Hollywood Zenith

" What the hell is this?" That's some cliche if I ever encountered one.

Moving on, I shifted through the documents.

" Fremen Orphanage? It seems to be related to their foundation." The more I looked, the more daunting it became.

According to this mysterious person, the foundation is involved in some illegal stuff. There was some bank statement along with their creditors' list.

" Suspected to be involved in human trafficking?" In the end, this was the only conclusion. But why go through this much trouble just to conceal their identity? Was it someone related to the foundation? Or their rival company?

I have to investigate more. I arranged for someone to look after my son and headed to my office. But on such short notice, I could only ask the couple living across from me for help.

As far as I know, they were an older couple that my wife was close to; they sounded reliable with everything I heard about them.

If this was even remotely correct, it could become a career-making case for me, but more importantly, I would have a golden chance to stomp on some bugs in the process!

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" Boss? Weren't you taking a day off? How come you are here?" Helda asked. She was my direct subordinate as well as my partner.

" Oh, Helda. It's good that you are here. Come, I have to show you something. Please call the others too, no, call every available team member." I didn't want to keep anything from my team. I had my utmost trust in them.

" Did something happen? You sound very serious." I could see the worry in her eyes, but it was better to explain when everyone was present.

" Please."

Soon, the room was filled with a dozen of people. They were directly under me; after the promotion, I was made leader of a separate team, and we were tasked to handle cases independently.

There were some jurisdictions issues, but most of the time, we were given priority in cases, especially cases like this.

After I explained and showed them the documents. They began to discuss among themselves. I decided to give them some time to digest the information.

A few moments later, one of them raised his hand.

" Sir, How do we know this mysterious person is telling the truth? It seems like a trap to me."

" I agree with him, captain. His behaviour is strange; we don't even know his identity."

" I share your concern, but don't you think it is our duty to launch an investigation?" I said. Helda, who had been quite asked.

" But, sir, these are some pretty influential people. I don't think Director will approve of this with this evidence. Most of these documents will not be admissible during our prosecution." She had a valid point.

" That is why I am going to directly meet him. I am confident I can convince him to give it some thought.

The Director of the task force, Liam Jamieson, was someone who would avoid risking his career by getting involved in this.

I know these types of positions were held by bureaucrats closer to a politician than public officials. Some people might say what the difference was, but a select few understood the distinction.

I could see they were not hopeful about it, but I had to report to him as he was my direct superior.

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" No"

" Sir, with all due respect, we have to do something. I know the source is shady, but I have already checked the validity of the documents; they are not forged."

" Clark, believe me, whoever it is, they are using you. Can't you see that? If anything goes wrong, it will be our necks that will be on the line."

" Sir, please. I understand your concern, but you can't expect me to sit back and watch."

" I commend your bravery, no, I even respect you for it, but I will not let you participate in this fiasco."

It was excruciatingly difficult for me not to lash out at him right this instance. I always hated it, these messy red tapes that always blocked my path.

If these so-called Elites were so benevolent, why were they always connected to the most heinous crimes? I clenched my fist while he continued his lecture about 'ethical' works.

Ethical, my ass!

" *Sigh* If you have nothing to say, you can leave. I already know that you will be chasing this case on your own and if I find out about it. I will personally suspend you! Remember that! I will not let it slide like the last time." Liam gave me a warning.

He sounded more serious than the last time; he seemed to know some of these people. If he did, it would hardly surprise me or anyone else.

I broke the news to others, and few of them were relieved, while the others who were similar to me were frustrated.

" Don't worry, Captain. We could go with the 'Usual', right?" Helda said while suggesting taking the 'usual' route.

" That will not work this time. He already reprimanded me. I might lose my badge."

" Is that so? What should we do then?"

" I don't know." I was lost too.

But something unbelievable happened, two days later Director called me to his chamber. He sounded scared over the phone.

I knocked before entering the room.

" Come in."

" Sir, you call-"

" Yes, yes. Sit down, sit down. Do you need some tea? I was just preparing it." He was nervous and strangely cordial with me.

" No, Sir. Is everything fine? You are behaving strangely today." I curiously asked. He flinched; I clearly saw it as he almost dropped the pot.

" No, no. I am f-fine. I called you about the case you mentioned the other day."

" And?"

" You can proceed as you see fit. I will also assign a few more people so you can cover some more ground."

" Really, Sir?" It was the first time I was given the green light and extra support. Normally we would go after petty thugs and some well-known criminals, but this time was different.

" Yes, Go ahead."

I didn't need to know what caused this; whatever it was, I would not miss this opportunity. My subordinates were also elated; such a big case was hard to come by.

Even those who were not thrilled about it earlier changed their tone when I mentioned that Director gave us his full support.

I also needed to brief the newcomers, but I left it all to Helda, who was more patient than me in handling such tasks.

It was also favourable that I received another package today.

With everything set, it was time to hunt some game!