chapter 2
I enter the DCI’s office.
DCI: “David, you should knock before entering.”
David: “Cut it out and get to the point. Why did you call
me?”
DCI: “As if you don’t already know. Well, I called you here because I want to tell you something. I’m taking you off this case.”
David: “Uh, what?”
DCI: “David, you have the highest number of unsolved cases here. I’m assigning you another case. It’s related to an accident. Solve it quickly and close the case.”
He paused for a moment.
DCI: “As for the murder case that came in this morning, the person in charge will be Daniel.”
David: “Uh… Daniel? How can he take this case? He’s from another department too!”
DCI Arthur: “He has been transferred here, and from now on, he’s in charge of this case.”
He paused before continuing.
DCI Arthur: “And one more thing. Don’t start fighting with each other again. You two had a huge argument last time. Weren’t you supposed to be friends? You’ve known each other since high school.”
David: “He doesn’t even consider me his friend. If he doesn’t provoke me, I won’t do anything either.”
DCI Arthur: “Yeah, yeah, whatever. You can go now. You’re dismissed.”
David: “Yes, sir.”
It’s been a long time since I last saw Daniel. I wonder how he’s changed.
Lost in my thoughts, I opened the office door to leave. Just then, Daniel opened it from the other side.
He looked at me, and I looked at him.
For a moment, complete silence filled the room.
Then Daniel spoke.
Daniel: “Long time no see, David.”
David: “Hm.”
I walked out of the room without saying anything else.
Daniel entered the office and turned towards DCI Arthur.
DCI Arthur: “Come in, Daniel.”
Daniel greeted him and walked over to a chair before sitting down.
They began discussing the case and Daniel’s new role in the department.
David walked towards his office, but his mind was still occupied with thoughts of Daniel.
Suddenly, a few memories from the past came rushing back to him.
Flashback — School Days
I was lying on a bench with a book covering my face, relaxing, when I heard someone approaching.
It was Daniel.
Daniel: “Dav, what are you doing here? We have class! I’ve been looking for you for ages.”
David: “Yeah, yeah, I know. I’m coming.”
Daniel grabbed my hand, pulled me up, and said,
Daniel: “Come on, let’s go!”
Just then, a memory of our last argument came back to me.
Daniel: “Yeah, I know! I know everything about you! Do you even know what I’ve done for you? But you only care about yourself! Just get lost!”
We had argued badly that day. I remembered how we had both said hurtful things to each other and even gotten into a fight.
I was still lost in those memories when someone suddenly called out to me.
Ava: “Detective!”
I flinched and turned towards her.
Ava: “I’ve been calling you for a while. Are you all right?”
David: “Sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.”
Ava: “Sir Arthur asked me to give you this file.”
I took the file from Ava and headed towards my office. Once I reached my desk, I sat down and opened it. It was the report on the car accident case DCI Arthur had told me about earlier.
The Car Accident Report
According to the report, a man named Richer had died in a car accident. He was a well-known businessman, a married man with one child.
The cause of death was believed to be brake failure. However, it had not yet been confirmed whether the accident was caused by a technical fault or something else. That was why the case was still under investigation.
I was still reading the report when someone entered my office.
It was Daniel.
He walked in and took a seat across from me.
Daniel: Arthur asked me to get the details of the case from you.
I looked up at him, then called Henry into my office.
David: Henry, give Daniel all the details of the case we received this morning. He’s in charge of it now.
Henry: Oh... so you’re not handling this case anymore?
David: No. Give Daniel the details, then meet me in the parking lot. We have another crime scene to visit.
Henry: Another one? Alright, sir.
I glanced at Daniel. He was already looking at me, but he didn’t say anything.
Neither did I.
I left the office and headed towards the parking lot.
A few minutes later, Henry joined me.
Henry: So, where are we going?
David: I’ve been assigned Richer’s car accident case. We’re going to the scene of the accident.
Henry: Oh, right. That case.
We both got into the car.
As we drove away, Henry glanced at me.
Henry: David, you and Daniel don’t really talk anymore, do you?
David: Hmm.
Henry: I see...
The conversation ended there.
After a while, we finally arrived at the scene
After we arrived at the scene, Henry looked around.
Henry: This place is quite deserted. Not many people pass through here.
David: Yeah... Let’s check the area.
Henry and I began examining the scene.
The car had crashed into a tree and caught fire. I walked closer and looked inside. Almost everything had been burned.
As I was examining the car, a police officer approached me. He was the one who had been investigating the case.
Police Officer: Hi. Nice to meet you. I’m Robert. I’ve been investigating this case. I was told someone would be coming to take over. Is that you?
David: Yes. I’m David.
Robert: Right. Well, it seems to be an accident. The brakes failed, and the car crashed. We didn’t find anything else unusual. We also spoke to his family, but nothing seemed suspicious.
He paused for a moment before continuing.
Robert: But there is one thing we found that doesn’t quite make sense. We discovered a memory card inside the car. It contained a recording. I think you should listen to it.
I looked at him with interest.
David: Show me.
