The night air was heavy with the stench of blood and death. Outside the "A&D's club," a sea of reporters swarmed like vultures, their cameras and microphones at the ready. The flashing lights of police cars cast an eerie glow on the scene as if mocking the fatality that had just happened.

A man by the name "Jaden" stepped out of the darkness, his black eyes scanning the chaos with disgust. His jet-black hair was neatly combed backward, revealing a strong jawline set in a firm expression.

His grey long-sleeved shirt, unbuttoned halfway from the top, exposing a hint of his chest, as he coursed through the crowd with a confident stride. Black denim jeans completed his rugged yet stylish attire, a stark contrast to the formal suits of the reporters and officers.

The "Do Not Cross" tape set around the scenery seemed to whisper warnings of the incident that lay beyond. Officers stood guard, their arms crossed, ready to deflect any eager camera clicks that might disturb the fragile balance of the scene.

Jaden gaze landed on his partner, Diana, crouching down beside the victim while observing the body with two other people already immersed in the investigation. Her beauty was striking, even in the midst of chaos. Her ponytailed hair seemed to glow in the dim light, and her light brown jacket added a touch of warmth to her otherwise sleek black attire.

"Jaden, we've got a messy one here," Diana said, her voice low and urgent, as he approached.

"Who is the victim?" Jaden asked in a deadpan voice, now standing a step beside her.

"Gabriel Figo, CEO of S.W. Limited... twenty-nine years, shot to the head,... murder weapon, a sniper."

"Sniper?" He asked intrigued by her words and she nodded.

"We asked the security guards who were on standby and they said he was about to enter his car and the next thing, 'Bang!!!'," She mimicked the sound, "he dropped dead."

"Just like that? Any surveillance cameras around?"

Standing up, Diana held her waist and looked at him. "We checked it and it was the same thing.."

"Look over there," She said pointing in a direction and when he followed it with his gaze, he saw a twenty-storey building. "The killer shot him from there. That's the only way he could do it without being seen. I already sent four officers there to inspect, they should be back any minute."

Jaden's eyes narrowed, his eyelids compressing into thin lines. "What about the bullet?"

"Still in his head." She said. "Jane would run an autopsy on him, so we should get that tomorrow and..."

"Detectives" Their conversation was interrupted by a man wearing casual black jeans and a white shirt approaching them. He wore hand gloves and was holding a closed transparent evidence pouch.

"Detective, I found this at the top of the building." The man said, "Golden bullet." And handed the pouch over to Jaden but Diana took it in his stead being the one also wearing gloves.

Scanning the bullet with her gaze, her brows furrowed, closely observing it.

Meanwhile, Jaden was still talking with Taylor, the officer who had brought the evidence.

"What else did you see there?"

"Nothing. It was totally clean when we got there except for the bullet that was on a table."

"You mean it wasn't hidden?"

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"No, it was as if the killer wanted us to find it. But why??"

Jaden exhaled slowly. It was common for a killer to hide away anything that could serve as evidence for murder but instead, this one kept it openly on the table. Was he sending some kind of message or challenge?

Turning to Diana, "Did you..." he began but paused when he saw the expression on her face. "What is it?" He asked.

"For some reason, the bullet seems familiar." She claimed before passing it back to Taylor. "Please, examine it and let me know when you're done." Receiving it back, Taylor nodded before leaving.

"Do you care to explain?" Jaden said referring to what she meant by 'Familiar'.

"I'll explain later." She answered and took off her gloves. "First, let's go and do the least favorite part of our job."

Understanding what she meant, Jaden scoffed. Visiting the victim's family was his least favorite part of his job. He would have to watch them break down and some would need his consolation in the form of a hug but the only thing he could do was put on a poker face while sympathizing with them over their loss.

He was taught never to bring his sentiments to his profession and that includes also when he's consoling the family of the bereaved.

----

"So what is it?" Jaden asked while driving. His eyes fixed on the road while navigating seamlessly.

Diana was seated comfortably on the passenger seat while going through her phone. "I'll tell you later." She answered lazily and Jaden glanced at her, "What kind of detective are you? Always enjoy keeping your partner hanging." He hissed.

Diana chuckled. She has known Jaden for more than fifteen years. First, from the police academy they both attended till now. He was her senior at that time and also now, but they were still partners and she knew just how to get her desired expression from him at all times.

Jaden pulled over at the front of a big expansive gray gate. He and Diana got out of the car. Pressing the electronic gatebell, they waited for a few minutes and a lady wearing a white blouse with a black apron, a black skirt that fell just above her knee, and black stockings and low-heeled black shoes came out.

It was already late but the street light and lights from the house made it look like the night was still far ahead. "Who are you? And how may I help you both?" She politely asked through the small opened space on the gate.

Jaden brought out his badge, showing it to her. "I'm Detective Jaden and she's my partner, Diana." That was the only introduction he needed to do before the gate opened and they entered the compound.

As Jaden and Diana stepped into the grand foyer of the Figo residence, they were met with an eerie silence. The only sound was the soft sobbing of Mrs. Figo, seated on a plush couch in the adjacent living room. Her eyes, red and puffy, fixed on the detectives as they approached.

"Mrs. Figo, I'm so sorry for your loss," Jaden said, his voice gentle but firm.

Diana nodded in agreement, her expression somber. "We're here to support you and help in any way we can."

Mrs. Figo's gaze drifted away, her shoulders shaking as she struggled to contain her emotions. "My boy... Gabriel..." She couldn't complete her words and burst into another round of tears.

Jaden and Diana exchanged a sympathetic glance. The atmosphere was heavy with grief, and they both knew they had to tread carefully to avoid causing more pain. They had seen their share of grieving families, but it never got easier.

"If it will be okay with you, we'd like to ask you some questions concerning your son," Diana said, her voice soft and encouraging. Mrs Figo nodded, giving them a go-ahead.

"Can you tell us when last you saw him, Mrs. Figo?"

Mrs. Figo's eyes welled up again as she spoke, her words punctuated by sobs. "It was a week ago... I had invited him and his brothers over for a family dinner but only he came... He didn't deserve to go like this..."

Jaden nodded empathetically. "Why didn't his brothers come?"

"His Older brother was planning a three-month trip with my husband, and the last said he was busy with work."

"During the dinner, did he tell you anything suspicious like someone was after his life or something...?" He asked and she shaked her head.

"Do you know anyone close to him we could talk to? Or do you have someone you're suspecting? Diana asked taking down note of every single information.

Mrs. Figo's sobs were reducing and she tried racking her brain for anything and something popped in. "I don't know anyone who wanted my son dead but I know two people that were somehow close to him."

"Who are there?" Curiosity set in as both of them looked closely at her.

"His secretary, Mr Whyte and,... his ex-girlfriend. They broke up a few months ago but my son was still in love with her." Mrs Figo admitted. "I had seen him call her multiple times but she wouldn't pick up. I don't know what happened between them but Gabriel told her a lot of things when they started dating."

"If I may ask, Who's she? Your son's ex?"

"Isabella Eduardo..."

"Wait, do you mean the actress?" Diana asked intrigued.

"Yes." Mrs Figo nodded.

"Do you know her?" Jaden asked glancing at Diana.

"Who doesn't know her?" She admitted, surprising both Jaden and Mrs Figo. "Thank you for your help, Mrs Figo. We promise to do our best. Your son's murderer will be caught." Diana said confidently with an assuring smile.