HORIZON 1.1

Part-21

The stadium's roof was filled with spectators gathered to witness the oath ceremony of their elected mayor.

The fear that had gripped the city dissipated as the killer responsible for several murders was apprehended, thanks to the mayor's decision to hire a private investigator.

The opposition had blamed the mayor for failing to ensure public safety after citizens were killed, but the mayor remained calm and steadfast throughout his campaign.
His experience proved invaluable, and now the murderer was behind bars.

As people eagerly awaited the mayor's arrival, screens on skyscrapers displayed images of what he had accomplished for society.
Some even got tattoos of him on their bodies in celebration of his election victory. He would take the oath today and begin his five-year term as mayor again.

All corporate leaders, famous personalities, and guests received invitations to attend this auspicious occasion.

"Please allow me to extend my warmest greetings to Mr. Mayor," said one speaker before welcoming him onto stage, where he thanked everyone present.

"A few days ago, if someone said that today I would celebrate this day, I was not so sure about that," the mayor began, addressing those assembled before him.
"This city was closed due to fear and terror caused by a killer. Despite accusations from opponents who claimed we failed to ensure residents' safety, I stood firm in my belief that it was a techie who committed these crimes. I had a gut feeling about this; we've seen similar cases before. It was difficult for me to hire a private investigator against the police and Paranormal. However, I did hire Mr. Shiva over others, and it worked. The killer has been apprehended. And we're safe. Our city is finally safe."
When the mayor finished speaking, the audience erupted in applause.

The mayor is about to take an oath. To read the digital floating oath, he walked to the centre of the stage.

Shiva made his way through the crowd and reached the stage with Captain Maya and her officers.

"You cannot proceed with the oath," Captain Maya told the mayor.

"Why are you stopping me? I am here because the people have chosen me," the mayor replied proudly, waving to the audience and back to begin reading.

"Please, esteemed members of the jury," Maya nodded, and a jury member pressed a button, causing the floating oath to disappear. 

"We need to listen to what the captain has to say," the jury member stated.

"Captain, what is the reason for your presence here? Should not be you in crowd on patrolling duty. This is my ceremony. I am now the mayor," the mayor said, going close to Maya and arguing.

"Trust me, today is not going to be a good day for you."

"You cannot prevent me from taking the oath." The mayor replied to Maya angrily but cautiously, so only Maya could hear him.

"No citizen involved in any crime can serve as a member of parliament." Maya handcuffed the mayor. “I had warned you about the consequences of hiring Shiva as a private detective. Shiva is relentless in his pursuit of the truth, as I had previously cautioned you.” Maya leaned in close to the mayor's ear and spoke softly.
 
The struggling mayor retorted, "What crime am I being arrested for?"

The captain spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear, "You are being arrested for the murder of two former police officers and the attempted murder of Jack."

"You have no evidence,"

"To tell you the truth, I do have evidence. When a couple died, opposition overtook you on the agenda of citizen security. You cannot win the election unless the murderer is apprehended. And because you didn't want to miss any opportunities, you hired me as a private investigator. But when the paranormal report came out, you didn't receive any positive results from the police or me," Shiva said as he walked to the center of the stage. "It was your choice to bring your own murderer, someone who would be easy to capture. An innocent boy entered Zone at the age of 11 and discovered his father in prison for a crime he didn't commit. The young boy became an orphan and vowed vengeance on his father. He was an easy target for you."

"Who are you talking to?" the mayor questioned.

"I have video evidence of you visiting him at the orphanage. You even gave him the technology to kill his father's enemies," Shiva accused.

"It's false. You're trying to frame me for this," the mayor defended himself. 

"I am aware of your interest in old technology and art. You provided him with every illegal item he needed," Shiva continued.

"Your proof won't amount to anything," the mayor insisted.

"Yes, but I have evidence, and the boy will cross-examine you in court, you know," Shiva confidently stated.

The captain then showed a horrifying video to everyone in which a boy used the mayor's name.
The mayor grew anxious, realizing he couldn't escape this time. The wall-mounted displays depicted him handcuffed, and he was pulled through the crowd by the police.

"Consider your career. I gave you a recommendation, so you would get hired," the mayor said to Shiva.

"This job is just a minor sacrifice for justice. If more was needed, I would have done it," Shiva replied.