Newbourne: A Cold Case

By Anna Lavrynenko

In the divided society of a mega city on its way to independence, police investigators are dragged into a series of dangerous events. A fight against the criminal organization threatening the city results in multiple deaths of people dear to Detective Frank Harris—most importantly, his wife.

When Frank’s only daughter returns home after a long year abroad, his colleague goes missing under disturbing circumstances. Jack was last seen in the majestic, modern city of Newbourne but now can’t be located.

Misled and distracted by different groups shamelessly fighting for power, Frank must rely on his guts and the kindness of strangers on his way to the Alter-City underground. Despite what he thought he knew, Frank soon realizes there is much more to his world than he imagined.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Mar 12, 2020
• ISBN: 9781480889019

Anna Lavrynenko

Anna Lavrynenko is a Ukranian writer, singer, artist, linguist, and teacher. She has constantly sought perfection while surviving the hardships and downfalls of life. Her thoughts, dreams, fears, and dramatic experiences all eventually planted the seed of an idea, which grew larger than she ever expected.

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Copyright © 2020 Anna Lavrynenko.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Archway Publishing

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1 [phone]

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-4808-8900-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4808-8901-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020904380

Archway Publishing rev. date: 03/12/2020

Contents

Prologue

1. Interception

2. Before the Real Hustle Begins

3. Sharp Tongued

4. Divided

5. The Saint

6. Inner Madness

7. Glass of Ruby

8. A Shot in the Dark

9. In a Heartbeat

10. Matter

11. Crimson

12.

13. Morning Encounter

14. Lost and Found

15. Adonis Smart

16. Long Time No See

17. The Flood of Memories

18. Crazy Thoughts

19. Under Siege

20.

21. Strange Demands

22. Revenge

23. Avant-garde

24. Doubts

25. Déjà vu

26. Acceptance

27.

28. Pressure

29. Scratch

30. Unfortunate Events

31. Insane

32. Aftermath

33.

34. Statement

35.

36. A Hand out of Nowhere

37. In the Nick of Time

38. The First

Epilogue

Prologue

Hey! Hey!! Is there anyone out there?

…

Hello! Anyone?

I’m here.

Please, let me out!

I’m the one who brought you here.

Why? What do you want?

You don’t remember? Don’t worry, you will.

I don’t understand. Do I know you?

…

I can’t recognize your voice!

Of course you can’t.

What if I can’t remember?

Your memory will come back. We’ll talk when it does.

Wait! Are you going to leave me in here?

…

Are you still here?

…

Come back please!

…

Come back!

…

Please, let me out —

1

Interception

"The undersigned declares that Kelly Harris, eighteen years old, a student of — blah-blah-blah-blah — huge text, no clear statement, what am I looking at exactly?" Frank asked sarcastically, standing in the middle of the Arrivals area, watching his daughter approach him after passing an Entry Medical Scan.

A written warning. Girl lowered her head guiltily.

Kelly, can you spare my time and tell it like it is?

Easy Frank, it’s nothing. It’s —

Two past three already. We can discuss your point of view later, when we get home, just tell me what they accuse you of.

Kelly took a deep breath and drew a thin pink paper from her dad’s hands. She thought it would be wise to show the document at once, to avoid further misunderstandings, but Frank, apparently, didn’t support her view.

Lots of things — she exhaled. Let me see. Her eyes were rapidly scanning the text. Hmm, absence of uniform, intentional skipping of campus meetings, curfew neglecting, smoking, what else? Ah, the best part. Damaging of university property and infliction of moral injury. She looked at her father.

There’s a fee, I suppose.

Around three thousand Yuan.

It doesn’t tell me anything. In our currency.

Kelly took her phone and checked with the currency application.

Five hundred and eighty-seven Unions.

When should I pay?

Hmm, today is Friday, you have time until Monday. Sighed Kelly, giving the written warning back to her father.

I see. Can I pay online?

No-no-no. You have to go to the bank. There’s a bar code on the paper, see? She pointed at the object. They will scan it, input the bank’s credentials, and it will direct them to my personal profile.

