Fatal attraction

Chapter 7: Detective James Carter

Alex and Maya started planning, their faces lit by the glow of their laptops. They were going through the evidence they'd gathered and devising a strategy to convince Chief Inspector Harris to investigate Carter. It was really hard to come up with a plan that could actually work because Carter was a respected Detective within the METPD. "We need to be careful," Alex said. "Harris respects Carter a lot. We can't just go in with accusations."

Maya nodded. "We need to present our case with logical arguments and back it up with evidence." Alex nodded, "Let's do that, thank you by the way." Maya grabbed her hand for a few seconds, and pulled it away just as quickly because the both felt a spark and answered, "You're welcome."

The next morning, Alex and Maya requested a private meeting with Chief Inspector Harris.

"Detective Pierce, Miss Sinclair," Harris greeted them as they entered his office. "What can I do for you?"

"Sir, we have something urgent to discuss," Alex began, her voice steady but serious. "It's about Detective Carter."

Harris raised an eyebrow. "Carter? What about him?"

Maya handed Harris a folder containing the evidence they had gathered. "We've found compelling evidence that links Carter to the Nightshade Killer's organisation. He's been feeding them information and tipping them off about our investigations."

Harris opened the folder and started reviewing the documents. His expression remained unreadable, but Alex could sense his growing concern.

"These are serious allegations," Harris said, looking up from the folder. "What proof do you have?"

Alex took a deep breath. "We have a list of names from the organisation's database. All the victims were marked for elimination. Actually, 65 percent of the listed people have already been murdered by the Nightshade killer. We also have a recorded confession from Carter, admitting his involvement."

Maya nodded. "This was a recorded conversation on the phone between him and an anonymous suspect, where he admitted to tipping off the organisation about Detective Jenkins. It's all in the folder."

Harris's eyes narrowed as he studied the evidence. "This is... troubling. If this is true, Carter has betrayed everything we stand for."

"It is true," Alex insisted. "We know it's hard to believe, but the evidence is solid. We need your support to investigate this further and bring him to justice."

Harris leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. After a long moment, he spoke. "Alright. I want this handled discreetly. We can't afford to tip Carter off. I'll authorize a covert investigation to verify your claims. If it checks out, we'll take appropriate action."

Alex and Maya exchanged relieved glances. "Thank you, sir," Alex said. "We won't let you down."

In the days leading up to the meeting, Alex and Maya worked tirelessly to gather more evidence and plan their approach. They knew they had to act quickly and decisively to catch Carter off guard. If he didn't confess he would be out of jail again in no time and he would also be more careful then ever. If they fucked it up it could have major consequences. They decided to set up a sting operation, ensuring that every move Carter made during the meeting would be monitored and recorded.

Alex sat at her desk, staring at the photograph of Jenkins on the bulletin board. Her heart ached for her fallen colleague and friend. She couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal and anger towards Carter. How could someone she trusted be involved with such a heinous organisation?

Maya entered the room, her face set with determination. "Everything's ready," she said. "The team is in position, and the surveillance equipment is set up. Are you ready for this?"

Alex nodded, her resolve hardening. "Yes and no. But let's try to bring him down."

The plan was simple but risky. Alex would lure Carter into a meeting under the pretence of sharing new information about the case. Meanwhile, a team of officers, including Chief Inspector Harris, would monitor the conversation from a hidden location, ready to intervene at a moment's notice.

As the time for the meeting approached, Alex felt a mix of anger and sadness. She couldn't believe that Carter, someone she had considered a friend, could betray them so deeply.

Carter arrived, his demeanour casual but his eyes were wary. "Thanks for meeting me, Alex," he said.

"No problem," Alex replied, forcing a smile. "I have some important information to share with you."

As Alex outlined a made up lead, another team from the police corps monitored the surveillance equipment from a hidden location. They watched Carter closely, noting his unease.

Then, Alex dropped the bombshell. "There's a corrupt Detective, Carter. And I think you know who it is."

Carter's face went pale all of the sudden. "What are you implying?"

"I'm saying there's evidence linking you to the organisation," Alex said, sliding a document across the table. "You betrayed Jenkins and the rest of us."

Carter's face twisted with fear and anger. "They threatened my family."

"That doesn't justify betraying us or the fact that Jenkins was killed because of you," Alex said.

The head of police stepped out his gun trained on Carter. "It's over, Carter. We have everything we need."

Carter's shoulders slumped. "You can't prove anything."

"Actually, we can," Alex said, holding up a device. "Everything you've said is recorded."

Defeated, Carter pleaded. "Please, you have to understand."

"No more lies," Alex said. "You're going to pay for what you've done."

Carter swallowed hard, the reality of his situation sinking in. "I... I didn't have a choice," he stammered, desperation creeping into his voice. "They... they threatened my family."

"That doesn't justify your actions," Maya interjected, her tone cutting through the air like a blade. "You betrayed everyone who trusted you, including Jenkins."

Alex stood up, her hands gripping the table tightly. "You played us, Carter. You used your position to protect criminals and silence those who stood against them."

Carter slumped in his chair, defeated. "I never wanted it to end like this."

"You made your choices," Chief Inspector Harris said, his voice tinged with disappointment. "Now you'll face the consequences."

Alex looks away as James Carter is being handcuffed and taken away by the uniformed officers. He looks Alex in the eyes once again, crying this time. His unbreakable reputation now shattered.