Nexus of Darkness

Chapter One

"Dende!" The voice of my boss rang out in my head. Shit, I was spacing out again, and the old man would surely give me yet another lecture on the importance of focus. "How many times do I have to tell you!? If you can't pay even the slightest attention, you shouldn't have even signed up to be a fucking police detective!" Yeah, I was right.

I reached up and pushed my black-framed glasses up. Somewhere in my spacing out, they happened to fall down my nose. I pushed a piece of blonde hair out of my eyes and half-smiled. "I'm sorry Jacob, sir. I was just very excited about being assigned to work on this case, so I spaced out a little. I apologize." 

It was true. I had just been assigned to investigate the case of a phantom deemed "The Red-Eyed Specter". This specter had committed thirty murders total, the latest one being the previous night. Nobody could tell what the specter looked like besides the glowing, red eyes. It seemed to emit a black mist from its body whenever it walked. I had seen such a figure last night, but I didn't want Jacob to find out. I hated confrontation. Also, the specter pretty much saved my life. 

Jacob shook his head in a disapproving manner and put his head in his hand. "Dende, what a piece of work you are. You're lucky I like you, or else I would be throwing your ass out on the street right now." He shifted his hazel eyes to my green eyes. "For this case, we're going to be doing something a little different than usual. I hope you're ready for a change."

I smiled a full smile this time. "Come on Jacob, of course I'd be ready! I've been doing the same thing for the past six months after I completed my training to become a detective. If anyone's deserving of a change, it's me." I shivered with anticipation. My training days had been rigorous and boring. However, I managed to make it through the year with flying colors. Afterwards, I had been taken in by Jacob to assist more veteran detectives with their cases. I just wanted to be in charge of my own investigation for once. 

"Good. Our agency has affiliated themselves with the Happy Minds Asylum on the outskirts of the city. You heard of it? Well, you'll be spending time there with Dr. Onyxe, the founder of the asylum. The patients and staff there might know something about the case you've been assigned to work on." Jacob pulled the cigarette out of his mouth and blew a puff of smoke into the air. He repeated this three more times, waiting for me to speak. However, I was too ecstatic to even think straight. Jacob hadn't mentioned anything about tagging along with anyone!

"I understand sir. I assume you have the address? I'll start working on this case effective immediately. Lives are in danger, and this is only going to get more out of hand the longer we wait." Despite my ecstasy, I still had to act professional. I didn't want Jacob to regret his choice. 

"I have included the address to the asylum in your case file. Now, get working! I want this case wrapped up quickly!" He pointed one of his stubby fingers at the door. "Out!"

I stood up and briskly walked over to the door. On my way out, Jacob called out again. "Oh Dende, I forgot to mention something. Sergeant Kelly will be accompanying you. He's only there to oversee that everything goes well. Let's face it, I really like you kid, and I don't want you to get hurt. You're the one leading the mission, so don't get all bent out of shape." 

I saluted Jacob. "Yes sir. I understand fully. I'm honored that you like me. I will do everything in my power to ensure that it stays that way. Also, I happen to enjoy Sergeant Kelly's company. You couldn't have picked a better guy." After I finished talking, I closed the door to Jacob's office gently behind me. There was work to be done.