Why does it have to be so complicated? Irritably asked Frank and received no reply. After I pay I will leave the receipt on the fridge. He looked at her intently.

Kelly broke the eye contact first.

"This is ridiculous! I did not do half those things!"

Says you! Damn it, Kelly! Frank scratched his chin disturbingly and took the luggage by the handle.

Calm down, it isn’t as bad as it sounds! Other folks got more accusations. She watched her dad’s eyes blaze.

I bet! Frank Harris froze for a moment, then gave the written warning back to his daughter. Shall we move out to the parking lot?

Kelly put the paper in her handbag and obeyed silently. If she could tell anyone how she felt, while following her father to the elevator area, she’d describe her emotions as mixed.

Kelly was happy to see her dad. She was looking forward to meeting up with old friends and attending the high school reunion, but coming home wasn’t easy, especially after a year away. During good old times, when she was a happy kid, she could be easily distracted with different things of any kind, those, she’d now call silly. But that time had passed. She hoped that soon people would be able to see that she had changed and grown up, and wished she could finally reveal her true self, rather than pretending to be a naughty stubborn daughter of Frank Harris — which was precisely how she had been treated before. That summer vacation was giving her a promise of a huge opportunity to challenge her principles and ideals. Kelly was expecting to be drawn into a discussion about important things she had to focus on: family, self-education, and awareness.

They approached a row of multiple glass elevators, which were moving in many directions, and Kelly felt proud to be a Newbourneer. She, as well as many other locals, admired that huge masterpiece — the world’s-only airport on water, built and owned by Francesco Piatti — a famous billionaire and a philanthropist. With international flights coming and leaving every hour in every direction, it was a great asset to this city and a huge contribution to its prosperity and future independence.

The girl followed her dad into the elevator. Frank pressed 1F, and they moved all the way down to the parking lot. As soon as they stepped out of the cabin, they heard a voice on the loudspeaker, announcing weather forecast for the following hour. In detail — like nowhere else.

Newbourne International Airport area: fifteen degrees Celsius, eighty-nine percent humidity, passing clouds, overcast. Air quality index, forty; wind — twelve kilometers per hour; no precipitation for the following fifteen minutes. Fifteen-minute warning: three-degree temperature change, overcast and heavy rain, with wind down to eight kilometers per hour. Air quality will improve to thirty-eight. Newbourne center area —

Voice kept announcing, but Kelly stopped paying attention.

Frank, do you remember how we used to go on field trips, when I was a primary school student?

Yes, why do you ask?

It’s nothing, I just — recalled us visiting a Meteorological Center together. I missed Newbourne! She saw her dad smile.

A picture from good old times emerged before her eyes: a loud crowd of kids and their parents walking together down the hall of Newbourne Weather Forecast Center. The amount of data stations collected, monitored and analyzed was fascinating. Newbourne weather application was available for the citizens and guests of the city alike, making it easier to plan a day. It constantly updated information, giving its users an impressive minute-by-minute prediction. Every holiday primary school offered a field trip to one of the famous landmarks of the city. A student could freely ask Mom or Dad to join, but Kelly was always choosing her dad. Back then, she was so proud of him being a police officer. She actually thought his profession was more important than any other. Now it just annoyed her. It was never just a job — it was occupation of a lifetime, which Detective Harris usually brought home.

Where did you park? How much longer?

We have to walk through the entire parking lot — he sighed. Sorry, hon.

No problem, smiled Kelly, despite the pain in her back. I’m not tired.

The central parking area with its huge glass wall lay just ahead. It was still very dark, but the view was no less majestic.

Kelly felt strange, as if something couldn’t allow her to admire the scenery. She looked into the foggy island far ahead. Through the glass she saw dark magnificent mountain ranges, stretching along the entire coastline and a bridge, which extended far into distance, disappearing inside them. Sky, bridge, the channel underneath — all looked dull and dark.

I missed home!

I missed that view too! Frank laughed.

