12. I- need an overview of the area

Just as he has said to Mr. Langley, Manchester headed for the hospital first to complete the payment from Nelson's treatment and words couldn't describe the wave of relief that washed over him when all that was cleared.

Nelson's health was a priority to him because losing his child just after his wife had left would eventually cause him to end up at a rehabilitation centre.

"We are doing everything we can, and he will be fine." The doctor assured him with a firm nod, before taking him to Nelson's ward for a few minutes.

The one-year-old was yet to awaken, so Manchester did what always made him feel relieved, and that was to take Nelson's tiny hand in his, and talk to him as though he was awake and listening.

"Don't worry, I'll get mummy back home." These were Manchester's last words to his unconscious child before leaving the hospital to rest.

However, Manchester's depression worsened as soon as walked through the front door. He wasn't coming home to his family as usual, but to an empty house, alone, tired and hungry.

He took out some frozen beef stew from the refrigerator and placed it in the microwave to defrost. However, he fell asleep on the living room couch less than ten minutes after walking out of the kitchen, and that was where he ended up passing the night.

........

The next morning, Manchester woke up to the beeping sound of his alarm clock which was always set for 7 a.m. He quickly put off the alarm and sat up, yawning and stretching.

Coupled with the back pain from his terrible sleeping position, Manchester also experienced a mild headache and grumbling stomach, which reminded him that he hadn't eaten anything after breakfast yesterday.

But, Manchester couldn't care less about what to eat, he called the doctor first to check on his son, and as soon as he confirmed that Nelson was doing fine, he proceeded to take a bath and have breakfast.

Manchester wasn't much of a domestic man and only knew how to cook very simple dishes, but Mel always had food that she stored away and one of them served as Manchester's breakfast today. He wanted to try speaking with the car owner again before checking out the next default case.

Unfortunately, the man was firm on his words, charging Manchester thirty thousand dollars for damage while still giving him a deadline to pay up by the end of the week or he might end up at the station.

One of Manchester's biggest fears was the man's prominence, he knew that trying to bargain in court would be a waste of time and that he had all the power to make Manchester pay with his life if he wanted.

It's very saddening to see some of the wealthiest people in the city make others suffer over something that they could easily replace, even though it doesn't justify the offender's carelessness.

"I'm ready for the next one." He said, standing at the front porch and staring at the empty spot where his car used to be.

// Please select a case to begin //

Within a second thought, Manchester selected the next default case, knowing it would just be as easy as the last one.

//Case 2 Selected: Dr. Patel's Disappearance//

//Dr. Sophia Patel, a renowned scientist, has gone missing under mysterious circumstances. Her research laboratory, located on the outskirts of the city, was found abandoned, with no signs of foul play or struggle//

//Location: The Onyx Laboratory 13th avenue//

//The Case Details//

// Dr. Patel was working on a top-secret project, codenamed "Eclipse.

- She was last seen leaving her laboratory around 8 pm, three nights ago.

- Her car is still parked outside the laboratory, and her phone and wallet are still on her desk.

- The laboratory's security cameras show Dr. Patel leaving the building, but the footage is grainy and doesn't reveal much.

- The area is kept out of bounds and there are three detectives on the case including you. //

//Your task is to complete the investigation and be the first to uncover the mystery behind Dr. Patel's whereabouts//

//Note that every one of your activities during this investigation is being supervised by the system, and exceptional performance earns you an Exp point to unlock future cases. //

//Goodluck //

"Hmm," Manchester sighed, he had seen numerous cases similar to this one's and they ended up leading to even bigger conspiracies that ended up leaving detectives frustrated.

"Laboratory equals research, equals danger." He muttered after accepting the task and getting ready to leave.

He went back inside to get ready, and on his way out, Manchester spotted the invitation letter that Mr Langley had given him on the couch, he picked it up. Due to its small size, he was able to fit it into his pocket.

"If I have time I'll go." He said before leaving the house.

As expected, the system's official detective vehicle was parked outside with the driver inside, waiting for him. So Manchester hopped in and the driver knew just where to drop him off.

Along the way, he contemplated whether or not he should visit the hospital, but he decided not to because he was positive that they would take good care of Nelson, especially now that all necessary payments were made.

"Here." The driver announced and Manchester nodded before stepping out of the car with a box. He was standing at the gate to the Onyx Laboratory and was immediately approached by one of the security from inside.

"My name is Detective Manchester Duke," He said, showing off his ID to the secure officers,

"Here on the case of Dr. Patel's Disappearance."

The security man stared at Manchester from head to toe, then to the ID, and finally to the car that was behind him.

"You are alone?" He asked.

"Yes, I need an overview of the area, and to speak to any available worker, if you don't mind."

Although he was slightly sceptical, the security officer granted Manchester access through the gate and offered to take him to the lab director immediately and he could proceed from there.