CHAPTER 45: MASTER OF BIRMINGHAM

Birmingham's shadows ran deep, but Alexander ran deeper.

For days, he and his crew searched every street, every alley, every crime syndicate. They crushed leads, interrogated criminals, and followed every trail—

Yet nothing led them to the mastermind.

THE BAKERY VISIT

Frustrated but calm, Alexander led Mark, Rose, Darmian, and Madison to a small, quiet bakery.

The bakery's owner, Harthen Smith, was an old man, seemingly harmless—his wrinkled hands kneaded dough, his warm smile welcomed customers.

"Pastries for everyone?" Harthen asked kindly, serving them.

They ate. They talked.

But Alexander?

He simply laughed.

Then—

He shoved his plate aside, lunged forward, and slammed Harthen to the ground.

The old man's eyes widened in terror as Alexander's cold barrel pressed against his forehead.

"Spit out the truth," Alexander whispered, his sapphire blue eyes locked onto him.

Harthen trembled. "P-Please… I'll talk! I'll say everything! I even know who the real Grim Reaper is—"

BANG!

A single shot rang out.

Harthen Smith was dead before he could finish his sentence.

THE REVEAL

Alexander slowly stood up, dusting off his suit.

Mark, Rose, Darmian, and Madison stared at him in shock.

"What the hell, Alexander?! He was about to talk!" Mark growled.

But Alexander only smirked.

"He was the mastermind."

The crew froze.

"It was easy to figure out," Alexander continued. "Every crime scene had one thing in common—the victims had eaten a cake that was poisoned. And that specific flavor?"

His gaze swept over the bakery.

"It's only found here."

Silence.

Then, Alexander chuckled darkly.

"Oh, and the funniest part?" He picked up his untouched pastry, tossing it onto the table.

"Harthen gave all of you different pastries… except for me. The same poisoned flavor was only given to me."

Madison's breath hitched. "So he was going to kill you?"

Alexander smirked. "Of course."

Then, he turned to Mark.

"Send police forces to Cambridge University."

Mark narrowed his eyes. "Why?"

Alexander's voice was calm—deadly.

"Because there's going to be a bomb blast there."