The rhythmic tapping of rain against the window accompanies the soft buzz of the neon sign outside. It's late. The only light in your office comes from a desk lamp, creating an island of light in a sea of shadows. Papers are scattered across the desk, each a story of human frailty.
Your latest case file lies open, a stark black-and-white photograph of a young boy—the boy is smiling to the camera, blissfully unaware of the ever-present sufferings in this war-torn country—pinned next to the headline that has the whole city on edge: “SHOCKING! The merciless murder of General Lee's only son!”
The shrill ring of the telephone cuts through the silence of your thoughts. You eye the receiver. The promise of a new case? Or the past, calling up debts?
[[Answer the Phone]] Your hand moves almost of its own accord. You've never been one to leave a mystery unsolved.
[[Let it Ring]] Ignorance is bliss, or so they say. But curiosity is a siren song, hard to ignore.You hear the hushed, urgent voice of a man claiming to represent someone of considerable influence.
(set:$relR to $relR +1)
"Detective, thank you for picking up. This is Ronald, General Lee's secretary. "
His voice is familiar to those who tread the line between the upper echelons and the gritty streets. You've heard his name whispered in circles where trust is the currency.
[["Nice to meet you."]]
[["Why are you calling?"]] The sharp ringtone continues to disrupt your thought. It's like the person on the other end of the line is determined to have their voice heard by you. Right here, right now.
[[Answer the Phone]] The secretary seems reluctant to engage in chitchat, given the urgent situation, "No doubt you've heard about the tragedy that befallen General Lee today."
The gravity in Ronald's voice is unmistakable—this isn't just another case.
[["Yes, my condolences."->Accept the Job]]"It's about Jack... General Lee's son. He's been... taken from us. We need someone with your discretion and expertise."
(set:$relR to $relR +1)
You hear a repressed sigh, almost too faint to be recognized in the background. The caller must have company.
[["You can count on me."->Accept the Job]]"We request a meeting at your earlier convenience," Ronald continues, "should you accept, my employer is prepared to pay anything you want."
There's no reason to turn down paid work, especially when your interest happens to coincide with the job requirement. After jogging down the address, you hang up, the weight of the case already settling on your shoulders. The victim wasn't just any child; his death could rattle the very foundations of the city. And General Lee isn't just any bereaved father—he's a man with enemies as powerful as his allies.
As you prepare to step into the cold, whispering night, the rain seems to echo the urgency of the call you just took. A child is gone, a city is tense, and your actions will ripple through the lives of many.
[[Leave->Chapter 2]]After your initial conversation with Ronald, you arrive at the Lee estate just as dawn begins to break, painting the sky a muted gray. The air is heavy with mist, and the sprawling suburban mansion looms before you, its luxury a stark contrast to the tatty ghetto you saw along the road.
A man in suit and tie is standing in the grand entrance to greet you. He appears to be in his thrities, with the kind of pink complexion that comes from good nutrition. Obviously, one of the few people in this city unaffected by the limited supply of food. His composure is broken by sorrow, making the dark circles under his eyes stand out even more. Sleep clearly eludes him.
Despite his exhaustion, the man extends a friendly handshake upon your arrival, followed by handing you a file: "Hello Mr. Detective, I'm Ronald, we spoke on the phone last night. General Lee is grief-struck and is in no state of mind to receive anyone, but he has given orders to let you investigate Jack's room and the surrounding areas. No one's been in there since the nanny found his body in there two days ago."
[[Review the File Contents]]: The file contains photos of the crime scene, a preliminary medical report, and statements from the staff present on the day of the discovery.You open the file, your eyes scanning each document. The photographs show Jack's room—neat, except for a few scattered toys and the bed, where the tragedy unfolded. The medical report is clinical, cold: time of death, estimated based on rigor mortis; no visible signs of a struggle...Is it an inside job, or was Jack unconscious when he was attacked?
After skimming the documents, you decide to:
[[Inspect Jack's Room]]: "I need to see where Jack spent his last moments. There might be something everyone else overlooked."
