Chapter 2

It is February 12, 2022, and I can feel the rush of the wind through my window. I woke up from my alarm enough to realize that this would be the fresh start of my life. After freshening up and putting on the best attire I could wear for this day, I came down to our kitchen to grab something I could have for breakfast—just a cup of coffee and brown bread prepared by mom.

As I am driving, I can see the things that have built the City of Carson. Most of the houses here have had significant renovations with a more modern style. I am not sure of the people. I think that Carson has been full of questions and clues. Maybe we are all searching for answers.

Finally, I have just arrived at my destination and my workplace. “Good day, Ma’am. How can I help you?” the security guard asked me as I entered the place.

“Good day, Sir. I am looking for Chief Rylan West. I have a scheduled appointment with him.” I responded.

“Ms. Alice Monroe.” An unfamiliar voice interferes from my back.

“I guess you are Alice Monroe? As I speak.” the man asked while making sincere and welcoming eye-to-eye contact with me.

“Yes, Sir,” I responded.

“Well, Sir. She is with me. Thank you for your assistance.” He informed the security guard with a sense of authority.

“I am Chief Rylan Gatlin. Nice meeting you, Ms. Alice Monroe.” He said to me as he offered a shaking hand.

It has always been a pleasure to meet someone professional in my chosen field, and I have always admired it since I was in college. I have met Chief Rylan as a guest and particular instructor to our school during my training days. And I can say that he became one of the reasons I would want to be part of his team.

“You just arrived on time. So, how are you so far?” he asked me as we settled ourselves to his office.

“Yes, Sir. I am actually doing great lately after fixing my requirements and other important papers before I came here.” I responded. He might notice the delightfulness I am having while we are having this kind of conversation.

“I bet you are expecting so much from us since we have been part of your training back then when you were still in the police academy. From your background, I can say that you can handle such cases. Your attention to detail is what sets you apart from others. No wonder you have passed the National Detective Test.” He said with a proud smile on his face. He will not probably ask how I got in this position. I just nod to everything he says to me as he reviews my papers.

“Well, Alice. After this meeting, I cannot guarantee that you will be part of our team already. We have to review everything and see which team or department you can be part of.” He added. He went outside to get my I.D. and my badge, and I was just sitting straight but comfortably while waiting.

“Here, Alice, here is your official I.D., and here is your badge. You may start wearing them before I introduce you to other officers.” As he hands me my I.D. and badge, I can feel nothing but pure excitement and happiness. This is happening, and this is real. I am living my dream.

“Everyone, this is Detective Alice Monroe. She will be part of any of the team here, depending on the result of our evaluation. For now, feel free to know one another.” Chief Rylan introduced me to the whole Verano Police Department. I can see different faces, personalities, and desires from my position. As I settled myself and my stuff in my office, a detective made a knock on my door.

“Hi, Detective Alice. I am Detective Alex Gray. Nice meeting you!” I stopped what I was doing and gave him a handshake.

“Are you busy? Want to grab some coffee?” He added. Even I had one already, and I would still love to join him. He seems nice to be working with.

“I heard that you passed the National Detective Test right after you graduated from the police academy. Is that right?” he asked. I guess we are both trying to break the silence by getting to know each other. I used to listen to a good nagging of my mother about introducing myself to someone, especially to my new colleagues here. I should make a good and healthy relationship with the officers because I will be working with them for a couple of years.

“So you have been working with Chief Rylan for so long?” I asked as we tried to share more factual information with each other.

“Yes, I became part of Team 3 last year, and we are working on the cases assigned to us. Rest assured that you are in the right place with the right people. All of us here are striving hard to protect the people out there.” He responded. I can say that the world is indeed cruel. But it makes me think of the capabilities of the people to make something right and wrong.

“May I know the reason why you chose this career path?” I asked while walking in the hallway, returning to my office.

“I want to give a peaceful life to everyone living here in Carson. For the past ten years, I have been living here, all I can hear from the news are the crimes and serial killings happening in this city.” It makes me wonder how dark this place can be. Maybe I have not known everything; perhaps this will be the start of breaking the chains of the cruelty in Carson.

“I think we have the same reason. After all, we aim for the good of everyone no matter how challenging it can be.” I said. We are just ordinary people seeking closure for discomfort and distress. There will always be a series of questions in my head, one of which is, “Are you willing to take a risk?” What can be my answer if I am stuck in ferocious whereabouts?