alice, you will be temporarily assigned to Team 3 since they will be the officers in charge of the case. And to everyone here, make sure to utilize every source you have with you. Now, Alice and Team 3, please come to my office." Chief Rylan delegated the tasks quickly in a practical manner. 

　　When we entered the office of Chief Rylan, he handed us files and asked us to review each paper inside the folder. He was not kidding when he said "murder case." 

　　"So, as I have said earlier, your Team will be assigned to this case together with Detective Alice. To start that, our department just received a phone call this morning and reported a murder that happened in Tony District. Of course, there is still no suspect, and that is the reason why we are handling this case, finding the suspect. Before I dismiss you all and send you to the crime scene, let me remind you to pay attention to detail, especially you, Detective Alice, since this is going to be your first time handling a murder case. As much as possible, look for everything we can use as a piece of evidence. Can you all do that?" 

　　"Yes, Sir!" 

　　"Okay, good. Detective Eric, I will send you the address; the rest will prepare the equipment needed for the investigation. The other officers are on their way there. Make sure to be there on time."

　　I can now see how the Verano Police Department responds to injustices and unjust acts. I am relieved by how fast they act and how dedicated they are to solving such cases. I am confident that I will learn a lot from these people. 

　　"Detective Eric, make sure to keep an eye on Detective Alice as well. This case will be part of the evaluation." Chief Rylan reminded Detective Eric while preparing. 

　　"That is noted, Sir. But regarding the case, may I know who reported the scene?" Detective Eric asked. 

　　"You will know when you arrive there. But one thing for sure, something is not right." Chief Rylan responded as they are headed back to the car patrol. 

　　"Are you nervous?" Detective Alex asked me while we were in the backseat and on our way to the crime scene. 

　　"It is weird to say that I am excited for this because solving such a murder case is not fun at all. But this case will show everyone my capabilities as a detective and that I deserve a spot in your Team." Well, as I say those words, my voice is somewhat shaking. I can tell that. But yes, I meant all those words.