[[Interview the Nanny]]: "I want to hear from the nanny who found Jack's body. She is the first eye-witness, after all."Inside Jack's room, you scrutinize every inch. The room feels frozen in time, a silent testament to a life cut short. You walk over to the window, feeling the cold morning air invigorating your spirit. Reaching down to open the drawer in his bedside table, a locked diary, as well as a series of childish doodlings, are revealed.
[[Analyze the Drawings]]: These notes could hold more than just child's play. They might point to someone Jack trusted or feared.
[[Look for the Key to the Diary]]: A diary is a window to the soul. What was Jack really feeling? Did he foresee any danger?Soon, the nanny, Mary, is brought up to the living room. The middle-aged woman with kind eyes that now hold a deep sadness sits across from you on the expensive leather sofa that she normally isn't allowed to sit on, her wrinkled hands fold tightly in her lap. Probably the first time in her life to be treated as a suspect, it's only natural to feel nervous.
[["Don't worry,"]] You try to calm her down, "I'm only here to ask you some questions, not to interrogate you like a criminal."
[["State your name,"]] You say formally, "and your relationship with the deceased please."You notice that her hands loosen a bit with relief, as she begins introducing herself: "My name is Mary, I've been Jack's nanny since he was born. Lady Lee, God bless her soul, passed away soon after giving birth, so the General hired me to take care of his only son."
(set:$relM to $relM +1)
[["What was Jack like?"]]Visibily trembling upon hearing your voice, she answers in a low voice: "My...My name is Mary. I'm Jack's nanny."
[["What happened that day?"]] You carefully spread out the drawings across the desk, studying each one. The colors are vibrant, the subjects varying from family portraits to fantastical creatures. But one drawing catches your eye. It's darker, more chaotic. A large figure looms over a smaller one, with broad, uneven strokes of black and red. The emotion in the drawing is palpable—fear, perhaps, or anger. Who is this figure? A figment of a child's imagination, or someone real?
Intrigued by the ominous drawing, you carefully fold it and tuck it into your coat pocket. As you prepare to leave Jack's room, a sense of unease settles over you. The drawing, so starkly different from the others, suggests a hidden fear or threat in Jack's life. It's a lead that cannot be ignored, one that might reveal more about the people in Jack's life and possibly the circumstances leading to his death.
[[Leave the Lee Estate]] As you further survey the room, your gaze falls on a small model airplane on the bookshelf, alongside a series of novel. It’s slightly askew, as though hastily put back in the wrong place. You carefully pick it up, revealing a small key underneath. Could this be the key to the diary? It's a long shot, but worth trying.
[[Open Diary]]She takes a deep breath, "I found him in the morning... I always bring Jack his breakfast, but... he wasn't... he wasn't responding, so I walked to his bed to wake him up and tell him it's time for school..." Her voice trails off, lost in the horrifying memory.
You gently prompt her to continue: [["Did you notice anything unusual?"]]"Oh, he was a lovely boy. They say that spoiled little boys are likely to become bullys, but no, Jack is...was the sweetest from the beginning. He liked to run around, going on adventures, like the main character from the series of novel that he read." Mary smiles as this topic of conversation brings back her fond memories, and the smile quickly turns to an emptiness upon realization that she will never see the boy she brought up again.
[["What happened that day?"]] Mary pauses, deep in thought: "It was the window... open just a crack. Jack always complained about the cold. He would never leave it open. And there was this... this strange smell in his room. I couldn't make out what it was, but it's definitely not there the previous night. I made sure the rooms are ventilated everyday."
After you wrote down the key points in your notebook, you thank her for her testimony, and relieve her from the misery of being questioned.
[[Leave the Lee Estate]]The key fits, and the diary opens. The entries are typical of a child—mentions of school, friends, games. But as you flip through the pages, the tone shifts. There's mention of a 'new friend' who gave him 'special gifts.' But there's a sense of unease in Jack's words. This new friend—could they be connected to what happened?
You make a note of the dates mentioned in the diary, planning to cross-reference them with the staff's statements and visitor logs, if available. The mention of 'special gifts' also strikes you as particularly significant. Were they simply innocent presents, or something more sinister? With the diary as a crucial piece of evidence, you know the next step is to piece together who this mysterious figure could be and what role they might have played in the events leading to Jack's death.
