Lines Blurred, Traces Found (Published Under Ukiyoto Publishing)

Chapter 11: Tangled Allegiances

Tangled Allegiances

Everyone was surprised when Eros suddenly arrived at the headquarters, his unexpected presence stirring a mix of curiosity and concern. They greeted him as he walked down the hallway, his eyes scanning the room with an intensity that made them uneasy. "Inspector Hadrian? It's good to see you," his teammates said, exchanging worried glances. Brenth and Steve, equally startled, rose from their seats. "Eros," they chimed in unison, "you're here. What happened where you went?"

Eros's expression remained inscrutable, his face a mask of controlled emotions. He ignored their inquiries, his focus fixed on the task at hand. "What's the update?" he asked gruffly, his tone bypassing pleasantries. "Have you reached out to Maya Anderson?"

His teammates exchanged hesitant glances, sensing the gravity of his inquiry. "Uh, not yet," Neil replied, shaking his head. "She's not answering our calls and texts. We've tried reaching out through secure channels, but nothing. It's like she's gone dark."

"And there are others staking out the warehouse we raided," Jace added, "but I'm sure Champ's men have already abandoned it. They won't risk another confrontation."

Brenth nodded in agreement. "And as sure as night follows day, Champ's group will lie low again because of what happened. They'll regroup and reassess." But Brenth's expression turned skeptical. "The only thing I'm more worried about, Inspector Hadrian, is that Maya Anderson might just be playing tricks on us. Maybe she's using us as bait for the syndicates."

Steve's eyes widened, echoing Brenth's concern. "Do you think she's double-crossing us?"

Brenth's voice was firm. "I'm telling you, we shouldn't trust that woman, Eros. She's too calculating, too resourceful. We can't rule out the possibility she's working both sides." Eros didn't speak, his gaze lost in thought. His fellow policemen sensed a storm brewing beneath his stoic exterior, and his expression betrayed the turmoil within.

"Has something happened, Inspector Hadrian?" Steve asked, concern etched on his face.

Brenth leaned in, his voice low. "Eros, what's going on? You're not yourself." But before Eros could respond, their attention shifted to the approaching figure of Chief General Joels.

"Inspector Hadrian, good to see you again," Chief General Joels said, his voice firm but laced with a hint of warmth. Eros's gaze snapped back to the present, his expression smoothing into a neutral mask. "What's the update?" Chief General Joels asked, his eyes scanning the room. "I thought you'd be debriefing with the team. You didn't come back with them after the raid last night."

Steve and Brenth exchanged a nervous glance, aware of Eros's unexplained absence. "Steve and Brenth told me your reason," Chief General Joels continued, his tone measured, "but I'd like to hear it from you, Inspector." Eros's pause was brief, his response calculated. "I needed time to process, sir. The raid's outcome has raised more questions than answers."

Chief General Joels's expression turned thoughtful, his eyes narrowing as he considered Eros's words. "My apologies, sir," Eros added, his tone respectful.

The chief general waved his hand dismissively. "No, no apologies, Inspector. I know your duties are demanding. But as I already told you, you need to exercise extra caution. Your safety is paramount."

"Yes, sir," Eros replied, his gaze meeting the chief general's. "I understand. But I have a suggestion. I believe it's crucial for our team and the FBI to collaborate more closely. We need their expertise to reach out and gather intel on Champ's operation."

"Why so sudden?" the chief general asked, his surprise evident. "You were adamant about not involving the FBI initially."