"Sir, you're under arrest for the murder you committed," a police officer's voice echoed through the night air. The wail of ambulance sirens and the flashing red and blue lights of the police cars bathed the surroundings in an eerie glow.
"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court," the officer recited, his hand hovering over his holstered gun, finger poised on the trigger. "Turn around, hands in the air!" he barked, his voice firm and commanding. Tyler complied reluctantly, raising his hands to rest atop his head in a gesture of surrender. Despite his cooperation, the officer advanced aggressively, thrusting Tyler's head forcefully against the unyielding surface of the police car's bonnet. Bound by handcuffs, his arms contorted behind his back, Tyler's eyes met those of his brother-in-law Andrew, whose once immaculate clothes now bore crimson stains, betraying his involvement as the mastermind behind this unfolding chaos. The officer lifted Tyler's body, escorting him into the police car with his head bowed in defeat. As they drove away, leaving behind a trail of caution tape at the warehouse entrance, the investigation continued to unravel the truth. One years later... The prison bell clanged with a haunting resonance, its tingling vibration announcing the emergence of a figure from the compound. Flanked by two police officers, one of them extended his hands, unlocked the prison gate with a metallic creak, and granted Tyler his long-awaited freedom. Tyler stood at the front of the bustling prison pavement, the crisp morning San Francisco breeze whipping against his unruly mustache, which had grown untamed during his long stay in prison. Standing at the entrance of the prison gate, Tyler held onto a glimmer of hope that a member of his wife's family would soon arrive to whisk him away, even if his wife was still immersed in her demanding MBBS course. As the minutes ticked by, his hope began to dwindle, and disappointment settled in like a heavy fog—no one arrived to welcome him back into the world outside. He cast a glance back at the imposing prison structure, its towering fence looming at a height of 30 feet (9 meters), its sheer scale a formidable barrier to freedom. In the past, the notorious Alcatraz Island prison yard had witnessed a steady stream of ten to twenty daring prisoners attempting escape through hidden sewer tunnels unknown to the authorities. However, once this secret was unearthed, no matter how audacious the inmate, successful escape became an impossible feat. A line of stern-faced policemen stood guard at the entrance, their demeanor cold and meticulously calculated, ensuring that no prisoner could slip through their grasp. Standing in place, a cab driver's voice unexpectedly pierced the air, causing him to instinctively turn his head in response, like a beacon of hope in the desolate landscape. "Where to?" the taxi driver inquired, his voice a monotone hum amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. "Downtown!!!" Tyler replied urgently, sliding into the passenger seat as the taxi accelerated away from the prison gates. Seated, his thoughts raced like a runaway train, and he realized with a sinking feeling that he had no money on him. Memories flooded back of the last time he was arrested, when his brother-in-law, Andrew Harrington, had generously given Tyler 100 bucks to buy a vaping device to help curb his drug addiction. The vaping device had cost a mere 20 bucks, leaving Tyler with enough change to return to Andrew, but fate had other plans. Little did he know, his life was about to take a devastating turn, culminating in a police cell, a place he never thought he would end up. Anxious uncertainty gripped him—was the remaining change still in his pocket, untouched by the guards? Hope mingled with anxiety, creating a toxic mix of emotions. Would a miracle intervene, or would he face violence on his first day of freedom? The idea of feigning payment to the cab driver, making a quick turn, and attempting an escape took root in his mind as he grappled with his dire circumstances. Upon reaching his destination, Tyler's heart raced with anticipation, his mind brimming with possibilities. Stepping out of the taxi, he pretended to search for payment, his hand delving into his pocket with trepidation. Finding nothing but an empty pouch, he met the cab driver's gaze with a sinking feeling of dread, his eyes silently pleading for mercy. Quickly checking his back pocket, Tyler's hand swiftly retrieved eighty bucks, prompting a whispered exclamation of "What a miracle!" to himself, his eyes widening in disbelief. "How much is my fare?" Tyler inquired, trying to sound composed despite his inner turmoil. "Five bucks and fifty cents," the cab driver replied, his voice firm yet friendly. Tyler handed over the exact amount, putting distance between himself and the cab as if attempting to leave his past behind. "What about your change?" the cab driver asked, his brow furrowed in curiosity. "Keep it!" Tyler exclaimed loudly, his voice filled with a mixture of relief and gratitude, as he turned away, leaving the cab and his worries behind. ******* As Tyler arrived at the Harrington Mansion, he was struck by the grandeur of the estate, which seemed unfamiliar yet imposing. However, his attention was soon captured by a lively dog that bounded towards him, barking joyfully and wagging its tail with excitement. Puzzled by the canine's enthusiasm, Tyler approached the dog, bending down to engage in a playful interaction as it nuzzled against him. Just as he prepared to leave the mansion grounds, the dog's yelps drew his attention again. Suddenly, a security guard appeared, shouting harshly, "Get the hell out of here, you beggar!" Despite the guard's abrasive tone, Tyler noticed a birthmark on the man's face and wondered if it was Diego, his thoughts momentarily distracted by