Lierotica One-shots

Ducktective* GxG

I walked through the park, weaving between the crowds of people as I pressed my finger against the intercom in my ear.

"Everyone, check in."

"E here, boss. All good."

"Chap here, boss. All good."

"Zelin here, boss."

"Good," I said, scanning the area. "Let's keep it that way and make sure everything goes according to plan."

Today's event was supposed to be simple.

A public campaign.

A step toward reform.

The government was unveiling a new anti-corruption initiative within the police force, promising stricter oversight, independent investigations, and new measures to root out corruption from within.

A temporary stage had been set up in the center of the park. Politicians, high-ranking officers, and reporters crowded around it while citizens filled the surrounding streets.

On paper, it was a hopeful day.

My job was to make sure it stayed that way.

I adjusted the baseball cap hiding my face and made my way toward a nearby coffee stand. I had been on my feet since dawn and desperately needed caffeine.

The barista had just handed me my coffee when a distant boom shook the ground.

The cup slipped from my fingers.

A column of smoke rose several blocks away.

A car bomb.

People screamed. For a heartbeat, the entire park froze. Then chaos erupted. Everyone started running.

"Boss?" E's voice crackled through my earpiece.

I was already moving.

"Explosion north of the square," I said, sprinting toward the stage. "Evacuate the civilians and secure the candidate."

More screams echoed around me.

A second later—

Crack.

A gunshot. Then another.

Panic spread through the crowd. People pushed past one another, desperate to escape.

I reached the stage just as one of the officers grabbed the candidate by the arm.

"Move!" I shouted. "Get him to the vehicle!"

I stepped in front of them, scanning the rooftops. My hand tightened around my weapon.

Something felt wrong. Too coordinated. The bomb. The shots. The panic. This wasn't an attack. It was a distraction.

"Boss, we got a shooter! E is in pursuit of the possible bomber."

I grabbed one of the candidates by the arm.

"Sir, my name is Eva. I'm with the Special Tactical Unit, and I'm here to get you to safety."

I flashed my badge. In his panicked state, he barely looked at it before nodding.

I quickly took off my cap and placed it on his head.

"Keep your head down."

A black armored vehicle pulled up to the curb. I yanked the rear door open.

"Get in."

As he climbed inside, I scanned the surrounding rooftops and windows for any sign of movement.