[[Leave the Lee Estate]] You step out of the Lee mansion, the early morning light casting long shadows on the ground. The air is still, the only sound the crunch of gravel underfoot as you walk away from the house. But something feels off—a prickle at the back of your neck, an instinct honed from years on the job.
You pause, turning back to face the mansion. Your eyes are drawn to a window on the top floor. For a moment, you see a sliver of movement—a curtain being drawn shut in haste. Someone was watching you.
[[Chapter 3]]Having left the unsettling gaze at the Lee estate behind, you immerse yourself in the heart of the city. Its streets are a tapestry of stories, each turn revealing a different facet of life during wartime. You know that within this urban labyrinth lies the key to unraveling Jack's death.
[[Visit the Café]]: The local café is a melting pot of gossip and rumor. Over a cup of coffee, one can learn much about the city's pulse and its people.
[[Go to the Bookstore]]: An old bookstore frequented by the intellectual crowd could hold insights into the Lee family's connections and Jack's interests.
[[Head to the Local School]]: Jack's school might provide a glimpse into his life away from home and his interactions with peers and teachers.As you subtly tune into the conversations around you, the café's patrons unknowingly provide valuable insights. You overhear a group of regulars discussing the Lee family. "It's tragic about the boy," one says. "But you know, there's always been something off about that house. Too many secrets."
Another chimes in, "I heard from a friend of a friend that General Lee's done some shady deals to get into power. A man like that must have enemies, maybe the boy was an easy target?" The group falls silent for a moment, the gravity of the suggestion hanging in the air.
[[Keep Listening]]
[[Leave]]Your first stop is the local café, a hub for gossip and unofficial news. The café is bustling, filled with the clink of cups and hushed conversations. You take a seat at the counter, keeping your ears open. The chatter is a mix of everyday woes and whispers of the Lee family.
[[Eavesdrop on Conversations]]: Sometimes the most telling truths are found in idle talk.You step into a world of quiet aisles and rustling pages. The owner, an elderly man with an encyclopedic knowledge of his patrons, remembers Jack fondly. "A curious boy, always in the novel section," he recalls.
[["Can you show me the books he liked to read?"]]The school is a space buzzing with the energy of youth, with children playing hopscotch in the playground. You navigate through hallways lined with student artwork and trophies, making your way to the main office. The school principal, a stern yet kind-hearted woman, agrees to speak with you about Jack.
"Jack was a bright child, but he became withdrawn over the past few weeks. It was unusual for a boy who was once so lively." She stops, "We are all heartbroken to hear about what happened to him."
[[Ask About Jack's Friends]]: "Did Jack have any close friends here? Someone he might have confided in?"
[[Inquire About Changes in Behavior]]: "What kind of changes did you notice in Jack? Any particular incidents that stand out?"Bookstore Owner leads you to a section filled with adventure novels: "Jack loved these. He had an appetite for adventure, always imagining himself as the hero in these tales. Last few times, he seemed particularly drawn to stories about secret missions and hidden treasures."
You browse the titles, noting the well-thumbed books that Jack likely spent hours poring over. One book, 'The Hidden Fortress,' has a bookmark sticking out of it. You open to the marked page, finding a passage about a young hero uncovering a family secret.
[[Ask About Jack's Recent Behavior]]: "Did Jack ever talk about his adventures? Any change in his behavior or interests lately?"
[[Inquire About Other Patrons]]: "Has anyone else taken an interest in these books? Maybe someone Jack interacted with?"The bookstore owner reflects. "He seemed more... introspective, lately. Asked questions about whether heroes always win, whether good always triumphs over evil. Not the usual for a boy his age."
You thank the owner and step out of the bookstore, the city's hustle and bustle greeting you. Jack's world, with its childlike wonder and hidden depths, has given you much to ponder. The stories he read, the heroes he admired, and the characters lurking in the background of his life—all these could hold the key to understanding the events leading to his tragic end.