the dog. Memories rushed back as he recalled rescuing the dog from a dumpster during a challenging time when he had lost his job. "Diego, don't touch me! I want to see my wife!" Tyler shouted, resisting as he was forcibly pulled away from the gate. Though Tyler couldn't quite place the security guard, something about his face seemed familiar, lingering in his memory. He questioned why Diego, of all people, was treating him with such hostility. Three years earlier, Tyler had worked as an accountant at a small hospital affiliated with Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, despite holding a doctorate in a field that should have granted him medical professional status. However, his lack of connections and influence relegated him to a humble accounting role, making him feel like a nobody. One evening, as Tyler prepared to leave work and head home to prepare dinner for his wife's arrival, a solemn conversation unfolded. "Mr. Diego, I strongly advise you to consider transferring your son to a specialized hospital where experts in malum mentis syndrome can provide more targeted care," the doctor said, his grave expression conveying the gravity of the situation. Diego's face darkened with concern as he asked, "Are you implying that your hospital is incapable of treating my son's condition?" The doctor clarified, "Not at all, Mr. Diego. I only want the best for your son. There are specialists who possess a deeper understanding of this complex condition and can offer more effective treatment options." The attending staff members watched with bated breath as the tense exchange unfolded between the two men. As Tyler overheard the conversation, he approached the doctor attending to the patient and interjected, "Excuse me, may I offer a different perspective?" The doctor and Diego turned to him, intrigued. "You don't necessarily need to take him to another hospital. We have a unique approach here that might help your son. All we need is a Harmony Harmonium, a rare musical instrument with extraordinary healing properties," Tyler explained, his voice filled with conviction. "When played near individuals suffering from Malum Mentis Syndrome, the harmonious sounds emitted by the Harmonium can have a profound impact. The vibrations help restore balance to their neural pathways, easing involuntary movements and gradually restoring control over their body." The doctor and Diego exchanged skeptical glances, and the doctor snapped, "And what right do you have to intervene in our discussion?" Tyler responded, his voice barely above a whisper, "I was just trying to help..." Despite his impressive academic credentials a First Class Upper degree from Bay University California Tyler felt frustrated that his expertise was constantly dismissed. He had successfully defended numerous projects, but in this upper-class society, only the wealthy and well-connected were permitted to apply their knowledge, regardless of their intellectual abilities. The doctor's sneer echoed this sentiment: "Help? What could a nobody like you possibly know about our discussion?" Tyler felt a sting from the doctor's condescending tone, but Diego's interjection came as a surprise. "Please, take it easy, Mr. William is my boss!" Diego's voice was laced with panic, revealing a hidden dynamic between the two men. "Oh? This loser is also paying someone's salary! Hahaha," one of the attending staff members chuckled, eliciting a chorus of snickers and guffaws from the others.. "Just get lost from here!" the doctor shouted, his voice dripping with disdain. "I..." Tyler stammered, his voice trailing off as he turned away, his eyes cast downward in a mix of embarrassment and disappointment. He couldn't help but sneak a glance back at the staff members, their smirking faces and condescending gazes piercing his dignity like daggers.The loud clang of the gate slamming shut jolted Tyler back to reality. He watched Diego return to his post, then shifted his gaze to the mansion entrance, where red and blue lights flickered through the downstairs windows, casting an ominous glow.Fueled by hope, Tyler tried to force his way through the gate. He imagined his wife's family throwing a welcome-back party, explaining why no one had picked him up at the prison entrance they were too busy preparing a surprise celebration. He clung to the belief that his wife, Emily, still loved him and that their bond was unbroken. However, his efforts were futile; the gate was securely locked by Diego, leaving Tyler frustrated and defeated.After a few minutes in the scorching sun on Haight Street, Tyler slumped against a waste bin, feeling hopeless. Suddenly, the click of the gate unlocking made him lift his head, wondering who was on the other side.That's when he saw her—a maid in a black top and Nike trousers, holding a black trash can
"Could he have escaped from Alcatraz?" the one in the middle speculated, glancing around at the group."Maybe. The commander of Alcatraz Island held a press conference yesterday, announcing that three prisoners had escaped," the person on the left added, leaning forward with interest."He’s probably one of them, and that's why he's here today," Keisha, the light-skinned girl on the right, chimed in, her eyes wide with excitement."How do you know?" Sophie asked, her tone playful but curious."It's obvious - it was all over the news yesterday, and now he's suddenly appeared!" Rachel exclaimed, clearly impressed by the unfolding mystery."Rachel’s absolutely right!" Sophie agreed, nodding at her friend's keen observation.As the group erupted into laughter again, drawing the attention of the crowd, Tyler felt his patience snap."I don't have time for your jokes!" he exclaimed, pushing his way past them.Tyler knew Emily's three friends had never liked him, and the feeling was mutual. Th
