Agent Zero

Chapter 5 - They All Look Different

Four years later...

Mitski (June 14, 2025, 12:31 PM)

I had the culprit in an armlock, his hands securely bound behind his back as the officers rushed in to take over.

"I think we're good here, Detective," one of the officers said with a smile, extending his hand. "Thank you for your help."

"Sure," I replied, shaking his hand. "If you run into any problems, please give me a call."

After the incomplete mission with U-Green Environmental, my workload increased significantly while I was still undergoing training to become an official detective. My efforts were finally paying off.

"This is Detective Schwartz, and he is assigned to help you with your case," the officer announced.

I have been hearing that a lot recently. I envisioned a future where I continued being the dedicated detective people could count on. My daydreaming was interrupted by the ringing of my phone.

"Detective Schwartz speaking."

"Hey, Detective," Mrs. Wiggins' voice crackled through the line.

"If this is about the fridge being empty—"

"I've got a mission for you, Detective."

I sighed. Just last week, I dealt with one of the mass murderers making headlines, and now another case was on the horizon.

"Uh, well, I appreciate you thinking of me, but my schedule is pretty packed..."

"The U-Green case has reopened."

My schedule suddenly seemed to have a slot available for tomorrow at 9:30 AM, right during my usual breakfast time.

"You're serious? Why? Did they find something new?"

"It's no longer a narcotics case. It's a murder investigation now."

I sprang into action, gathering all my old files on U-Green. Everything was clean—no dirt on the management, and only the employees were involved in the drug scandal. And now, suddenly, it was a murder case. My teammates were already assembled in the Meeting Room when I arrived. The sight was a surprise.

"Mitski?!" She exclaimed, recognizing my familiar, lively voice from the past.

"Bec? What are you doing here?" My surprise matched hers.

"We were chosen for the U-Green Case... again," Thalia said quietly, sitting next to Bec. "You're all spiffy." The door creaked open, and a familiar head popped in.

"Leo!" I called out with genuine excitement.

"MITSKI!" he shouted, enveloping me in a bear hug. "You're taller now."

"You're smaller now," I whispered, amused.

"Do you think Kieran and Bonnie will be here?" Leo asked, with Thalia shrugging in response. Elaine and Noah joined us too, which added to the unexpected turn of events.

"Long time no see, little—"

"Team! We're going in for a ride!" Noah cut Elaine off, his face serious. Before they could dive into the details, Reggie Perkins walked in.

"I'm not too late, am I?" he asked, a cunning smile spreading across his face. It was the same kind of smile you see in movies, but I knew Reggie wasn't evil. That smile was just his way.

"So we're all assigned to the same case, called 'U-Green Murders'. And here we are, once again." The clock had already passed 1 when the small, old door swung open with a thud.