𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 4

Off The Case| Request

Since joining the police force and quickly ascending the ranks to detective I've both seen and heard about the gruesome crimes the people of this city can commit, but never, not once, have I been pulled off of one of my own cases before solving the mystery. For the last week I've been investigating some strange murders happening around the city, none point to the usual serial killer or madman, there's barely any connections, and the attacks are so brutal my short term partner had to resign to another case just because he couldn't deal with the gore.

"What do you mean I'm not allowed through? I'm the best damned detective this city's got!" I shout to one of the rookie officers guarding the latest crime scene- a dark alleyway outside of some mediocre restaurant. The rookie's lips pinch together as his eyes lift to mine, I'd usually have some tact but the frustration bubbling through me is clearly showing. 

"I-I'm sorry Detective, I'm just following orders." He mumbles, swallowing deeply before looking down at the ground. I scoff, frowning as I reach onto my toes and look over his shoulder to sneak a peek at the latest victim. I take in the blood splatters and missing limbs, but when my gaze drifts I spot them scattered across the floor like confetti. It's brutal, messy and messed up. Nobody normal could've done this, which means-

 "Who's orders?" I ask the rookie cop a little more softly, confusion laced in my tone as I lick my lips.

"Mine." A deep voice answers from the darkness. I arch my brow as a tall figure emerges like some superhero from the shadows, the handsome blonde man looks both irritated and tired as he steps to the tape, not crossing the line as he adjusts his navy blue suit. His eyes scan me from head to toe, then I notice his head tilts just the tiniest fraction. "You're Detective Y/L/N?" I nod. So this is the asshole who's stolen my case. I eye him up in return as I try to assess who he is and why he's seemingly better than I am. He's from the outside, meaning he's-  "I'm Agent Leon Kennedy, I was sent by the government to take control of this case since the leads are pointing to the use of bioweapons." 

I can't hold back the scowl that reaches my face. "Would you quit reading my mind Agent Kennedy!" I snap before composing myself, the rookie cop's eyes track between Leon and I as if he's waiting for a brawl to break out, but I couldn't care about Kennedy's ego or job, not when mine is on the line. "Now if you don't mind, I've got a crime scene to analyse." I say with a finality, ducking low to get under the yellow tape, however Leon's hand reaches out, gently pushing me back, but it's enough to rile me up further. 

"I was ordered to keep this low profile, so I'm afraid you're off the case Detective." Leon says with a sigh as I straighten up and hold back the urge to shove him out of the way. He at least has the audacity to soften his features as he explains further. "The less people involved, the better. I've handled cases like this before, so I know what I'm doing. Don't worry, I'll find out who's doing this." With that Leon turns his back to me, heading back to the blood soaked crime scene leaving me gaping and grumbling. I turn on my heel, spotting a hotel just next door. I head inside, quickly book a room on one of the higher floors, then rush to it before leaning my head out of the window and using my phone camera to zoom in on the details, from here I can gather at least a trickle of evidence as Agent Kennedy paces below, looking stressed and frustrated. I at least get a confirmation on a few of my suspicions before the dark haired man looks up right at me, an incredulous look on his face before I scuttle back from the window. 

I refuse to give in and let some high and mighty government agent steal my case, not when I vowed to protect this city with everything I've got. Bioweapons or not, I'm finding out who's killing these innocents and putting a stop to their wicked schemes. I leave the hotel, opting to go back to the station and review the evidence I've been collecting, but when I arrive I find that my boards and boxes have been stripped and stolen, by none other than the infuriating Leon Kennedy. I groan, slumping at my empty desk with nothing but my thoughts and memories to guide me through this investigation. Thankfully I was promoted to detective for a reason, so I grab a notebook and spend hours writing down everything I can remember, recreating my board of ties and loose ends until a hand on my shoulder startles me out of my thoughts.