2025-01-05 21:33:47Manchester 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 adding up. He looked down at Nelson, his small body hooked up to machines and wires, his heart broke thinking about how to face this alone. Just then, the doctor walked back into the room, "I see you've had a chance to speak with your wife." He said, "No offence, it was never my intention to eavesdrop on your conversation, but I was just outside the door going through a file and I overhead." Manchester shook his head, feeling a lump in his throat, "she's not coming." He said, his voice barely above a whisper. The doctor nodded his head, expressing his understanding. "I am sorry. We will do everything we can to help you, and I am hopeful he'll make a full recovery. I don't know if this is the best time to give you this?" The doctor handed a file over to Manchester and as soon as he gazed upon the heading, his face fell. It was more bills. This time, the owner of the car whom he had bumped into at the red light has fined him for a large sum of money in other to fix the damages that were done. And Manchester was no fool to not know that the bill for the damages thrown at him was enough to purchase a brand-new car. "How am I supposed to pay for this?" He asked, his mind reeling with the implications of the damages done. The doctor's expression was sympathetic and firm, "I understand that it is a very difficult time for you, but the law is clear. You were at fault and must take responsibility for the damages. Manchester's face fell, he felt a wave of anger wash over him but he couldn't afford to lose his temper, not now. The doctor's expression softened as he watched the young man struggle to keep his emotions in check. "We will do everything we can to take care of Nelson for now. The best advice I can give to you is to go home and strategise. If it's possible, find the man whom you bashed his car, and negotiate with him. He'd probably give you a longer time to pay." Manchester nodded in agreement, there was no other option than what the doctor had suggested. He suddenly started to feel the pain from the wound he had on the left side of his head, the constant movement had opened up the wound. The doctor reacted quickly when he noticed the bleeding, and he advised Manchester to rest a bit. But the young man was in a hurry to leave the hospital. He needed to get home and plan because he certainly couldn't make money while he was in the hospital. ------- As soon as he walked into his apartment, Manchester collapsed onto the couch, feeling overwhelmed. He wanted to come up with a plan but his mind was nothing but a jumble of emotions and worries. He got up and walked into the kitchen, searching for something to calm his nerves, and his eyes landed on a bottle of pills that a friend had prescribed for him a while back. They were meant to help him relax, but Manchester had never taken them before because he feared getting addicted to any substance especially since he was just starting a family at the time, gone were those teenage year where anything just goes without significant consequences. "I can't believe this is still here," he muttered, "It's been two years now, if not more." Desperate to relieve himself of the worry and think straight, Manchester popped a pill into his mouth and swallowed it, he placed his hand on the slab and kept his head low as the pills started to take effect. "Well, that was fast." He uttered, feeling slightly uncomfortable. Instead of feeling calm and relaxed, Manchester started to feel a strange sensation wash over him. His body began to feel heavy and his mind started to spin. He held tightly to the edge of the slab to stop himself from falling to the ground, and immediately after a slight rumbling of his stomach, Manchester threw up in the kitchen sink. "What the hell?" He uttered and slowly walked back to where the pills were. He picked it up and checked the expiry date, but his vision was blurred making it difficult to read, but with the way he felt, Manchester had no doubts that the pill was expired. He fell to the kitchen floor unable to hold his weight, and his freshly treated wound started to bleed again from the impact. Manchester felt himself being pulled into a dark vortex, and he tried to struggle, but it was too late. He passed out immediately, unaware of what was happening to him. But as he lay unconscious, a strange glow began to emanate from his body. The air in the room became humid all of a sudden and a holographic screen flickered to life in front of him. // I-Mode System Activated ! //
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
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
I-Mode: Becoming A Famous Detective With A System 11. I- can win you back home, Mel
Now alone in the living room with the detective, Mr. Langley took a deep breath and stared at the young man in the eyes. "Is it true?" He asked, gesturing for Manchester to sit on the couch opposite him. "She left without a reason?" "Oh, that!" Manchester let out a faint smile. This isn't a subject he'd love to discuss with anyone, and the only reason he mentioned it in the first place was to prove to the butler that he could relate to the hurt he felt on the inside. "I'd rather not bother you with it, sir," He added before taking his seat and stapling both fingers together, "And your son?" Asked Mr. Langley, "Where is he?" Now, Manchester doesn't mind the show of concern, but he wishes that Langley would read his body language and end this conversation or at least change the subject. "I left him at the daycare," he lied "I'll pick him up on my way home." Mr. Langley soon noticed that Manchester had no interest in proceeding with this conversation, and he understood. It was
I-Mode: Becoming A Famous Detective With A System 12. I-need and overview of the area
Just as he has said to Mr. Langley, Manchester headed for the hospital first to complete the payment from Nelson's treatment and words couldn't describe the wave of relief that washed over him when all that was cleared.Nelson's health was a priority to him because losing his child just after his wife had left would eventually cause him to end up at a rehabilitation centre."We are doing everything we can, and he will be fine." The doctor assured him with a firm nod, before taking him to Nelson's ward for a few minutes.The one-year-old was yet to awaken, so Manchester did what always made him feel relieved, and that was to take Nelson's tiny hand in his, and talk to him as though he was awake and listening."Don't worry, I'll get mummy back home." These were Manchester's last words to his unconscious child before leaving the hospital to rest. However, Manchester's depression worsened as soon as walked through the front door. He wasn't coming home to his family as usual, but to an em
Latest Chapter
17. I- don't know anymore
