V Dossier

CONFERENCE

CHAPTER 04

3RD PERSON'S POV

A sleek black presidential sedan rolled through the iron gates of the Green House and came to a halt beneath the covered entrance.

Outside the government complex, dozens of reporters stood behind security barricades. Television crews adjusted their cameras while photographers prepared their lenses. Citizens gathered outside the perimeter, holding banners bearing President Allen's image while others shouted words of encouragement.

Several armed security officers formed a protective line as the rear door of the vehicle opened.

President Allen stepped out.

He was a middle-aged man with neatly combed black hair and sharp eyes hidden behind a pair of silver-rimmed glasses. Dressed in a dark suit, he carried himself with the confidence expected of the nation's leader.

Immediately, reporters surged forward.

"President Allen, do you have any comments regarding the incidents that occurred last night?" a female reporter asked.

"Mr. President, is the government aware of the assassin organization known as Green Robin?" another journalist shouted.

The security detail quickly intervened.

"Please stand back."

The officers escorted the president through the entrance and into the Green House.

Several minutes later, President Allen entered the National Security Conference Hall.

The spacious conference room was illuminated by rows of white lights embedded in the ceiling. A large circular arrangement of desks surrounded a raised podium at the center of the room. Government officials, military generals, governors, police commissioners, investigators, and senior officers occupied their assigned seats.

Large digital screens displayed the seal of Westerville behind the podium.

As the president approached the microphone, the room gradually fell silent.

"Good afternoon, distinguished generals, governors, military officers, department heads, ladies and gentlemen," President Allen began. "Thank you all for attending this emergency security conference."

He adjusted his glasses before continuing.

"For the past two years, since assuming office, my administration has worked tirelessly to protect the people of Westerville. However, recent events have caused concern among our citizens."

The officials listened carefully.

"False information has been circulating regarding the Investigators Department that was established outside the city limits. Let me make one thing clear. The Investigators exist solely to protect our citizens whenever conventional law enforcement is unable to respond."

Murmurs spread through parts of the room.

"Their duty is to safeguard this nation, and I ask for your continued support."

A brief silence followed.

President Allen took a deep breath.

"Our city currently faces a growing threat from the Green Robin organization. Their activities have caused fear and instability throughout Westerville. I assure every citizen that this administration will eliminate this threat, regardless of the cost."

Several officials applauded while others exchanged uncertain looks.

Among the audience sat a young woman wearing a black dress. Her blue eyes calmly observed the president from the middle row. Her fair skin and composed expression made her stand out among the attendees.

This was Detective Katheryn Maxwell.

Beside her sat a man in a black suit with neatly combed brown hair.

George leaned closer.

"It seems he still doesn't intend to explain where the Investigators obtained their abilities."

Katheryn kept her eyes fixed on the podium.

"The questioning session hasn't started yet. Someone will ask eventually."

A man rose from the front row.

"Mr. President."

President Allen nodded.

"General Matthew. Please proceed."

General Matthew adjusted his blue suit before speaking.

"On behalf of the military and the citizens of Westerville, we appreciate your efforts. However, there are several concerns that require clarification."

"Go ahead."

"Numerous civilians rescued by the Investigators have claimed that these operatives use some form of enhancement pill that grants extraordinary strength. Is the government aware of this?"

The room became silent.

Several officials turned toward the president.

Allen folded his hands behind his back.

"I strongly disagree with those allegations. The Investigators do not use enhancement drugs. Their capabilities are the result of specialized training, genetic modifications, and extensive conditioning programs."

He paused.

"The so-called strength pills are merely rumors and misinformation."

General Matthew studied him for a moment before sitting down.

"Thank you for the clarification, Mr. President."

"The pleasure is mine, General."

A hand rose from the middle section.

"Mr. President."

Allen turned.

"Yes?"

Katheryn stood.

"My name is Detective Katheryn Maxwell of the Westerville Metropolis Department."

Several officials looked toward her.

"I was assigned to investigate the murder of a mafia leader three blocks from this building. The crime scene showed signs of extreme brutality. Limbs were severed, internal organs scattered, and the entire building appeared to have been attacked by some kind of wild animal."

The room became uneasy.

Katheryn continued.

"Do you believe this was the work of Green Robin, or could another organization be operating within the city?"

President Allen remained silent for several seconds.

"Detective Maxwell, the government did not authorize such an operation. Based on our current intelligence, I cannot confirm Green Robin's involvement."

"So you believe another group may be responsible?"

"It is a possibility."

Katheryn slowly nodded.

"Thank you, Mr. President."

After several additional questions from other officials, President Allen checked his watch.

"I'm afraid this conference must end here. I have other matters requiring my immediate attention. Thank you all for attending."

The audience applauded as he stepped away from the podium.

Minutes later, attendees began leaving the conference hall.

George caught up with Katheryn in the parking lot.

"Did you get the answer you wanted?"

"Not exactly," she replied. "But his reaction tells me more than his words."

George unlocked their red sedan.

"Should we revisit the crime scene?"

Katheryn looked toward the cloudy sky.

"We may have overlooked something."

They entered the vehicle and drove through the city.

Nearly twenty minutes later, they arrived at the abandoned house.

Yellow caution tape blocked the entrance.

DO NOT ENTER

UNDER INVESTIGATION

The metallic smell of dried blood still lingered in the air.

They stepped through the broken gate.

Inside, the building remained dark and silent.

Broken furniture covered the floor while bloodstains stretched across the walls. Severed limbs and scattered remains had already begun to decay.

Katheryn scanned the room.

"A violent fight definitely happened here."

George nodded.

"But between who?"

She approached a damaged wall.

Four deep claw marks had been carved into the concrete.

She ran her fingers along the grooves.

"These aren't knife cuts."

George walked beside her.

"Animal claws?"

"Possibly. The spacing resembles a large predator, maybe a bear."

"But there haven't been any reports of wild animals entering the city."

Katheryn frowned.

"Exactly."

George examined the marks carefully.

"If Green Robin wasn't responsible, then another organization is operating in Westerville."

"And if they're strong enough to do this..." Katheryn said quietly, "then we're dealing with something far worse than assassins."

She glanced at the mutilated bodies.

"But why would anyone target the world's second-largest d**g kingpin?"

George searched through the destroyed furniture.

After several moments, he pulled a damaged folder from beneath a broken table.

"It looks like some kind of transaction record."

Inside was a photograph of a man alongside several documents.

Katheryn approached.

"Anything useful?"

"I'm not sure yet."

She nodded.

"Let's take it back to the office. We can analyze it there."

George placed the folder inside his coat.

"I agree."

Together, they left the abandoned house, unaware that someone had been watching them from the darkness above.