Eight - Fire is still burning

Washington D.C

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION HEADQUARTERS

10:00

"Two decades ago, Alderige International was involved in offshore terrorism widespread, making it the most sought after by the government. The said investigation towards the influential company had cost lives abroad, including the CEO of Alderige International, Vincent Alderige. Today, another era emerges as the company profoundly donated its research breakthrough. Though it's classified, newly appointed CEO of the company, Aberdeen Alderige assured the public of its profound support to uphold the safety of the Americans."

Sitting on his swivel chair. Analyzing the news for something he theorized. He took pity and anger towards the woman smiling on the television. Deceiving everyone of their facade to control the government. He knew better.

He was brought back to his senses as the television went black. Replaced with a disappointed superior of his. A smile plastered on his face. Pretending to be busy. The middle-aged man shook his head and put back the remote to the racks. Realizing that other people are watching the news, the chief turned it back on.

"I'd rather see you obsess with a Hollywood actress, St. James," the chief rolled his eyes. Pointed the woman beside the Vice President. "That's a huge wall."

Associate Deputy Director Simon Bennett looked at special agent Romeo St. James. Worried to the enthusiasm of the young man to this dead case. He completely understood the agent. Every agent in the bureau has undergone a background check. St. James was no different. He was said to be a child of one of the powerful circles. An illegitimate child. Though not truly proven, the bureau did not let go of that information. In case it comes useful some other time.

A fire in every young man. Thirsty for achievements. Proof of being an alpha male. Bennett warned him many times of the danger. Besides, the case was closed just months after. It's the most controversial case in modern history. Two notorious members of high society, murdered on consecutive days. The Alderige has conducted their investigations given the connections they have but no culprits were caught nor prosecuted. Months of search and suddenly the family has decided to stop. Even the Astors have kept their silence. That's what kept the young agent thinking all this time.

"Told you, sir. I'm hands-off." St. James responded with his innocence untainted.

"I'm watching you," Bennett warned and left.

Threatened to be suspended, his interest in the unsolved murders is still pinching his nerves. His current cases were as interesting as those murders. There's one difference. They don't belong to the high and powerful society. As he decided to let go of his childhood adventures as Nancy Drew, the news held him even closer.

"The Alderige International has declared a special holiday to all their offices to commemorate the 18th death anniversary of the late Dr. Vincent Alderige. Until now, no real suspects were convicted of the murder."

Romeo Albert St. James held his breath. He chuckled. The Gods are teasing him. He shook his head and scan his current case. Evidence after evidence. But his mind goes back to where his dedication was placed. His colleagues did not help to his frustration for another case arises in the bureau. Another murder. Deputy director Bennett glanced at him.

"Our top priority," Simon opened the folder. "Former senator Chantel Davis was murdered inside her beach house yesterday. No leads so far. The killer was clean. An expert."

Unraveling on his chair, St. James looked at his superior expectantly. Hoping that the assignment will be handed to him. Even his colleagues have the same expectations. Knowing full well how he crammed that got him to absolutely no one. He is running in circles. Bennett sighed in defeat.

"Fine," He dropped the folder on St. James' table. Everyone clapped like he won a medal. "Don't mess this up, and no ventures to the Alderige. I don't want any phone calls from a senator, congressman, or even from the president. Am I understood, St. James?"

Hard as he could, St. James suppressed his smile. He excitedly took the folder and saluted Bennett. To keep him on track, he was paired with the new agent trainee. Romeo rolled his tongue inside his mouth bulging on his cheek. He looked at agent Nelson.

"Don't try to drag me down." He playfully glared at the neophyte.

"Try to educate him, St. James," Bennett snickered and went to his office.

***

WASHINGTON D.C 13:00

Busy streets. Vehicles loudly roared on the road. People walk in haste going somewhere. Two people added to the hype of the city, walked side by side. Agent Richard Nelson is keeping up with his superior who is not fond of having a partner, particularly a newbie. St. James glanced to his new best friend. They were instructed by Bennett to go to the Davis residence in Washington D.C. The family would like to share their lead to the death of the former senator.

