A Cold Reunion

Karl woke to the warm glow of dawn peeking through Rick's Tavern windows. Rick, polishing a mug, nodded in greeting. "Slept well, friend?Do you want something for breakfast?"

Karl shook his head. "No, thanks. I will do it on the way. I've got work to do."Rick raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

Outside, Karl hailed a taxi and gave the driver an address: 31st Street. His mind focused on the task ahead.

Eight years ago, Assistant Detective Sasha Booton was assigned to investigate his family's murder with Senior Detective Khaan. Just 22 then, she was determined and sharp. Now 30, Karl wondered if time had tempered her zeal. She is a woman of average height with brown eyes and hair.

The taxi stopped before a modest apartment building. Karl paid the fare and stepped out. He climbed the stairs, his heart heavy with anticipation.

As he reached the door, it swung open. Sasha stood bread in her mouth, coat slung over her shoulder. Her eyes narrowed."Well, well, well. What a nice day to be ruined," she said, taunting him. "A corrupt police officer, right on my doorstep."

Karl's expression remained stoic. "Sasha, it's not time for this."

Sasha snorted. "You're a senior detective now? What happened to Khaan?" Sasha said, "he retired. What would people think a senior detective is helping a corrupt former cop?"

"I didn't ask for help yet," Karl said, his voice even.

Sasha raised an eyebrow, bread still in her mouth. "Then why come to me? I'm in a hurry."

Karl took a deep breath. "I want to do something good, Sasha. Something right."

Sasha's gaze lingered, searching for sincerity. "What makes you think I'd care?"Karl's eyes locked onto hers. "Because I know you, Sasha. You were passionate about justice back then. I need that passion now."

Sasha's expression softened, ever so slightly. "What's changed, Karl? You were part of the problem. What makes you think you're part of the solution?"

Karl's jaw clenched. "My family's death changed me. I want to make it right."Sasha removed the bread from her mouth, her eyes never leaving Karl's. She hailed a taxi and said, "Come on sit. We will talk about it in my office."

Karl sat in the taxi, beside Sasha. "I want to investigate my family's murder," he said, his voice resolute.

The taxi drove off, and they arrived at the police station in silence.

Sasha's Office

Sasha gestured for Karl to take a seat. "Would you like some cake?"

Karl declined. "No, thank you. I want the files on the investigation."

Sasha's expression turned sombre. "A little surprise for you, buddy. Chief Rayner has shut down the investigation."

Karl's eyes narrowed. "What reason did he give?"

Sasha hesitated before speaking. "The person they suspected of killing your family... died of a heart attack."

Karl said," I can't trust Rayner he is the most corrupt person I know."

Karl's jaw clenched. "Anything else?"

Sasha shook her head. "No, that's it."

Karl stood, his face set in determination. "Thanks, Sasha."

As he walked out of her office, he bumped into a familiar figure.

Chief Rayner.

Their eyes locked, the air thick with tension.

"Karl," Chief Rayner said, his voice dripping with disdain.

Karl's gaze didn't waver. "Chief."

Chief Rayner's eyes widened as if he were looking at a ghost. The weight of unspoken words hung between them, thickening the air. 

"Karl," Chief Rayner said, his voice dripping with disdain, but there was an underlying note of surprise that betrayed his composure. 

Karl stood firm, his gaze steady and unyielding. "Chief." The name felt heavy on his tongue, a reminder of the past and the authority Rayner wielded during the initial investigation.

"What are you doing here?" Rayner's question was laced with suspicion.

"I'm looking for answers about my family's murder. You shut down the investigation—why?" Karl's voice, calm yet firm, cut through the tension.

Rayner shifted his weight, a flicker of irritation crossing his features. "That case is closed, Karl. There's nothing more to uncover."

"Nothing more?" Karl challenged, his fists clenching at his sides. "You know that's not true. You're hiding something, and I want to know what it is."

Rayner's expression hardened. "You should leave this to the professionals. You're just a former cop with a vendetta."

"I lost my family," Karl shot back, a fire igniting in his eyes. "And I won't rest until I find the truth."

Sasha observed from a distance, sensing the tension escalating. 

Rayner's gaze meandered between Sasha and Karl before settling back on Karl, his demeanour shifting slightly. "You think you can wade through this murky water and come out clean? You're naïve if you think you can take on the system."

"I'll take my chances," Karl replied, resolve cementing within him. Before Rayner could respond, he turned on his heel, slamming the office door behind him and left the station.

Rayner remained silent.