1.Bennet
ISA
My cell phone rings. The Inspector’s name flashes on the screen. I answer.
"Bennett, we have a murder. Get to the rink as soon as possible," his voice is tight and urgent.
"Yes, I’m on my way," I reply, feeling a familiar surge of tension rise within me. Every time I think I have a moment of peace, they find a way to drag me back in. I hang up, breathing in deeply as I walk toward my car. The steps feel heavier than they should. A murder. And right in the heart of the hockey world.
I start the engine and drive, my thoughts running wild. What could it be this time? A fight, an accident, or something worse?
When I arrive at the rink, the blue lights of the police cars paint the scene in a cold glow. Officers are scattered around, but the place is strangely quiet. I approach Detective Jackson, who’s standing near the entrance, his face set in that grim expression I know too well.
“Bennett, you’re here. Good,” he says, motioning me to follow him. “We’ve got an incident. Don’t know the details yet. It’s bad. You need to speak to forensics.”
“Any specifics?” I ask, my pulse quickening.
“Not yet. Victim’s still inside the locker room. We’re holding off until you get here,” he replies. “We think it’s something to do with the team. Someone's not talking.”
I nod, the sense of unease growing stronger. The world of professional hockey has always had its secrets, but a crime here? It’s a new level of dangerous.
I follow Jackson into the locker room, where the forensic team is already at work. The room is dimly lit, and the hum of equipment fills the air. I can see the team’s gear scattered around, untouched. But there’s an edge to everything—the air feels thicker, charged with anticipation.
“Anything?” I ask one of the forensic officers as I look around.
“Nothing we can confirm yet. But this whole setup… feels wrong,” the officer replies, his eyes scanning the room. “We’re still piecing it together.”
I take in the details—the scattered sticks, the jerseys lying around, the eerie stillness of the place. Something is off. But for now, I need to focus. I need answers, no matter how much this world of hockey might try to hide them.
