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A groan cut through the near pitch-black office of Police Detective Asuka Tenjoin. Mulling over the details in her head, she skimmed through the files on her cluttered desk. Something was not adding up. Everything seemed so straightforward. An unidentified person entered the apartment of CEO Orlando Murluto and around an hour later he was lying on the floor dead. No prints, no description, nothing. Just a single cup lying next to the victim’s body. If it was murder, then the wine could have been poisoned. That would also mean that-
The door to her office slammed open.
“Working hard or hardly working, Tenjoin!” A happy chirp came, coffee in hand.
Detective Tenjoin sighed. “Hello, Yuki.”
“How long have you been working on the case?” He set the coffee down on her desk, careful to not put it on top of any papers.
“Since I got here at 8:30?” It had been hardly two hours.
“Knowing you I thought you’d pull an all-nighter,” he spread himself across one of the armchairs provided next to her bookshelf.
“If you knew me a bit better you would know that I actually get sleep. Unlike someone I know,” she eyed him. No sign of sleep deprivation, just the usual perkiness. She picked up the cup and took a sip. It had only been a year, yet he got the order right. Usually he complained about how long it was.
Judai Yuki was not an officer or detective per say. More of their eyes and ears into the criminal world. Sure he came into office everyday, but that was more so because he and Detective Tenjoin were pseudo-partners. He was there to assist her in solving cases and always whined when he had to remain at the precinct. She found him a bit much at times. While her job was hectic, she wanted her friends and private life to remain relatively calm. He always seemed to think everything was a joke. There was a reason why she was called no-nonsense-Asuka.
“Forget about that. At the moment, I am trying to parse whether this case was a suicide or murder. If not then they will file this as a suicide,” she explained.
“Well, it can’t be, right? A witness saw someone enter and then this bank guy was dead,” he said.
Detective Tenjoin ran a hand through her hair. “I want to see if I can get an analysis of the cup; see if it has any traces of poisons or drugs.”
She walked around her desk to the door, Judai following in tow.
“You were denied clearance. Just-stay here, alright?” She pushed him, lightly, back into her office; closing the door on his pouting face.
A snicker came from her left. Like always, her coworkers had to hide their laughter at their antics. She sighed internally, hoping that someday she might receive another partner.
The door to the evidence locker room could not have come fast enough. She slid her key into the lock and shut the door behind her. Alone with files, she had trouble thinking of a better place to be. Sitting on shelves, stretching to the ceiling, were boxes upon boxes of physical evidence. It would take some time, but she knew it would be a wonderful few hours of bliss. She scoured the shelves looking for the case number.
Only the faint light of the afternoon sun told her how much time passed. She wiped her eyes, groggy from sleep. Looking through evidence must have taken a lot out of her. She took the maroon blanket off herself and folded it. It was the same one from her office. Of course he disobeyed orders. She stretched before looking around for the cup she found. Gone. Getting to her feet, she rushed out of the room. She stiffened her posture, ready to make Judai regret he ever met her. She opened her door, being mindful of her coworkers. As if nothing was wrong, Judai leaned back in his chair looking up from his magazine.
“Where did the evidence go?” She glared at him.
“I don’t have clearance, remember.”
Detective Tenjoin sighed and slammed her hands onto the armrests. “Do not play dumb with me. That was important evidence that could derail this entire operation. You better start talking or I will make sure you never eat another pizza in your entire life.”
“You’re bluffing,” he leaned forward with a smirk. Detective Tenjoin grabbed him by the collar and pulled him towards her.
He tried to pull back in surprise, finding himself unable to.
“I am not joking around, Yuki. You tell me where it is right this instance.”
He waved his hands trying to put some distance between them. “Okay, okay, calm down. I sent it to get tested. I swear on my life,” he crossed his heart.
She stepped backwards in embarrassment. “Y-you have? How did you-?”
“I may have taken your badge and ID. They obviously knew I wasn’t you and just laughed. The results should be in by tomorrow.”