Robert took out the memory card and played the recording for me.
The recording began to play.
Richer: Yeah, I’m on my way.
A woman’s voice followed.
Woman: Are you bringing the diamonds with you too? We were supposed to leave today.
Richer: No, I haven’t brought it yet.
The recording ended.
Robert: He was going to meet someone, and he had a diamonds with him. We haven’t told his wife about the recording yet. She was busy with the funeral.
David: Was the funeral today?
Robert: It should be happening right now.
David: Alright. Send me the recording and his family’s address. I’ll go and speak to them.
I gave Robert my number. After he sent me the details, Henry and I got back into the car.
We drove to Richer’s house. A little while later, we arrived.
Henry looked towards the house.
Henry: David, that must be his wife and daughter.
We walked over to them.
Henry: Hello. I’m Henry, and this is Detective David. We’ll be handling your husband’s case from now on.
Richer’s Wife: I’m Natasha. It’s nice to meet you both.
David: I’m sorry for your loss.
She nodded sadly.
Natasha: Thank you.
David: Would you mind speaking with us somewhere more private?
Natasha: Of course.
Henry took the little girl aside while I spoke with Natasha.
David: Before the accident, your husband was planning to meet someone. Do you know anything about that?
Natasha: He told me he had some work to take care of.
I took out my phone and played the recording for her.
As soon as she heard the woman’s voice, her expression changed.
Natasha: Who is that woman? Was he going to meet her? Was he cheating on me?and diamonds? did you find them?
I watched her closely, paying attention to her body language and facial expressions.
David: I don’t know yet. But from what we’ve heard, it seems your husband may have had a mistress. They might have been planning to leave together.we don't find them yet.
Natasha became visibly emotional.
Natasha: Is there anything else you need to know? My guests are waiting for me.
David: No, that’s all for now. Take your time. We’ll speak again soon.
I left her and walked over to Henry and the little girl.
I crouched slightly to meet the girl’s eyes.
David: What’s your name?
Girl: Ava.
David: Oh, Ava. That’s a lovely doll you have there. Can I take a look?
She handed it to me.
I examined the doll for a moment before looking back at her.
David: Who gave you this doll, Ava?
Ava: Daddy did.
David: Okay. Thank you, Ava.
I returned the doll to her. Then Henry and I left the house.
It was getting late, so Henry dropped me off at home.
Once inside, I made myself some noodles and green tea. After eating, I lay down on my bed.
My thoughts drifted back to Daniel.
I’d have to see him again tomorrow. Should I talk to him, or should I keep avoiding him?
I still didn’t understand why he’d been transferred to our department in the first place.
I kept thinking about it until sleep finally took over.
The next morning, I woke up to the sound of my alarm.
After getting ready and having breakfast, I headed to the bus stop. A little while later, I arrived at work.
As I was walking towards my office, Daniel came out of his.
We looked at each other for a moment but said nothing. Then we walked past each other and continued on our way.
When I reached my office, I found Henry waiting for me.
Henry: David, you’re here. You need to see this.
I walked over to him. He was looking at something on his computer.
David: What is it?
Henry turned the screen towards me. It showed the details of Richer’s bank account and the money that had recently been transferred into it.
Henry: Look at this. One million dollars was transferred into his account just a week before the accident.
I studied the details for a moment. Then a slight smirk appeared on my face.
David: We should pay a visit to his casino.
Henry nodded.
Henry: I agree. The money was transferred from one of his own businesses, but we still need to find out why.
I kept looking at the screen, thinking about the sudden transfer.
One million dollars. Just a week before his death.
Something wasn’t adding up.
Henry and I headed to the casino.
About half an hour later, we arrived. As soon as we entered, two guards stepped in front of us.
Guard: Do you have VIP cards? You can’t enter without them.
Henry: We’re detectives. We’re here to investigate a case.
But the guards refused to let us pass.
Just then, a man nearby noticed us and walked over.
Man: Is there a problem? What brings you here?
Henry: We’re investigating Richer’s car accident.
The man looked at us for a moment.
Man: I’m sorry, detectives, but this place no longer belongs to Richer. He transferred ownership to Mr. Noman just a week ago.
Henry and I exchanged a glance before heading back to our car.
Once we were inside, Henry turned towards me.
Henry: He transferred the casino just a week ago. Maybe he was planning to run away with the woman from the recording. Perhaps the accident happened before he could leave.
David: Hmm. You might be right, but there are still too many unanswered questions.
We returned to the station. When we arrived, we learned that a woman who knew Richer had come in to speak with us.
She was waiting in the interrogation room.
Henry and I entered and sat down across from her.
Henry: What’s your name?
Woman: Archan.
Henry: Hello, Archan. What’s your relationship with Richer?
Archan: I was his girlfriend.
Henry and I exchanged surprised glances.
After a moment, Henry played the recording for her.
Henry: Is this your voice?
Archan: Yes. Richer was supposed to meet me that day, but he never showed up.
Henry: What were you talking about when you mentioned the diamonds? Were you planning to go somewhere together?
