From Rags to God of War

Catching the Culprit

Jessica held a steaming cup of hot tea, the vapor curling gently. Her mind wasn't on the tea, but on what had just happened and what was coming next. Soon, Victor Meyers arrived, his face etched with worry. He immediately approached Jessica's table.

"Jessica, I just heard terrible news about Nicholas," Victor said, his voice low and serious as he took a seat across from Jessica. "Is it true?"

"It is, Victor," Jessica cut in, her eyes sharp. "Nicholas is gravely injured and now in a coma. But I've handled it. He's in intensive care at the safest place we could find."

Victor scanned the cafe, then his gaze shifted to the hospital entrance. Several burly men stood stiffly, their eyes watchful.

"I can see that," Victor nodded slowly. "Tight security. I noticed a few people who aren't hospital staff or regular visitors. They're your security detail, aren't they?"

"Of course," Jessica replied bluntly. "Every corner of this hospital has our eyes. No one will get near Nicholas without my permission. Now, the focus is on finding the culprit."

Jessica's phone rang. Martin's name flashed on the screen. Jessica answered immediately.

"Martin, what's up?" Jessica asked, her voice calm but loaded with expectation.

"Ms. Vincent, I have news," Martin's voice sounded strained. "We found the substance. A mixture of nerve agent and a high-dose sedative. Its effect is to slow the heart and damage the nervous system, but not kill instantly. It's designed to leave the victim incapacitated and vulnerable."

Jessica frowned. "I suspected as much. And?"

"We've also apprehended one of the restaurant staff, named Andy. He panicked when we investigated, and tried to flee," Martin continued. "He's the one who put the poison in Nicholas's drink. He confessed to being pressured by someone."

"Arrest him. Bring him here now," Jessica commanded without hesitation. "I'll wait for him on the rooftop. I don't want anyone to know. Keep it discreet. Don't let anyone see or suspect."

"Understood, ma'am. I'll be there shortly," Martin replied, then disconnected the call.

Jessica put her phone down, her gaze shifting to Victor. "I have to go. Something more urgent needs my attention."

"Anything I can do to help," Victor offered, his tone sincere.

"Just come with me!" Without waiting for a response, she stood up and walked towards the private elevator leading to the rooftop.

...

On the hospital rooftop, the wind howled fiercely. The sky was beginning to darken, streaks of orange and purple coloring the horizon. Soon after, Martin arrived with two other guards, dragging a scrawny young man, his face deathly pale, his eyes wide with terror. They forced him to his knees before Jessica.

Jessica stood in front of Andy, her arms crossed, her expression merciless.

"So, you're the one," Jessica said flatly, her voice chillingly cold. "You tried to kill Nicholas?"

Andy trembled. "No, not me. I was forced. He threatened my family." His voice caught in his throat.

"Who?" Jessica pressed, taking a step closer. "Speak. Now."

Andy shook his head. "I can't. If I speak, they'll kill them. I don't want to die. My family will die."

Jessica let out a short sigh. "Look, I don't have time for drama. You think we can't find out who they are? You think their threats are greater than my protection? You're gravely mistaken."

Jessica looked at Martin. "Martin, give him access to our global security network. Show him how we can find anyone in this world, anyone who has ever threatened his family."

Martin immediately pulled out his tablet. With a few quick taps, the screen showed a complex network of rapidly moving information, data, and maps, tracking individuals and activities across various parts of the world. Martin pointed to a spot on the map.

"See this, kid?" Martin said, his voice firm. "Your family is currently under full surveillance by our team. They're safe. Anyone who dares to touch them won't be able to escape us. The power you're dealing with right now far surpasses the people who threatened you."

Andy looked at the tablet screen, his eyes wide with fear and awe. He started trembling, no longer from the threats of the criminals, but from the power standing before him. He saw photos of his family in a safe place. This truly convinced him.

"Okay," Andy finally gave in, his voice a whisper. "That night, the restaurant was entirely booked by Gilbert Thomson. He was the one who told me what to do. He gave me a small bottle and told me to pour its contents into one of the guest's drinks."

Jessica heard the name Gilbert Thomson; her expression didn't change, but her eyes glinted coldly.

"Gilbert Thomson," Jessica repeated, the name sounding like poison on her tongue. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure," Andy affirmed, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "He watched me the whole time. I couldn't refuse."

"Okay," Jessica said, her voice flat again. "I've heard what I needed to." She looked at Andy. "You can go now. My team will guarantee your family's safety and ensure they're protected from Gilbert Thomson or anyone else who might try to harm them. Don't even *think* about running or betraying us, because that will be your last mistake."

Andy immediately nodded, not waiting for a second command. With a limping gait, he ran away from the rooftop, heading for the same elevator.

Martin handed over a small test tube containing a clear liquid, a remnant of the poison they found. "This is the poison sample, Jessica. After our initial investigation, we identified a unique component in it. It's a very specific type of nerve agent that, according to our intel, is only used by one group."

Jessica took the tube, holding it carefully between her fingers. Her eyes narrowed, analyzing the liquid for a brief moment. "Tell me who."

"The Fire Lion Clan," Martin stated, his tone serious.

"The Fire Lion Clan?" Victor repeated, his jaw clenched. "That explains a lot. They're an old enemy. If Gilbert Thomson is working with them, this is far bigger than just a business rivalry."

Jessica didn't respond to Victor directly, her gaze fixed on the sample in her hand. "Non-lethal nerve agent," she muttered to herself. "The Fire Lion Clan always liked to mess with the mind, not just the body. This isn't meant to kill, but to cripple cognitive and physical abilities, rendering the victim helpless, unable to fight back, or even speak."

She looked at Victor and Martin alternately. "Nicholas is the God of War. They knew they couldn't defeat him with ordinary methods. So, they used this. This poison is designed to break down his defenses, to make him weak."

"This is extremely dangerous for Nicholas."

"What's your plan, Jessica?" Victor asked.

"I'm going to visit Professor Grand. He's an expert in nerve agents. With this sample and my information, I can get an antidote in no time," Jessica declared, her eyes sharp and full of determination. "I'll be tied up with the treatment; you two need to move to apprehend Gilbert Thomson."

"I figured as much," Victor replied. "I'll deploy my best team."