Epic 67Jasmine's eyes flashed with anger. "A man in a suit? You let a stranger in to see an inmate without any kind of authorization? Are you kidding me?!"The guards exchanged worried glances. "He said he was from the Ministry of Justice," one of them stammered. "He had all the right documents. We thought he was legit!"Jasmine let out an exasperated sigh, pacing the small room like a caged tiger. "So, what did he look like? Did he have any distinguishing features?"The guards exchanged looks, searching their memories. "He was tall, maybe in his 40s," one guard said. "Had dark hair and wore glasses. But the thing I remember most was his tie. It had a strange pattern on it, almost like a cryptic code."Jasmine's eyes lit up at the mention of the tie. "A code, you say? That could be important. Did any of you catch his name?"The guards shook their heads, their nerves frayed."I think he introduced himself as Dr. Marks," one of them said, his voice trembling slightly. "But I could be w
Epic 68The bartender scrutinized the picture, his gaze lingering on John's face. "Yeah, I've seen him around. Usually comes in with some shady-looking guys. Real quiet, doesn't say much." He wiped the bar with a grimy towel, his eyes never leaving the photo. "But he hasn't been here in a while. What do you want with him?"Kyrian flashed his badge. "We're looking into his disappearance from prison. Anything you can tell us would be helpful."The bartender let out a low whistle. "Disappeared, huh?"Let's just say that if he disappeared, it's no surprise." The bartender leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Heard rumours that he's involved with some pretty dangerous people. Word is, he crossed the wrong guy and had to skip town."Jasmine exchanged a look with Kyrian. "Dangerous people, huh? Like who? What sort of 'wrong guy' are we talking about here?"The bartender shrugged, his expression impassive. "Can't say."All I know is, this place isn't somewhere you want
Epic 69With Jasmine's plan in motion, Kyrian and Timi decided to visit the Ministry of Justice the next day, hoping to gain more insight into this elusive 'Dr. Marks'.The next morning, the sun rose over the city, casting a golden light on the sprawling streets. As the city woke, Kyrian and Timi made their way to the imposing building that housed the Ministry of Justice. The sound of their shoes echoed on the marble floors as they walked through the hallway, their pace purposeful and measured. They approached the receptionist, who sat behind a polished wooden desk. She looked up from her paperwork, her expression guarded."How may I help you?" she asked, her voice pleasant yet professional.Kyrian flashed his badge, the metallic sheen catching the light. "Detectives Kyrian and Timi," he said, introducing himself and Timi. "We're investigating the disappearance of an inmate from State Prison Number 4, and we believe someone from your ministry might have visited him before his escape."
Epic 70"If they didn't want John alive," Kyrian continued, his pacing quickening, "then it means that whatever he knew was so damaging that they couldn't risk him talking. Maybe they realized that he was getting ready to talk. Or maybe they just didn't trust him anymore."Timi tilted his head, considering this theory. "So you're saying we need to figure out what John knew, but we also need to find out who wanted him dead."Jasmine crossed her arms, her face determined. "Right. "Let's work backwards," Jasmine said, leaning forward in her chair. "We know that John was meeting with someone named Victor. If Victor is connected to this mystery, he must have known what John was planning. Maybe he's the one who decided John had to go."Timi tapped a button on his keyboard, bringing up a screen of data. "If we're right about Victor, then we need to find him. His disappearance could be the key to understanding what happened to John."Kyrian nodded. "And don't forget about the tie knot."The t
Epic 71The Clubhouse Group's headquarters glinted in the late afternoon sun as the detectives approached. The lobby was opulent, with marble floors, high ceilings, and stunning artwork adorning the walls.As Timi approached the front desk, Jasmine and Kyrian took a moment to survey the space. It was clear that the Clubhouse Group was not only prosperous but also extremely image-conscious. Everything was impeccably maintained, from the immaculate reception area to the high-end furnishings.Timi exchanged a few polite words with the receptionist before turning to face his colleagues. Kyrian couldn't help but shake his head in wonder as he took in the grandiose surroundings. "Clubhouse Group? Sounds like a group of school kids in a treehouse," he muttered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Yet here they are, owning a place like this."Jasmine, her mind already sifting through possible scenarios, cast a sideways glance at Kyrian. "Appearances can be deceiving. Remember, the Mob wasn't ju
Epic 72Jasmine took a deep breath, preparing herself for the mother's reaction. "Mrs. Smith, did John mention anything to you about what he was investigating? Or anyone he might have been worried about?"The woman shook her head, her eyes wet with tears. "No. I mean, he was always so busy, always working on some case or another. He never talked about work with me, not really. He didn't want to burden me with any of his worries."Kyrian's brows furrowed. "Mrs Smith, did John have a wife or girlfriend he might have confided in?" Kyrian asked, hoping to find a new lead.The woman's eyes flicked from one detective to another, searching their faces for answers. "He had a girlfriend, a very nice girl named Nadia. But I don't know if he would've told her anything. He always kept things close to the vest, even with her."Jasmine pursed her lips, thinking. "When was the last time you saw John?""Two weeks ago, he came to visit me, just before he...before he disappeared." Mrs. Smith's voice tr
Epic 73Kyrian leaned forward, his eyes boring into Mrs. Smith's face. "Please, Mrs. Smith. Was Ken a part of the MK Group? If he was, that could explain a lot about why he disappeared, and why John was worried. You have to tell us everything you know."Mrs Smith looked away, her eyes full of fear and uncertainty. "I'm sorry, I don't know anything more about the MK Group. Please, don't ask me. I just want my son back. I just want him safe."The detectives exchanged glances, their frustration mounting. As they left Mrs. Smith's house, the detectives were silent. The night air was even colder than before, and light snow began to fall.Kyrian finally spoke, his voice low and full of fury. "We're getting nowhere. If the MK Group has anything to do with John's disappearance, we need to find out what it is. And if Ken is part of it, we need to find him."Jasmine's gaze was distant, her thoughts drifting back to the abandoned apartment. "The MK Group. It has to be related to the Clubhouse Gr
Epic 74As the hours crept by, exhaustion crept over the detectives like a heavy blanket. They knew they couldn't keep going like this, not without sleep, not without food."Let's call it a night," Jasmine said, her voice heavy with resignation. "We're not going to make any progress if we're running on fumes. We need to rest and regroup. And maybe by morning, we'll have a fresh perspective."Kyrian nodded, his eyes hooded with fatigue. "You're right. Timi, do you think you can keep digging into John's case files?Timi nodded, his movements slow and deliberate. "Yeah, I'll stay here. I'll see if there's anything we've missed. You two go home and get some sleep. Maybe we'll have more luck tomorrow."“Don't stay too long bro”. Kyrian muttered.With that, Jasmine and Kyrian bid Timi goodnight, their footsteps echoing through the empty halls of the precinct. Outside, the night air was crisp, but the chill couldn't cut through the fog of exhaustion that clung to them."Maybe we're in over o