The Claire Thatcher Series: Blood in California

Chapter One

"CLAIRE THATCHER IS AT IT AGAIN!" "A rise of a new detective: CLAIRE THATCHER." "CLAIRE THATCHER: Newest Detective of the State." Newspapers and article entries poured in and out of California, an infamous place for housing the world of crimes and the birthplace of the rising detective --- Claire Thatcher. The constant buzzing and begging throughout the world of law enforcement and corporate organizations began to be palpable. They celebrated her achievements, and they praised her name. You'd begin to see how this was one big playground for Ms. Thatcher, and all the kids wanted her to join their games.

I sat alone in my office at the California FBI Department, one of California's biggest federal agencies. With several rising commanders and heroes in crime all known for their several planted organizations throughout California. My branch is situated in Los Angeles, a city known for its tourist attractions and, lamentably, crimes.

As I wade through the latest news about my former colleague, Claire. I began reliving those days in the forensics class at the California Police Academy in San Diego. Throughout the semesters of this course, she began to distance herself from it and never was shy about voicing her frustrations with its perceived incompetence. She truly believed they were "missing the bigger picture". After a while of this protesting, she dropped out and started a new path to her own success. Her case-solving skills were discovered from numerous reports on the many cases she's solved. She cemented herself as one of the greatest female detectives in America.

With all this newfound fame, Claire dodged the paparazzi's flashing cameras and the loud two-faced reporters. However, she very much remains present in my memories, especially our camaraderie during our old forensics class. I reminisced on her sharp intellect, and her taste in pointing out overlooked details on a simple class presentation. Often she would correct the professor, who seemed fed up with her remarks. She probably knew more than the professor anyway, but the mystery of how she managed it all continued to intrigue me.

"Chief Benedict Fullilove!" The lady's voice disrupted my thoughts, "Your meetings at ten." My duty as chief though is rather full of surprises. Over the years of working in the ranking system, I eventually earned the title of chief of this department. It was an honor, truly, to serve in this place. My predecessor has retired now and is living a life happily outside of California with his wife and kids. But this only ignited my determination more.

I strived to achieve the same amount of recognition similar to that of Claire Thatcher. That name would ring in my head. Claire Thatcher. I disposed of her name, which would later haunt my mind again, and returned my focus and responsibility to my job as chief.

I adjusted my badge as I stood from my desk, gave the lady who organizes my schedule a nod and strode through the office halls to the boardroom. Approaching the double doors, the board leaders' conversation grows louder. My upcoming meeting with them was a crucial opportunity to express and demonstrate why I deserved this role of chief and to outline my plans for the future.

As I entered the corridor leading to the boardroom, I noticed the round table surrounded by all the leaders, engaged in monotonous chatter. The room felt almost intimidating, with the stand and projector set up in the center, ready for my presentation.

Walking confidently to the stand, I could sense the room gradually falling into silence, which only served to heighten my nerves. I cleared my throat and began my address.

"Good morning, everyone. I'm Benedict Jay Fullilove, your new Chief of your top team, as you're all aware. Before I delve into my plans, I'd like to take a moment to express our gratitude to the former chief, Paul Gray Blakely. He embarked on this journey at the ripe age of 24 and sculpted a name for himself over the years. His dedication, kindness, and unwavering loyalty to our great state set a high bar. He was not only an ideal leader but also a remarkable mentor, shaping me into the Chief I am today. As he passed the torch to me, he shared these words: 'When crime stands in your path, don't evade it; confront it head-on, and never forget why you're here.'"