Chapter 17: Betrayal of Justice

The Enemy

Chapter 17: Betrayal of Justice

They reached home with Lily in Kai's arms, her small body nestled against him. Sarah followed close behind, carrying the bags of food they had picked up on their way back. Inside, the three sat down to eat together, enjoying the simple pleasure of each other's company.

As the meal wound to an end, Lily's eyelids grew heavy, her tiny head nodding forward. Noticing her struggle to stay awake, Kai scooped her up and carried her to her room. He helped her change into her pajamas and tucked her into bed, smoothing her hair back and kissing her forehead. She smiled drowsily, already half-asleep.

Kai lingered for a moment, watching her peaceful face, before heading to the shower. As the warm water cascaded over him, his thoughts drifted to the moments he had shared with his family that day-Lily's laughter, Sarah's soft smiles, and the way she had rested her hand on his. These fleeting, tender moments were precious to him, grounding him in a way few things could.

After his shower, he went downstairs to find Sarah lying on the sofa, her eyes closed, her face serene yet weary. Kai stood over her for a moment, studying the way her chest rose and fell, her blonde hair fanned out against the cushion. Gently, he lifted her head and sat down, placing her head on his lap.

"Did you meet your friends?" he asked softly.

Sarah opened her tired blue eyes, her gaze meeting his. "Yes," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just let me rest here for a moment. I'm thinking about something."

A silence settled between them, broken only by the hum of the television as Kai switched it on. The channel was already set to the news, so he decided to leave it.

As the broadcast played, his relaxed demeanor shattered.

The anchor's voice reported coldly, "The girl whose body was discovered behind a warehouse on the outskirts of the city has been ruled a suicide. Police confirmed she died by cutting her wrists."

Kai froze, his grip tightening on the edge of the sofa. His jaw clenched, and a fiery rage boiled over. He slammed his hand against the armrest and shouted, "What the fuck!"

The outburst startled Sarah, who bolted upright. She stared at him, wide-eyed. It was the first time she had ever heard him curse, and his intensity rendered her speechless.

Kai stood abruptly, his voice low and dangerous. "I'll be back," he said, and without waiting for her response, he grabbed his car keys and stormed out the door, his black tracksuit blending into the night.

Kai drove with white-knuckled precision, his sharp black eyes glowing with fury. His mind raced as he pulled up to the police station, the building dimly lit against the dark sky.

Stepping out of the car, he exuded an aura that made anyone near him take a step back. His imposing frame, well-set black hair, and clenched jaw were framed by veins pulsing visibly from his forehead and neck. He looked like a man who could kill without hesitation.

The officers inside exchanged uneasy glances as Kai strode through the station. None dared to stop him, instinctively stepping aside to let him pass. His footsteps echoed through the corridor, and he slammed the door to the head police officer's office open without hesitation.

Calvin Solane looked up from his desk, momentarily startled. He was a tall, broad-shouldered man in his mid-50s with neatly combed silver hair. His pale green eyes held a sharpness that contrasted with the smug grin tugging at his lips. He adjusted his tie and leaned back in his chair, feigning calmness.

"What brings you here, Mr. Keller?" Calvin asked, his deep voice steady but carrying a hint of arrogance.

Kai's voice was equally heavy, but laced with fury. "What happened to the case?"

Calvin sighed, his expression turning impatient. "It was an order from above. There's nothing I can do," he said, leaning forward to rest his elbows on the desk.

Kai's fist slammed down, rattling the papers on Calvin's desk. "Are you joking? She was murdered, and the person who did it is still walking free!" His voice thundered through the room.

Calvin's smug grin faded, replaced by a cold, stern look. "The case is closed," he said sharply. "You're not responsible for this case, Mr. Keller, and I suggest you leave it alone. Don't meddle where you don't belong."

Kai's black eyes narrowed, and his body radiated menace. He stood still for a moment, his jaw tightening as he processed Calvin's words. Without another word, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the office.

Kai drove home in silence, his knuckles white against the steering wheel. The weight of Calvin's dismissal only fueled his determination. Do they think they can do whatever they want and I'll just stay quiet? he thought, his mind racing with plans.

When he arrived home, Sarah was still awake, sitting at the dining table. She took one look at his face and instantly understood. "They closed the case, didn't they?" she asked quietly.

Kai didn't reply, but his silence confirmed her suspicion. "Let's go to sleep," she said gently, trying to soothe him. "You can work on it tomorrow."

Kai shook his head, his tone firm. "Just go to sleep. I'll be up for a while."

Sarah hesitated but eventually nodded, sensing his resolve. Kai disappeared into his workroom, the door clicking shut behind him.

Kai didn't understand the consequences of the action he was going to take.