THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
941 Words
Jason sat quietly on the bench, tossing seeds to the birds when two figures approached.
“Jason John, right? I’m Detective—”
Jason cut in, eyes wide.
“Oh my gosh! Detective Diane Foxington—known for solving the unsolvable. Not just fascinating, but cool. And Cop Alexander Brooklyn, fearless. I’m a big fan! Can I get your autographs?” he asked with a grin.
Alexander gave a faint smile but kept it brief.
“Wow. We’ll do autographs later. Right now, we need you back at your condominium. Your sister’s not in good shape, and without you, it’s getting worse.”
Jason shrugged.
“She’s going bonkers, isn’t she? I figured she would. But after what my mom said... I don’t think she needs me.”
Diane stepped forward, clearly irritated.
“Okay, kid. We’re not here to talk about your feelings—it’s a waste of time. Honestly, I’m pissed. You dragged us into a case about ‘finding peace’? I hate these kinds of cases. So unless you want to keep talking nonsense, get in the car. Dropping you off would do wonders for my mood.”
Jason’s smile faded.
“And I don’t care how you feel either. I’m not going anywhere. I enjoy feeding the birds, so please—leave. You’re pissing me off. Seems like your brain’s malfunctioning.”
Diane’s tone sharpened.
“I’m not bargaining, young man. Get in the car. I don’t have time for this.”
Jason didn’t flinch.
“Well, I never begged you to come here. So leave the way you came. You’re getting on my nerves. In fact, I don’t want your autograph anymore.”
Diane scoffed.
“Really? Fine. I’m leaving you to the most emotionally void detective in the squad.”
Jason smirked.
“Well, I’m sure his conscience still works better than yours, Diane.”
He turned back to the birds as another figure approached and sat beside him.
“Hi,” the man said gently. “You should know who I am. If not—I’m Detective Xavier. I might not feel what you feel, but trust me, Jason... your sister needs you. And it’ll hurt if you’re not there for her.”
Jason paused, seeds slipping from his hand.
“You don’t understand what it’s like to be yelled at even when you’re trying your best. To be blamed for everything bad that happens.”
Xavier nodded slowly.
“I don’t. But at least you have someone to yell at you. Someone to blame you. At ten, I lost my entire family—my mom, dad, brother, and my five-year-old sister. I blame myself for not saving her. I didn’t care much about my brother—we weren’t close. But my sister...”
He stared ahead, voice steady but hollow.
“The car went up in flames. I crawled out with her, used the last of my strength to call for help. Lost the phone before it exploded. I laid beside her and told her everything would be fine. But I lied. I failed her.”
Jason’s eyes welled up.
“Don’t make the same mistake I did,” Xavier continued. “Don’t fail your sister like I failed mine. There will always be quarrels. I’ll help with the camera issues—I hate hearing about those too. Just... be your sister’s keeper. It’s a condition, not a fault.”
Jason broke down, tears streaming silently.
Xavier gave a soft smile and pulled him into a warm hug.
“Don’t cry. It’s okay. You’ll ride with me—not Diane. Alright?”
**Inside the Condominium**
The news played softly on the TV.
> “The boy reported missing at 6:30 p.m.—Jason John—was found peacefully feeding birds at Crystal Palace Park. He said he needed time to clear his head. Detective Xavier Charles located him without resistance.
>
> Detective Diane Foxington, however, appeared less understanding at the scene. According to Jason, she ‘lacks conscience.’ She chose not to escalate the situation and allowed Detective Xavier to take over, which led to a smooth resolution.
>
> As a city, we owe Xavier our thanks for a case well handled.
>
> This is Barbara Neller on CPN. Good night.”
Xeida clicked off the TV just as Xavier and Jason entered the unit.
“Hi. I’m Detective Xavier,” he said plainly. “I need to speak with Jason’s sister. Now.”
“She’s inside,” Xeida replied calmly. “I suggest you go with Jason.”
She led them to the room.
“Kira!” Jason called out as he entered.
Kira rushed into his arms, hugging him tightly.
“I’m sorry I left you,” Jason whispered, tears in his eyes. “I should’ve stayed by your side. I’m so sorry.”
Xavier stepped forward gently.
“Ms. Kira, I’m Detective Xavier. I understand you’ve been hearing camera clicks. I hate cameras too—but I’ve learned how to control them.”
He handed her a sleek pair of headphones.
“This is an anti-camera device. It prevents your face from being captured in photos and blocks out shutter sounds. I use them often. These are for you—you’ll be safe.”
Kira looked at the headphones, then up at him.
“Thanks. Can I listen to music with these?”
“It plays specific tracks—ones designed to calm your nerves,” Xavier replied.
Jason smiled faintly.
“Detective… your autograph, please?”
Xavier took the notebook, signed it with a steady hand, and gave Jason a nod before quietly leaving the room.
- Writer
