The Santos Conspiracy

Chapter 1: The Broke Detective

The year was 2060 and sat in his office was 21 year old private investigator, James Dela Cruz. James spent most of his teenage years taking in every bit of mystery content he could get his hands on, mesmerized at the quick wit and thinking of famous detectives. James was a very preserved young man, only leaving his apartment when absolutely necessary, with Mrs. Fig, the caretaker of the building bringing him occasional snacks which she likes to do for all the tenants. He was browsing through case files that the Police Chief lent to him. You see, in the recent years, the interest of becoming a police officer has rapidly declined due to stains in the Manila Police Force's reputation. Just 5 years ago, the Police force was involved in a scandal wherein it was found that top ranking officers were involved in a multi level conspiracy that went from beat cops all the way to the chief of police, all in the national level. Since then, as far as James can remember, the police force lost three quarters of its numbers leaving only the cleanest of cops to pick up the pieces. This prompted them to create the private investigator program, so that the remaining cops focused on first response, while the PI's focused on solving the cases.

James stretched his arms up high, let out a brief sigh and got up from his desk. He felt a bit hungry and made his way to the kitchen passing by the mirror in the hallway. He briefly paused to look at himself. Noticing the grunge up hair, loose necktie and untucked white buttoned up shirt. With piercing brown eyes that seem to see straight through a person's facade and a tall, athletic build and confident demeanor that can intimidate those who try to stand in his way, but he has a soft spot for those in need and will go to great lengths to protect the innocent. He can't help but think if this was all worth it. In the 2 years he's been a liscenced PI, he had not had a big case just like those famous PI's that have their own commercials like Juaquin Vasquez, a classmate of his in highschool who, at the age of 19 already solved the Pasig River Murders.

Just as James was about to open his fridge, the doorbell rang.

Who could it be at this time? James thought to himself.

He looked at the old watch on his wrist. Hard to tell the time with the massive crack in the glass but nonetheless he could tell that it was 9:05. Walking to the door, the person on the otherside kept ringing the doorbell getting more and more frequent dings, and with every ding, James' pace increased.

"Wait lang po! I'm on the way!" he shouted.

Finally at the door, as soon as the lock was turned, the door swung open, revealing a woman, evidently distraught. James could swear that he's seen this woman before. The woman standing before James was a stunning Filipina beauty in her early twenties. Her long, wavy hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail, and her big brown eyes were red-rimmed from crying. Even in her disheveled state, she exuded a kind of effortless elegance that James recognized immediately.

It took a moment for him to place her face, but suddenly, it clicked. This was Isabella Santos, one of the most famous actresses in the country. James had seen her in countless movies and TV shows, and he had to admit that he was a bit starstruck.

But he quickly composed himself, reminding himself that he was a professional private investigator and that Isabella needed his help.

"Isabella Santos? To what do I owe the pleasure?" James asked calmly.

She hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting around the room as if she was afraid of being overheard. "I need your help, I've been to the Kandados and they said they couldn't help me, even saying that I was imagining things!"

The Kandados ofcourse being the most famous PI agency in Metro Manila, and probably the whole Philippines. Headed by John Paul and Samuel Kandado, two brothers who inherited the business from their father.

James gestured for her to come inside, closing the door behind her. "Slow down, it's alright. Please, have a seat. Would you like something to drink?"

Isabella shook her head, looking too anxious to even consider sitting down. "I don't have much time. I need you to look into something."

James nodded, sensing the urgency in her tone. "Of course, I'll see what I can do. What's wrong?"

Isabella took a deep breath, clearly struggling to find the right words. "I know someone is following me. I've seen the same man in a green windbreaker following me for the past three days and, as I mentioned, when I went to the Kandados and pointed him out, he just disappeared!"

James furrowed his brow, considering the situation. It was possible that she was just being a bit too paranoid, but he knew better than to dismiss her concerns.

"Okay, I'll look into it," he said, his tone serious, airing on the side of caution. "Do you have anything else that could help me?"

Isabella shook her head, looking more distressed by the second. "No, that's all I know. Just please, look into it for me?"

James nodded, his mind already trying to piece together every bit of information he was just feeded. "Don't worry, I'll take care of this. Just give me some time to get some intel and I'll meet with you tomorrow. Here's my card."

With that, Isabella stood up, looking slightly relieved. "Thank you, Mr. dela Cruz. I knew I could count on you."

As she made her way to the door, James couldn't help but feel a rush of adrenaline. Could this finally be the big case he had been waiting for? The case that will finally put himself on the map? But he knew that he had to remain focused and calm if he wanted any chance of solving this mystery and protect Isabella Santos.