//I am sorry // "It's alright," Manchester replied with a long sigh, he walked back into the hall to sit back for a few minutes, while booking a ride to return home. He had plans for the night, and that is because according to the doctors, Nelson would be discharged the next day at 5pm if there were no further complications. Which means, he needed to stock up on baby food, diapers and wipes. He had come to realise that he needed help with this child, because no matter how strong a man he was, a one-year-old was too much to deal with while doing some investigation. So he decided that he would call his mother and narrate the incident to her. He didn't want to tell her initially because she always warned him about his temper especially when it comes to marriage, so he feared that she might blame him for it. But then again, she is his mother and no matter how annoyed she was, she'd always be willing to assist. "Detective Duke!" Langley exclaimed when he saw Manchester seated by
16. I- would take off that stupid ring
Manchester caught up with them at the parking lot, and the only way he could get their attention without causing a scene was to call his wife by her name. "Mel!" The couple paused and turned around to see who had called one of them. "You know him?" The man asked, staring suspiciously at Manchester who didn't say a word after they turned. "Yeah," Mel replied, tightening her grip on his arm, "We met at high school, I haven't seen him in a while." Mel pauses and whispers into his ears, "Smile a little so that he won't be so intimidated, you are scaring him." "Can I see you for a second, please?" He requested, avoiding his wife's fiancé's gaze. He has a strong feeling that she might say no to him, but to his greatest surprise, Mel said. "Sure." She kept a smile on her face the whole time, "Sweetheart I'll be with you in the car shortly, let me catch up with an old friend if you don't mind." she requested, and her fiancé walked away with the key dangling from his index
15. I- need your help with an investigation
The party stretched on for what seemed like an eternity, and Manchester just couldn't wait for it to come to an end. He stole a glance at his wife now and then, but Mel didn't seem to do the same or notice him. It hurts so much how she appears to have forgotten about him entirely to the point that she acts uninterested even in his presence. Or was he overthinking the situation? Three hours passed and it was 8:45, the celebrations were officially over, but as expected, not everyone would leave immediately. A number of them wanted to see Langley and congratulate his wife, while others just sat back to enjoy a few drinks before leaving. The whole time, Manchester had been tracking his wife and Aiden Lamar's movement simultaneously, it was a difficult task but he was up for it. As soon as he got a chance, seeing that Aiden Lamar was less crowded by people, he approached the elderly man with a humble and polite greeting. "Good evening, sir." He stretched forth his hand with a war
14. I- will have the wine instead
// Exp 1200/ 1000 ////Congratulations! Case 3, unlocked! //// Earn 600 Exp to unlock the next case////Exp 0 / 600 //Manchester knew that he couldn't proceed with this task until he had gotten some Intel from the Everglow company, so he put the case on pause and headed for the hospital to spend the rest of his day with Nelson.At past 5pm the same day, in a part of the city, the halls and decorations were all set up for Mr Langley's wife's birthday celebrations.It was her fiftieth birthday, so it is no surprise that he made it so elaborate and grand.From 5:30 pm, cars were already at the parking lot, and the chairs in the hall slowly got occupied until Mr. Langley and his wife arrived, marking the commencement of the occasion.He had hired a stand-up comedian to anchor the celebrations. As expected of him, the event kicked off with a few laughs, sarcastic roasts, and recognition of some important guests.At this time, Manchester showed up at the entrance, he wasn't bothered by th
13. I- might have use for Mr. Langley's party afterall
Manchester gazes at the wall, the building itself was a single-story structure, with a faded sign that read 'Research facility' in peeling letters. Maybe it was due to Sophia Patel's disappearance, but the environment gave off an eerie feeling as they walked further into it.When they entered her laboratory, Manchester was greeted by a middle-aged woman who was taking pictures of the area before their arrival. Her name is Kim and she is the lab director whom the security officer had talked about."Thank you for coming, detective," she said, shaking hands with the Manchester, she could tell by the ID hanging from his neck and the box in his hand. Plus, she had also requested one a few hours ago."We are worried sick about Sophia," she began, her voice dripped with sadness,"It has been three days and we have no idea what happened to her."Manchester nodded sympathetically, dropped his box on the floor and opened it up to take out his notepad. "Can you tell me more about Dr. Patel's re
12. I-need and overview of the area
Just as he has said to Mr. Langley, Manchester headed for the hospital first to complete the payment from Nelson's treatment and words couldn't describe the wave of relief that washed over him when all that was cleared.Nelson's health was a priority to him because losing his child just after his wife had left would eventually cause him to end up at a rehabilitation centre."We are doing everything we can, and he will be fine." The doctor assured him with a firm nod, before taking him to Nelson's ward for a few minutes.The one-year-old was yet to awaken, so Manchester did what always made him feel relieved, and that was to take Nelson's tiny hand in his, and talk to him as though he was awake and listening."Don't worry, I'll get mummy back home." These were Manchester's last words to his unconscious child before leaving the hospital to rest. However, Manchester's depression worsened as soon as walked through the front door. He wasn't coming home to his family as usual, but to an em
11. I- can win you back home, Mel
Now alone in the living room with the detective, Mr. Langley took a deep breath and stared at the young man in the eyes. "Is it true?" He asked, gesturing for Manchester to sit on the couch opposite him. "She left without a reason?" "Oh, that!" Manchester let out a faint smile. This isn't a subject he'd love to discuss with anyone, and the only reason he mentioned it in the first place was to prove to the butler that he could relate to the hurt he felt on the inside. "I'd rather not bother you with it, sir," He added before taking his seat and stapling both fingers together, "And your son?" Asked Mr. Langley, "Where is he?" Now, Manchester doesn't mind the show of concern, but he wishes that Langley would read his body language and end this conversation or at least change the subject. "I left him at the daycare," he lied "I'll pick him up on my way home." Mr. Langley soon noticed that Manchester had no interest in proceeding with this conversation, and he understood. It was
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
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