[[Leave]]The owner strokes his chin thoughtfully. "There was a man, came in a few times. Seemed interested in what Jack was reading. Kept his distance but watched the boy closely. He always wears a nice suit."
That sounds familiar...Could it be Ronald? Not many people can afford to wear nice suits in wartime. But why would he want to keep an close eye on Jack?
(set:$clueR to $clueR +1)
You thank the owner and step out of the bookstore, the city's hustle and bustle greeting you. Jack's world, with its childlike wonder and hidden depths, has given you much to ponder. The stories he read, the heroes he admired, and the characters lurking in the background of his life—all these could hold the key to understanding the events leading to his tragic end.
[[Leave]]The principal points to a small group of children sitting beside the playground, watching the other students, "Jack used to stick together with these children, but lately, he spent more time alone. His friends said he seemed distracted, like his mind was somewhere else."
[[Speak to the Students]]The principal frowns, "A few weeks ago, Jack had an outburst in class. It was unlike him. He was upset with something about his father. He didn't say much, but it clearly bothered him."
It is clear that the principal doesn't know anything else, you thanked her and walked out of the building.
[[Speak to the Students]] As you step out onto the busy streets, the buzz of the city around you, a sleek, unassuming car pulls up to the curb. The window rolls down, revealing a chauffeur who addresses you with a respectful nod: "Detective, please get in the car. My employer believes you may need a ride back to your apartment."
That doesn't sound like an invitation, but rather a threat. How did this mysterious employer of his know your address and where you are? You look towards the backseats of the car, only to find a young woman with a huge pair of sunglasses that covers up her expression. Even though you can't see her face, you can tell that she is attractive.
Knowing that there is no option to turn down the offer, you open the door and slide into the plush interior of the car. As the car begins taking you through the city streets, the woman opens her mouth: "Detective, you must be wondering who I am."
Her voice is calm, yet there's a deliberate intention behind her words. You nod, maintaining a professional demeanor while your mind races with possibilities.
[["Indeed. You seem to know who I am."]]Following the principal's information about Jack's recent solitude, you decide to learn more about his circle of friends. You're directed to a group of children sitting in the schoolyard. They look up curiously as you approach.
[[Gentle and Inquisitive]]: "Hey there, I heard you were friends with Jack. I'm trying to learn more about him. Can you tell me what he was like?"
[[Direct and Factual]]: "I'm a detective investigating what happened to Jack. Did he ever share anything unusual or troubling with you?"One of the children, a girl with pigtails, speaks up timidly. "Jack was fun. But he didn't want to play with us much recently. He talked about discovering a big secret but said he couldn't tell anyone, or else he'll get in trouble."
You thank the girl for her bravery to speak up, and hand her a lollipop. She hastily tears off the wrapper and puts the candy in her mouth, smiling and waving at you as you prepare to leave the schoolyard.
[[Leave]]The kids seem startled by your presence. They look at each other in fear, and decide to continue on this silence in unison. Is there some secret that they don't trust to tell an adult?
Feeling defeated, you leave the schoolyard. As you turn around, you hear a relieved sigh from one of the kids. Maybe you shouldn't be so blunt when approaching them.
[[Leave]]Your attention shifts to a table in the corner where two journalists are discussing their latest assignment. "We're covering the Lee story, but it's tight-lipped. However, I managed to get something from a maid there. She said she saw Jack arguing with someone in the garden a few days before... but she couldn't see who."
Each snippet of conversation is a potential lead. You jot down notes discreetly. The rumor of shady deals, the argument in the garden—these pieces could fit into a larger picture.
As the café starts to empty, you decide it's time to move on. These overheard conversations have given you a broader view of the situation, painting a picture of a family embroiled in complex and possibly dangerous affairs.
[[Leave]]She gives a small, enigmatic smile, her eyes reflecting the passing city lights, "I am Ms. Lee, General Lee's sister. I've been following your investigation. After all, someone in the family has to keep an eye on the case, but my poor big brother is still losing his mind over the tragedy of my nephew."
You suppose her reason is fair, yet something seems off in her manner of speaking...Maybe it's her lack of emotional response.
(set:$clueL to $clueL +1)
[["You don't seem too upset."]]
