The drive home from the office which was supposed to last two hours was a long one as he stopped by the mall to get Stephanie some gifts which he would use to pacify her after telling her about the change of plans by the commander. On arriving home Stephanie and the kids were already at home. When he entered the sitting room and called out to Stephanie.
“Honey I’m home”.He called with a loud but exhausted voice and threw himself lazily on the couch.
Stephanie walked out of the kitchen towards him wiping her hands with a towel. She picked up his jacket alongside his bag and they both headed upstairs.Robert and Christine were both in their rooms. When they entered the bedroom facing Christine’s room Daniel peeled for a shower and helped himself with a cold drink. Stephanie returned downstairs to arrange the food on the dining table. By this time Robert and Christine had left their rooms and were already sitting at the dining table.
Some minutes later when they had almost started eating Daniel came downstairs. He had heard the conversation between Stephanie and Robert on the staircase.
Robert, who is a good looking youth, would clock sixteen in a month's time. He looked much in the face like his dad but has a carbon replica of Stephanie's sharp-witted eye. He just became an undergraduate at Orwell university.
“Started making new friends?” Daniel asked As he pulled a chair from the dining table facing Megan and sat down.
“Yes dad, I made friends with two guys today.
Dave and Jason, cool guys,and they live two streets away from our home” Robert said with excitement ringing in his voice.
“Oh! That’s good “.Daniel responded as he picked up the spoon on the plate.
“I would be going over to see them this weekend”. Robert added as he watched Daniel's face to see his reaction.This was what he was telling his mum Stephanie before he arrived.He knew the mum would not allow him go without his dad's consent. But he knew his dad was always detailed to know those he moved with. This had kept him bound for a long time he felt. But he had made up his mind and had promised them he would come this weekend. Two days before, Robert had overheard the conversation between Daniel and Stephanie in the kitchen and knew they were planning to go out together by weekend and he had planned to go when they would be away but he would be back before they arrived.
“Why not invite them to come over so we can get to know them” instead of going there?”Daniel said, turning his face to Robert and then back to his plate.
The dining table was quite for a while and then Stephanie broke the short silence and asked Daniel about the case of the burglary he told her about. For the past two decade and some years Stephanie had always shown perennial interest in Daniels job and had always asked him how the day went as normal couples would. She also knew practically all the cases Daniel had investigated since he was made a detective.Daniel at first feigned as though he didn’t hear her while he concentrated on the food on his plate.
“Have you interviewed the culprit who burgled the couple's apartment at Bradford street?''she asked again in an informal tone.
“No I have not”.he said still looking at his plate
This time Stephanie Understood what his quick reply meant. She kept silent and finished up her food then packed up the plates to the kitchen which was at the left corner of the staircase.By this time Christine had raced upstairs to continue her assignments while Robert still waited behind to see if Daniel would say anything again about his visit to Dave and Jason’s flat. Daniel said nothing but focused on his food. When he was done he drank some water. In his mind he was searching for the best way to inform Stephanie of the change of plans.he could already predict how her reaction would be. After helping himself with some water he steered at the direction of the kitchen as though he would see Stephanie walk out. Robert stood up greeted Daniel good night and headed towards the staircase while mumbling some silent words to himself. Now Daniel and Stephanie were left in the living room. Seconds later she walked out and moved close to him. Placing the towel in her hand on the table she drew one of the chairs close to Daniel and sat down.
“Are you okay “ she asked as she touched his right hand shoulder.
“ I have been assigned a new case by the commander and I would be going to the crime scene Tomorrow “
“ You still have not told me about the outcome of the case I asked you about earlier” Stephanie said in a relaxed tone.
“I have handed over that to detective Desmond.”
Robert on the other hand had lingered by the wall of the staircase listening to their conversations. It has become clear to him that his dad would be going out that Saturday to investigate a crime scene,this would give him the opportunity to visit Dave and Jason.As for Stephanie his mum,she’s was not as strict as his dad so she would be easy to handle. With this he smiled sheepishly and slowly walked upstairs without making any noise.
“And our outing on Saturday?”Steffany asked not expecting any answer from Daniel as the answer was already clear.
“ That would be after the case,I don’t know how long it would take though, it depends on the graveness of the case and the obtainable evidence or eyewitness”
“Where exactly did it happen?”she asked.