Detective Tenjoin slumped into the other chair and groaned.
“I should have done this differently,” she rubbed her temples. “I apologize, I got ahead of myself. I thought that-“
“You thought that I purposely got rid of evidence. C’mon it’s been a year, I thought you’d trust me.”
“I know, I know.”
“It was a little fun to be interrogated by the legend herself!”
“I cannot believe you are joking. I thought you would be upset, rightfully so I may add.”
Judai scratched the back of his neck. “I figured you’d be mad once you woke up, so I gave you the blanket for good will.”
“That was probably a good idea.”
“I’d like to think I know you by now, Tenjoin,” he smirked.
“And I still think you would double cross me and leave me for dead,” she ran a hand through her hair. “Could I have my badge and ID back though?”
“Oh, it’s on your desk.”
She nodded and went over to it. She picked up the note on it and read it.
“Where did this come from? And, why is it in your handwriting?”
Judai stood up and strode over to her desk.
“I went out for a walk one day and heard some chatter about Orlando cheating on his wife with Marlucious’ girlfriend. Thought it could be worth looking into; to prove this was a murder and all.”
“Not bad, Yuki. Get a sample too while you were at it?”
He took out a baggie. “You know I did!”
“This is…a rock?”
“My new pet rock! I got a sample of the pebbles on the streets.”
“I should arrest you for willful endangerment.”
Judai shrugged. “Found after I left the alley.”
“Smart,” Detective Tenjoin sighed. “How are we going to pass the time?”
“We could finally go to karaoke like I’ve been asking for, for months now.”
“I was going to suggest we look into Orlando and his finances,” she sat down in her chair and flipped through a few files.
She picked one up. “This should help us get them.”
“You wanna do more work?” He whined.
“You want to remain here and update the filing system?”
“Okay, fine. I can’t believe you convinced me to trade paperwork for a different type of work,” he shook his head in jest.
“This is too much,” Detective Tenjoin placed a file on top of the ever mounting pile of folders they accumulated over the last few hours.
“Where should I put this? The unrelated or disturbing pile?” Judai asked.
“A new third category: unrelentingly boring,” she responded.
“Coming from you, it must be awful. What was it?” Judai skimmed through the pages. “A class on how to watch paint dry? Who would need to go to that?”
“It could have been a front. Maybe he was meeting up with somebody?”
“You can check the phone number provided,” he pointed to the far right column.
“I know that place. It is right next to where a local gang I arrested used to operate.”
“Then the turf must be up for grabs.”
“Or he really was watching paint dry. I can check the lead and you can keep your ear to the ground, as they say.”
“You used a figure of speech! I really am rubbing off on you!”
Detective Tenjoin rolled her eyes.
“Wait, he never included this on his tax form. There is extra money here,” she lifted the sheet up to his eyes.
“Thinking it’s tax fraud?”
She nodded. “And possible money laundering.”
“If we get enough info on this lead then that-“
“Could be enough for them to look into it being a murder.”
Judai snapped his fingers.
“You want to come along?” She asked.
“You know I always do!”
Detective Tenjoin thought for a moment. “Fine, but stay close and refrain from touching anything. If it is a front, getting more prints on the scene would cause more trouble than it would be worth.”
“Aye, aye captain!”
“This place is awful,” Judai looked around at the drab, trash-filled scenery.
“Which only makes one wonder why a billionaire would come here,” Detective Tenjoin put a hand to her chin thoughtfully and pondered for a moment. “Judai, could you capture images for the file?”
He looked through his bag to take out a bulky analog instant camera.
"No pictures, please,” the person behind the counter said. They were dressed in a grey suit with a black tie. Their bowler hat was hanging on the coat rack behind them, the same shade of grey. The lobby was empty except for a few chairs and pamphlets about the business, which really was about paint. They must have opened recently, Detective Tenjoin surmised.
“Apologies. We are with Chicago Police,” Detective Tenjoin took out her badge, “We have reason to believe that a recent victim visited here before their death.”
“I-I see. What would you like to know?” They averted their eyes.
