In this part of our world, you are either strong or a victim. Whatever part you choose, one thing is certain…
Milan will always offer you more than you bargained for.
I sluggishly opened my eyes, the ringing of my phone piercing through the thick fog of sleep that enveloped my mind. With a groan, I fumbled for the device on my nightstand, the LED display casting an eerie blue glow across my features. I already knew that the call could only mean one thing: Another case to solve.
Another avoidable death!
"Where are you?," the voice on the other end asked, urgency etched into every syllable. It was Detective Mateo, my colleague at work.
"At the comfort of my bed," I grumbled, my voice thick with slumber.
"There has been another murder at the headquarters of Rossini Industries," he announced, the words sending a jolt of electricity through my drowsy brain. “We need you here immediately,” he swiftly added.
My eyes snapped open, adrenaline coursing through my veins. Rossini Industries, a colossal conglomerate nestled in the heart of the city, was notorious for its powerful and enigmatic CEO, Luca Rossini. The mention of his name sent a chill down my spine.
Certainly, he must be my prime suspect!
"Who is the victim?," I asked, my voice steady now as I fought off the remnants of sleep.
"Luca Rossini," Mateo replied, each syllable hanging heavily in the air.
“Luca Rossini!?,” I asked, shocked to my bones.
“I am as surprised as you are,” Mateo responded.
Silence engulfed the line for a moment as I struggled to absorb the gravity of the situation. The high-profile murder of the influential Rossini would surely send shockwaves throughout the city. Everyone knew him as an all-powerful lord. If he had been truly murdered, then not one soul was safe in the city. With a deep breath, I pushed back the bedsheets and swung my feet onto the cold floor, instantly banishing any remnants of sleep.
“Anna, are you still there?,” Mateo said, his voice jolting me from my thoughts.
"On my way," I said firmly, my voice now commanding, as I hung up. Without a moment's hesitation, I quickly got dressed, slipping into my reliable detective suit and securing my badge around my neck. Grabbing my coat, I bounded out of my apartment, my mind already racing through the possible motives and suspects.
The city outside was dark and restless, with the occasional flickering street lamp casting eerie shadows on the desolate streets. The crisp air nipped at my cheeks as I hurried toward my car, parked in the dimly lit alley nearby. The engine roared to life, and I sped off into the night.
Oh, you should meet me!
I am Detective Anna Rossi. I am known throughout the city for my sharp instincts and my relentless determination to find justice. I have seen countless crime scenes, but I surely knew that this particular one would prove to be more challenging than any I had ever faced. Luca Rossini, the founder of the prestigious Rossini Industries, was one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in the city. His murder sent shockwaves through the community and demanded swift action. I thrive on these kind.
The headquarters of Rossini Industries loomed ahead, a majestic skyscraper rising like a colossus against the starless sky. Neon lights illuminated the surrounding streets, reflecting off the polished windows of the building as if mocking my arrival. My heart pounded in my chest, a mixture of anticipation and anxiety.
The cold night air kissed my face as I sped through the mostly deserted streets, my mind already processing the details of the case.
As I arrived at the headquarters, I could see the flashing lights of patrol cars illuminating the area. Uniformed officers stood guard, perimeter tape fluttering in the wind as they barred access to the crime scene. I flashed my badge at the nearest officer, who reluctantly pulled back the tape to let me through. I stepped into a sprawling lobby, adorned with opulent marble and intricate modern art, the embodiment of wealth and power.
As I made my way toward the elevator, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something lurked in the shadows. My senses heightened, every creak of the building, every whisper heightening my curiosity.
One of my colleagues, Berradi, was waiting for me near the entrance, his eyes heavy with exhaustion, but a quiet excitement at the sight of me.
"Anna, you won't believe what we found," he said hurriedly. "There are signs of a struggle, and the security cameras caught some footage of a tall figure lurking around the building before the incident. We suspect it might be a werewolf attack."
A chill ran down my spine at his words. Werewolves were known to exist in the city, but they were shrouded in myth and folklore. The idea of a supernatural creature terrorizing our community seemed both surreal and terrifying at the same time.
“Where is Mateo?,” I just asked him.
“Over there, he's waiting for for you,,” he said, as he pointed to an office where I suspected the murder had taken place.
Without wasting any more time, I put on my gloves and stepped into the grand lobby of the building. It was a stark contrast to the chaos that now consumed it. The opulent marble floors were stained with blood, and shattered glass from a broken chandelier glittered like a gruesome invitation.
As I entered the crime scene, I registered the stench of death that permeated the air. My keen eyes scanned the area, slowly piecing together the events leading up to Luca Rossini's demise. Smashed furniture, claw marks on the walls, and a trail of blood served me a glimpse into what might have happened. The body of Luca Rossini lay on the floor, a pool of blood spreading beneath him. The forensic team were already gathering everything they suspected would help us unravel the mystery behind his death.
“You took longer than I expected,” Mateo said, as he emerged from the other room. He looked exhausted and on the edge.
“What you got so far?,” I just asked, my voice crisp and professional.
“Come with me.”