“ I am still uninformed concerning that
I would stop by at his office to pick up the case file upon my way to the office tomorrow”
Upon hearing this, Stephany could feel the bubble of abhorrence from within her towards the commander whom she hadn’t met in person but had heard about him. Seeing the expression on her face Daniel said. “Don’t worry honey, I will be through with this case soon enough and we will have all the time to ourselves” then he held her hand and said “.Honey guess what I got for you at the mall on my way back?”
Still not happy about the new development she replied with a fading smile.
“You know I have never been good at guessing, you tell me”.
“Come”.He held her hands as they both headed upstairs.
Hopefully this would make her happy Daniel reasoned.
Not even sure how long he had slept before the alarm clock wrenched him awake from sleep on Saturday morning Detective Daniel picked up his phone from the little cupboard beside the bed. Still tired,he jerked himself from bed.he would be going to pick up the case file at the commander's office and after that lead the team to the crime scene to investigate and carry out a series of interviews with the neighbors.
The time was already 8:15 a.m He had to prepare and start heading to the commander's office. Stephanie was already out of bed and in the kitchen. He quickly took his shower and headed down stairs. She had prepared a light breakfast of bread ,tea and egg for him. After he finished he kissed her and headed to his car. When he arrived at the commander's office. The commander was arranging the files which he handed over to Detective Daniel as soon as he greeted him and sat down
“Morning sir”.
“Good morning Detective “.
“Here are the case files” The commander handed over the files to Daniel while he made a call”.
Daniel picked up the file And skimmed through what was written on it. Mr Andrew who just moved into Walnut Street was killed yesterday at 3a.m. His wife and daughter were also kidnapped. Similar cases had occurred in the state in the space of two years and the only evidence found was the fingerprints that were left on surfaces and the autopsies carried out on the bodies.. As he read through the profiles he also observed that only the men were killed while their wives were kidnapped alongside their kids.
“What do you observe from these cases” the commander asked looking at Daniel.
“The fingerprints recovered from the two cases match with that of the same individuals. This means the same perpetrators carried out the first and second crimes.
“I want you to be in charge of this case ,you can go to the fifth division to get more information. I also want you to lead the investigation team down to the place to see if you can get any evidence. As for your retirement ,this would be your last case after which it would be handled.
“Noted sir”. Daniel replied as he stood up and headed towards the door.
When he arrived at Philadelphia fifth division police department he met with Mr James who had been to the crime scene already. Without wasting much time they both drove to the crime scene. Nancy had been at the station throughout Friday and had followed them back to the apartment to pick up some of her stuff. She would be returning to her parents place as the Police Investigates the case.
“When did you move into this resident”. Detective Daniel asked Nancy when they arrived at the place and got down from the car.
“I was employed as a cook a year ago.”She replied.
“Mr Andrew and his family also came in a year ago?”
“No, I think they had a female cook they had employed before she got sacked and I was employed.”
“Do you have any clue as to why she was sacked?”
“None sir.” Nancy said as they entered the apartment.
“The cook, where did she come from and where does she stay?”
“I have no idea sir.”
“After she was sacked, you don’t know where she went to?” Detective Daniel asked her as he looked around.
“ I do not know sir, I was employed days after she was gone.”
When he ended the conversation with Nancy he headed upstairs. The application of forensic science and the use of automated fingerprint identification (AFIS) would be of great use detective Daniel thought.The men must have touched somethings when they came into the building the previous night.
As he headed towards Mr. Andrews's bedroom he examined carefully the grip of the door with the Alternative light source he found a fingerprint on the handle. He quickly dipped his hands in his pocket and brought out his phone. After carefully taking several pictures of it He did the same thing for the other two doors. If the men were more than one then the fingerprints should be different he thought.
After collecting the fingerprints he headed downstairs to meet Mr. James who had already gone outside.Nancy was quietly sitting on one of the chairs facing the big tv screen.
“Did you say they were more than three?”
“I don’t know sir.”I heard footsteps,one was banging on Mr. Andrew's door and when I heard other footsteps coming towards my room and that of MeganI quickly hid in the closet.”