“What can you tell me about Orlando Murluto? Why did he visit here?”
“I can’t say much, but he was an investor. He wanted to check in on how things were going in-person. I had a short chat with him and allowed him to wander as he pleased,” they looked over their shoulder.
Detective Tenjoin took out her notepad. “What did you talk about?”
“Mostly about how the business was going, then he asked for directions to the washroom.”
“Is it alright if we look around?”
The receptionist nodded and opened the gate to let them into the back.
Exploring the corridor that greeted them, the washrooms were down the hall and to the left. There was a staff lounge down to the right filled with a mini kitchen and dining room, though noticeably cheaper. Throughout their entire excursion they had only found one other employee, the janitor, making how they could afford so much space come into question. Either they paid ludicrously high prices, or, it was a particularly slow day-not calling for their usual numbers. Meeting up with Judai after they split up to look around, Asuka shared her thoughts with him.
“Were you able to find a log of when the workers signed in?” She asked.
“Maybe?” He scratched his neck.
Detective Tenjoin nodded. “Lead the way.”
“I’ve never seen one before but I thought this looked like how it would,” he stood next to a list posted along a wall in the staff lounge. It had a handful of names listed. The most recent one was for someone named Marcel Burbinon, signed in at 12:45 P.M. About a half hour ago.
“I think you might just be onto something,” Detective Tenjoin took crumpled up gloves out of her blazer pocket and put them on. She picked up the board and started looking through the previous logs. If anyone else was here the day of Orlando’s death, it would be recorded.
“Nobody is also recorded being here on the day of death,” she hung the board back up.
“What about the CCTV footage?” Judai pointed towards the camera.
“Right. Could you check on that for me? I’m going to see if the janitor will speak to me,” Detective Tenjoin adjusted her blazer.
“Will do. Call if you need me.”
With that, Detective Tenjoin nodded and journeyed to find the janitor.
Something was bothering her: why did he pay for a class if he just wanted to check on how things were going? Was it to throw them off if they did check his finances? Then why would the receptionist just tell her after knowing she was police. She could think about that later right now-
An assailant jumped her from behind. Throwing them off, she found it to be the janitor from earlier. Hiding right under her nose, drats. He had a remarkably plain look. She wished she could capture it somehow, making a quick sketch would be ludicrous and she was not much of an artist either. Detective Tenjoin retrieved her baton from her belt and rushed forwards, aiming for his left leg. The janitor blocked using his mop and flung water into her eyes. Detective Tenjoin flinched back and shielded them, the janitor taking the opportunity to start fleeing.
Detective Tenjoin gave chase while taking out her walkie-talkie. “Officer 688 requesting backup. 10-80. Exiting through the back.”
Judai’s panicked voice shook through. “Right! C-coming!”
She sighed and pushed forward. Pushing open the back door she looked around to find the janitor had slipped away.
Judai came running up to her. “I checked around the alleys. He disappeared.”
“Blast it!” she rubbed her temples. As if on cue, the door closed and locked. Judai tried to hide his laughter behind his fist, giving an ahem to finally speak and compose himself. “Before you called me I saw the janitor and Orlando talk in the back on the cameras. There wasn’t any sound though.”
“Things just keep getting better,” Detective Tenjoin slid down the side of the building.
“Oh, don’t do that. This place is disgusting,” Judai helped her back up.
Reentering the business, the receptionist, now known to them as Marcel Burbinon, looked up with a meek look.
“I-I see the janitor has run away.”
“Did you also see the part where he jumped me? You are hiding something, Marcel,” Detective Tenjoin paced back and forth in front of the desk. “You told me he came that day to talk about the business, but he put down that he had paid for a class. A rather boring class on paint drying, if I may say so myself. There is also the matter of the janitor and his suspicious behaviour. Why would he jump me in the back? He was not even a suspect--till now that is.”
“Well…” Marcel began.
“Also, on the day of the victim’s death you were seen speaking to the janitor. The very same janitor as today’s incident.”