Don’t be ridiculous, said Kelly, granting her dad a wide smile. You can see them every day!

Oh, really? Sarcastically replied Mr. Harris.

Why? Can’t you?

You think I go to the airport and back every day just to enjoy this scenery?

Sorry, it was stupid of me. I must be tired. She felt anger slowly rising.

That’s what I’m saying — take a rest, hon.

Frank thought that Kelly would discuss much more with him, but she seemed to act with restraint. And that hurt him. What was he expecting? A warm hug and a smile?

She was probably still blaming herself for what happened to her mother and Frank’s beloved wife — Carrol, who was brutally murdered in the backyard of the local hospital, right next to the personnel entrance. His daughter was supposed to meet with her mom, because they agreed to buy a dress for the school party together, but Kelly came too late. He thought, that it was one of the reasons she chose to study overseas.

He looked at his daughter. Kelly was falling behind.

There was another announcement. An electronic voice was now reminding all passengers to pass the medical scan in the airport’s Quarantine Area.

Frank frowned.

That check was a common practice, but detective suspected that health care and security weren’t the only goals of that procedure. Rough measures like this one insured the safety of the mega city. And Newbourne was one of the best in guaranteeing that. Though the world was slowly descending into crisis, Tokyo was still considered to be one of the most advanced cities in the world. However, just in two years Newbourne had outdone its achievements, proudly heading the top. After a few years of drought, farm lands all over the world were no longer able to produce high-quality proper food. Many turned to genetic modifications. Japanese vertical farms became popular and expensive. The prices raised, but Asia saved the day, when it started producing advanced filters and technical equipment with unbelievable speed. Financial bubbles, created by unwise domestic economic policies, burst. The whole infrastructure had to be altered completely, but nobody seemed to notice, blinded by the lust of power, busy with different international affairs and fight for personal advantage. The population of small towns and villages was becoming depressed. Governments could no longer support the countryside residents with paid labor, and poor had to abandon houses to join the lives of bigger cities, which had vital valuable assets to build their new economies with.

If it continues like that, small towns and villages will die without its inhabitants or turn into ruins with fewer people to take care of them, thought Frank, while slowing down.

His car was just ahead.

Frank?

Hmm?

I was just wondering — it may seem silly at first, but —

You’re not silly, Kel. Go on!

Do you think many people feel miserable and unimportant in the presence of these mountains? She nodded towards the view behind the glass wall.

You know what?

What?

Since you mentioned it — I’m gonna feel miserable any minute now.

She giggled. He reminded her a local alumna, Professor Cheng Li, who was an expert in Ancient Civilizations. Cheng wasn’t a kind of a lecturer, who could easily put to sleep. On the contrary. She was very passionate about her job and history itself. Each lecture seemed like a complete tragicomedy.

Hey, do you remember our drama queen — Professor Cheng?

I wonder who doesn’t!

She taught in Shanghai!

I am not surprised. She reads lectures everywhere. What was the course about?

Ancient Civilizations.

Were all of you crying? Frank asked sarcastically.

Half of the audience, at the very least! She’s awesome! You should have seen her!

Frank smiled.

A few years ago Cheng gave a few lectures in NCPD, as part of the connected knowledge conference. Professor expressed a hypothesis that unclear and confusing carvings on the stone surface on both sides of the mountains were made in memory of the founders, who passed away. His partner — Officer Smart enjoyed that lecture more than Frank himself did.

Did she say anything about Newbourne? Frank asked with interest.

I remember her saying that this exact passageway in between those ranges over there, girl saw her dad nod in agreement and continued. Goes further into the island, with mountains widening and moving away from each other, and then meeting again and forming an arc —

Absolutely. Like a skull. Frank interrupted his daughter.

A skull? No-no-no-no! Kelly laughed, enjoying herself. Want better?

Her dad looked at her curiously.

A womb!

Frank coughed.

Excuse me?

That’s what she said. Kelly made an attempt to copy professor’s manner of speech. A womb, which had taken inside a huge group of unfortunate travelers in the beginning of the seventeenth century! A group of explorers, which, previously attacked by pirates, supposedly died there, not reaching the depths of the island!

