The Crime System

Crossed Fates

As Luke Sullivan woke up from sleep, he rolled up his sleeves, expecting to see the tribal designs that once covered his arms. Instead, he was greeted by unblemished skin. "Where are my tattoos?!" he exclaimed, bewildered.

Raising his head, he found himself in a brightly lit office divided into cubicles. The chaotic scene around him was a far cry from his last memory - awaiting lethal injection on death row in a prison. Phones rang incessantly, papers flew, and harried workers rushed through the corridors with panic etched on their faces.

A middle-aged man in a navy blue uniform appeared, calling for attention. "Everyone, gather 'round! Detective Priscillia will brief us on the York Assault Cases. We're moving out tonight, so listen carefully!"

As the detectives gathered around a whiteboard covered in notes and pictures, Luke remained seated, still in shock. He touched his right ear - perfectly intact! It should have been split in two during a prison yard fight. He desperately wanted a mirror to see his face.

His eyes fell on a photo on the desk. It showed a young, handsome man in a police uniform - and he looked exactly like Luke! Memories flooded his mind as realization dawned. Had he experienced the legendary... rebirth?

He could clearly remember his past life as Luke Sullivan, the feared enforcer for the Ninefold Brotherhood in New York. Everyone knew him as "Sullivan the Serpent." But now, new memories told him he was Detective Luke Sullivan of the New York Special Crimes Unit.

The contrast made his head spin. From a hardened criminal to a police detective? How was this possible?

Luke ran a hand through his hair - no longer the closely cropped style he maintained for intimidation, but long and thick. As he grappled with his new reality, Detective Priscillia began her briefing on the York Assault cases.

His new memories identified her as the brilliant team leader of the Special Crimes Unit. Despite her youth, she had an impressive track record and was highly regarded by the brass.

As she detailed the assaults, Luke found himself torn between his old instincts and his new role. Part of him analyzed the case like a seasoned criminal, while another part thought like the police detective he now was.

Suddenly, the man in the navy uniform - Vincent Parker - turned to him. "Hey, rookie! We're pulling an all-nighter. Go get us some coffee, will you?"

Luke bristled at his tone. In his past life, no one would have dared speak to him like that. But the Luke of this world was now a timid newcomer, often pushed around by his seniors.

As he stood up, ready to put Vincent Parker in his place, a soft voice interrupted. "I-I'll do it, sir!"

A young woman with thick glasses and a long braid stepped forward. Bella Lane, his mind supplied - a new intern with an obvious crush on him.

As she scurried off to make coffee, Luke sat back down, realizing this wasn't the time or place to assert himself. He needed to understand his new situation first.

His mind raced back to his execution. He had been framed for a murder he didn't commit - roughing up a real estate developer on orders from higher-ups had somehow turned into a murder charge. The injustice of it all made his blood boil.

As Bella returned with the coffee, giving him an extra-sweet cup with a shy smile, Luke forced himself to focus on the present. Captain Jake Sheldon was now speaking, assigning tasks to the teams.

When he finished, Luke surprised everyone - including himself - by speaking up. "Hold on, I'm out!"