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Seven Targets Chapter three
By 11 a.m that Saturday morning Stephanie had gone to get her hair done while Robert was left alone in the house with Christine,whose friends had come to Visit her. So he quickly put on a black jean and a blue top.By now she would be playing with her friends so he doesn’t have to tell her. After dressing up he headed downstairs and then to Jason and Dave’s apartment.Jason and Dave Dobson were brothers and they lived alone with their mother. Their father, Nicolas Dobson had left them when they were much younger. Although their relationship with their mum had been putrid ever since then as they believed she caused their father’s absence. She however had assumed the role of both father and mother ever since then.Robert arrived and stood at the entrance of their apartment. They had driven him home from school in their car the Previous day. He however did not enter the apartment but promised he would come to see them today. He paused for a while and looked around for their car before r
Seven Targets Chapter four
He was fortunate that neither of his parents had arrived when he got back home. But he had been amazed at the kind of independence Dave and Jason had. He had been shown different snapshots they had taken at different parties. He had never attended a university party before except for a get -together celebration he attended at the high school. During dinner that night he was quiet all through as thoughts raced through his mind. He was old enough to start making some decisions himself and he’s about to make one, but the major obstacle was his dad and not his mum. Being a detective he has always been very observant and detailed on what he did, and where he went to. But he had resolved that he would attend the university party that was coming up which Dave had invited him to.That night Detective Daniel rested his head on the pillow and hoped for sleep to come but it didn’t, his mind was still trying to fix the whole puzzle at the crime scene. No suspect had been apprehended yet ,but fro
Seven Targets Chapter Five
His stay at the office the following day was very short. Detective Daniel thoughtfully studied the case file,not only is he anticipating his retirement he also wants to ensure that the perpetrators of the crimes are apprehended and brought to book,and also that the kidnapped victims are liberated. Later in the evening before he returned home he visited the clubhouse of Kelvin Brian again to interview more people around the place.Meanwhile,Robert at school had informed Dave and Jason of the dinner his dad wants to have with them.“What did you tell him about us?”“Nothing, he just wants to know you both and besides,that might be the condition for allowing me come for the party”“Oh, don’t worry daddy’s boy we would come.”Dave said as he patted Robert on the right shoulder humorously.“And who is daddy's boy.''Robert said playfully, smiling, although he was upset inside. This angered him the more as he reckons that he should be making independent decisions by now, decisions that would
Seven Targets Chapter Six
Robert greeted her when he came into the house. This was the first time he met Billy, their mum at home.. Then he went with Jason who was also downstairs to Jason’s room. Dave was in his room. He was in Jason’s room for some minute and decided to check up on Dave. When he got to Dave’s door he tapped the door, no response at first so he tapped again. This time he heard sounds of objects falling on the floor and the opening and closing of a drawer. Probably Dave was hiding something. When he finally opened the door Robert went in.“Hi.”“Hey, Robert, giving him a handshake. How long Have you been standing at the door?”“Not quite long.”“Have you seen Jason?”“Yeah, he’s in his room I just left him to check up on you”“Oh, great.”“Hope you enjoyed the dinner last night at my place?”“ Sure I did. Your dad, what does he do for a living?”“He’s a detective.”“Awesome, With the way he was asking those questions yesterday I thought he was a lawyer.”“ Yeah, that’s the same way he asks qu
Seven Targets Chapter Seven
The sun shining from the dapple blue sky flooded Philadelphia on Wednesday morning as Detective Daniel and Mr James Came back to see Dave. He was sitting up on the bed and was looking more promising than the previous day. Detective Daniel wasted no time but continued from where they had stopped the previous day.“Hey boy, how are you feeling now?”“Much better”Dave replied as he gave a faint smile.“Good. Dave, we wanna ask you questions ok?”“Ok sir”“Kelvin Brian is a prime suspect in a murder case that occurred at walnut street some days ago. He was the last person who spoke to the victim.”“Mr Andrew?” Dave asked.“Yes Mr Andrew. You know him?”“I think I do. I have been sent to deliver a package to him before”“Oh, I see. What kind of package was that?”“ It was a sealed package. I don't know what was in it.”“You don't open the packages you are sent to deliver to know the content in it?” detective Daniel asked.“ No I don't.” Dave responded.“Then you must have been sent to Malc
Seven Targets Chapter Eight
The university party that was to be held at Dave and Jason’s apartment had been canceled as they had all been informed that Dave was missing. When he got home they came in their numbers to visit him. After the raid at the clubhouse and kelvin Brians estate, the following day detective Daniel went to visit Dave at his apartment.when they exchanged greetings he wasted no time in informing Dave that they had raided the clubhouse and the apartment they traced Melvin Brian and his men to but it had been fruitless as there was nothing at the inner chamber and the apartment they traced him to. It appears he had escaped.“They must have hid them,” Dave said.“where?” The detective asked.“Honestly I do not know Where. Since I began working with them I have not been engaged much so I don’t have knowledge of some of these things”“How about where he lives?” Detective Daniel asked.“I have never been there before,”Dave said.“I see,detective Daniel said. He paused for a while before continuing.