Frank gave it a grin.

A very neat parody, Kel!

Few drops of rain went down the thick glass wall.

Storm clouds are approaching. Noticed Frank, hiding a device, resembling a tablet a size of a hand, away.

Was that your PCP?

Hmm? He replied, all in thoughts.

Since the decree of the technological advancement came into operation, Frank wasn’t going anywhere without his PCP. It was a police computing protocol device, which all officers were required to carry at all times, but usually used like ordinary phones. They could install applications, make calls, mail, take photos, and record things. Police officers could also scan fingerprints and create electronic reports right at the crime scene, or any other time. They used the database, assigned themselves to cases, and even got promoted through one of the applications. All because Newbourne City Police Department had its own segment of the Internet, operated by AI, tracking and recording every move they made.

What was it? Kelly persisted.

What?

Was that a message?

It’s nothing, Frank rapidly replied, but then looked at his daughter. Kelly wasn’t going to give up easily. It’s your uncle Jackson.

Is he using again?

It’s complicated.

Why is he like that? Kelly thought that her dad was just looking for an excuse not to talk about Jackson Hanes. I hope he’s clean! She wished sincerely.

It warmed Frank’s heart.

"Kel, dear, sometimes life brings unexpected and hard encounters, and Jackson, well, has been through a lot. Taking drugs isn’t good for his health — for anyone’s health."

One of the guys in the dorm almost drank himself to death. Have I mentioned?

No.

That’s what I heard. Teachers thought it was a suicide attempt.

Right, I was saying — I doubt your uncle is looking for either a pleasure or a suicide. People, who take drugs, usually, want to escape from the reality. They don’t wish to end it, and they don’t really enjoy the process.

Kelly didn’t know what to reply. She wanted to talk, but starting each conversation with her dad seemed like lifting a ton. She didn’t see him for a year, and keeping silence wasn’t the best option to show affection.

It started to rain heavily. Water was pouring down the glass, distorting the view. Kelly looked at her phone screen and gave it a crooked grin — 03:25.

How timely, she thought.

Are you tired? Suddenly asked Frank.

She noticed her dad take his keys out.

Just a little, I’m fine. Kelly replied. I took a nap in the air.

He looked at her intently, knowing that flight NA32 was eight hours long. She didn’t sleep, even though she probably was suggested to.

I hope the flight was comfortable. Was it?

Yep, and the meal was good too.

Did you enjoy it? Frank kept asking.

Who wouldn’t? That’s Airbus 400! Kelly replied excitedly.

What of it?

What of it?! That’s the newest model!

And?

It’s super cool, obviously.

Well, how cool is it?

What do you mean? She started losing patience.

You said, it’s cool. What makes it so cool?

Well, it’s a triple-decked six engine jet airliner. Monotonously growled Kelly, rolling her eyes.

So?

It flies — I’m not sure, are you expecting to hear the numbers? Around eight thousand kilometers non-stop in just eight hours.

"Should I be screaming hurray now?"

Gosh, Frank, sometimes you’re impossible! Kelly’s voice trembled with anger.

So, what’s the eight-hour issue?

Eight hours! Other flights do fourteen.

OK, I got it. That’s fast. And?

It appeared to Kelly that he was enjoying that.

And what? She sighed heavily.

Is that all? He noticed Kelly nervously pulling the handle of her handbag. She seemed to be on edge.

Well, they also have a shower, a bar and a lounge.

Interesting. What else?

A duty-free shop. She wearily replied.

Busted! He looked at Kelly and spread out in a fair smile.

I failed, she thought.

She couldn’t possibly be experiencing all those miraculous comforts, if she was sleeping.

Kelly looked at him puzzled and silent.

Once we get home you’ll get your sleep, hey?

His daughter didn’t reply, just merely indicated agreeing with a nod.

They stopped near the car.

A few hours of sleep would be fine, thought Harris, while fitting Kelly’s luggage into the trunk.

