BANG! BANG! "Ouch!" pleaded the captive. "Please, please stop, I implore you. If you seek information, kindly pose your query first."
"Yes, we understand the protocol is to inquire first, and then resort to force if necessary. That's why you're enduring this now. It was his notion," James explained.
"I had previously inquired about the whereabouts of 'The Mousetrap' by Agatha Christie, but you fled," Jack recalled.
"The book was pilfered the same day John passed away," disclosed Smith.
"What?" James exclaimed. "Yes," affirmed Smith. "How?" inquired Jack.
"Allow me to be candid. I am affiliated with The Bloodhounds, and I was present when we were interrogating John. He had revealed everything to us long before your arrival. It was all a ruse. We sensed your presence the instant you dispatched the first assailant. If you hadn't noticed or been aware, Alex had installed an emergency signal in our suits. The moment you fired, he activated it, and we were alerted," Smith detailed.
"As for the sounds we heard?" Jack pressed.
"They were likely fabricated. John had already informed you of the location you must investigate. Alex and another accomplice were enacting a scene. John's mouth was sealed, but you extracted his nails, correct?" Jack affirmed.
"Yes! Sharp lad," acknowledged Smith.
"Now, one final inquiry. Why are you divulging all of this? Won't Alex retaliate against you?" James probed.
"Indeed, the marks you've inflicted won't fade for another two or three days. I'm scheduled to meet Jack tomorrow. Nothing escapes his discerning gaze; he'll discern and execute me, whether or not I've confided in you. He trusts no one. Thus, I thought it prudent to heighten the stakes. I've shared pertinent information, you see. If you dispatch me today, Alex will deduce that I didn't furnish you with any intel, deeming it my demise. Consequently, he'll bestow a substantial sum upon my family. If I meet him tomorrow, he'll assume I've spilled everything. He'll be displeased, sparing neither me nor a solitary pence for my kin. So, do me a kindness and end my life. I've furnished you with an abundance of data. Incidentally, on the day of the terrorist assault, Alex evaded capture by donning his police uniform. We disabled the CCTV cameras, ensuring no one caught sight of his activities."
"What?" James was taken aback.
"Any final wishes before your demise?" Jack inquired.
"Nothing in particular. I'd simply like a smoke."
"One more question: Who is your supplier?" Jack prodded.
"You're a detective, correct? Discover it on your own. Come now."
With his hands bound to a chair, they placed a cigarette in Smith's mouth, and he indulged. Jack drew his weapon. "Make your peace."
"No need for that; I'm an atheist," Smith retorted.
Jack attached a silencer to his firearm, aimed for Smith's heart, and in the next moment, it was over.
"Why did you aim for his heart?" James queried.
"In case, by some chance, his family lays eyes on his remains, they may at least recognize his face."
"We'll reconvene at the port tomorrow. By the way, James, did you record his statement?"
"No."
"Very well. It's unnecessary. They'll contend we fabricated it, asserting we were absent during the recording, and why would the criminal reveal all this and more?"
"But why didn't you record it?"
"I don't possess a phone. I'll acquire one on my way back."
They left Smith's body where it lay and departed the scene. Upon reaching his residence, Jack incinerated John Marshall's disguise.
YOU ARE READING
DETECTIVE JACK: THE STUDY ABOUT THE BLOODHOUNDS
Mystery / ThrillerDetective Jack who had recently joined the police station was very hardworking and had been able to gain the trust of his colleagues and seniors. Jack was known for his unwavering sense of justice and determination to bring criminals to justice. Gro...