Seven Targets Chapter Nine
Like a cow, nurtured and kept, waiting for slaughter, Betty and Megan alongside others were kept in an underground basement and would be sold to merchants in two weeks. some would be used as slaves while others as home made. Those who were rebellious were killed, this was the lot of anyone who breached agreement with Kelvin Brian, which Mr Andrew fell a victim of .Mr Andrew had been in business with Kelvin Brian for the past six years and knew what he was capable of doing. They both had been exchanging goods for money,and at other times goods for goods. However, in the last deal they both had there was a breach of the agreement by Mr. Andrew who wanted to play smart on kelvin Brian. Mr.Andrew had moved all his goods from the store where he kept them to another place due to its location which made it susceptible to police ransack and rummage. When the goods were moved to a new store Mr Andrew had ordered for a new set of goods also. He paid up front and promised to pay the balance with
Seven Targets Chapter Ten
The three of them were Satisfied with the plan. After discussing at great length they all went downstairs to the barto get drinks. Detective Daniel phoned Stephanie and they were both discussing while James and Ashely were also chatting. They laughed a lot that one would assume they had known each other for a long time. Later that evening they dressed up and headed for the club house. Detective Daniel wore a light blue polo shirt, a black jeans and blue Snickers. Whit stripes. Mr James was dressed in a pink polo shirt, chinos trousers and black shoes. Detective Ashely dressed unusually this time she was putting on a transparent grey gown that stopped half way towards Her knee. Her shoulders were exposed and one could see the colour of her skin. She was wearing high heels. They stopped a taxi and entered. After driving for about an hour and a half they stopped several streets away from the club house. While detective Ashely. Was left alone in the cab. She was taken to the club house. T
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Chapter Sixty-six
It was a bright sunny afternoon when they arrived at the woman's place. Detective Daniel could vividly remember the exact spot she always sat down. That was the same spot they had both sat to discuss whenever he came to meet her back then. He moved close to the door and knocked on it the first time. No answer came. He wasn't sure there was anyone in the house. Dave was standing by his side. He looked around to see if he would see anyone whom he could ask. There was no one around. He turned back and walked down the little stairs. Dave was still standing there. Detective Daniel walked to the left-hand side and the right-hand side of the house. He also went to check the backside but there was no one there. He walked back to the door and knocked again, this time around twice and loudly. No answer came. The last time he came was about ten years ago and was not sure if the woman still lived there or if she was still alive. He could not tell. He doesn't have her contact and was not sure an
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Chapter Sixty-five
Early morning the following day. He was woken up by the alarm on his phone. He had set the time for 6 A.M that morning. He would be going to the State White House and he planned to arrive there an hour earlier with Mr. James and Detective Desmond.He arrived at the station an hour later. Mr. James and Detective Desmond were already at the station. When the time was 8:30A.M they all entered Detective Daniel's car and started driving to the place.That early morning before they left they had brought The commander's wife and daughter to see him at the station. Although they didn't want them to be aware that the commander was in prison as had been in the cell for some days now. He dressed up and went into Detective Daniels's office. They wanted them to meet him in a good state. They reunited, as they all hugged each other and shed tears of joy, Detective Daniel felt fulfilled. Regardless of the persuasion, he had successfully ensured that all perpetrators had been captured and all kidnap
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Chapter Sixty four
They were all arranged before the court. Aydin alongside the Secretary of Treasury. He refused to be tried in the Court of the United States, insisting that he wanted to be tried in his own country. This was rejected by the police. He was not permitted to get any lawyer either. He had committed these crimes here in Philadelphia in the United States and here in the United States he would be Judged. The night when they arrest him was an unfortunate night for both himself and the rest of his team. Detective Daniel escaped death that night after detective Desmond came toHis rescue. Immediately he opened the door to enter the living room of the apartment. Detective Desmond had followed him behind. From the staircase where Aydin was standing with one of his men detective Desmond saw him. Detective Daniel didn't see him. He was about to lift his gun directly at detective Daniel when detective Desmond Fired several shots angrily in his direction. From the top of the staircase where Aydin w
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Chapter Sixty-three
That night was a perfect night and he had already informed Stephanie that he would be going out before ten o'clock. He dressed up. Wearing his gun belt, he wore a light t-shirt and put on his jacket. Before heading downstairs he called the officer on duty while he had deployed to his apartment that night. He was already around. He hung up the phone and called Mr James. Detective Desmond also wanted to go after he informed them of his plan, but he declined. Considering his health. He had not recovered from the beating he received from Ayidin’s boys. Before coming home that night he had called Mr Jefferson and told him to return home. That was stationed. At first Mr Jefferson was reluctant. Being afraid, detective Daniel assured him that they were coming. He didn't explain to him what their plan was. Just as Mr James suggested. They would use him as bait. Since Ayidin and those involved are so passionate about the death of these men. Using him as bait was his plan. He called Mr Jam
