The Red Thread, as Hajiri had explained years prior under questioning, was a messaging system developed by the Empire. It consisted of designated people, places, phone numbers, codes, and encrypted websites designed to carry messages throughout the cartel.
The pawn shop, having been revealed to be a laundering plant and criminal destination, was free game for intel. Posted on a bulletin board inside the store was a 'Now Hiring' flier with a phone number attached. The detective wasted no time in calling.
He was directed to another phone number, to a TOR messaging board, to an address, to a number again. By the time word had gotten out that the pawn shop's cover was blown, it was impossible to trace his inquiry.
"Where is the Butcher?"
The Butcher, he was told, had fallen out of favor with the Emperor who requested to have him killed. It was clear to the detective that the killer had got wind of the plot and acted accordingly. Further investigation showed the victim had little documentation and had moved into the apartment, weeks prior under a fake name, characteristic of an assassin.
What wasn't as easy to determine, however, was where the murderer could've gone. Throughout his time under the Empire, he occupied a few different houses in discreet and hard to reach places. And although he hadn't formally resided in that deep woods cabin since Hajiri's arrest, it wasn't impossible that he'd retreated there now. It had been searched by the police those years ago, and would be off the Empire's radar.
"There's Nakajima station," Hajiri gestured to a run down police station adjacent to the mountain town. "It's west from here."
"How far?" Franklin carefully maneuvered the thin gravel road.
"I don't know."
"You don't know?" The policeman huffed. "Is there not a map? Pull up a GPS or something."
"This place isn't on a map," Hajiri frowned, eyes narrowed in on the rocky path before them, seeing nothing. "Just trust me."
YOU ARE READING
Detective Hajiri; Volume One
Mystery / Thriller"He wasn't young." "Seventeen is young, Kojima." "No it's not," The detective stated, matter-of-factly, now turned away from the scene. Moonlight traced a silver line across his features, lighting only his narrowed eyes. "They recruit them young. Mu...