[[Keep Silent]]She chuckles, "We all have different approaches when it comes to processing grief, don't we? But just to keep your suspicion at ease, my nephew and I were very close. Granted that there's a significant age gap between us, I'm almost like a mother to him."
(set:$relL to $relL +1)
"Instead of crying, I'm more interested to find the one responsible." She looks at you, "That's where our interests align. So, I'd like to give you some pointers."
[["What have you got for me?"]] "This city, my brother's role in it, and the people around him... they are all part of a delicate balance. Jack's death has upset that balance." She continues as she turns her head away from the window and looks at you, "That's why you've become the star of the show now, Detective, whether or not you want the attention. So, I've taken the liberty to invite you here and fill you in on a few details that you may not know. Things that aren't public knowledge."
[["What have you got for me?"]]She hands you a photo of General Lee together with a woman, beautiful, much like herself, but with very different vibes. Ms. Lee has a sharpness that she doesn't hide in her eyes, while the woman in the photo is more gentle. The angle at which the photo is taken seems discreet, and neither one of them noticed the cameraman. At the bottom of the photo, you notice a date. It's the day before Jack was found dead...
The car slowly pulls to a stop and the chauffeur opens your side of the door. Before you shut the door, you hear a final piece of advice coming from Ms. Lee: "Be careful, Detective. In seeking the truth, you might find more than you bargained for."
[[Chapter 4]]As you watch the car drive away with the photo in your hand, you understand that the next phase of your investigation will require navigating a complex web of family politics, secrets, and lies. No doubt the key to unravel this web is buried somewhere in the photo. You don't yet know the identity of the mysterious woman, but the backdrop is unmistakable—the renowned Golden Dragon restaurant, known for its exquisite cuisine and clientele of the city's elite.
Deciding that the Golden Dragon is your next destination, you traverse through the city's crowded streets, the photo tucked safely in your coat pocket. The restaurant, with its traditional architecture and glowing lanterns, stands out amidst the urban sprawl.
[[Enter the Restaurant]]Inside, the ambiance is a blend of luxury and discretion. You scan the room, crossing your fingers and...there she is! The woman in the picture sits alone at a corner table, enjoying a cup of latte, her poise radiating an air of enigmatic allure.
[[Approach Directly]]: "Excuse me, Miss, may I join you? I have a few questions for you about the death of Jack Lee."
[[Offer to Pay Her Bill]]: "Waiter! Please tell the lady over there that her bill is on me."The woman's eyes narrow slightly, then gestures to the chair opposite her. A hint of surprise flashes her eyes before she masks it with a composed smile. "I wondered when I'd catch your attention, Detective. Please, sit."
[["Mind telling me a bit about who you are?"]] The woman looks up to you with surprise as the waiter convey your message. Her face lit up with a smile, she walks toward you: "Thank you, dear, for this delicious cup of latte. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
(set:$relS to $relS +1)
[["Mind telling me a bit about who you are?"]]"Sophie, it's so nice to meet you." she smiles as she puts out her hand.
[[Shake Hands]]
[[Show Her the Photo]]You are influenced by her enthusiasm and shake hands with her. Her smile becomes even bigger, "So, what do you want to know?"
(set:$relS to $relS +1)
[["What can you tell me about your relationship with General Lee?"]]
[["Did you know Jack Lee?"]]Ignoring her hand, you put the photo in your pocket on the tabletop. Sophie's smile disappears, replaced by an instructable expression.
[["What can you tell me about your relationship with General Lee?"]] "Use your best judgment, Detective," Sophie scorns, not so friendly anymore, "What does it look like? I'm his lover, of course. Don't lecture me about the morality of being a mistress, please, his wife is long dead anyways. He's allowed to move on."
[["What were you doing the night that Jack died?"]] "Jack was a bright child, caught in a world he didn't deserve. His death... it's a tragedy that has raised many questions." Her tone is tinged with a subtle sadness. "I didn't know him for very long, but I do genuinely like him. He's a good kid, unlike..." She quickly zips her lips, realizing that she misspoke.
(set:$relS to $relS +1)
You caught the last part of her unfinished remark: "Unlike whom?"
