HORIZON 1.1

Part- 4

In front of the blue, medium-sized Police Headquarters building, Shiva exited a floating taxi. It was late in the evening.
The road appeared deserted in the dark light of the setting sun behind the skyscrapers.

When Shiva reached the building's entryway, he stopped. He used to work here once, and he was lost in memories.
A place with which he had many memories.

Shiva entered the building, and everyone turned to face him.
Everyone was dressed in blue uniforms, which varied in style according to their rank.
Shiva once proudly wore this uniform.

Many of them were familiar with Shiva, and they were all staring at him strangely, wondering why a dismissed police officer had come back to Police HQ.
Shiva, who was familiar with the place, discreetly made his way to the captain's office.

"This way." Riya, who had an odd expression on her face, stopped Shiva.

"Isn't Captain's office at the top with the most beautiful view?" Shiva said, pointing upward.

"No, according to the captain, every member of the task force, including the captain, should be on the ground level," Riya said as she took the lead. "The captain is waiting."

"You're behind schedule," Maya said as Shiva walked into the conference room.

Captain was occupied with paperwork; without looking around, she said, "Riya, call Jack, please."

"Getting a taxi today is a challenge."
Shiva hadn't expected to see so many people in the conference room.
Today was the first time he had seen so many people in one place.
"Mr. Mayor!" he said, sitting on a chair. "I'm surprised to see you here with your council. Under the current city situation, everyone is confined to their homes."

The conference room was full of politicians. They were all nervous.
It seemed as if they did not want to come here. They were conversing in whispers.

"I was wondering—why a private investigator when police and the paranormal are already investigating?" Shiva added, breaking the stillness, "This is not an ordinary theft case."

"Yes, he's correct. You need to reconsider, Mr. Mayor. It might not be what you think," said Captain Maya.

"Captain, stop!"
The mayor cut her off and said, "Killing or no killing, there were fatalities. This means that I, you, and anyone else can die, and I need an explanation for this."

"Why me! There are other top investigators out there, right? I was hired by somebody just to find missing souls," asked Shiva.

"Your reputation, Mr. Shiva. You are the first person to handle a situation like this. Am I right?" Mayor said in jest.
Mayor's comments offended Shiva.

"I hate green stripes on white dresses," Shiva said tauntingly about the attire of politicians.
The mayor and the whole council laughed out loud.

"Mr. Mayor, you cannot authorize a private investigation if a police investigation is already underway," said Maya.

"Unless the council members vote in my favour, these are my members, and they believe that a private investigation is necessary. So, Captain, I've got something official for you."
Mayor disclosed a flashing note in front of Maya.

"All right, you brought something."
When Maya picked up the note, it flashed on the wall in front of her.

"Captain, you want Shiva to look into this case as well. That's why you were at the crime scene with him."

"What!"
Maya was taken aback.
Her last meeting with Shiva was a secret. How does he learn this?

"Please don't be alarmed, Captain. I am the mayor of this city."