The night passed—harsh and restless.
No one slept well.
Morning arrived carrying another blow.
A new crime was reported.
Passersby on a deserted highway alerted the police after discovering a wrecked vehicle abandoned near the roadside.
When the team reached the scene, Michael noticed something immediately.
The mask.
The same kind.
He informed Anthony at once. The connection was undeniable. The case was transferred under their jurisdiction.
The site was sealed.
Evidence collected.
The body examined.
By afternoon, they were back in the conference hall.
Bethy spoke first.
"The victim is male," she said. "Approximately thirty years old."
She flipped a page.
"At first glance, it appears to be a road accident. Cause of death suggests burns combined with impact trauma."
A pause.
"But there are inconsistencies."
Everyone leaned forward.
"The body shows multiple cuts—signs of physical struggle. There is a pistol bullet lodged in his thigh."
The room stiffened.
"This was not an accident," Bethy continued.
"The victim was seated in the passenger seat. Another blood sample was recovered from the driver's side. The driver escaped."
Silence thickened.
Then Bethy added quietly, "There's more."
She took a breath.
"Another case has been registered."
Eyes lifted.
"The victim is Dr. Merry."
Shock rippled through the room.
"She was found tied to a chair," Bethy said. "Blunt force trauma to the head. A gunshot wound confirms the cause of death."
She closed the file.
"This was an execution."
No one spoke.
Michael stood.
"We checked CCTV footage," he said, projecting the visuals. "This car was seen outside the wreck hospital that night."
The footage played.
"Dr. Merry was with Steve," Michael continued. "A known low-level gangster."
Murmurs spread.
"It's unclear why they met. Their destination couldn't be traced. But the vehicle they used is the same one found on the highway."
He paused.
"The highway victim is likely Steve—pending forensic confirmation."
Anthony turned to Bethy.
"Time of death?"
"Dr. Merry died first," Bethy replied. "Then the highway victim."
Anthony nodded, jaw tight.
He stood.
HE said, voice steady, "So,we now have three cases that appear connected. Same pattern. Same execution style. Possibly the same killer."
"Possibly?" Michael interrupted.
Anthony looked at him.
"This isn't assumption anymore," Michael said.
"I researched the date recovered earlier—the road accident from years ago."
He changed the slide.
"The case was officially closed as drunk driving."
Another pause.
"The victim was Nora Hemsworth."
The name hung in the air.
"Police records list her as a smuggler. She died during a chase."
Michael's eyes hardened.
"Now look at who was involved in that case."
He listed them.
"Dr. Merry—Forensic Head.
Senior Officer Rick.
Steve—police informant during the arrest."
The room went still.
"That case was publicly framed as drink and drive,"
Michael continued, "but internal records confirm it was a police pursuit."
He tapped the screen again.
"One more name—Aaron. Survivor of the accident. He testified in favor of the police."
A pause.
"He died last year. Another 'accident.'"
Anthony didn't move.
Michael lowered his voice.
"Which leaves only one person connected to that case who's still alive."
Emily leaned forward.
"Then let's meet them. Who is it?"
Michael hesitated.
Then looked directly at Anthony.
"It's you, Chief."
The room froze.
Shock spread like a fault line.
Eyes turned.
Breaths held.
Now the question is what happened exactly?
Nora- The victim turn out to be a smugger
Was this revenge?
Or justice disguised as betrayal?