Chapter 3: The Blackmail Scheme
958 Words
Alora Vance hated admitting when someone else was right.
Especially when that someone was Frederick Vale.
For the past three days, she had avoided him completely.
Not because she was afraid.
Absolutely not.
She simply needed time.
Time to prepare.
Time to investigate.
Time to make sure that when she met Frederick again, she would not be the person standing there looking foolish.
She spent every hour digging into Frederick's past.
Every transaction.
Every reported theft.
Every suspicious encounter.
Every rumor.
And the deeper she went, the more frustrated she became.
Because Frederick Vale was not just a normal criminal.
He was careful.
Extremely careful.
There were dozens of incidents connected to him, but very few pieces of evidence that could actually hold up in court.
It was almost as if he knew exactly how much trouble he could cause without getting caught.
"You're not as untouchable as you think."
Alora stared at the investigation board in her apartment.
Pictures, reports, and documents covered the entire wall.
She had spent countless hours collecting information.
Finally, after a long night, she found what she needed.
A connection.
A mistake Frederick had made years ago.
And several pieces of evidence that could completely destroy his freedom.
She placed a small USB drive on the table.
Everything was inside.
Records.
Photos.
Witness statements.
Financial information.
Enough evidence to send Frederick Vale behind bars for twenty years.
A small smile appeared on her face.
"Let's see you mock me now."
The next evening, Alora found Frederick exactly where she expected.
A quiet street.
A place where he could disappear easily.
She approached him confidently.
Frederick noticed her immediately.
This time, however, he did not smile.
"Back again?"
Alora stopped in front of him.
"Yes."
"Did you come to tell me I was right?"
"No."
"Shame."
She ignored the comment.
"I have something to show you."
Frederick looked amused.
"That sounds suspicious."
"It should."
Alora took out the USB drive.
Frederick's eyes briefly moved toward it.
A tiny reaction.
Almost impossible to notice.
But Alora noticed.
"I spent days investigating you."
Frederick sighed.
"That sounds like a very unhealthy hobby."
"Inside this USB is everything."
She stepped closer.
"Every illegal activity connected to you."
Frederick's expression became more serious.
Alora continued.
"Enough evidence to make sure you spend the next twenty years explaining yourself to a judge."
For once, Frederick had no sarcastic response.
Interesting.
Alora opened her phone and connected the USB.
She showed him the files.
Names.
Dates.
Records.
Evidence.
Frederick looked through everything silently.
"You worked hard."
"I did."
"I almost feel offended."
"You should feel worried."
Frederick looked at her.
"You really think this will make me cooperate?"
Alora smiled.
"Yes."
She removed the USB and carefully placed it back inside the inner pocket of his jacket.
"There. Safe."
Frederick looked down.
Then back at her.
"You trust me enough to put evidence against me in my pocket?"
"No."
Alora folded her arms.
"I know exactly who I'm dealing with."
Frederick smiled.
"Do you?"
A strange feeling suddenly entered Alora's mind.
Something was wrong.
She looked at his expression.
Too calm.
Too relaxed.
Her eyes moved toward his pocket.
She reached inside.
Empty.
Her eyes widened.
"No..."
Frederick held up the USB between two fingers.
He smiled proudly.
"You really should stop putting important things where a pickpocket can reach them."
Alora stared at him.
For several seconds, she said nothing.
Then she slowly closed her eyes.
"You stole it."
"Technically, yes."
"While I was standing right there?"
"Yes."
"You stole evidence against yourself?"
Frederick shrugged.
"Old habits."
Alora's anger started rising.
She pointed at him.
"You are unbelievable."
"Thank you."
"That wasn't a compliment."
"I accepted it anyway."
She took a deep breath.
Frederick looked at the USB.
"So what now, Officer?"
Alora suddenly smiled.
And that made Frederick pause.
A dangerous smile.
The kind of smile that meant she had already planned something.
"You can keep that one."
Frederick frowned.
"What?"
"I said you can keep it."
She pulled out another USB.
Then another.
Then another.
Frederick's expression changed.
Alora held up three identical drives.
"Before meeting you, I made three copies."
Silence.
The confident thief finally looked surprised.
"I copied everything."
She stepped closer.
"One is with me."
She raised another.
"One is hidden somewhere you will never find."
Then she pointed at the one in his hand.
"And that one was just bait."
Frederick stared at her.
For the first time since they met...
He looked genuinely impressed.
"You tricked me."
"Yes."
"Me?"
"Yes."
"The man who can steal anything?"
"Apparently."
Frederick looked at the USB in his hand.
Then at Alora.
A slow smile appeared.
"I underestimated you."
"Good."
"But don't expect me to admit that often."
"I don't care."
She turned around.
"Now you're going to help me solve Damian Cross's murder."
Frederick remained silent.
"You have no choice."
He watched her walk away.
"You really planned everything."
Alora stopped.
Without turning around, she replied:
"Unlike some people, I think before I act."
Frederick laughed.
A genuine laugh.
"You're annoying."
"And you're a criminal."
"Fair."
She looked back at him.
"So?"
Frederick sighed dramatically.
"You really are forcing me into this, aren't you?"
"Yes."
He looked at the city lights.
Then back at her.
"Fine."
Alora raised an eyebrow.
"Fine?"
"I'll help you find Damian Cross's killer."
She smiled slightly.
"But don't misunderstand."
Frederick pointed at her.
"We are not friends."
"Good."
"We are not partners."
"Even better."
"And I am definitely not following your orders."
Alora walked away.
"Keep telling yourself that."
Frederick watched her leave.
For some reason...
He couldn't help smiling.
The rookie detective was stubborn.
Annoying.
Too serious.
But she was also clever.
And that was something Frederick respected.
- Writer