"Nothing," she puts a smile back on her face, "Let's move on."
[["What were you doing the night that Jack died?"]]"Oh, I was having dinner here with General Lee." She points to the restaurant owner sitting at the register, "The owner must remember us, we are one of her most loyal clientele."
Her demeanor doesn't look secretive, suggesting that she is telling the truth about her whereabouts that particular night, but somehow you're left with a nagging suspicion that there's more to her than meets the eye.
Leaving Sophie to herself, you step out of the Golden Dragon, the city lights shimmering in the night. Across the street is a dimly lit bar that almost looks as if it's abandoned, sets itself apart from the rest of the busy business district.
[[Visit the Bar]]The night is still young. Why not go for a drink to relax yourself?
[[Go Home]]A clear mind is crucial for a detective. Rest now, and tackle the mystery with renewed vigor tomorrow.The walk back to your apartment gives you time to think. The conversation with Sophie, her subtle hints and guarded words, swirl in your mind. There's more to her story, but will you get a chance to uncover it?
[[Chapter 5]] The interior greets you with the mellow hum of quiet conversations and the clink of glasses. Settling at a shadowed corner with a drink, your gaze inadvertently falls on the Golden Dragon across the street. You notice Sophie exiting in a hurry, her face tense. She quickly checks her surroundings before getting a taxi and disappears into the night. The sudden departure, so at odds with her composed demeanor earlier, raises an alarm in your mind.
[[Follow Her]]: She almost looks like a different person from 20 minutes ago. What is she trying to hide?You swiftly pay for your drink and step out, keeping a safe distance as you follow the taxi. The chase leads you to a nondescript building in a less-frequented part of the city. Sophie's cautious glances as she enters the building confirm your suspicions—she's more than just a mistress.
[[Wait and Watch]]: It might be dangerous to enter the building rashly.
[[Investigate the Building Immediately]]: There's no time to decide, now or never!You find a discreet spot across the street. Time ticks by as you observe the building. Eventually, your person of interest emerges out the door together with another figure - a man, his face partially obscured. After they left, you decide to cautiously enter the building. Inside, you find remnants of a hurried meeting—a map with markings, cryptic notes left on a table. These pieces hint at a larger plot, possibly involving Sophie and this mysterious man. The information gathered here could be crucial in understanding Sophie's motives and her potential involvement in Jack's death. You gather the pieces of paper in your pocket and quickly leave the place.
[[Chapter 5]] You approach the building cautiously, aware of the risks of entering unknown territory. The door is unlocked, leading you into a dark hallway. The faint sound of voices guides you to a partially open door. Peering inside, you catch sight of Sophie in a heated conversation with an unknown man. "The Detective is on to you, you say? ...Remember your duty, we can't risk letting an outsider ruin our efforts in the past years. Promise me, Mei, under no circumstances will you betray the Resistance!"
(set:$clueS to $clueS +1)
As their conversation comes to an end, you quietly retreat to avoid being seen. The stakes are higher than anticipated now that it is proven that Sophie, or Mei, is sent by the Resistance to spy on General Lee. You remember the Resistance as a group of patriots that took it upon themselves to try to save this country from the long-lasting foreign invasion. It is common knowledge that General Lee has been doing the foreigner's bidding, could she be taking out her hatred of the well-known traitor on his innocent child?
[[Chapter 5]]After a night of revelations and clandestine observations, you head back to your apartment, the city's nocturnal chorus a backdrop to your racing thoughts. Your apartment is a sanctuary, a place of solace and thought. But tonight, it feels different. As you unlock the door and step inside, something feels amiss. It's too quiet, the shadows too deep.
[[Search the Apartment Carefully]]: Something's not right. Best to move carefully.
[[Turn on the Lights]]: Whatever this feeling is will disappear once the light is on.You silently move through each room, your senses heightened. In your study, you notice a slight disturbance—a book out of place, a chair slightly askew. Suddenly, a shadow moves, and you're barely able to dodge as an assailant lunges at you. The attack is swift, yet your caution helps you react quickly and escape out of the apartment, before the attacker get to do anything else. Your heart races as you realize how close you came to a deadly encounter. This was no ordinary burglar—it was a professional hit.
