Lines of Deception

Case File Entry #011

Ohm gathered his team in the briefing room, the weight of his latest lead hanging heavily in the air. He laid out the details with steady resolve, watching the reactions of Beam and Por as he shared his suspicion.

"I believe there's something in the basement of the Moon Temple," Ohm began, his voice low but unwavering. "Nanon's hints... they weren't just random. There's a pattern, a message he's trying to send, even if he's doing it indirectly. I think this is where we need to look next."

Beam raised his eyebrows, exchanging a glance with Por. "You're suggesting there might be evidence there? Maybe even the bodies?"

Ohm nodded. "It's the most plausible lead we have right now. Nanon's words keep circling around holy places and hidden dirt beneath the surface. I'm requesting a warrant to search the temple."

Por hesitated, his expression a mix of concern and uncertainty. "The Moon Temple is one of the most revered sites in the city. If we investigate and find nothing, it could be seen as... sacrilege. People might not take it lightly."

Ohm met his gaze. "I understand the risk. But if there's even a chance that this temple is hiding something, we can't ignore it because of reputation."

With that, Ohm sent his request up the chain, fully aware of the storm this decision might create. Soon, he received a message that Commissioner Prakit wanted to see him immediately.

In his office, Commissioner Prakit stood behind his desk, reviewing the warrant request. He was a stern, broad-shouldered man with a no-nonsense demeanor, known for his dedication to upholding the values of the city. He looked up as Ohm entered, his expression unreadable, fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk.

"Ohm," he began, his tone firm. "Have you lost your mind? Are you asking for a search warrant for the Moon temple?"

Ohm nodded, meeting Prakit's steady gaze. "I know how people look at that place. But I promise my reasons are not baseless."

Prakit's eyes narrowed. "This isn't just any building. The Moon Temple is a pillar of our community, a symbol of purity and sanctity. Do you really think the people of this city will accept an investigation that casts a shadow over it?"

Ohm took a measured breath, choosing his words carefully. "With all due respect, sir, our job is to seek the truth. That guy has confessed and surrendered himself. We cannot process the case because we have no clue if what he said makes any sense. So if there's evidence, we need to find it. We can't ignore all this simply because of the temple's reputation."

Prakit's jaw tightened, his gaze hardening. "Ohm, you're basing this request on the words of a suspect with erratic behavior, a man who has shown clear signs of instability. You expect me to approve a warrant to investigate one of the most respected places in the city, all because of a twisted story? You know who runs the temple, right? The major donations and the people who visit the temple are all influential people including politicians."

"Sir, Nanon's words align with too many details to be ignored," Ohm insisted, his voice calm but resolute. "This isn't random. If we don't follow this lead, we could be missing a critical piece of evidence."

But Prakit raised a hand, cutting him off. "Enough! I understand your dedication, but you need to tread carefully. If we push on this and disrupt the sanctity of the Moon Temple without substantial grounds, it will be seen as disrespect, even as a betrayal of the community's trust. Your request is denied."

Ohm clenched his jaw, frustration simmering beneath his calm exterior. "Sir—"

"Dismissed," Prakit said firmly, his tone final. "And take my advice—focus on leads that don't risk alienating the very people we're here to protect. Or better, if you don't find anything, send that person to an asylum."

Ohm gritted his teeth and looked at his senior for a moment longer before he left the office with his hands clenched, feeling the weight of the denial pressing down on him. He knew he was onto something, but his own instincts and drive for the truth were being stifled by protocol and politics.

As he re-entered the main hall of the HQ, he noticed a familiar figure watching him from behind the bars. Nanon was standing at his cell door, observing Ohm with an expression that caught him entirely off guard.

Nanon was smiling—a genuine, warm smile, a stark contrast to the usual detached or mocking looks he wore. There was a light in his eyes that made Ohm pause, stunned, unable to look away.

Beside Nanon, Jake stood, a quiet understanding in his gaze. He met Ohm's eyes and gave him a small nod, as if to say that he understood the connection between them—a shared awareness that went beyond the barriers of their respective roles.

Ohm returned the nod, feeling the frustration melt away for a moment as he took in the strange, silent exchange. The denial from Commissioner Prakit still weighed on him, but as he looked at Nanon, he felt a spark of determination reignite within him.

Because now he was sure that Nanon was anything but instable. He just needed to get his mask off, slowly and carefully.