2025-01-03 02:21:40Manchester trudged through through front door of the police station, his 1-year-old was strapped securely on his hips. It was the first time bringing his child to work and he was already running late because of all the preparations.
He had tried calling Mel again numerous times forgetting that she had blocked him, even on a social media account Manchester couldn't reach her. He sent a long apologetic message to her email, and one to his mother-in-law's phone, hoping that she might read them and have a change of heart. He also drove to her parent's house that same evening since he suspected her to be there, but they asked him to leave, stating that Mel did not have any business with him. She did not come out to see him and he wasn't allowed to go in and see her. Manchester lost his mind, he was unable to sleep throughout the night, and caring for a one-year-old was not an easy task. The constant crying wasn't something he's used to, plus they didn't even help him to know what the baby wanted. Feeding him was war, and getting him to take a nap was another battle entirely, is it no surprise that he was late today? He set Nelson down in his stroller at the entrance, and as he walked through to his office, his colleagues cast sympathetic glances at him all while whispering behind his back. He made his way to the desk but couldn't help feeling a sense of unease. He knew they weren't staring at him because of his son, in fact, none of them even walked up to him and Nelson or touched his cheeks like normal People would do to babies, so felt that there was something wrong, but he couldn't tell what. He let the toddler gaze around the office while booting up his computer, there is nothing more he wanted in the world than to crack the case and get some reasonable amount of money from it, but these were one of those cases that appears unsolvable. Just as Manchester started to get settled, his boss stormed into his office looking like a thundercloud, seeing the old man's face this way, Manchester knew that he had gotten into some sort of trouble, and who knows what it was this time? "I'll just ignore the fact that you came late to work, and tried to cover it up by bringing your son along with you. I am not a fool Mr. Manchester." His boss barked, his furious gaze shifted over to Nelson, the innocent boy playing with the toy hanging from his stroller and then back to Arsenal. "I am sorry sir, it's complicated, but I can assure you that it wasn't intentional." Arsenal tried to defend himself, if only his boss could see how tired his eyes were. "Just save it," Captain Lewis snapped, "That's not the reason why I am here. Mr. Manchester, I appreciate you coming to work today... with your toddler, but I'm afraid I have no choice but to let you go." Manchester felt his heart sink, "What, why?" He asked, standing up Immediately and staring at his boss in confusion. "It's come to my attention that you have been investigating a case on your own without clearance or authorisation." Captain Lewis replied, his eyes narrowing. "You have been warned about this before and it wasn't too long ago, your colleague at the time got fired and I expected you to learn from it, but you didn't. You can't just keep doing these things and expect to get away with it." Manchester's face fell, it is true that he has been investigating a case on his own, it wasn't the first and it wasn't even the third time. He made ten times more money from these cases, especially because they were connected to larger conspiracies. He has broken a protocol and this was the price he had to pay, but what Captain Lewis said next left Manchester speechless. "I have eyes everywhere, and I am happy that John was trustworthy enough to tell me the truth." "Sir," Manchester wanted to say something but held back, John had brought the investigation to him and asked him to work on it. If it's successful, they would share the profit. So to hear that it was John who reported him, made Manchester's skin crawl. He knew that Captain Lewis wouldn't believe him if he said that John was also involved, but would he let someone betray like that and get away with it? "Sir ... I... "Spare me the explanations, Manchester, I will not waste my time listening to them, just go home. I will employ your replacement immediately. " With that, Captain Lewis stormed out of the office, leaving Manchester alone, devastated and confused. He knew for sure that this was the end for him, these would surely show up on his records making it impossible for him to find another detective job. He just didn't know why his world world chose to fall apart on the first week of the new year, losing his wife and now his job, he certainly needed to wake up from this nightmare. He ran his fingers through his hair not knowing what to do from here, he finally understood why his colleagues stared at him that way, because the captain was fond of announcing his decision to fire an employee even before the person finds out. Manchester's replacement arrived in less than an hour and he had no choice but to hand over the office and all the cases that he was working on to the new detective. He did not bother begging Captain Lewis again because the man gave him no listening ears. So he left the police station with a heavy heart, wishing that the earth beneath him would give way, because what more was there to live without his family and without a job to sustain a family? On his way home, Manchester's mind was so consumed by thoughts of his termination that he didn't notice the red light ahead and missed the car that stopped in front of him. The sound of screeching tyres and crunching metal jolted him back to reality. "No no!" He exclaimed, but it was too late. His head snapped forward, and his forehead hit the steering wheel just before everything went dark.