He noticed a few cars leave the parking lot. Most passengers decided to spend early morning in the airport’s hotel due to the worsening weather, but not the Harris family. His daughter’s suitcase was in the trunk, and they were about to go home. He recalled how happy he was to finally see her after a long year of her absence. His heart was pounding impatiently, watching the airbus land on the airstrip on water.

Kelly opened the door, took the front passenger seat, put her handbag on her knees, and looked at him briefly, as he joined her in the car. A barely sensed jolt woke the engine up.

A sudden flash of headlights and a short signal had shaken her a little, and Kelly turned to her dad. He was about to leave the car.

What just happened?

Smart’s car happened.

How do you know?

Registration number on the plate.

I thought he had a blue minivan.

He still does. This one is new.

What does he want?

I have no idea. You stay here, I’ll find out. He said disturbingly. And left.

Kelly shook her head sadly. She knew a few people, who could successfully separate work from personal life, but her dad wasn’t among them. Frank Harris was a tough nut, but he had been her only family since her mom passed away, and the girl tried to appreciate that. It didn’t always work out well — no matter what she did, she still felt like a scapegoat. Was that the reason why she was constantly getting into trouble at the University back in Shanghai? The rules of the campus weren’t strict, but the second night there she managed to violate some of them. As Kelly thought of it, she looked at her handbag. The pack of cigarettes, lying inside, tempted her to open it. The girl was smoking the same brand her dad used to, and deep down she wanted him to find out. Her phone showed 03:38. If things continued that way, she’d have to sleep in the car.

Suddenly the driver’s door opened, and her dad leaned inside. Without saying a word, without any explanation or at least a trivial excuse, he pulled the keys out of the ignition lock and left. Soon after that, the car trunk had opened. Kelly became furious, but soon her anger extinguished. Next thing she knew — a sound of a trunk closed, together with a loud roar of thunder, scared the hell out of her.

2

Before the Real Hustle Begins

Confident steps of Miles Smart went towards the car. He knocked on the glass of the front passenger’s door.

Kelly! Open up! He looked inside the car and met the dark angry eyes of a confused young lady.

Kelly cautiously opened the door.

Excuse me for all this inconvenience! Would you please come with me?

Where’s Frank?

He’s in my vehicle. Don’t worry.

What about the car?

Once the keys are out, no one can open it from outside.

My luggage?

Also there. Come on!

Now?!

Yes, let’s hurry! He patiently waited for the girl.

Where are we going?

Over there. Detective Smart smiled. Together they ran towards his vehicle. Frank was waiting for them inside.

Miles watched Kelly quietly take the backseat.

Your stuff is in the car trunk. He heard Frank’s voice, while shutting the driver’s door. And then — awkward silence. Miles gave his partner a significant glance and took off.

So, what happened? Lonely girl on the backseat had finally shown signs of life.

Look, Kel, began Frank. I understand your concern, and believe me, I’m as worried as you are, but you have to trust me on this.

Why did we switch cars?

Just — trust me. It was necessary.

I —

We can talk about it later. I’ll explain everything once we get home. OK?

I guess so.

Miles watched Kelly sigh sadly.

One of our coworkers has major health issues, and we urgently have to discuss the circumstances. Added Smart and looked right, at his passenger.

Come on, was it really that necessary? Frank asked.

It’s complicated.

"For me it’s complicated, I’ve got one hell of a problem on the backseat."

I heard everything! Fired Kelly.

I’m not talking about you, hon, it’s a figure of speech.

Yeah, sure! She pouted.

If there was anything detectives Smart and Harris agreed on, it was that the less their families knew — the better. But then again, Miles thought that Kelly was not going to buy it. He knew many examples when a child of a cop could easily figure out when being lied to.

Health issues, yeah, he snorted quietly.

