The team reached the crime scene.
"Hello, Mr. Aric. I am James from the Central Area Police Station. As soon as I was informed, I arrived here with my team."
Aric stepped forward, his tone sharp. "Did you find anything suspicious, Mr. James?"
James turned and called one of his officers. "Bring the evidence we found at the scene."
"Sure, sir," the officer replied and walked away.
"Darian, call the forensic officers," Aric instructed.
"Sure, Chief," Darian said and moved aside to make the call.
"Sir, here is the evidence we found," the officer said, handing it over before returning to his work.
"A compass?" Aric asked.
James stepped forward. "Sir, we recovered only two items—a compass and a student's stationery pouch."
"Chief, the forensic officers have arrived," Darian interrupted.
As Aric turned, a lively figure suddenly rushed toward him and hugged him tightly.
"Ariccccc! I missed you so much!" the person laughed, his voice full of affection.
"What are you doing here, Jacob? Let go," Aric asked hesitantly, pushing him away.
Darian glanced sideways, frowned, and cut in coldly.
"Chief, we are here to solve a case. If you want to act lovey-dovey, please go home."
Aric grabbed Darian's wrist. "Dar—"
Darian shot him a glare, pulled his hand away, and moved toward the crime scene. He called a forensic officer.
"Did you find anything?"
"Sir, the blood-covered compass has been sent to the lab. We'll get the report within twenty minutes," the officer replied.
Darian asked again, "What about the body?"
"Sir, the victim was murdered three days ago. For further details, we need lab confirmation."
The officer's phone rang."Hello? Did the report come?"
"Yes, sir. The blood belongs to the victim, but no DNA of the murderer was found."
He ended the call and walked away to inspect the room.
Aric stepped closer and placed a hand on Darian's shoulder.
"Are you okay?"Darian moved aside and replied coldly, "Chief, we have collected only two pieces of evidence. We need to return to the base now."
"Darian, listen to me," Aric insisted.
But Darian pushed past him and got into one of the officers' cars.
Aric was left standing alone.
Silence filled the air.
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