“We were just having a chat. You work long enough with somebody that you get comfortable enough to speak with them. And of his behaviour today, he’s an ex-criminal. Probably panicked when he saw cops and took the opportunity to run.”
“I see. Sorry for the intrusion,” Detective Tenjoin got Judai to gather up his things and they left.
“You believe that?” Judai asked.
“I believe some of it. If he really is an ex-convict then we will have his prints and mugshots on file.”
“Yay, more paperwork,” Judai slumped over and raised his arms in fake celebratory fashion.
“Well, that is what most of the job is,” Detective Tenjoin placed a hand on her hip and smirked.
“Yeah, I know…”
Entering the precinct again, they exuded a new air of determination. Sure they would have to go through the slow file system but the case seemed to be going somewhere.
“When do you think we’ll have enough evidence to turn this into a murder case?” Judai played with Detective Tenjoin’s now-empty coffee cup. Occasionally she would change places with Judai to freshen up her mind.
She sighed. “No idea. Maybe not until we solve and prove it was murder.”
“Great.”
“On the bright side, we get to tell them ‘we told you so’,” she smirked.
“Too true! Sweet revenge,” he rubbed his hands together.
“Have you found the file yet?” She asked.
“Think so,” he beckoned her over, “This look like him?”
She nodded. “Looks like he was telling the truth. I wonder why though. What was the point?”
“To make him sound more believable?” Judai said.
“Perhaps,” Detective Tenjoin scratched her chin.
“So, what were they brought in for?” Judai got up and leaned over her shoulder. “Geez, aggravated assault!”
She nodded. “He has also been known to work with drug dealers.”
“So, Orlando invested in a company that hired a convicted criminal, who was involved with drugs?”
“Adds something to that rumour you heard. Could you see if we can get into contact with the victim?”
“Of the assault?”
She nodded.
“Will do.”
Judai kicked a rock as he walked down the dull streets of Chicago. Searching for some random person was not exactly what he had in mind but, if it meant getting the case the proof it needed, he would do it. He turned down a street that was in marginally better condition. With painted and well-kept houses lining both sides. Mumbling to himself, Judai repeated the house number as he walked by. Then, on the end of the street, he found it. Number 164. He gave the door a tentative knock. The door opened, chain lock still in place.
“G’day. I’m Judai Yuki with the Chicago police. I was wondering if I could ask you a couple of questions?”
“About two years ago?” She unlocked the door and opened it.
Judai nodded. She sighed and gestured for him to come in.
“Can I get you some tea?” She asked, more so out of formality than a genuine offer.
“Green, if you have it,” he said.
“I only have chai.”
“That’s fine.”
She turned on the kettle.
“How’d you know I came here to talk about two years ago?”
“That bastard, Fred, got out of jail a couple months ago. Guys like him go back to crime.”
“If you don’t mind, what’s your relationship with Fred?” Judai took a seat on her couch.
“Freddy-Fred-used to be a friend of my ex. Do you mind if I smoke?”
“I can offer a light.”
She took his lighter and lit her cigarette.
“Thanks,” she gave it back to him and took a puff. “Fred got into drugs in high school. Started hanging out with that crowd. Got into dealing himself a few years out. He was pretty good at it too. Made lots of money and had a girlfriend, Jenny-or something. Found out he was cheating, so I wanted to tell Jenny. He found out I knew and threatened me. Got cut real good, had to pay the hospital bills too,” she scoffed. She took another puff. “Anyways, I broke up with my ex, moved away from that side of town and started life over.”
“What side of town was this?”
“Why should I tell you? Wherever you find him, that’s the side. They’re quick, you know.”
“Noted. Did he have anywhere he went when things got tough?”
“Usually Jenny’s but I’m not sure if they’re still together. I’m not giving you her address either. She doesn’t need this,” she tapped the end of her cigarette on an ashtray.
“I understand," Judai stood up. "Next time, maybe don't keep your diplomas up, Jenifer,” he left.
