A VISIT TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
The morning after the chaotic Wincent Bracewell incident, Alexander walked into the police department, his presence as commanding as ever.
The officers in the station—those who had once been indifferent or wary—now fell silent the moment he stepped through the doors. Some nodded in acknowledgment, while others averted their gazes.
The Devil's Man had only grown in legend.
His sapphire-blue eyes were sharp as ever as he approached Mark Alberton's office.
Knock. Knock.
"Come in," Mark's voice rang out.
Alexander pushed open the door, stepping inside with his usual composed demeanor. Mark was already waiting for him, sipping his morning coffee with a knowing smirk.
"You took your sweet time showing up," Mark remarked, setting his cup down. "I assume you're here to report the Wincent Bracewell case?"
Alexander sat down, crossing his legs as he rested an arm on the chair's edge. "The case is over. I handled it."
Mark raised an eyebrow. "Handled? You mean you walked into a mansion full of criminals, killed their leader, and somehow made it out like a damn ghost?"
Alexander didn't reply—he didn't need to.
Mark sighed, rubbing his temple. "Look, I don't doubt you did what had to be done. But you know the media's been all over this, right? You're making headlines again."
He reached for a newspaper and slid it across the desk.
"WINCENT BRACEWELL EXECUTED—THE DEVIL'S MAN STRIKES AGAIN."
Alexander barely spared it a glance. "Expected."
Mark chuckled. "Of course it is. You thrive on this infamy, don't you?"
Alexander smirked slightly. "I don't seek fame, Mark. I seek justice. People just happen to be watching."
Mark leaned back, studying him. "You know, for a guy who deals in death, you're making quite a name for yourself in life."
Alexander's expression didn't change.
But then—Mark's lips curled into a sly grin.
THE TEASING BEGINS
"You know what else people have been watching?" Mark mused, his voice laced with amusement.
Alexander remained silent, waiting.
Mark took another sip of his coffee before smirking. "Apparently, Alexander Bluestone finally has a girlfriend."
The moment the words left his mouth, Alexander's sharp eyes flickered toward him.
Mark leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "So? Rose, huh? I didn't think you had it in you."
Alexander exhaled, his expression unreadable. "And?"
Mark laughed. "And? That's all you're gonna say?"
Alexander tilted his head slightly. "I fail to see why this is of importance to you."
Mark grinned. "Oh, come on. The great Alexander Bluestone—the cold, calculated, infamous detective—now has a woman in his life? That's newsworthy."
Alexander didn't take the bait.
Instead, he leaned forward, voice calm yet cutting. "Am I supposed to be ashamed of having someone?"
Mark shook his head, chuckling. "Not at all. It's just... unexpected. I figured if anyone could fall for you, they'd either be as crazy as you are—or too terrified to try."
Alexander's lips twitched slightly in amusement. "Perhaps both."
Mark let out a low whistle. "Damn, so you're actually serious about this?"
Alexander simply responded, "I don't do things halfway."
Mark smirked. "I bet she's terrified of you, though."
Alexander didn't answer immediately. His sapphire-blue eyes darkened slightly as he recalled the fear in Rose's eyes last night—the way she trembled under his touch, the way her voice cracked when she asked if it was real.
"She'll adjust," was all he said.
Mark shook his head in disbelief. "Man, I'd pay good money to see how she deals with you."
Alexander smirked. "She's doing fine."
Mark chuckled. "If you say so. But let me give you a word of advice, Bluestone—women aren't cases to solve. If you want to keep her, don't treat her like one."
Alexander didn't respond, but something in his expression shifted—just for a moment.
Mark noticed, but he didn't push further. Instead, he leaned back with a smirk. "Well, congrats on your love life. Just don't let it distract you from your job, loverboy."
Alexander sighed, standing up. "You talk too much, Alberton."
Mark chuckled as Alexander turned toward the door. "And you, my friend, are full of surprises."
As Alexander walked out of the office, Mark couldn't help but grin.
Maybe the Devil's Man wasn't entirely untouchable after all.