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Chapter Sixty-two
He had gunned down one of the men that morning. When the remaining saw what had just happened, Detective Desmond armed himself; they both fled. Detective Desmond then called detective Daniel to informHim. That day was a hot sunny morning.When detective Daniel received the call he wasted no time but left almost immediately for detective Desmond's flat. The ambulance had come to Carry the body away after detective Desmond called them.“ I think it is better we just end this by going to the factory to capture them all.” Mr. James said in an angry tone when they got to the detective Desmond's apartment and saw blood oozing out from the skull of the man he had shot.“You think so? Detective Daniel said. This was the same thing Mr. James had said the first time before they caught Kelvin Brian and his men. Detective Daniel agreed to it and called the station for backups. Then he left detective Desmond's flat. He drove to the station alongside Mr James. The patrol cars were all set and wer
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Chapter Sixty-one
With his head well rested on the pillow in his bedroom. Detective Daniel closed his eyes. He opened it and looked at Stephanie who was fast asleep. He closed his eyes again. His gun was by the top of his locker. It had become his companion. He thought about all that had happened that day. He was surprised and at the same time curious. He opened his eyes again and picked up his phone from the locker, Scrolling through the pictures after tapping the gallery of his phone. He zoomed in on the picture of the Secretary of the Treasury that he had taken that day. There was more to what he did not know concerning this case. The treasury, he was now confused if the secretary was truly a citizen of the United States as he claimed he was or a Turkish citizen. He now believes that the secretary was working for, or working with the Turkish government. But he wanted to find out if he was the one that had been the anonymous individual behind all these crimes. If he was the same person that called
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Chapter sixty
He blinked his eyes and opened them halfway at first. The blood stain dripping from his forehead was slowly entering his eyes. He turned his face and used his shoulder to wipe it off. He tried moving his right hand. He could not, he tried his left, and it was the same. He opened his eyes fully and looked at both hands that were hung and chained in different directions. Mr. James was by his side. He was wide awake with his head looking downwards. When He heard the clanging of the chains he lifted his head and looked at detective Daniel. Detective Daniel looked around. He didn't even know when they brought him here. The only thing he could remember was the moment he was slammed with that fire extinguisher. Detective Daniel lifted his head more and looked right in front of him at Detective Desmond. He was bleeding profusely from the side of his head. The left side of his chick was swollen. Detective Daniel looked around him. He could not see his back but he knew some men were standing
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Chapter fifty-nine
It wasn’t part of his plan to stay long in the office that day but the unexpected situation that had reared its head left them no choice but to sleep over in his office in the station that particular day. It was a Bright Thursday morning and as usual detective, Daniel arrived at the station that morning. Even earlier than Mr. James and Detective Desmond. He wasted no time but went straight into his office. Occasionally, whenever he comes into the office since the case started he just goes to the office and picks up the case files. Always studying them. He was doing the same routine that morning. And was also thinking about the discussion he had with Dave the previous night. Dave had poured out his heart to him and he felt for him. Although he was not in the best position to help him stop taking drugs he knew someone that could help him stop taking drugs. He had never carried his religion on his head before and was not a committed Christian but he believed. That there was something ab
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Chapter fifty-eight
“Falling into the trap of taking drugs would be the biggest mistake you would ever make now that you are still young.” Detective Daniel counseled Robert, that Monday evening after he arrived home. The scene at the court that morning had been very emotional. And the court remained silent for seconds after Dave broke down and wept. Nicholas Dobson, even in his rigidity couldn't help himself from shedding tears, he was also broken. Billy wanted to stand up from where she was sitting and run to where Dave was standing at the witness box. She wanted to give him a tight hug and apologize on the behalf of herself and Nicholas Dobson. They had failed them as parents. She didn't know who to blame. Herself? Or Nicholas Dobson who abandoned them.“When addiction comes at times it comes With a hook. Detective Daniel said and continued. You cannot see it. But all your friends that are now addicted, there is an unseen hook around their neck. They have become a slave to their addictions. They canno