Walking back to the precinct, there was no doubt any longer: this case was connected to drugs, if that janitor’s--or Freddy’s--girlfriend was to be believed. He did believe what she said, the lie about this imaginary friend seemed to be to keep herself safe. He knocked on Detective Tenjoin's office door. She opened it.
"So, have anything to report?" She asked.
“Seems this Freddy guy used to hide out at her place when he needed to. He was cheating on her and that’s what led to his arrest,” Judai explained.
“Well done. I ought to treat you to a drink,” she opened the door for him. “We should corroborate the rumour about Marlucious, see if it is actually true,” she continued.
“We could ask Dan.”
Detective Tenjoin groaned. “You know I despise him.”
“Oh, c’mon. He’s our best bet without going in ourselves.”
“Fine.”
Detective Tenjoin took a deep breath before entering the interrogation room they decided to be their meeting place. ‘Slick’ Dan was their informant for keeping tabs on Marlucious and his gang. Been undercover for four years now. He would mess up sometimes and think he was being interrogated by the police with relation to drug dealing, causing some brawls before they could detain him. He was an alright guy who had a pretty simple inside world: few friends, hardly any family to speak of. He sat cross legged, leaning back in his chair with the same laid-backness he was so well known for.
“Hello, Dan,” Detective Tenjoin greeted him.
“Ah, Tenjoin. Looks like they finally let you at the big kid’s table. Whatcha’ need me for?”
“Word on the street is that Orlando Murluto cheated on his wife with Marlucious’ girlfriend possibly causing his death. What can you tell me about it?” She asked, folding her arms.
“Only that it’s true. In that, Orlando cheated on his wife. Marlucious was furious about that--pretty funny,” he replied.
“Was Orlando involved with Marlucious in any way?”
“You could say yes. As a sort of business partner.”
“Would you be willing to testify in front of a court?”
“Can’t risk my cover. I could send in someone with my full, complete statement.”
“If you could, I would be very grateful.”
“You’re not thinking of bringing Marlucious down, are you? Because I’ll be honest, you’ll die.”
“I am well aware of that. Which is why I was thinking that you and I could team up. With your inside knowledge, we may be able to imprison top players in his gang. Maybe even Marlucious himself.”
Dan let out a chuckle. “Now that’s wishful thinking. I like your gumption. Tell you what, how about I think about it and I’ll get back to you?”
“I think that can work.”
Dan stood up and extended his hand. They shook and he left.
“Will this really work out?” Judai asked.
“It sort of has to.”
“Well, since we have a few hours until the lab tests are done, how about that drink you mentioned?”
“Sure, I will follow through. In a way, I think we deserve this.”
Judai grinned. “Especially you, Asuka!”
Detective Tenjoin rolled her eyes. No way would she join in on his karaoke. How he even managed to convince her to get drinks here was a miracle of great proportions. She remembered standing her ground, but maybe in the moment she got lost in their conversation and followed him. Now, she was taking bathroom break after bathroom break to avoid blowing out their eardrums--in honesty, he was hardly doing much better. After some time of this, she finally ran out of excuses. Judai handed her the mic with a smirk.
“You’re up, Tenjoin!”
“B-by myself?” She stammered, setting her drink on the table.
“Don’t be such a wuss. Have you heard my singing?”
Detective Tenjoin sighed. “Fine, fine.”
She blinked at the song that came on. It was her favourite. She only told him that in passing, how could he remember? She took a deep breath in and belted out the words off-key. Judai whooped and hollered, even joining in. When it was over, she laughed and laughed. Laughed until her sides hurt. She wiped her eyes whilst clutching her side and plopped back down onto the couch.
“Alright, I will admit that was fun.”
Judai feigned surprise. “No-nonsense-Asuka enjoying herself? The world’s ending!”
“Oh, be quiet. It cannot be that big of a deal,” she paused for a moment. “Right?”
“What? No, of course not. I’m just joking around,” Judai playfully punched her arm.
“Not to be a downer, but am I boring?”
“Not in the least. You’re the funnest part of my day!”
