Black and white

Scarlet and Eric reached the Derion mansion only to receive the cold treatment from the Chief Guard. They were told to keep away from Lady Fiona for she was not in a stable condition. 'An interrogation would only lead her to have a mental breakdown' was what the Guard had said with a glare. The two had no other choice but to return empty-handed.

"Detective, Is it okay to leave without a word with the Lady?", asked Eric with a frown. He was enthusiastic about the new case. But the poor man was unable to start his career as an Assistant Investigator.

"We don't have a choice here now, do we?", says Scarlet " Didn't I told you that the Derion family is the hardest to approach especially now that they are involved in a case it is highly likely that they'd shut down anyone who attempts to bring forth evidence that would stain their name"

There was silence for a brief moment until the brunette spoke again earning a gasp from her companion.

"Jeran is helping them"

It was there that Eric understood why his senior was worried about the latter. If Jeran was the one behind that disappearance of the lists of products exchanged between the two families then it would mean that she was hiding something the whole city was unaware of. But what exactly is she hiding?

"Three days have passed since Philip Malore was murdered. Jeran is still not back from her visit. And the higher-ups are pressuring the hell out of us!"

Eric flinched from the sudden outburst. He had never seen his senior with such a serious expression. Scarlet was fuming with anger and her friend added to her frustration. She stood on her feet glaring at the ground with tears threatening to fall from her orbs. She was afraid to lose the most precious bond she has. Will it break the two hearts?

**

Chief Director, Harley Fieldman, tapped his finger on the polished table studying the file with his cold blue eyes. His grey hair was neatly combed. He wore the Division uniform with badges he had earned throughout his career. A golden pen in his other hand gently stroking the paper. A low sigh escaped his lips, he placed the pen on the stand.

"Hmm, Philip Malore", his husky voice echoed the room. " I wonder who is in charge"

He called out for Stephen Allen, his assistant, who soon entered the room. He bowed to show respect and then waited for the man to speak.

"Stephen, tell me who is handling the Malore case"

"Detective Jeran Vincent and Detective Scarlet Raychell, Sir", he replied. He could sense the intimidating gaze of the man on him. Stephen felt shivers down his spine when his eyes met with that of the Chief Director. Those blue eyes once it captured you it'll suck you up like a deep ocean.

"And who gave them the permission to even touch the file?", now the man was furious. His clenched hands slammed the table harshly, startling poor Stephen.

In a trembling voice, the latter replied, "S-sir Richard and Sir William gave the case to them, Director"

The sight that was presented in front of him was nerve-wracking for Stephen. He was certain he saw a glimpse of murderous glare from Harley Fieldman. And that was not good news.

**

Back at the Investigation Department, Scarlet sat on her chair with a heavy heart. She looked displeased with the outcome of the whole thing. One thing after another was leading her to lose patience in one particular person. But it won't be the last.

"Umm... Detective, I think we should ask for some advice from the higher-ups..?", Eric felt the air suffocating. He needed to make his career as a Detective but why wasn't it going his way? He was stuck with the two individuals who were slowly approaching their downfall. If he doesn't have a firm foundation he won't make it. And for that, he has to solve the Malore case or lose his life.

" Sir Richard said he would be able to get the necessary information about the two families and yet nothing has turned out from his side. And as for Sir William, he's not in the city. So, No to your question. We can't ask for any advice or help from them"

The remaining confidence Eric had in him was crushed by the cruel truth. He could only scratch his nape and let out a stressful sigh. Is it the end?

**

A murder that shook the whole city of Kingslaiv. An incident that had led to the downfall of the Malore Family. The Head of the clan, Philip Malore was brutally murdered in cold blood. What has happened to the white canvas?

Scarlet knew the way things were going would eventually be the end of her and Jerans relationship. She wanted to stretch out her hand but the darkness that covered her had blinded the sight. Even if she fought for the sake of their crumbling bond, without the other hand it would be like building a bridge without a single tool.

"Eric", her voice shallow and eyes emotionless " If your friend committed a crime what would you do?"

The question was so sudden Eric was bewildered. He remains silently unable to bring out an answer to her. He shut his eyes and flutter them open and said, "They may be my friends but I'd do my job. Friendship is important, however, it is according to the circumstances that I'll react."

Scarlet chuckled, "So, you'd arrest them? Even if they are your most trusted friends?"

"Yes, I'll do my job as a Police Officer"

The answer made the latter nod and cover her face with her palms. She sighed for the nth times that day. Oh, how frustrated she was. But what Eric didn't know was that his superior had a past which was hidden from the eyes of the world. A disturbing past that anyone would fear to even take a glance at.