2025-01-19 03:40:42"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 room along with those who had been arrested. Along the way, the butler approached him with a worried look. "Please help my master find his jewel, he will be so relieved and we can finally catch a break in the manor." Manchester stared at the man before him, and something triggered a sense of sympathy within him but he quickly suppressed them and replied "I'll do what I can." .................. "Mr. Manchester!" A young lady approached Manchester as they arrived at the station. The young detective had visited numerous police units in the city but never this one, he didn't even know that this unit existed until now, but it appears that all the workers knew him. "My name is Sophia Mason, one of the investigative analysts for this unit, we have been expecting you." She stretched out her hand for a handshake which Manchester received with a firm nod. "Nice to meet you," he said, as they started walking towards the reception while the cops brought the suspects in from behind. "Here is his phone," Manchester handed Atkinson's mobile phone over to Sophia who received them. She already knew what to do with it because Manchester had requested it before now without knowing that she was the one to handle it. And while she was at it, Manchester was in the Interrogation room with Atkinson, the air was thick with tension as Manchester locked eyes with the man he believed stole the necklace or at least had something to do with it. "Will you tell me the truth now Atkinson? Or would you rather be detained until you are willing to?" Manchester asked, slamming his palm on the desk, "Where is it?" "I do not know!" Atkinson answered in an even louder voice, "I do not know where the necklace is at the moment, I do not know who stole it. And it didn't even go missing yesterday, the only reason why you were called today is because my master had requested to see it last night at 10pm but I had to tell him that it was gone. I noticed the necklace missing two days before now." Manchester's jaws dropped in shock, he could sense the sincerity in Atkinson's voice, but he wanted to suppress that feeling to avoid being fooled. "Does Emma know about this?" He asked, and Atkinson nodded his head in agreement. "I threatened to... to make his life miserable if she says anything about it. " Manchester sat down, the information was a lot to take in, and he needed to be more attentive because the twist was unexpected. "Tell me about yesterday again, since you have decided to speak up." "Please!" Atkinson fell on his knees before Manchester could finish speaking, taking the young detective by surprise, "If I tell you anything sir, please don't tell my master, help me find the real thief and save my job. It's all I have to keep my family running I beg you. " "Mr. Atkinsons can you stop pleading with me and just tell me what you know." Manchester's tone dripped with apathy, but still, it was a facade. "I will tell you," he started, "Two days ago, I went over to check on the necklace as usual. My task was to check in the morning, noon, and evening to keep an eye on Emma as she polished it per my master's instructions. But it wasn't there and I freaked out." "My master has promised to pay me more if it's safe until he presents it to his wife. So I was doing my best until I noticed that it was gone. I panicked and started to look for it on my own without involving anyone. I think Emma suspected that something was wrong when I wouldn't let her go into the room to polish it." "Go on," Manchester nodded with keen interest. "So, I searched everywhere in the manor, I was too scared to ask anyone for fear that they might tell my master. But then toward the end of the day, I got a message from an anonymous phone number saying that he had the necklace and that I should kiss my job goodbye." "I tried to beg him, I'm a mere servant and this job is all that I have to feed my family. I can't afford to lose it. When my master said that he would be coming to see it soon, I rushed to the garden since it was the only secluded place in the manor and I tried to contact the anonymous number." "I begged him, I offered him some money, I offered him everything in my account but he said no and disconnected the call... "And why didn't you just open up and tell Mr. Langley?" Manchester asked, his brows raised in curiosity. "That would be a bad idea, sir." Atkinson exclaimed, "Mr. Langley doesn't listen to anyone, he gets upset very quickly and would get every one of us arrested for stealing his necklace without investigating. I couldn't take that chance, my family would suffer dearly, my wife and my newborn. So when he came to see it, I lied that it just got missing and it was in the manor somewhere. I also suggested that he send for a detective immediately and that's why he called you and locked down the manor so that none of us servants leave." "Please help me, detective, you are a very smart man and the only hope that I got... "What about Emma?" Manchester interjected, "How did she find out?"
