2024-03-20 18:26:05
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A Day Off
Sam sat on the edge of the bed for a long time, quietly watching Dakota’s face as he slept fairly peacefully in front of him. After getting oxygen from the mask earlier, Dakota’s condition was now far from dangerous. The rash on his face, down to his neck was almost gone. Sam patted Dakota’s hand and took a deep breath.“Heh, this kid.”The gentle pat made Dakota open his eyes; he turned and found Sam sitting silently beside him, saying nothing, just looking at him.“Sam,” Dakota’s voice was a little hoarse and weak; even moving his hand slightly hurt. It was a very uncomfortable feeling.“How do you feel?” Sam asked.Dakota looked at Sam’s face; his friend was
The Substance
The large vehicle turned toward the main road heading out to the edge of town, toward District Five.Police tape was still blocking off the victim’s apartment. An officer was still guarding the scene that, for the past several days, would serve as evidence after the victim was found dead inside. Everything looked normal enough: the room was cramped and messy with so many of the victim’s personal belongings. Everything had been left as it was after the CSU team collected the necessary evidence. Sam nodded to the officer at the door as the young man opened it for him and Dakota to enter. Wearing masks, shoe covers, and latex gloves, Sam and Dakota went in.“Watch your step, Dax, there’s a lot — even slippery food stains,” Sam warned, looking down at the floor.Dakota looked down at
The Man
Aris nodded.“Exactly, Boss. The whole thing’s weird. When we stepped inside, the gas still stung like crazy, and even though the room doesn’t have enough windows, it should’ve taken way longer for the gas to build up that much.”Sam glanced at Emma.“Emma, what did you pull off the body?” Sam asked.Emma pursed her lips.“Preliminary findings show he died from lack of oxygen, Boss. We’re still waiting on the official blood and lung-fluid tests. He had total lung collapse and died of oxygen deprivation—classic signs of poisoning,” Emma said.Dakota flipped the report in his hand.
The Painting
Sam nodded, reading Rina and Luk's reports."Alright, you guys focus on identifying the victims for now. Even if we don't find evidence of a crime, it's really strange that the landowner isn't visible. This land has been sold to a new owner whom you have yet to find. The name may be fake," said Sam.Rina nodded."That's right, Boss. Erw saw the satellite photos of the land two years ago. Previously, it was a waste processing site with considerable activity. Several people were seen collecting trash and burning what couldn't be recycled, sorting it under a roof without walls. According to witnesses, the owner of the waste processing business died of a heart attack, after which his heirs sold the land to another party for a pretty cheap price. He sold it for cash and moved elsewhere afterward; he doesn't even know who
The Hole
"Yeah, unfortunately. Even though it's nice, Dad doesn't really like other people using his room. If it's not for getting wine, nothing else is allowed. Plus, I have my own study, I'm so busy every day that I spend almost all my time there," Douglas replied.Sam nodded."Oh, gosh, will he be mad if we go in here now? He'll definitely be angry if he finds out, right?" Sam asked.Douglas smiled again, he looked at Dakota and Sam alternately. For some reason, the friendly-faced man was too friendly, Sam thought. He had been smiling all this time."He, I don't think he'll mind, we'll only be here for a short while, won't we, detective?" Douglas asked back.Sam pursed his lips, he looked at Dakota, asking with his gaze if he had f
Mazen's House
In the afternoon, after the meeting ended, Sam and Dakota headed to their jeep in the parking lot.“So, is it really that clear that Douglas Mazen did all this because his father, John Mazen, forced him? He didn’t seem to like his brother much, so why is he so insistent on bringing him back home? Just a few days ago, he said his brother deserved punishment—such a quick change of heart,” Sam asked. He stopped beside the jeep, opened the door, and got in.“Hey, if what’s written in that psychiatric report is true, it means Matt Mazen will walk free from all legal charges. Even if he killed someone, he won’t be punished for his actions.” Sam took a deep breath. He glanced at Dakota, who was already sitting beside him, pursed his lips, then leaned over and pulled the seatbelt next to Dakota.“Put on your seatbelt. Do I always have to remind you? This is important. While Edi’s on leave, you’re stuck with me everywhere—no comfy backseat for you.”Dakota pursed his lips. Sam was talking as
