Ep3

The next morning, the investigators gathered at the department station, Diana's workplace. The air was tense as they stood at attention, their eyes fixed forward, hands by their sides, and feet imposing discipline. 

 Their heads bowed slightly, awaiting the announcement from their head, Mr. Douglas.

 Seated before them, Mr. Douglas slammed his hand on the table, his sudden movement commanding their attention. 

  As he stood up, his piercing gaze swept over the room, his eyes lingering on each face. His presence was imposing, his short temper and arrogance palpable. His ego seemed to fill the room, and no one dared to object to his commands. 

 As his gaze settled on Diana, her heart pounded in her chest, beating faster than she could ever imagine.

 She knew what she was up against with Mr. Douglas, a man feared by many.

 He was the one who had trained her, molding her into the investigator she was today. His demeanor was a paradox - sweet when dealing with work, but icy cold when on duty.

  "Alex, Ina, Luke, May," he called out, his voice firm and commanding. The four investigators stepped forward without hesitation, their movements swift and precise. They stood straight, their eyes fixed forward, as Mr. Douglas stood before them, his anger radiating like heat. 

 "You failed your mission," he spat, his words laced with venom. "Can anyone tell me why?" Alex stepped forward, his voice steady. 

 "Sir, one of our team members was shot while we were trying to save him. The enemy got away in the chaos."

Before Alex could finish, a thunderous slap landed on his cheek, leaving a fiery handprint. Mr. Douglas's face was twisted in rage.

"Your mission was to catch the criminal, not to play the hero! What if one of your members was shot? You're telling me a joke, right? A dealer got away because of your emotions? Do you know how this will affect our department?"

The room echoed with Mr. Douglas's roar, sending shivers down their spines. He turned to face everyone, his voice dripping with disdain. "Let this be a lesson to all of you. If this mistake happens again in any of your teams, there will be consequences.

 And Alexandra Douglas, you're stripped of your leadership position effective immediately. You let your emotions get the better of you, and that's unacceptable."

As he spoke, Mr. Douglas's eyes seemed to bore into their souls. "Your new leader is Hunter Theodore." A figure clad in red stepped forward, his aura filling the room. 

Hunter stood before them, his presence commanding respect.

 Mr. Douglas removed a metal pin from Alexandra's uniform and pinned it on Hunter's, symbolizing his new position as team leader.   

"Hunter, you've proven your devotion to the department over the past seven years. I expect nothing but excellence from you," Mr. Douglas warned, his eyes narrowing. Hunter's response was immediate.

 "I'll protect my position and lead the team with every breath in my body, sir."

  

Mr. Douglas nodded, seemingly satisfied. "Very well. Now, listen up, everyone. Those drug dealers are out there killing, kidnapping, and doing unimaginable harm. Our goal is to track them down at any cost.

 We'll stop at nothing, even if it means sacrificing our lives. Your teams will be formed as follows: Ina, Kevin, May, Harsh, James, and Alexandra - your team leader is Harsh. Diana, Hunter, Luke, Mia, Peter, and Pari - your team leader is Hunter."

  As the names were announced, Alexandra's jaw clenched in embarrassment. He knew everyone would look down on him now that he'd lost his leadership position. With a final glance, Mr. Douglas dismissed everyone except Alex, leaving the two men alone in the room.

The room fell silent as the investigators filed out, their footsteps echoing down the hallway. 

  Alex stood still, his eyes fixed on the floor, anticipating the worst. Mr. Douglas's gaze bore into him, his anger still simmering.

  "Alex, you've been with this department for years," Mr. Douglas said, his voice low and menacing. "I've seen potential in you, but today, you proved me wrong. Your emotions clouded your judgment, and now, you're paying the price."

  Alex swallowed hard, his throat dry. "Sir, I-"

  Mr. Douglas raised his hand, silencing Alex. "Don't make excuses, Alex. You know as well as I do that in this line of work, emotions can get you killed. You're lucky I'm not taking away your badge altogether." The weight of Mr. Douglas's words hung heavy in the air. Alex knew he was lucky, but the sting of demotion still smarted. He looked up, meeting Mr. Douglas's gaze.

  "Sir, I'll do better next time. I'll prove myself," Alex said, determination etched on his face.

  Mr. Douglas's expression softened slightly, but his voice remained firm. "I'm watching you, Alex. One mistake, and you're out. Don't disappoint me again."

With that, Mr. Douglas turned and walked away, leaving Alex standing alone in the room. The silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the sound of Alex's own ragged breathing.

 He knew he had a long way to go to redeem himself, and the weight of that responsibility settled heavily on his shoulders.

  ~~~~~

 As night descended, the department dismissed its employees, and Diana headed home. She walked straight to her sleek black car parked before the garage, the dim lighting casting long shadows across the asphalt. 

 Before she could reach the door, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, spinning her around to face the person.

 A soft "ooof" escaped her lips, the sound husky with surprise, as her cold and confused eyes locked onto the holder. Hunter's smile gleamed in the faint light, his eyes crinkling at the corners.  

 Diana's anger flared, and she shoved him away, her voice snapping with irritation.

 "What the hell, Hunter?" The words hung in the air. 

Hunter chuckled softly, his gaze darting around the deserted parking lot before returning to Diana. 

He raked a hand through his dark hair, the rose tattoo on his neck seeming to pulse with a life of its own in the dim light.

 "I'm sorry," he said swiftly, his voice low and rough. "You've been avoiding me for weeks." Diana's gaze narrowed, her eyes flashing with annoyance as she tapped her fingers impatiently on the car window.

  "Look, Hunter, I told you already – I won't date you. I'm not interested in your games." Her voice was firm, each word a rejection.

  Hunter's eyes locked onto hers, his expression pleading. "Okay, I get it. At least consider us being friends, or...something." He blinked, his lashes framing his eyes in a way that seemed almost adorable. Diana growled, her irritation boiling over.

  "No 'us,' Hunter. No us. Period." The words were a fierce rejection, each syllable laced with finality.  

With a swift motion, she pushed him aside and slipped into her car. 

As she drove away, she cast him a last, withering glance. 

   Hunter stood watching, his lips scrunching into a mixture of frustration and longing, as her car disappeared into the night.

  This scene had played out countless times over the years, ever since Diana joined the department. Hunter's relentless pursuit had become a constant in her life, his confessions and declarations a never-ending barrage she couldn't seem to escape.

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