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I-Mode: Becoming A Famous Detective With A System 3. I- almost killed my son
Manchester lay in the hospital bed, his body aching from the incident. He had been lucky to escape with only minor injuries but his mind was consumed by the worry of his one-year-old son Nelson. The second his eyes shot open, his heart skipped a beat, knowing that he was involved in a car accident and his son was strapped behind on a child's seat. "Nelson?" He muttered and ignored the tubes that were connected to him, he pulled them out forcefully and made his way out of the ward, fear and worry etched all over his face. "Sir you shouldn't be out here," a nurse tried to get his attention and hopefully get him back to the ward, but Manchester couldn't be stopped. "Where is my son?" He asked, limping his way from one ward to the other and stealing a glance at the window "Where is my son, Nelson?" He called out, forgetting that the baby couldn't speak and wouldn't respond. "Nelson?" "Sir, I am very sure that your baby is fine, he should be somewhere in the pediatric ward. If only
I-Mode: Becoming A Famous Detective With A System 4. I- took expired pills
Manchester felt as if he had been punched in the guts, he couldn't believe what he had just heard. Mel, the mother of his child, the woman that he had shared his life with had moved on so quickly and was even engaged to someone else without getting a proper divorce. Something wasn't right, it was either all of these had been going on behind his back, or Mel was just lying to keep him away for a reason that he was yet to understand. "What did I do wrong?" He really couldn't get an answer, he wasn't the poorest man, especially when compared with a lot of people he had seen in the city. Manchester was living very comfortably and he was quite the provider no matter how hard things got. If there was anything he could point out that Mel disliked about him then it was his temper, getting very agitated could be a turn-off for a lot of women but he was working on that as well to save his marriage, only to end up losing it. It just didn’t make any sense and how she left as well wasn't addi
I-Mode: Becoming A Famous Detective With A System 5. I- pray this is not a dream
A few minutes passed and Manchester's eyes fluttered open, the room was still blurry and a wave of dizziness washed over him. He just lay down there staring at the kitchen ceiling that he could barely see, his mind reeling with thoughts."Am I dead or alive?" He remembered taking a pill to relieve himself, but at the moment he felt worse, his head hurt so much and he couldn't tell if he was hallucinating but a holographic screen flickered to life before his eyes.Manchester wasn't startled, he just closed his eyes and tried to relax, whatever that thing was he knew it wasn't something to worry about. But then all the incidents over the past two days flooded his mind and Manchester suddenly remembered why he had come back home in the first place.He sat up Immediately, holding his aching head and hoping that his vision was better. He could thank God now that he was alive and had learnt a valuable lesson about pills. But then again why was this holographic screen still in front of him?
I-Mode: Becoming A Famous Detective With A System 6. I- don't trust Atkinson
In a few minutes, Manchester arrived at Bellvue Manor, a grand estate nestled in the heart of the city in a simple vehicle similar to that of a police officer. His driver was also dressed in uniform making it appear as though it was official police business.Along the way, Manchester had gotten a couple of messages from what appeared to be a research team who were ready to support him through the investigation, and as weird as it may seem, Manchester played along.After speaking with the security guard at the entrance to the manor, Manchester was directed to the living room by a butler, and there he met the wealthy man who seemed to have been waiting for him. "Detective Duke," He exclaimed,"It's such a relief that you are here." The wealthy businessman man with a receding hairline stood on his feet, stretching his elderly hand for a handshake which Manchester received with a warm smile."How does he even know my name... ""Sit down." Mr. Richard Langley gestured to the couch that
I-Mode: Becoming A Famous Detective With A System 7. I- will tell you what I heard him say over the phone
Mr Richard Langley led Manchester to the security room and asked the butler to wait outside while the detective did his job. Manchester could see a glint of anxiety in the butler's eyes and he took a mental note of that. As a detective, all kinds of reactions were important to him. With the doors closed Manchester was faced with two large monitors hanging on the walls, a desk with a keyboard and mouse, along with two chairs. He sat down and Mr. Langley did the same, watching the young detective skillfully scroll through the visual images on the screen. //Transferring security footage via wireless network// //Transfer complete // // You may select footage Vid_123 // Manchester scrolled down the screen and as soon as he spotted the videos, he clicked on it. It was a two hours long footage so he put it on fast-forward until he spotted someone in it. This footage was from a surveillance camera in the garden, and it was ten minutes to the hour of theft, it captured someone lurking be