Diego understood that without proof of how Tyler gained access to the mansion, his job as the gatekeeper would be in jeopardy. He knew that Old Ms. Harrington was not one to forgive those who crossed her easily.A guest's sharp voice broke through the tension. "How did he get that gate card?" She pointed her wine glass at Tyler, her finger accusingly aimed at him, while Tyler's gaze remained locked on Diego with unsettling intensity.Tyler's eyes narrowed in disbelief. He never expected Diego to act this way after everything he had done for him over the past few years."After all I've done for you, this is how you repay me?" he thought, his voice barely a whisper.Memories of his last humiliation at work still lingered, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. He had revealed the cost of Diego's son's treatment, thinking he was helping, only to face backlash. His boss had punished him by deducting a portion of his salary, but Tyler never disclosed this to Diego or anyone else. He brushed
"I'll take this," Tyler said, his hand delving deeper into his pocket to bring out his phone. Glancing at the caller ID, he noticed it was a familiar number he used to call back then. "It's urgent!" he added, pointing at his phone as he walked away from the guests into a quiet corridor to pick up the call."Father, let me go check the security footage to confirm all this," Andrew said, walking alongside Tyler.In the quiet, cold corridor, the light casting a growing glow all around, Tyler was about to pick up the call when Andrew suddenly pushed him against the wall. "What are you doing here? Didn't I tell you to stay away from this mansion and the Harringtons?" Andrew's finger pointed at Tyler's face. "Let me make this clear: if you expose what happened in the past, I'll make sure to bury you alive," he threatened. Releasing Tyler against the wall, Andrew walked away, disappearing into the distance.Tyler watched him go before redialing the number he had missed due to Andrew's bul
Old Ms. Harrington's frustration was evident in her voice. "This doesn't prove anything! What are we achieving here?" she asked, her tone soft yet firm.Andrew shrugged, his expression uncertain. "Some aspects remain unclear, Grandma."Her eyes narrowed as she replied sharply, "If we can't even establish how he gained entry, then all of this is a waste of time. But that man owes me an explanation!" Her anger simmered just beneath the surface, palpable in her words.Andrew paused, gathering his thoughts before speaking again. "Grandmother, why doesn't Emily just divorce Tyler? He's brought nothing but disgrace to our family. I'm embarrassed to be associated with him in public."Old Ms. Harrington's expression hardened. "Divorce is not an option, Andrew. It goes against your grandfather's wishes, and I won't allow it. Your grandfather and Tyler's grandfather had an agreement - our families only marry within our social circle. We cannot betray that trust."Tyler's and Emily's grandfa
As Tyler stumbled out of the mansion, trying to process the betrayal, he barely noticed the sleek black car speeding up the driveway. Before he could react, the car screeched to a halt, and two men in dark suits jumped out. Strong hands grabbed him, dragging him into the back seat.He fought back, but their grip was ironclad. A cloth was forced over his mouth, and the last thing he saw was the mansion's grand entrance fading into the distance.When Tyler awoke, his head throbbed, and he realized he was tied to a chair, his arms bound tightly behind him. A coarse, black cloth covered his eyes, shrouding him in darkness."Who's there?" he demanded, his voice echoing in the silence.A door creaked open, and he heard footsteps approaching. The air grew colder, and he sensed someone standing directly in front of him."Tyler," a familiar, cold voice spoke, dripping with disdain. "I see you're finally awake."Tyler's heart pounded. "Who are you? What do you want?"The man chuckled. "You rea
Meanwhile, Tyler, unaware of the storm brewing against him, made his way home. He took a shortcut through a secluded alleyway, his mind preoccupied with the day's events. As he turned the corner, three men stepped out of the shadows, blocking his path."Tyler, right?" the leader of the group said, cracking his knuckles. "We've got a message for you from the Harringtons."Tyler's eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation. "I don't want any trouble," he said, trying to stay calm."Too late for that," the leader sneered. "You crossed the wrong family."Before Tyler could react, one of the men swung a bat towards him. Tyler ducked just in time, but the second man lunged at him, catching him off guard. A fierce struggle ensued, with Tyler fighting back with everything he had.However, Tyler dodged the incoming punches from the leader, who was covered in tattoos, with ease. He leaped onto the alleyway's railing effortlessly and then kicked one of the attackers in the face."Damn! This as
Old Ms. Harrington turned to Andrew and said, "I'm sorry, Andrew. I know I was the one who put you in this mess!" Her voice was firm as she embraced Andrew in a tight hug. "I won't allow that to happen to you anymore!" Andrew nodded his head, tears welling up. "Grandmother, I'm also sorry for the shame I brought to today's celebration. I was just trying to protect myself from the man who was bullying me, saying I had to pay up for the drug money I owed him, even after I said I wasn't into drugs anymore! After that, he tried to kill me!" "I know, Andrew. You can't kill anyone; it was just self-defense, wasn't it?" Old Ms. Harrington asked, her voice gentle but strong. A devilish smile played on Andrew's face. "Yes, Grandma. I can't kill anyone," he said, lifting his head. Old Ms. Harrington held Andrew's face in her hands, looking deeply into his eyes. "How was the agreement between you and Mr. Blackwell? I hope the government has pardoned our family!" she asked, her voice full