Mansion Mystery

A Chance

It was a cool Wednesday evening for Yang Liya. She groaned as her multicolored groceries tumbled onto her polished kitchen counter excitedly. 'Another successful haul', she praised herself before fanning the heat away from her fair face, the air in Shanghai was humid and made her skin sweat like it was a sponge but luckily it didn't dampen her evening. 'There are better things to worry about then a little sweat', she told herself as she restocked her fridge

The next few hours were spent on her sprawling grey couch that conquered the entire center of the living space she owned as she watched gripping dramas that tugged and played with her heartstrings. Some even felt like they were made about her and how unfair life could be to anyone it chose. 'Why do you leave me Qian?', the girl wept on her TV, 'You're all I have left...'

Pursing her lips, she sighed and switched the channel to a bleaker and darker setting. 'Your time is up Wade', a gruff voice from the channel announced, 'Don't make me come in there!'

Suddenly, her whole body sat up as she watched the camera zoom in on the man's face, 'Seems you made your decision', he shakes his head in disappointment before brandishing his gun

Her heart thumped as the music pitched higher and the man crept closer to a narrow door, slowly and so cautiously, her fingers slowly rose to her face while her eyes glued to the screen the minute the man stopped in front of the door.

DING -DONG

Her body jumped and she let out a startled cry before bringing herself back to Earth and realizing it was her own doorbell. Blinking, she laughed off her embarrassment and stood up to walk to the door, but as her hand was already fixed on the golden knob, she felt a sudden hit of confusion, 'Who would be here this late?', she wondered as her left hand slowly slithered towards a butter knife left near the sink.

Keeping cautious, she slowly pulled her door just an inch open allowing her to peek through and see that no one was there but buzzing frantic light bugs and the sticky haze that kissed her face. However, as she stepped forward, she felt a hard object at her feet. Peering down, she noticed a tanned folder sealed with a ruby stamp, a black spade shining in the center. A gasp escaped her while her face remained in shock as she shut the door quickly and tore the file open to reveal a single letter handwritten on a beige card marked with the same intricate symbol.

Swallowing nervously, she grasped the letter and read it carefully as though she were proofreading it.

Dear Liya,

I hope this letter finds you in good health...if not, then I'm sorry but it is time to return back to the real world.

There has been a death in the Huang family, if you somehow do not know them, they are extremely influential and own multiple law firms in Shanghai's richest districts. As rich and popular as they are, they do not take safety lightly and for one of the most famous Huang's to die, the entire family is afraid that one of them may be next

The victim's mother called upon our services and it has been a while since you and the group have been out together again and maybe this will bring you all back

Their address and the team who will assist you all at the scene is all recorded at the back of this letter. I have faith you can do well, you are now the new leader of the Shaded Spades after all

-May all be well

SPADE ♠

'May all be well', she repeated the final words before flipping the letter to analysis the rest of the details, 'Let's hope so..'