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
Epic 75As they made their way through the crowds, Jasmine's eyes darted from face to face, searching for anything out of place. Timi and Kyrian kept close, their postures alert and ready."Over there," Kyrian murmured, his voice low. "That man in the red cap. I've seen him before, with the DPO."Jasmine's gaze snapped to the figure, her pulse quickening. "You think he's connected to the MK Group?""Maybe. Or he might know something about John," Kyrian replied, his fingers flexing. "Let's approach him," Jasmine said, her steps quickening. "We need to do this carefully. We can't spook him."The three detectives made their way through the crowd, drawing closer to the man in the red cap. He didn't seem to notice them at first, but as they neared, his posture stiffened."Hey, you," Kyrian called out, his voice friendly but firm. "Do you have a moment to talk?"The man's eyes darted to each of the detectives, his expression guarded. "What do you want?"Kyrian's smile was practised, the kin
Epic 76In a split second, Jasmine twisted away, the man's fingers barely grazing the box. As she turned, she caught a glimpse of Timi, his face contorted in pain. A knife protruded from his shoulder, crimson blood spreading across his shirt."Timi!" she cried, her voice raw with fear.Kyrian, hearing her cry, spun around, firing off a flurry of shots. Two of the men fell to the ground, their bodies limp and still. But the others were still coming, relentless in their pursuit. Jasmine clutched the metal box to her chest, desperation fueling her movements. She needed to get the evidence to safety, needed to get Timi out of there."Kyrian, we need to fall back," she shouted, her voice desperate. "Timi's hurt and we need to get out of here."Kyrian's face was grim, his eyes fierce. He knew she was right."Jasmine, get Timi to the exit," he commanded, his voice taut with fear and determination. "I'll cover you." Jasmine grabbed Timi by the arm, the pain from his shoulder causing him to wi
Epic 77Timi and Jasmine arrived at the safehouse, accompanied by a team of heavily armed officers. Kyrian, still recovering from his injuries, had been deemed unfit to accompany them, much to his frustration.As they approached the safe house, a sense of unease washed over them. They knew that the MK Group might be watching, that they had to be on high alert.With a renewed sense of urgency, Timi and Jasmine piled into an armoured car with the heavily armed officers, racing to the secure location where John was being kept under wraps.As they approached their destination, the air was thick with apprehension. John was the only living link to the MK Group's activities, and they knew that the organization wouldn't let him speak easily.When they arrived, they were led to a heavily fortified room where John sat, his eyes darting around nervously."Mr. John," Timi began, "we have some important questions for you." John's gaze darted between Timi and Jasmine, the gravity of the situation w