The morning sun spilled golden light through my bedroom window, casting long shadows across the floor. The city outside hummed with life—birds chirping, cars passing, the faint sound of a distant siren. But my mind wasn't on the peaceful morning. It was on the case. The mafia organization that had been evading me for months. The one I was determined to bring down.
I finished adjusting my belt, cool leather snug against my waist, and double-checked my holster. Everything had to be perfect. Not just for my safety—but because today was the day I planned to make real progress.
Just as I was getting lost in thought, the door burst open.
"BOOM!"
Max's little voice rang out like an explosion as he charged into the room, arms spread like an airplane. My mom followed close behind, shaking her head but smiling.
I barely had time to react before Max launched himself at me. I caught him easily, laughing as he wrapped his small arms around my neck.
"Hey, baby boy! How's my little superhero doing today? Sleep well?" I asked, pressing a kiss to his messy curls.
"Yeah, Mum, I slept great! How about you?" He grinned, eyes sparkling with excitement.
I chuckled, tightening my hold on him. "Oh, you know me. Fueled up and ready to catch some bad guys!"
Max's face lit up like I'd just told him Santa was real. "Yesss! Mummy's a superhero!"
My mom crossed her arms, a fond smile on her lips. "That's right, baby. Your mum's a force to be reckoned with."
I cupped Max's little face, my heart swelling. "You're so adorable, baby. Mummy has to go save the day, but I'll be back soon, okay?"
Max nodded seriously, puffing out his chest like a tiny soldier. "I'll be good, Mum. I promise."
I smiled, though a pang of guilt tugged at me. I hated leaving him. Every single time.
"I know you will," I murmured, brushing his hair back. "And I'll be home early, so we can play video games. Deal?"
His eyes widened. "Promise?"
"Of course, baby. I love you more than words can say." I kissed his forehead, then turned to my mom, who was watching us with that soft look she always had.
"Bye, Mum. Take care of Max for me."
She patted my arm, her smile warm but knowing. "I will, sweetie. Just be careful, okay?"
I nodded, taking a deep breath before stepping toward the door. The moment I crossed it, the mother in me had to take a backseat. Now, I was Detective Lexi
And I had a job to do.
I shoved down the guilt that lingered as I left home, replacing it with the sharp focus I needed for the job. The city stretched before me, busy and indifferent, its morning rush unfolding like any other day. But for me, today wasn't just another day.
By the time I reached the office, I had already switched into work mode. Coffee in one hand, I pushed open the door to my office, my mind replaying every loose thread in the investigation.
I barely had time to sit before the door burst open.
Gabriel stormed in, his face alight with excitement. "Lexi, we've got a lead!" His voice was low, urgent.
I set my coffee down, adrenaline surging. "What's the intel?" My pen hovered over my notebook, ready to move.
Gabriel leaned against the doorframe, eyes gleaming. "A container was brought to the old warehouse down the street. I think it's our chance to catch Dominic Conti's shipment."
Dominic Conti. My grip on the pen tightened. That name had been a thorn in my side for months.
I stood up, the chair scraping against the floor. "Let's gear up and move! We can't let that criminal slip through our fingers again."
With a shared nod, Gabriel and I sprang into action. Within moments, we were out the door, the crisp morning air slapping against our faces as we sprint toward the car and hit the streets.
The streets blurred past as I pressed the gas, weaving between traffic with the precision of someone who had done this a thousand times. The engine growled, tires squealing as I took a sharp turn, my pulse hammering in my ears.
Ahead, a sleek black sedan peeled out of the warehouse parking lot, its tires kicking up dust as it bolted down the road.
"That's our guy," Gabriel muttered.
I didn't waste time. I slammed the accelerator, the car lurched forward, the force pressing me into my seat.
The city turned into a blur of concrete and flashing headlights as we chased the sedan through the tight streets. Horns blared, pedestrians jumped out of the way, and my heartbeat pounded in sync with the roar of the engine.
As we hit the highway, the sedan took a sharp exit, heading into the warehouse district. I followed, my heart racing with anticipation.
The warehouses loomed ahead, their towering silos and crumbling brick facades a testament to the city's industrial past. I expertly maneuvered my car through the narrow streets, my eyes fixed on the sedan.
Without warning, the sedan screeched to a halt, and the doors flew open. A striking man stepped out, his sly smile spreading across his face.
For a split second, I hesitated.
Damn it, I hated that my brain even registered how attractive he was. Tall, sharp jawline, piercing eyes—a textbook definition of trouble. But I wasn't here to admire his face. I was here to take him down.
I quickly shook off the distraction, refocusing on the task at hand. Dominic's deep voice sliced through the air, laced with both sophistication and amusement.
"Well, well, what do we have here? A pretty officer," Dominic said, his eyes narrowing with interest.
I raised an eyebrow, keeping my demeanor cool. "You're under arrest, Dominic Conti, for possession of firearms, drug dealing, and a long list of other crimes."
Dominic chuckled, his gaze gleaming with amusement. "Oh, am I? You must be joking," Dominic drawled, leaning casually against the car. "Arresting me? Without a warrant? Tsk, tsk, detective."
I clenched my jaw. "We have enough evidence."
He smirked. "Then show me."
Gabriel took a step forward, gun drawn. "Don't make this difficult."
Dominic sighed, lifting his hands. "Fine. I'm sure you'll regret this, detective."
To Be Continued...