An Unexpected Visit
The air in the detective office was thick with tension. Darmian, Madison, and Rose sat in silence, their eyes flicking toward Alexander Bluestone, who leaned against his desk, lazily flipping open his golden pocket watch.
The rhythmic ticking was the only sound in the room—until the door creaked open.
An elderly government officer stepped inside, his cane tapping against the wooden floor with each step. His face was worn with age, his posture straight, and his eyes held the weight of experience.
The three detectives exchanged uneasy glances. They knew who this man was. A high-ranking government official. Someone who wouldn't waste his time unless it was serious.
Alexander, however, didn't even look up.
The old man cleared his throat. "Detective Bluestone."
Alexander clicked his watch shut and finally raised his eyes, a smirk playing on his lips. "Ah, a guest. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
The old man narrowed his gaze. "You've been reckless. Uncontrolled. The government has been watching your methods, and frankly… we do not approve."
Madison stiffened. Darmian crossed his arms, glancing toward Rose, whose fingers twitched slightly. They all knew what was coming.
Alexander, however, merely chuckled. "Oh?" He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his desk. "Let me guess. You're here to remind me about the rules."
The old man's eyes sharpened. "No. I'm here to warn you." He stepped closer. "You've killed far too many, Bluestone. If this continues, you will be suspended."
Darmian exhaled through his nose. Madison clenched her jaw. Rose, sitting stiffly, felt her pulse quicken.
And then… Alex laughed.
Not a mocking laugh. Not a nervous one.
A low, amused chuckle.
It was the calm before a storm.
The Devil Speaks
Alexander slowly stood up, adjusting his coat. His sapphire-blue eyes gleamed with something dangerous as he spoke—his voice smooth, deep, yet chillingly soft.
"Let me ask you something, sir.
If a man walks into a crowd, carrying a bomb, should we wait until he detonates it before we act?"
The old man remained silent.
Alex took a step forward.
"If a wolf is among sheep, do we wait until its fangs sink into their flesh before we put it down?"
The room felt colder.
Darmian's fingers curled into fists. Madison stared, unblinking.
Rose's breath hitched. She had seen this before.
The way he spoke. The way he ensnared people with words.
Alex tilted his head slightly, his voice lowering. "Evil is not something to be reasoned with. It is not something to be debated in government halls. It is an infection. A disease. And the only cure…"
He extended his hand, mimicking a gun.
"…is a bullet."
The old man's jaw clenched. "There is a limit, Bluestone."
Alexander smiled. A slow, knowing smile.
"Then tell me, old man… if I step away now, who will stop him?"
The silence was deafening.
Alexander leaned in just enough to whisper. "Suspend me today, and tomorrow… Grim Reaper will have already wiped out half your police department."
A cold shiver ran down the old man's spine.
Because deep down… he knew it was true.
The Power of Manipulation
Alex leaned back, brushing the dust off his coat. "Face it. There's no one in that department who can read the Grim Reaper as well as I can. You need me."
The old man's fingers tightened around his cane. He had come here fully intending to remove Alexander from the case.
Yet now…
His own reasoning felt uncertain.
His mind felt clouded.
Alexander had turned the entire conversation against him.
He exhaled, defeated. "…Fine."
Darmian's eyes widened slightly. Madison glanced at Rose, who looked as if she couldn't breathe.
The old man extended his hand reluctantly. "You're permitted to continue. And if needed… ask for assistance."
Alex grinned. "Now that's more like it."****"
They shook hands.
The old man turned and left.
The second the door shut behind him, Rose released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
Her entire body trembled slightly as she clenched her arms around herself.
She had feared Alexander before.
But now…
She realized something terrifying.
It wasn't just his skill with a gun.
It was his ability to control minds.
To warp reality with mere words.
She lowered her gaze, her fingers trembling.
"…What kind of monster is he?"