I-Mode: Becoming A Famous Detective With A System 8. I- begged him
"I still don't believe you," Manchester's voice echoed off the walls after listening to Emma's seemingly made-up explanation."This is all nonsense especially after you said that you didn't hear anything and now you are saying that Atkinson was speaking with someone about a business deal ... we will settle all this at the station.//Do you wish to arrest the suspects?//"Yes."// Sending in the team //Within a minute, a knock was heard on the door and Manchester opened it to let the team of three cops into the room, and he pointed the suspects out to them. Emma continued to beg, and swear that she was saying the truth while Atkinson willingly offered himself to be taken away."Don't worry Mr. Langley I will get to the bottom of this before the end of the day..."Please do," Mr. Richard Langley uttered before Manchester could finish speaking,"In the meantime, I'd search for something similar in case I don't find it today." "Very well," Manchester nodded before walking out of the roo
I-Mode: Becoming A Famous Detective With A System 9. I- know who it is
"When I was in the garden, I caught her listening to my conversation, and I had no choice but to tell her the truth. However, she was scared of getting into trouble too and wanted to tell Mr Langley. So... I threatened her... or rather I blackmailed her with something I'd rather not talk about if that's okay with you sir."Manchester shrugged, he couldn't care less about the blackmail."This is what I am going to do." He said,"You will remain detained until we find the necklace, since we have your phone coupled with what you just told me, this case would be easier to solve. If what you have just said is the truth, then the necklace must be in the manor somewhere."Manchester was about to leave the room when he remembered something and turned to ask him,"Is there anyone in the manor that you suspect? Someone that holds something against you enough to want to get you fired."Atkinson thought about this question for a while, but he shook his head when he couldn't think of anyone. "I
I-Mode: Becoming A Famous Detective With A System 10. I- am sorry sir
Back at the Bellvue Manor, Mr. Langley was anxiously anticipating Manchester's return. "Does he have answers, has he found the the thief?", these questions ran through his mind and it was impossible to sit down. "Ah, Mr. Detective," he exclaimed the second the butler ushered Manchester into the living room. Mr Langley couldn't help but notice that both Emma and Atkinson came in along with him, and he started to question if they were innocent all along, or perhaps they had come to confess. "Do you have answers?" He asked, "Please tell me that you have answers. My wife's plane would land in an hour, and I'd have to go pick her up soon, so if you don't have answers yet, you can leave it while I... "We have answers, Mr. Langley, " Manchester interjected, his tone was firm and certain. He felt that it was rude to cut the man off while he was still speaking, but knowing Mr Richard Langley's loquacious nature, it was for the best. "So?" Mr. Langley asked, still standing. "Well, sir." M
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56. I- watched take a step
With one interview after another, Manchester was finally able to get to the bottom of the case, at least lost of it. It turned out that what Alex did was entirely true, and every one them them knew the grandmaster made them such dirty tasks. But still, they had a hand in kidnapping and murdering the manager and must face the law. The consequences of their actions range from a life sentence to a death sentence. Through the Interrogation session, Manchester learned about how these four met and became friends even before they met the grandmasters. These four had a very dark history and robbed a few stores and restaurants on their own. They claimed that it was the only way they could survive at the time and that the only reason they gave in to working for the grandmaster was because he accommodated them in his home and promised to protect them. One thing that Manchester still didn't have an answer to is the restaurant owners were about. He couldn't help but wonder if these four
55. I- killed him.
"Okay, now that I am done drinking, and not getting drunk, I can deal with these ones," Manchester muttered, bracing himself for one of the longest Interrogation sessions he's going to have in a long time. Speaking with all four men individually and compiling their words to find out if they correlate seems like a lot of work, but he had two hours before it's six o'clock, so why not start now? "Alex," Manchester started with a smile, his eyes fixed on the young man who didn't believe he'd catch the others. "Let me start by saying, I did it! I caught your friends, all of them, in one piece. I don't just say things, I get them done." Alex sighed, his face fell with embarrassment; perhaps this was when the reality hit him in the face; he had been caught, and so were his friends. "Did you attack Hi n BYE on the evening of ... "Yes," Alex replied before Manchester could finish his words, "Yes, I did." Shocked by how quickly he responded, Manchester glanced at his partner, So
