A Truth in blood.

One case. One dead man. One hidden conspiracy. As Koji digs deeper, the truth gets bloodier—and someone powerful wants him buried with it.

Plot

A detective embarks on a normal cheating spouse scenario that evolves into murder, and into political conspiracy.

Opening scene

Monday | 18:52 | November 11 Weather: Rainy Location: Koji’s Apartment / Office Rain tapped steadily against the windows. Koji was asleep at his desk, head tilted slightly to one side, arms folded loosely across his chest. Kiki stood beside him with her hands on her hips. “Hey.” Nothing. She leaned closer. “Detective.” Koji stirred. “You were snoring, and your client is late.” His eyes opened. “He’s here.” Kiki pointed at his shirt. “And you should probably fix that.” Koji looked down, noticed the folded collar, and fixed it without comment. Kiki smiled. “You're welcome.” “I was going to fix it.” “Eventually.” Koji gave her a tired look. She grinned. “You taught me to always notice details.” “And now you use them against me.” “You're the one who trained me.” A faint smile crossed Koji’s face. “Yes. I regret nothing.” “You should.” She opened the office door. “You may come in, sir.” Dale Abercrombie stepped inside. He offered Kiki a polite, slightly strained smile before entering fully. “Thank you.” Koji immediately noticed the way Dale looked around. The windows. The hallway. The second door. The corners of the room. Not casually. Methodically. Kiki noticed too. Their eyes met. A tiny glance passed between them. Koji gestured toward the apartment. Kiki sighed theatrically. “Fine.” She disappeared into the other room, leaving the door slightly open. Dale sat across from Koji. For several seconds, neither man spoke. Dale adjusted his cuffs. “I was told you're very good.” Koji leaned back slightly. “Who told you?” “Someone who had reason to know.” That answer earned him a brief, assessing look. Dale opened his folder and placed several photographs on the desk. A beautiful blonde woman. Elegant. Composed. “Augustine,” he said. “My wife.” Koji studied the photographs without touching them. Dale swallowed. “I believe she's having an affair.” Koji finally looked up. “You believe?” “I haven't caught her.” “Then why hire me?” Dale hesitated. “Because I need to know.” His fingers tightened around the edge of the folder. “If she is cheating, I want a clean divorce. No surprises. No... complications.” He stopped. Koji noticed. Dale took a slow breath. “I don't want to lose everything I've built.” His voice became quieter. “Will you help me, Koji?” A beat. “Please.”

Characters

Tags: Male Female Violence Mature Urban Suspense Thriller Mystery Detective Hacker Hero Assassin AntiHero Friends Spy Killer SecondChance HiddenIdentity Manipulative PoliticalIntrigue Combat City Military War SlowBurn Immersive Modern MalePOV AnyPOV ThirdPerson

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By: mesh_core2796

Stories

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