Archan: Yes. We were supposed to leave together, but he never came. He had sent some of his business belongings ahead of time and had bought the diamonds.
She paused before looking at us.
Archan: Did you find the diamonds?
I leaned forward slightly.
David: So, is that why you’re here? To find out whether we’ve recovered the diamonds?
Archan: No. I came here to cooperate with the investigation.
David: After all this time?
Archan: I was scared before. I didn’t know what to do.
I studied her expression for a moment.
David: Did anyone else know about the diamonds?
Archan hesitated before answering.
Archan: I’m not sure. Maybe someone did. I really don’t know.
Henry: “All right. Thank you for your cooperation.”
Henry and I leave the room. As we walk down the hallway, Henry turns to me.
Henry: “Archan is practically right in front of us now. That alone clears up quite a few things. One thing is certain, though—Richer was preparing to go somewhere else.”
David: “Not yet. There are still a few things that don’t add up, especially when it comes to Richer’s wife.”
Henry: “Is there something you know that I don’t?”
David: “No, not so far.”
Henry narrows his eyes at me suspiciously.
Henry: “You’re lying through your teeth, aren’t you?”
David: “Of course not. Come on, we should go and talk to Richer’s wife.”
Henry: “All right.”
Henry and I head to Richer’s house. After a short drive, we arrive, and his wife welcomes us inside. We settle down in the living room, and she looks at us curiously.
Richer’s Wife: “What brings you gentlemen here?”
Henry: “We need to clear up a few things.”
Richer’s Wife: “Of course. Go ahead.”
David: “Your husband’s mistress came to our office today.”
Richer’s Wife: “What?! She came to your office? Who was she? What did she say? Does she know where the diamonds are?”
David: “No. She has no idea where they are.”
Richer’s Wife: “Oh…”
I watch her reaction carefully before asking my next question.
David: “By the way, did you ever find the earring you lost at the funeral? It was quite expensive, wasn’t it?”
Richer’s Wife: “What earring?”
David: “You were wearing a pair of earrings at the funeral, weren’t you?”
Richer’s Wife: “Oh! Yes, I remember now. I wasn’t feeling well that day, so I probably didn’t notice when it went missing. I wore those earrings that day, but unfortunately, I must have lost one somewhere.”
David: “Oh, I see.”
Henry: “Did you know anything about the diamonds beforehand?”
Henry is still questioning Richer’s wife when my phone suddenly rings. I answer the call and begin listening carefully.
David: “Have you found the diamonds?”
I pause for a moment as the person on the other end gives me the information I’ve been waiting for.
David: “Oh, so they’re in the locker in Mr. Richer’s casino office? All right. Understood.”
I end the call and turn to Henry.
David: “We need to go somewhere. Come on.”
Henry and I leave the house and get into our car. As I start driving, Henry turns toward me, looking curious and slightly confused.
Henry: “Did you find the diamonds? And where exactly are we going?”
David: “To the casino.”
Henry: “But you just said we had somewhere else to go.”
David: “I did. Actually, I called a member of the forensic team. Remember the earring we found in Richer’s car? I sent it to the lab for DNA testing.”
Henry: “And?”
David: “It belongs to Natasha.”
Henry: “So? She was his wife. She could have been sitting in his car at some point and dropped it accidentally.”
David: “That’s exactly why I questioned Natasha about the earring. During our conversation, she admitted that she had worn it on the day of the funeral.”
Henry: “Hmm. All right. But what does that prove?”
David: “You’ll find out soon enough.”
A few minutes later, we arrive at the casino and park our car a short distance away from the entrance.
Henry looks around before turning to me.
Henry: “All right, David. What exactly are we doing here? And why did you lie to Natasha about the diamonds when we were at her house?”
David: “Everything will become clear soon. For now, there’s just one thing we need to do.”
Henry: “And what’s that?”
David: “Wait.”
Henry: “Wait? For whom?”
David: “You’ll see.”
We remain inside the car, keeping our eyes fixed on the casino entrance.
About thirty minutes later, a familiar figure finally appears.
It’s Richer’s wife.
She walks toward the entrance and approaches the security guards.
Richer’s Wife: “I’m Mrs. Natasha Richer, the wife of the casino’s former owner. My husband left something here, and I’ve come to collect it. Please speak to the current owner and let me inside.”
One of the guards hesitates, unsure whether to let her pass.
Just then, Henry and I step out of our car and walk toward her.
David: “Hello, Mrs. Natasha.”
She turns around.
The moment she sees us, her expression changes. Her eyes widen, and she freezes in place, clearly caught off guard by our unexpected appearance.
Natasha: “You two? What are you doing here?”
I take a step closer, keeping my gaze fixed on her.
David: “That’s exactly what I’d like to ask you, Mrs. Natasha.”
I pause, watching her growing unease.
David: “Tell me something. Why are you really here?”
She opens her mouth to respond, but before she can say a word, I deliver the question I’ve been waiting to ask.
David: “You were the one who killed Mr. Richer, weren’t you?”