54. I- would rather be single forever.
They arrived at the station, and all three men were immediately detained; Manchester couldn't believe how quickly he completed this task. Even Sophia Patel's disappearance took longer than a case that appeared to be more difficult. "I can't believe it," Detective Jameson uttered. This is probably the hundredth time he had made that statement, and each time he did, Manchester smiled. "It's for the people," Manchester said, sipping from the bottle of wine that stood on the table separating him from Jameson. He's had quite a hectic day, from the court to fighting with Alex to catching the others. Overall, the entire police department detained twelve men, excluding the trio that Manchester was focused on finding. He immediately wanted to rush in for Interrogation, but Jameson pulled him from the shoulder and forced him to the cafeteria. Bought some bottles of wine, one for himself, one for Manchester and one extra. "Relax," he said, "Seventy per cent of the work is done; no need to
53. I- haven't fought like this in a while
With a deep breath, Manchester dashed into the grand hallway, the echo of gunfire behind him fading beneath the pounding of his own heartbeat. His mind was locked. Every inch of this place screamed luxury, from the paintings in gilded frames to the marble floors, even a chandelier. But Manchester knew could smell the criminal acts that purchased them all.// System Notification: Six remaining hostiles detected. Two on the ground floor and four in the basement.//“System, keep me updated. I don’t want any surprises.” Manchester muttered, bracing himself for the fight he was about to experience. He had faith in the system's strength, but at Level 1, he believed that most of his efforts would be required.As if in response to his statement, the system highlighted a figure moving around the corner just ahead, so Manchester lowered his body and silently advanced. The man stepped out with a silenced pistol, but Manchester was faster. He grabbed a bronze statue from a side table and slammed
52. I- will take all of them
"Number thirteen, Haven Crescent," Manchester muttered as he peeped through the partially rolled-down car window. His eyes glance at the apartment, and the house number that hung near the gate. The apartment was magnificent, simple and classic from the outside, it was obvious that whoever lived there wasn't struggling, and then it occurred to him that Alex had said that it wasn't their home. With a long sigh, Manchester rolled up the tinted glass and walked out of the car. He wasn't alone; two cops were with him, and there were four others on standby in case of emergency. Manchester tapped the doorbell sign on the gate and waited; the gateman, a man in a white shirt and pants, stepped out and asked. "Who are you looking for?" Manchester flashed his ID immediately and replied, "Detective Duke, I would love to speak with the house owner immediately. If he delays or declines, we have a permit to search the house and wouldn't hesitate to do so." At his words, the gateman sneered, s
51. I- fought with a suspect
“So can I,” Alex replied, the menacing grin on his face along with his messed-up brunette hair made him appear fierce, but Manchester wasn’t impressed. Before now, he was a well-trained military personnel, and the only reason he deviated into the investigation department was that Mel didn’t want to be married to him if he was going to constantly put his life at risk in the military.Manchester inched closer to Alex, his fist itching to release yet another punch, but he had to be careful to avoid killing him.“Why did you do it?” He asked, now standing only a few feet away from Alex.“I didn’t...“Lie!” Manchester cut him off and delivered yet another punch that Alex couldn’t dodge.“You are only this powerful because my hands aren’t free,” Alex yelled, groaning in pain as he tried to grab onto his hurting stomach.“If only I were free, you would have been dead by now.”“You are truly violent,” Manchester said and let out a broad smile. He found Alex’s words very useful and immediat
50. I- can do this all day and not be tired.
The same day, after dropping Valerie off at her parent's apartment, Manchester returned home with Nelson and stayed with him for a while, hitting long enough for the Nanny to show up so that he could leave. He couldn't help but worry about his child and what they might go through, he feared for his safety and wished he could shield him from all this drama. If only Mel had not left him the way she did, if only she hadn't gone to be with Cain behind his back, he wouldn't be trapped I'm this mess. In the end, he is grateful for the system, because it has given him a glimpse of hope, he doesn't care what else wants to happen, because as long as he completes his task, he will be rewarded and he will be wealthy in no time. As soon as the Nanny showed up, Manchester left without any trouble. The good thing about Nelson is that he gets familiar with anyone who takes care of him very quickly, so even in his father's absence, he's comfortable in the hands of another person. It took nearly
49. I- want the result to favour me
"Manchester!" Valerie snapped. "I think a peaceful negotiation with him might be a lot better. You could lose everything if you chose to fight with him. I don't mean this in a bad way but you can not match up with him in that level even if you know the law." Manchester's face fell, her words hurt but she was right, he wasn't as wealthy as Cain, nor as powerful. But he wasn't going to fold his arm and do nothing about it, and he also wasn't going to waste his time negotiating with a man who didn't seem interested. "I'm sorry," Valerie apologised, wishing that she never let those words off her lips. It isn't her intention to mock anyone of lower status and it has never been. "You are right," Manchester replied, "I can not match up to him, but at least I can keep my son safe, even if it is the last thing I do. Please, Valerie, I will hire a nanny, two nannies if you want me to, they'll take care of him while he's with you. You don't have to lift a finger, I just don't want him to b
48. I- am going to do this the hard way.
After the samples from Manchester and Cain were taken, the young detective left immediately along with Valerie and Nelson. Valerie had a driver, but she asked him to go back, stating that Manchester would drop her back home after everything was complete. But the true reason she waited behind was because of what that mysterious lady had told her about this case. She just couldn't get it off her mind and needed to communicate it with Manchester, but not in front of all these people."Thank you so much Valerie for waiting, I'm sure you had a lot of things to do today that you gave up to be here." Manchester acknowledged her as soon as they got into the car. "It's okay," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper, Nelson was peacefully sleeping in her arms and she didn't want to risk waking him up."I'm off today, so it doesn't matter. And by the way, I needed to talk to you about something, I just needed us to speak privately."At those words, Manchester's heart skipped a beat."i
