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
Epic 131As they walked back through the forest, the darkness of the night setting in around them, Jasmine turned to Kyrian and asked softly, "What was your father like?"Kyrian smiled, the memories of his father filling his heart with warmth. "He was everything I could ever hope to be," he said, his voice filled with pride. "He was strong but gentle. He was brave, but kind. He was my hero, my mentor, my best friend."Jasmine nodded, her eyes shining with love and understanding. As they walked through the snow-covered forest, Kyrian turned to Jasmine and said with a mischievous grin, "You know, I think King would love the beach. Maybe we could take him there for his first birthday. We could build sandcastles, swim in the sea, and watch the sunset over the ocean."Jasmine laughed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "That sounds perfect," she said, her voice filled with joy. "And we can take a family photo on the beach, with King laughing and playing in the sand. The days and weeks pas
Epic 130As Kyrian shared the news with his friends and family, his heart swelled with joy and gratitude. He knew that they had been there for him and Jasmine throughout their journey, and he wanted them to be a part of this momentous occasion.Timi, who had always been like a brother to Kyrian, let out a whoop of joy when he heard the news. "Finally, I'm an uncle!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement. "You have to bring little King to the dojo when he's old enough. We'll teach him everything we know. Mr. Bola's response was more measured, but no less sincere. "This is truly wonderful news, Kyrian," he said, his voice filled with pride. "You and Jasmine have been through so much together. It's so good to see you both finally achieving this moment of happiness. I can't wait to meet the little one."As Kyrian spoke with his loved ones, he felt his world expanding, his heart growing larger with every moment.“You know you are the next in line Timi”. My Bola whispered as the
Epic 129As Kyrian and Jasmine thanked Jasmine's father, a sense of relief washed over them, the weight of uncertainty lifted from their shoulders. They rose from the table, their hands still entwined, their hearts filled with joy and anticipation.Outside, the sun was beginning to set, painting the sky with streaks of gold and pink. Kyrian turned to Jasmine, his eyes alight with love. "I have one more thing to ask you, Jasmine," he said, his voice gentle but serious. "Will you marry me?"Jasmine's eyes filled with tears, her heart swelling with happiness and love. "Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the chirping of the birds and the rustle of the leaves. "Yes, I will marry you."Kyrian pulled her into his arms, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that held all the promise of their future. As the sun sank lower in the sky, the two of them stood there, surrounded by the beauty of the world, a world that, at that moment, seemed full of hope and possibility. As the weeks pas
Epic 128Kyrian stared at the metal bars that separated them, the gulf between them so much more than physical. For a long moment, he said nothing, his thoughts racing.Finally, he spoke. "Why?" he asked, the word escaping his lips like a breath of air. "Why did you do it? Why did you betray me? Why did you become what you were?"Ken remained silent, his eyes unreadable, his expression impassive. Then, he spoke, his voice low and resigned. "I have made my choices, Kyrian," he said. "Choices that I cannot undo, choices that have led me here," Ken continued, his voice growing softer, more reflective. "But I want you to know, Kyrian, that I am not without regret. I have done many things in my life, some of them good, some of them bad. But I am not beyond redemption."Kyrian stared at Ken, his heart aching with the weight of the moment. "Then why?" he asked again, his voice shaking slightly. "Why did you turn away from me? Why did you turn away from everything we believed in?" Ken's gaze
Epic 127Kyrian was taken aback by the call, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end. "That was Ken," he said, his voice low and tight. "He knows about our plan."Jasmine and Timi's faces paled, the shock of the moment sinking in."How is that possible?" Jasmine asked, her voice trembling slightly. "We haven't told anyone."Kyrian's mind raced, piecing together the fragments of information they had gathered. "He must have someone on the inside," he said, his eyes hardening with determination. "We'll continue to pretend like we're giving up," Jasmine continued, her mind already whirling with ideas. "We'll feed him misinformation, make him think he's winning. But in the meantime, we'll be searching for the leak."Kyrian nodded a fierce determination in his eyes. "We need to be extra careful," he said, his voice grave. "If Ken finds out we're on to him, he'll disappear into thin air, and we'll never get justice for your father. Timi shifted uncomfortably, his mind racing with
Epic 126"Listen," Timi said, breaking the silence, his voice tentative but hopeful. "This has been such a wonderful night. Can't we make it last just a little bit longer?"Jasmine and Kyrian exchanged a glance, their expressions uncertain.Inspector Bami smiled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I suppose one more night won't hurt," he said, his voice playful. "I have a couple of spare beds. You're welcome to stay."Timi grinned, relief and excitement filling his face. Kyrian and Jasmine couldn't help but laugh at Timi's eagerness, and the group made their way to the spare rooms, preparing for a night of restful sleep.But as the lights went out and the quiet of the night settled in, Jasmine found herself tossing and turning, unable to shake the unease that had settled in her mind.She couldn't shake the feeling that they were all still in danger, that Ken's threat was still very real and very present. Kyrian, sensing Jasmine's unease, gently reached out and took her hand, his touch
Epic 125For a moment, the three of them sat there in silence, allowing the words to sink in.Outside, the city was asleep, the streets quiet and still, but inside the bar, their world felt alive with possibility and peace.Timi took a sip of his drink, the silence comfortable and warm between them. "I think you're right," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.Jasmine reached for Kyrian's hand, her expression filled with warmth and compassion. The night stretched on, the three of them lingering in the bar as the hours passed.As they sat there, talking and laughing, a sense of gratitude filled the air. They were grateful for each other, for the friendship and support they had found in one another.They were grateful for the moments of joy and laughter, for the tiny miracles of everyday life.And they were grateful for the strength they had found within themselves, for the courage and resilience that had carried them through the darkness and into the light. As the sun began to rise
Epic 124Kyrian nodded, his expression solemn and resolved. "Thank you," he said, his voice heavy with gratitude. "I know this isn't easy for either of you, but I appreciate your understanding."I just need a few more days. If Ken doesn't surrender himself by then, you have my word that I won't stop you from bringing him in."Timi nodded, his expression grim. "Just promise us one thing," he said, his voice filled with concern. "Don't take any unnecessary risks. You've been through enough already."Kyrian nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I promise," he said, his voice filled with a newfound sense of resolve."Now, if you don't mind, I need to get some fresh air," he said, his eyes flicking towards the door. "I think I could use a walk to clear my head."Timi and Jasmine exchanged a look, a smile passing between them."We'll be here when you get back," Timi said, his voice filled with warmth. Kyrian stepped out into the warm sunshine, the breeze blowing gently
Epic 123Kyrian's brow furrowed, his mind racing as he considered Ken's words. "You're trying to shift the blame away from yourself," he said, his voice low and intense. "You want me to believe that someone else is responsible for all of this chaos and destruction."Ken's expression remained unreadable, his eyes fixed on Kyrian. "I am only telling you what I know," he said, his voice calm and even. "I am not the only person in this world who is capable of causing harm."Kyrian's expression hardened, his voice filled with determination. Kyrian's words dripped with bitterness and sarcasm as he glared at Ken. "As it stands now, you're the only one who seems capable of causing harm in this world," he spat. "You've done nothing but bring pain and destruction to the people around you."Ken's expression grew colder, his eyes dark and unfeeling. "And what would you have me do?" he demanded. "What would you have me say to make you believe that I am not the monster you think I am?"Kyrian shook