[[Escape]]The moment the lights flicker on, you sense the presence of someone else. Before you can react, a muffled sound echoes through the room, and pain erupts in your shoulder. You've been shot. As you fall to the ground, the last thing you see is the figure of a masked assailant stepping out of the shadows.
BAD ENDING - Die Before the Break of DawnHaving narrowly escaped with your life, you realize the gravity of what you're involved in. Someone is trying to silence you, to keep the truth about Jack's death buried. This attack is a clear indication that you're getting closer to uncovering something significant. Your resolve hardens; this isn't just about solving a case anymore—it's about survival. Yet the danger is far from over; you're exposed and vulnerable on the dark, quiet streets of the city. You need to find a safe haven, and the only way to do so is to seek help from one of the key players in your investigation.
(if:$relS>0)[[Seek Help from Sophie]]: Sophie's connections and skills might be your best chance at evading whoever's after you.
(if:$relL>0)[[Contact Ms. Lee]]: Ms. Lee has resources and influence. She might be able to offer protection or a safe place.
(if:$relR>0)[[Reach Out to Ronald]]: Ronald's loyalty to General Lee could extend to helping you, especially if it serves to preserve the General’s interests.
[[Left Alone]] You use a secure line from a public phone to call the one you trust the most. Sophie, understanding the gravity of the situation, quickly arranges a safe house.
[[Hide]]You use a secure line from a public phone to call the one you trust the most. Ms. Lee, upon hearing your situation, doesn't hesitate. "I'll send a car. Stay hidden until it arrives," she instructs.
[[Hide]]You use a secure line from a public phone to call the one you trust the most. Ronald, ever the loyal aide, understands the implications of an attack on you. "Meet me at the old warehouse district. I know a place where you can lay low," he says.
[[Hide]]In your temporary refuge, you have time to process the events of the night. The attack was a clear sign that your investigation is unsettling someone powerful. You ponder your next moves carefully. The city's underworld is more dangerous than you initially thought, and now you're entangled in its deepest shadows.
As dawn approaches, casting a pale light into your hideout, you prepare to wrap up your investigation. It is time to put an end to the case, and let justice be the one to make the final verdict.
[[Final Verdict]]With nowhere left to turn, you find yourself alone on the dark, unforgiving streets of the city. Sophie, Ms. Lee, and Ronald, each a potential lifeline, have turned you away, leaving you to face the dangers of the night by yourself. The weight of isolation is heavy; the city's shadows seem more menacing than ever.
You move through the streets cautiously, aware that the assassin who invaded your apartment could still be lurking nearby. Every sound, every movement in the periphery of your vision, sets you on edge. Despite your skills and experience, the vulnerability of being out in the open without an ally gnaws at you.
As you turn down a narrow alley, hoping to evade any prying eyes, the sense of danger intensifies. Your instincts scream at you to be alert. Then, without warning, a figure emerges from the shadows.
It's the assassin. They move with lethal precision, you with your fatigue and wariness, don't stand a chance. In your final moments, the realization hits you - this is how it ends, not with answers and justice, but with an unceremonious fall in a dark alley.
BAD ENDING - Lone WolfAfter spending a restless night in the safe house, turning over the events and revelations in your mind, you decide it's time to confront General Lee with your findings. The sun is barely rising, casting a soft glow over the city as you make your way to the Lee estate.
General Lee greets you in his study, his face a mask of stoic composure. He is a man in his late forties, with a stature that speaks of his military background. His hair is peppered with gray, signs of a life spent in the crucible of conflict and power struggles. Sharp, piercing eyes, the color of dark coffee, seem to miss nothing, reflecting both intelligence and a hard-earned wariness. The weight of his son's death still hangs heavily in the room. You know that what you're about to reveal will either bring closure or further turmoil.
Who will you accuse as the killer of Jack Lee?
(if:$clueS>0)[[Sophie]]
(if:$clueR>0)[[Ronald]]
(if:$clueL>0)[[Ms. Lee]]
[[No One]]Hearing you brings a pained look to General Lee's face. "Ronald, my most trusted aide?"
