Underworld Submission (book 1)

Echoes of the Abyss

Dominic couldn't shake the officer's actions from the night before. After a long, heated exchange and a bullet to the informant's skull, the detective had strolled around the room like he owned the place, paying no mind to the guns aimed at him. It was as if the death in front of him was just another day at the office. The detective had crouched over the body, checking the pulse casually."Well, that's good," the officer muttered under his breath before standing and turning to Dominic with a smug smile that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. "Didn't need him coming back to the office about this. You did a good job," he said, his tone almost patronizing. It was like he was speaking to a child who had just completed a basic task, and it sent shockwaves down Dominic's spine.Dominic was used to commanding respect, to being the one everyone feared in a room, but this—this was new. He didn't know whether to lash out or stay calm, but he quickly realized he needed a moment to gather himself. "Men, give me a minute with the detective," Dominic ordered, his voice laced with authority.The detective, Adrian, didn't miss a beat, looking around with that same nonchalant attitude. "Yes, kids. Mommy and Daddy need to talk." The officer's cocky smirk remained, completely unbothered by the men with guns leaving the room. Dominic's men eyed him, puzzled by the detective's boldness, but obeyed their boss and stepped out.Now alone, Dominic tried to regain control of the situation. "You're a brave man, Detective Adrian." The words came out steady, but they felt weak in his mouth.Adrian chuckled, taking a step closer to him. Then another. And another. Dominic stood his ground at first, though unease stirred in his gut. It was the first time someone had faced him like this without flinching, without fear. Adrian's calm, almost predatory approach was unnerving. The closer the detective got, the more Dominic felt the urge to back away, but his pride wouldn't let him. Until, suddenly, his back hit the wall, and there was nowhere left to go.Adrian was right in front of him now, towering just enough to make Dominic feel small, a rare sensation for him. "Good boys don't run," Adrian whispered, his breath warm against Dominic's skin, making a shockwave shoot down his spine.Dominic tried to hold his composure, masking any hint of discomfort. "Do you know who I am?" he asked, his voice more rigid, a last-ditch effort to reclaim control."I do," Adrian said smoothly, his dark eyes gleaming with something unreadable, "but that doesn't stop you from being a good boy now, does it... baby boy?"Dominic's breath hitched in his throat, his mind spinning. No one—no one—had ever spoken to him like this, much less with such ease. His heart raced, and for the first time in a long while, Dominic felt vulnerable. It was the kind of vulnerability that both scared and excited him, though he would never admit it. The detective had unnerved him in ways no rival, no enemy, ever had."I'd love to stay and see how far I can push you," Adrian continued, leaning even closer, their faces just inches apart, "but I'm sure your men would love to try and kill me if I did. So..." Adrian reached into his pocket and pulled out Dominic's phone. Dominic hadn't even noticed when Adrian had taken it. "Make sure you text me when you're home. Don't be a bad boy and forget." He pressed the phone into Dominic's hand, his fingers lingering just a second longer than necessary.Dominic was too stunned to react. By the time he processed what had happened, Adrian had opened the door. His men stood outside, guns raised, ready to fire at a moment's notice."Let him go," Dominic managed to say, his voice weaker than he'd intended. His mind was foggy, the encounter still too fresh. He couldn't believe he had let the detective get under his skin like this. Adrian turned back to him, flashing one last smirk before striding out, completely unfazed by the situation."Boss, are you alright?" one of his men asked, concern in his voice. They had never seen Dominic so rattled."Yes," Dominic snapped, forcing his usual composure back. "I need a full report on him. Everything. On my desk by the time I get home."His men nodded, and they left the building without a second thought about the body they had left behind.---Later that night, Dominic sat at his desk in his office, sifting through the report on Adrian Hayes. The more he read, the more his curiosity deepened. He couldn't shake the feeling that the detective had some kind of edge to him—something hidden beneath the surface.**Personal Background:**- **Name**: Adrian Hayes- **Date of Birth**: January 31, 1995- **Height**: 6'6"- **Build**: Athletic- **Skin Tone**: Medium brown- **Hair**: Short, neatly groomed- **Eyes**: Dark brown- **Current Position**: Detective, New York Police Department**Professional Background:**Adrian Hayes was a decorated detective in the NYPD, known for his sharp intellect and an impressive track record of solving cases, especially in organized crime. He had earned the respect of his peers, but he was also feared by criminals. He was ruthless when it came to taking down his targets—no mercy, no hesitation.**Criminal History:**- **Incident**: Adrian had been accused of using excessive force during an arrest several years ago. While the case was swept under the rug with little public scrutiny, rumors of misconduct and cover-ups followed him.- **Current Status**: Officially, Adrian was in good standing, but Dominic's gut told him there was more to the story. His father, Vincent Hayes, had been a notorious gang leader. Adrian's involvement in the police force seemed... convenient.Dominic scrolled further, coming across the section about Adrian's father.**Family Background:**- **Father**: Vincent Hayes- **Previous Role**: Former leader of The Black Serpents, a notorious criminal organization- **Impact on Adrian**: It was believed that Adrian's father's legacy had a significant impact on his career. Despite outward appearances, there was speculation that Adrian had unresolved ties to the criminal underworld. His work in the force could be seen as an attempt to either distance himself from that world or, worse, control it from within.Dominic sat back in his chair, staring at the screen. The deeper he went, the more he realized that Adrian wasn't just a detective. He had layers—secrets that were both dangerous and intriguing.Without thinking, Dominic pulled out his phone and opened the contact labeled "Daddy Detective." His thumb hovered over the keyboard for a second before he typed one simple word: **"Home."**He hit send before he could second-guess himself.---At the same time, Adrian's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and smiled to himself, a knowing glint in his eyes as he read the message. **Dominic was hooked.**