Detective failed to know a co-worker without those trophies. And just as he thought about it, a picture of his wounded leg instantly appeared in his mind. At the first day of his duty, seventeen years ago, Miles was unintentionally, as he thought back then, involved into a serious mash up with a criminal gang. He saved one of detectives, but lost five officers. He assisted in arrests and got rewarded, but at the cost of his left leg. The bullet went through his calf, ripping the muscle apart. Officer thought he would never be able to walk again. His ex-wife was telling him that everything was going to be OK. Every day. He took it out on her. Wounds healed, but the memories did hurt every time.

Miles looked at Frank, and, with a gesture, asked him to wait a second.

MAI, Call Sammy.

Dialing Samuel right now. Robotic voice came out of the dynamics next to the digital control panel of the car, which was glowing blue and showing a symbol of the phone, radio waves around it, and an avatar of a corresponding person.

Miles heard a surprised sigh and said, anticipating the question: It’s a new model.

Frank, why don’t you get one? Kelly leaned forward a little.

I don’t want to. Her dad hesitated.

I can see that. Quipped Kelly. She was going to say more, but MAI interrupted her.

Putting him through, Mr. Smart. Receiving option?

My wireless loudspeaker. Miles uttered with a smile.

Patching through.

Sam, are you here?

Early morning, my boy, is the line secure? Asked a worried old voice.

Yes, it’s safe to talk — Miles wanted to continue, but Samuel spoke first.

Excuse me, is Frank in your vehicle?

Yeah.

Have you told him already?

No, not yet, listen, I’m going to. Can you do me a favor?

You know I can. Miles heard a raspy cough. Take Frank’s car to the others, would you?

"Wait, and now his car too?"

It won’t hurt to check.

Where is his car exactly?

Parking lot of the airport —

Thirty-two F. Frank interfered. Sammy, pick me up at half past eight, would you?

Understood. It will be done.

Thanks, old pal, talk later! Detective Smart noticed Frank’s face expression. End call! Well done, MAI. Miles looked at the rear view mirror and saw a surprised face. Kelly?

It’s nothing, I just — girl lowered her eyes.

Come on, it’s fine. Ask what you wanted to.

Surprisingly, Frank opened his mouth right before the girl did, saving her from the embarrassment of asking a potentially stupid question.

Why are you so polite with the machine? I doubt it can appreciate it.

Miles nodded and looked at Kelly through the mirror.

It’s not just a machine, you see. It’s an AI. Small intelligent computer brain locked inside the boundaries of this little device on the dashboard.

Frank looked at his daughter. She seemed dissatisfied with the answer, but took it anyway. Kelly knew very well that her dad wasn’t fond of the wonders of robotics, and, unlike her, would never trust his life to an AI.

The car had finally passed the outpost and drove towards the blurred city lights far ahead. Miles glanced at the abandoned young lady, who was now listening to music coming out of her headphones. Goosebumps covered Kelly’s skin, she definitely felt cold and unhappy.

What a shame! Thought Miles with sympathy. All alone there, without answers, without amusement, with music being her only companion for the rest of the ride.

How’s Kelly doing? Is she all right? Smart asked warmly.

Frank pursed his lips discontentedly. Apparently, he didn’t like how it started.

Straight to business then, thought Smart.

Well, were should I begin? He asked vaguely, switching to his native tongue — Shiyakhat, and saw Frank raise eyebrows. For a second, Miles thought that detective would start asking questions about this sudden change, but then — he heard him speaking.

Begin with the bad news. Frank hesitantly pronounced in Shiyakhat.

I’ve got no good ones here. Detective Smart thought for a second and continued. Look, yesterday, around ten, Keetch’s wife called Tom. He picked up the phone and heard hysterics and crying. When she was finally able to speak, she asked about her husband’s whereabouts.

Jack?

Yeah! Tom was as surprised as you are. You know Jack, there are plenty of places he could’ve gone to. Frank nodded, agreeing, and Miles continued. He asked me to check all the hot spots. And I did.

What did you find?

"Would you believe me if I say nothing?"

I wouldn’t. So?

Nothing.

Seriously? Frank gasped.

Seems like he had completely disappeared from Newbourne around nine o’clock in the evening. Miles replied in a quiet anxious tone.