She thought about it.
“Look, sure you work on cases a lot but you make the endless paperwork way more fun. The fact that you can enjoy it is magic in and of itself,” Judai added.
Asuka smiled. “Thanks, and thank you for remembering my coffee order. Thank you for helping out so much. Thank you for remembering my favourite song when I talked about it a single time. You are a pretty great partner.”
Judai scratched the back of his head. “Geez, you’re making me blush.”
“Though, why did you learn police codes? You never knew them before.”
“Oh, that…” he smiled awkwardly. “I, uh, decided to become a detective and help you out and stuff! It’d be cool, you know? Also, I’m tired of having to wait for you to find and run evidence.”
“I wish you luck.”
“And I can get a cool badge!”
Detective Tenjoin laughed. “That too.”
Stretching, Detective Tenjoin inwardly cursed herself for getting a hangover. Her coffee was later than usual, where was he? She got up and started looking around the precinct. You would think that with his hair he would be easier to find. After checking the break room for the fifth time, she resigned herself to her office. He was probably at home, passed out. She took out her bottle of ibuprofen from her purse and took two pills. It was better than nothing to calm her headache down. On her computer an email popped up. The test results for the evidence came in and she could pick it up.
Detective Tenjoin passed the receptionist her badge and ID. The receptionist looked around her desk before passing Detective Tenjoin the results.
“Thank you,” she said.
The receptionist nodded and went back to typing away on her keyboard.
Upon opening her door, Detective Tenjoin saw the back of her commanding officer, Captain Michael McLain. He was a tall, young man with harsh features denoting his tiredness, making him look much older than he was. The backs of his hands were calloused and clasped around a puzzle cube he kept on him to distract from boredom and monotony.
“Captain, what brings you down here?” She was not exactly well liked by the other officers. Seemed they would rather ignore her and let her solve cases. She did well enough at that, that it was not like they could complain.
“I’ve been informed of your case’s progress. Thought I would swing by to get the full report,” he responded, taking a seat behind her desk.
“Of course. Judai Yuki and I have been looking into the possibility of the death of Orlando Murluto being a murder. We found out Orlando had been ciphering money and was not being truthful on his tax reports. We visited the suspicious business in these reports to find that Orlando was one of its investors. One of the employees was also an ex-convict who was involved with drugs.”
He nodded. “I see. And what is your theory?”
“That Orlando Murluto was involved with drugs, cheated on his wife with Marlucious’ girlfriend, and out of revenge was murdered by Marlucious’ gang.”
“Do you have proof for the cheating allegation?”
“Our informant, Dan, can confirm and has agreed to testify in front of a court of law.”
“Well done, Tenjoin. Who would you be arresting?”
“We would only be able to get the people who actually killed him. I just got the evidence tested and here are the results,” she handed him the clear baggie holding the cup.
“Lead II acetate?” He raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t they use that as a sweetener in Ancient Greece?”
Detective Tenjoin nodded. “Exactly. And since they were having wine, the taste wouldn’t be suspicious.”
Captain McLain nodded.
“This arrest could lead to future arrests of the rest of the gang, maybe even Marlucious one day.”
Captain McLain stood up and walked out of her office, handing her the baggie and giving a thumbs up.
Once she heard the click of the closing of the door, she let out a sigh. She found it hard to think of anything that could get her heart rate going more than a ‘visit’ from the Captain.
It would be not until past one that finally Judai would pop his head into her office. Detective Tenjoin looked up from her work and glared.
“Could have used your help.”
“I know, I know sorry,” he shook the cup of coffee he was holding. “If it helps I got you your coffee. I had mine on the way over.”
She accepted it and took a sip. “Where were you?”
“I was taking an entrance exam.”
“For the academy?” She raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah. I don’t suppose you could be my tutor?”
Detective Tenjoin snorted. “I would have whether you liked it or not.”
“Good because I don’t think anyone else would,” he laughed nervously.
“We can start after we get the arrest.”