"It pains me to say it as well," You sigh, "He seems like a decent guy whose loyalty cannot be bought. In fact, his love for his family is the only thing that will trump his loyalty."
"What do you mean?" General Lee looks at you, confused.
"It must have been an accident. Jack was playing with Jeremy, Ronald's son, in the gardens, and they had a little spat. It quickly escalated and they began fighting, and before anyone knew it, Jack was lying on the ground, unconscious."
He is completely at a loss of words.
"Naturally, when Ronald found out what happened, he panicked and tried to cover up for his son. So he dragged Jack's body from the gardens and put him to bed, trying to delay the time that someone find out. That's why he's been acting like this case is personal for him."
You leave the room quietly, giving him enough time to recover from the shock and decide for himself what he'll do in response. After all, your job is done now.
THE ENDYour accusation elicits a sharp intake of breath from the General. "My own sister?" he murmurs. "No...It can't be. I have been nothing but good to her."
"That may be," You nod, "but some appetites aren't meant to be filled again and again. It will only grow bigger each time, and eventually turn into greed. Think about it, General, with Jack gone, no one stands between your sister from inheriting the family wealth now. She is the only one among the suspects who profits the most out of Jack's death."
General Lee is visibly shaken by the accusation against his sister. The thought of familial betrayal is almost too much to bear, adding a personal tragedy to an already painful loss.
"That's why there was no sign of struggle on the body. Jack must have thought his aunt was playing with him until it's too late..."
You leave the room quietly, letting him think through your reasoning and decide for himself what he'll do in response. After all, it is a family matter now.
THE ENDGeneral Lee's expression hardens. "Sophie? How did you know about her? And you believe she killed my son?" He struggles to process this information.
"Her name isn't Sophie, it's Mei," You begin, "She is a spy sent from the Resistance. I believe her job is simply to send them sensitive information, and it probably would have ended very badly for you one day."
His initial shock is quickly turning into rage, "That b****..."
"Your son isn't her target at first," You sigh, "Even the Resistance isn't so ruthless that they would target little kids. But one day, Jack accidentally uncovered her real identity while he was on one of his adventures...what's worse, he confronted her about it, and was threatening to tell you. So, she reported to her authorities and they ordered the kill."
You leave the room before General Lee's anger gets out of hand, although rightfully so. After all, your job is finished, and what this may mean for the current predicament of the city is out of your control.
THE END"No one?" General Lee squints his eyes dangerously, "You do realize I am not paying you a load of money to hear you make unamusing jokes, Detective."
"Allow me to explain," You begin, "As hard as it may be for you to believe, your son, Jack Lee, may have committed suicide."
"I will not hear another word coming from you!" General Lee jumps up from his chair, shouting, "How dare you come into my house and accuse my sweet little boy of committing suicide, you dirty liar..." You can see his veins almost bursting out of his skin.
"He found out who you really are!" You have to interrupt him before he pulls a gun to your head.
General Lee stops abruptly, all his previous anger freezes and turns him into a sculpture, "...What?"
"You know he will find out eventually...no matter how hard you try to hide it from him." You cautiously choose your choice of words, "Indeed, Jack was a sweet boy, with a heart full of love, always filling his world with adventures in which he was the hero. How do you imagine he would feel, if he learns that his dad, his favorite person in the world, is a traitor who rose to power by selling out his own country? That his whole life is based on the suffering of others?"
Visibly shaken, General Lee slowly sits down, almost as if his legs can't stand the weight of his body. He knows deep down that everything you said is true, but his heart still can't accept the fact that it is his treacherous acts that broke his own son: "...But, how did he know? No one would dare to tell him something like that!"
"Does it really matter?" You almost start to feel sorry for the once-tough warlord, now broken in a chair, "Paper can't wrap up a fire. Everyone on the streets knows what you did and hates you for it, they may not have the courage to confront you, but Jack...was an easy target."
"I'm sorry for your loss, General Lee, I really am." You turn to say before you leave the room, "His innocence shouldn't be punished for your sins."
THE END