"Impossible. Have you checked there?" As Frank was saying this, his voice began quivering with fear. All the fricatives and plosives of Shiyakhat language made his words creepy, but it wasn’t the general sound, which scared him, it was the meaning he implied, that made him feel uneasy.

"There? No. I haven’t. Spent almost five hours hunting his ghost around the city." He sighed with disappointment.

Have you reported already?

Not yet. Going to be the first thing to do this morning.

Any ideas? Frank looked seriously troubled.

No, man, I have no leads.

The whole situation makes no sense. Why haven’t you told me?

"I am telling you now. Besides, you had a family business to take care of." Miles gave a rear view mirror a glance.

Who would’ve wanted the lead investigator of Organized Crime Division? Thought Smart and glanced at Detective Harris, who was thoughtfully looking at the dashboard. He wondered what his pal was thinking about, and caught Frank’s curious look.

I still don’t get it, why did we have to change cars? Was there something Cait told you?

Not directly, through Oliver, who passed it to Linda, but yes, a lot of something.

Who is being monitored? Me?

You, me and almost everyone, including lead investigators of other departments, detectives, and even the prosecutor. Detective Smart swallowed nervously and continued. We speak freely now thanks to MAI. They can’t hack her —

Yet. Emphasized Detective Harris.

Miles caught Frank’s continuous glance.

How long do you think —?

Has it been? I don’t know. Detective Smart shrugged his shoulders.

Do you think it has something to do with the recent matter?

I don’t know.

This is a bad one. Said Frank, dejectedly shaking his head.

Miles rubbed his eyes wearily and kept looking on the road. The city lights were getting closer.

Miles, is there something else bothering you?

Well, yeah, all these talks have reappeared again.

They might have never stopped, you know.

You’re right. New V has been dramatizing over this topic for years, but somehow, I feel, that this time it’s going to be different.

Stop fooling around. What’s really bothering you? Frank kept insisting. It works both ways. I need your help — you need mine.

It’s hard to explain, Miles took a deep breath. You know my sister. She’s —

Not ready to lead this case, Frank finished. Am I right?

Are we talking about the same Jasmine Smart-Colley here? No? Smart’s voice treacherously mocked his partner. "Because if yes, the last thing we should do is to doubt her abilities. If you’d known her, you’d —"

Have enough reasons not to cross her path. Frank finished his partner’s sentence. So, you’re telling me she’s gonna lead this investigation. The right hand of that son of a bitch?

Actually, she’s just an Internal Affairs consultant, but if she wants to, just like that, Miles clicked his fingers. She can be assigned to this case.

What makes you think she would want to?

Damn you, Frank, thought Miles, why do you always have to dive into such matters?

Keetch had been a pain in the ass for Internal Affairs since he moved into his new office, but nothing could make Jasmine take that case. Except for her brother’s direct involvement. And he, Miles, was already involved.

I heard rumors, you know. Miles lied. And it’s quite obvious. He could feel Frank checking him out.

So, you plan to get ahead of Bureau. I doubt we can do that.

Told you, it’s hard to explain. Detective Smart was looking for every opportunity to escape the family topic. I should warn you, I have my own priorities. I get what I want and jump off this case.

So you’re out?

When I’m done? Yes. Miles felt that Frank wanted to say something, but his pal said nothing.

They both knew it was going to be a tough case, because Keetch was obsessed with New V — a weird illicit organization with criminal connections, no one ever got into. The task force had repeatedly tried, but all it eventually succeeded in, was losing men. They lost Jose. And Jose Fernandez was one of the best undercover agents they ever had. That man was an artist. He was always able to walk away from the gangs clean, but not from that one. New V sent Jose back to them in parts. None expected his identity to be revealed. Soon after that, the operatives decided to go around, letting Cait Stone into play.

Among all those thoughts one got permanently stuck in Miles’s head. He possibly hurt Frank’s feelings.

"Frank, listen. We are friends. And you know I would do everything it takes to find Keetch, but life may play a different card, we don’t have much time. I don’t want to drag you and your family