“Results come in?” He took a seat on top of her desk, moving a stack of papers over.
“Yup, Lead II acetate. Orlando was poisoned.”
“Yes!” Judai pumped his fists. “Can’t wait to see the higher up’s faces.”
“You and me both.”
“Let’s get cracking then,” he offered his hand for a fist bump.
Detective Tenjoin returned it. “This case will be airtight. Why not start by going through the known members’ alibis? We can call up Dan.”
Judai nodded.
“That’s the last one,” Judai sat back with a plop.
Detective Tenjoin rubbed her temples. “Someone has to be lying,” she scavenged around her desk looking for a file. She found one on the ground and picked it up. “We missed one,” she waved it around.
“Who’s that?” Judai scooted over to look over her shoulder.
“Jeremiah Lockston.”
“He’s the guy that runs the taco truck down the road.”
“How do you know that?” She gave him an inquisitive look.
“I get tacos from there. Fine enough guy, but creepy at times. Thing is he’s good at keeping everything neat and tidy. Don’t think anybody knows he’s involved with drugs.”
“Well, it seems just about everybody is.”
“By the look of all the papers, yeah,” Judai scratched his cheek.
“The alibi checks out but he had more than enough time to make it over to Orlando’s and be out when the witness said so.”
“Then we’ve got our guy?”
“If we could find him in possession of Lead II acetate, then yes.”
“I think I could find a way.”
Detective Tenjoin shook her head. “You are going to do something reckless and dangerous, right?”
“Yup!”
“Is the wire working?” Detective Tenjoin asked into her walkie-talkie. Judai responded with a mess of incoherent noises.
“I don’t know, is it?”
“Oh, hardy haha.” She watched him trip over a rock on the cameras and chuckled. He dusted himself off and continued walking. He approached the person working the door.
“You the new recruit?” They asked.
“That’s right. I don’t have time to waste so, make this quick,” Judai replied. He was now obviously the right choice. Not only was he more natural but he also had the accent, thanks to being born and raised in the city.
“Geez, hold up. I gotta check if you know the password,” they responded.
“It’s lemon drop.”
They opened the door. “See, that didn’t take long,” they snarked.
Judai rolled his eyes. He entered into a warehouse where multiple other people were situated all around the room. A man a little taller then Judai approached him. He turned towards the others.
“New recruit’s here!” He called. He turned back to Judai. “What business you looking to do?”
“Drugs, been scouting out a place for a while. Didn’t want to deal with a fight with the gang,” Judai responded.
“Good choice. Whatcha’ got in mind?”
“Was thinking of the market on the North side.”
The man tsked. “No can do. Already got Jonny doing that.”
“Any way Jonny and I can deal from the same spot? Not like I’ll sell anything that might affect him.”
“You could ask him. Don’t really recommend it.”
“That’s fine. It’ll just be a simple business talk anyways.”
“Right, this way then,” he led him to the back of the warehouse.
“Jonny, newbie wants to talk to ya,” he said to the person who was, sure enough, Jeremiah Lockston.
“Whatcha want, pipsqueak?” He asked.
“Wanted to know if we could share the same block. Got some drug I’m looking to sell,” Judai replied.
“Why should I?”
“Could bring more customers. Sell only one thing and you miss out on the rest of the market.”
“That’s true,” Jeremiah thought for a moment.
Judai took a small look around and found crates. One of them was open and he found exactly what he was looking for.
“That’s where I’ve seen you before,” Jeremiah started. “You visit my taco stand. You hang around that detective girl…” he snapped his fingers. Judai’s arms were seized and pulled behind him.
“Word is she’s investigating that Orlando guy and if your working with her, then you must be here for something. This ain’t no business talk no more,” he picked up a knife. One of the goons pulled Judai's head back by his hair. Jeremiah lightly glid the knife along his cheek.
“You won’t be having to worry about that anymore.”