Given the chaos on the street, the two decided to walk down the block. The Davis residence has been around the metro since the first Davis took office in the capital. The family is quite a political dynasty. Gaining more enemies than friends over the decades of their reign.

The street became a lot more serene. A sign where they are almost near their destination. Two guards, standing with hostile auras instantly eyed them. St. James smiled. It's the right house. Their main objective was to solve the motives of the murder and find the ones responsible for the horrible death of an old lady. St. James has his theory. He wants to make sure that this death is not connected to the murders a few years ago, including his obsession, Vincent Alderige.

"Detective!" A lady oozing with elegance greeted them from the door. They were expecting them. "Please come in."

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Halsey?" He hesitantly muttered, confused on how to address their host. The list of the family members was on the folder but no photos were attached. Nonetheless, he continued. "Deputy director Bennett informed us about your wish to see us first before we conduct our investigation."

"Thank you, detective. Although I'd prefer miss Halsey," The woman smiled passively-aggressively.

St. James loosened his tie and swallowed. They are in for a fight. He forgot to remind himself that the Davis is not only well-known as outstanding politicians but also for their sharp tongue. Sitting at the top for a very long time makes one proud. Nelson shrugged to St. James and motioned him to go with the flow. They don't want to end up on the wrong side of these people.

"Take a seat, gentlemen," The lady offered. "Before I forgot, I'm Joyce Halsey, granddaughter of former senator Davis."

"Right," St. James nodded. "I'm sorry about earlier, ma'am. I did not mean to offend."

"No worries," Joyce said with no enthusiasm. She looked at the quiet man beside St. James. "And you must be?"

The young man, shocked to receive such interest in him, paled and fidgeted his fingers. "I'm agent Richard Nelson. Agent St. James' assistant."

"Pleasure," She muttered with the same energy as earlier. "Shall we?"

The strict woman was prepared. She has her grandmother's documents from her old position. Some involved politicians who allegedly threatened senator Davis but no further proof was acquired. Others are from businessmen who want her to vouch for something in their gain which the senator declined. Few names quickly chilled St. James. Astor, Samira and Alderige. The four names that stood out on the lists. He knew how the senator became the puppet of the families that belong to the high society. One question left hanging on him. For a very long time, they left the senator to her peaceful retirement, why eliminate her now?

"Does your family have a particular suspect among these people that you think was responsible for your grandmother's murder?" St. James curiously asked.

"My grandma was not a saint, I admit. She had her list of enemies," The woman looked at the pictures and names. "She never fully disclosed her involvements with anyone, so it's hard to point, and those are not just mere businessmen."

St. James agreed quietly. One wrong accusation to the people they have their eyes on and their entire career will be the cost. The Alderige alone can cripple the agency, much more the powerful circle combined.

"But few days before her murder, she attended a ball," Joyce paused. Recalling her grandmother's story. "It was a very exclusive ball that those invited were personally fetched by the host. I think I heard a title like a lord or a lady. I think they sponsored my grandma's candidacy back then."

Now that after a long time of rest to his favorite case made an appearance in the death of senator Davis, St. James' excitement doubled. He nodded after he wrote the information. He instructed Nelson to collect the documents for further analysis.

"Did your grandmother receive any death threats before her death?" He added.

"Not that we know of," She paused. "But ever since she attended the ball, she became paranoid. I don't know if that helps but according to her doctors, she's suffering some symptoms of dementia so we never really concluded anything aside from a medical standpoint."

"But did her doctors mention her possible dementia to you or the family before your grandmother was still not showing any sign of paranoia?"

That made the young woman think. According to the medical records of senator Davis, she was diagnosed with Dementia days before her death. Days after she attended the ball. That's his latest lead. Who hosted the ball and who attended it? Why was the old dog of the high society deliberately silenced?