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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 an 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
I-Mode: Becoming A Famous Detective With A System 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
I-Mode: Becoming A Famous Detective With A System 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
I-Mode: Becoming A Famous Detective With A System 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
I-Mode: Becoming A Famous Detective With A System 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
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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
47. I- fear he might rig the test result
"I don't like this guy," Valerie commented after Cain had walked away, she stared at him suspiciously while keeping Nelson closer to herself like a child in danger. "Neither do I," Manchester replied, "I just fear that he might do something to make this whole thing work in his favour... "Like tamper with the result?" Valerie took the words right out of his mouth, "I thought as much. Is there any way to avoid that?" Manchester shook his head from side to side, "If he is going to do it then I just don't think there's anything I can do to stop him, I can only prove that he tampers with the result after it is out. I trust the law, but not entirely." "Would you like me to get my father involved, if it gets out of hand?" Valerie offered, she felt so sorry for Manchester because so far, she hadn't seen anything wrong with this man to make her friend dumped for some wealthier. "He is not that powerful," She continued, "But there is something he can do to help out in this si
46. I- want a DNA test
Another day passed within the blink of an eye, and Manchester wasn’t able to accomplish anything regarding his task. He completely neglected it in preparation for the court case, at least he still had fifteen days left, which to him, was more than enough. Manchester barely slept through the night as the words on the paper continued to haunt him. Nelson wasn’t just a name on a birth certificate but his son, one that he held on the night he was born, kissed on the cheek and soothed through his fever. He frequently reminded himself that those he met with Nelson all complimented together and that Nelson looked like him. Even at that, he was still restless. He had called a trusted lawyer whom he had worked with before on a family case. The man had never lost a law case in his career which makes him the perfect lawyer for the job. After reading through the letter, the lawyer sighed, “This is going to be messy.” He adjusted his glasses and sat back for a moment. “These kinds o
45. I- can't call my mom
"I unblocked you for one night, and you are already blowing up my phone!" Mel's came through the line, her tone indicated that she was annoyed, and Manchester already suspected that she might hang up. But before letting her do that, he posed a simple question to her. "Who is Nelson's dad, Mel?" Silence stretched on for a while on both ends, to the point where Manchester thought that Mel had hung up, but she hadn't. Rather, she was processing the question thrown at her unexpectedly. This incident fueled Manchester's anxiety, it would truly break his heart to find out that Nelson wasn't his son. Because at this point in his life, he felt that Nelson was the only thing he could hold onto and be proud of. To him, Nelson is a whole family, and to have him taken away by someone else would be a traumatic experience. "I don't know." Mel finally replied with a nonchalant tone. "What the hell do you mean you don't know?" Manchester fired back, his temper immediately taking over, a
44. I- am Nelson's father
Tracking the young man down took most of the day. Sophia had to return to their department in other to make use of their computer to find the young adult’s location, or at least where he lives. To do that, she enlisted the help of several IT expert in the department to retrieve some confidential data from his profile, along with support from the company that created the platform where the young man was found. Eventually, they learnt that he lived in Helyn Burg, but at this time it was already past seven pm, and Manchester needed to get back home as soon as possible. Before leaving, Manchester called Detective Jameson on the phone and sent him the location of the young man whom they suspected to be involved in the case. For Manchester, time was of the essence, and he wished the young man would be arrested immediately and brought into custody until the next day so that he could be interrogated. But following the law, Manchester couldn’t arrest him without proof that he had been i
43. I- knew that those tattoos were significant
“She was very indifferent, to say the least,” Valerie replied while trying to free up her hair from Nelson’s grip. “Don’t do that,” Manchester scolded the little human and tried to take him from Valerie, but she didn’t let him.“He is just a little baby, jeez.” She mused, and then returned to the topic they were discussing,“I’ll text that to you on my way to the airport alright, I have to go now!” Without further ado, she played a little bit more with Nelson and left for the airport immediately after.Manchester’s mind reeled with thoughts as he wondered what Mel might have told Valerie. He believed that Mel would make herself the victim and make him look like the monster, but Valerie didn’t seem to hold anything against him. “Alright kid, time to go back inside. Daddy has to work.”Manchester went back into the house, finished his coffee, and waved goodbye to his son who waved back without crying. He got into the car and zoomed off, ready to face the challenges of the second day