A bang came as the front door was slammed open. Behind Detective Tenjoin was the guard knocked out and handcuffed. Jeremiah gestured for everyone else to go after her. He took up holding Judai himself and took out a gun. She set her bag off to the side before engaging. Detective Tenjoin fought off the attackers with kicks and jabs, using the base of her gun to knock them out.
“That’ll be enough,” Jeremiah said. He tightened his grip around Judai, placing a gun along his temple. Detective Tenjoin halted.
“Should’ve known you wouldn’t send ‘im in by himself.”
“What is your plan? Surely you cannot think this will end well,” Detective Tenjoin replied.
“It’s just payback for lying. Almost ruined everything for me,” he replied.
“What is stopping me from shooting you?”
“Either he dies or you do. Be nice and I might make your death fast and painless instead of agonizingly long.”
Detective Tenjoin thought about it for a moment. Watching shows, she always thought this type of scenario would be easy, but how do you give up a life so easily? How was it up to her to decide to endanger someone else? She was stuck in her own version of the trolley problem. She lowered her gun.
Judai squirmed. “Don’t be stupid, Asuka!”
“But…”
He gave her a wink and she nodded. Detective Tenjoin raised her gun again and fired, not for Jeremiah’s head but for his hand. He stumbled back, grasping his hand, as blood started leaking out of the wound. The bullet had an exit wound, leaving the hole unable to clot. Judai dropped to the ground and pulled out a pocket knife.
“You could have stabbed him this whole time!” Detective Tenjoin looked at him in disbelief. Judai gave an awkward shrug.
She walked over to Jeremiah and started wrapping his hand. “Is there Lead II in the crates?” She asked Judai.
“Sure is,” he responded.
“In my bag is a camera.”
He nodded and went to open it.
“Jeremiah Lockston, you are under arrest for the murder of Orlando Murluto. You have the right to remain silent: anything you say can, and will, be used against you. You have the right to an attorney, if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you,” Detective Tenjoin tightened the bandage and handcuffed him. He lowered his head and averted his eyes.
“I will be waiting in the car,” she informed Judai as he walked past.
She shut the back door and sat at the wheel. Jeremiah was slumped over. They would have to get him to questioning quickly. Judai opened the passenger door and slipped in.
“Punch it!” He said.
Detective Tenjoin buckled up and turned on the engine. Backing up real slow like to annoy him before she zipped down the road. Lucky for them, they would be able to question Jeremiah before he had to be taken into surgery. It seemed like the case would work out.
Detective Tenjoin sighed. “Judai, you are not supposed to turn them into paper airplanes.”
Judai pouted and sat up. “What do you expect? This is taking forever.”
“The results will come in when they come in,” she replied, barely paying attention to him. She was busying herself with making all the notes she wrote for him usable. Sticky notes, doodles, highlighters, different pen colours, the whole nine yards. If he had written them it would have been an even bigger mess: that handwriting of his, it was like chicken scratch.
“Boop!” Judai rolled onto his back and booped Detective Tenjoin’s nose.
She smiled slightly and rolled her eyes.
One of the receptionists opened the door to Detective Tenjoin’s office. Judai got up from his new spot on the floor and greeted her at the door.
“Have the results come in?” He bounced on the balls of his feet.
“You Judai Yuki?” She asked.
He nodded. She handed him the letter and left.
Tearing open the letter, Judai held it as far away as he could to not risk catching a glimpse. He held it there before slumping over and surrendering it to Detective Tenjoin.
“I can’t, you do it.”
She took it from him. “Alright?” She unfolded the paper and her eyes fell.
“What? I totally failed, didn’t I?” Judai bit his thumb.
Detective Tenjoin giggled. “Just teasing you. You passed! Looks like I have to start calling you Officer Yuki from now on.”
“You don’t have to do that. Never have before, you know.”
Detective Tenjoin nodded. “Good point, partner.”
The phone on her desk rang. She got up off the floor and answered. A husky voice spoke through the receiver.
“Tenjoin, it’s Dan. I’ve thought about it and I’ve decided to help you. Meet me by Damen Avenue, near the river. Bring the other one too.”