“Several years ago, I think about sevehteen years ago, there was this case, involving a family of five in the Northern District.” Captain Ko sighed and looked up at the ceiling: “There was a very very notorious case. It was soon suppressed and all public reps and records of it were scrapped. But if you remember it, I guess you’ll kinda guess what happened.”

  Kevin thought for a brief moment, then said: “A family was murdered in a ritualistic sacrificial style. And it was a family of - of three I guess.”

  “Yes. Official report, for a short time, was that it was a family of three.” Captain Ko hen scoffed: “Bet you didn’t know, I was one of the senior detectives oeam that ducted the iigation. And in order to shut all of us up, we were offered promotions and choices of ses to work if we wahem. So I - I took a notebook I found uhe parents’ bed, a secret se in the beams, I mean. And - that was my first official introdu into the world of paranormal and rituals.”

  “But what’s the reason for it being hidden? Just because there is paranormality involved?” Keryn asked.

  “Yes but that’s not the entire reason.” Captain Ko nodded: “You should’ve seee. Many officers who had goo the site resigned from the force shortly after that. It was - brutal and utterly gruesome, disgustingly so. And ohing about it was very, very obvious - it was a sughter to send a message, besides being some kind of nasty ritual. Whoever did this, they butchered the family and did a sacrifice right then and there.”

  “But - there weren’t only three of them?” Keryn asked.

  “No - actually from the yout and decorations of the house, they had three children. One older son, one younger son and one younger daughter.” Captain Ko shook his head: “And if you want to know, it’s a Blue Envelope case now. ”

  “What number?” Kevin narrowed his eyes, and asked the captain without dey.

  The captain did not answer, and just sighed and looked him straight in the eyes.

  “It’s 1149 isn’t it. It’s Blue Envelope 1149?” Kevin stood up from his chair, raising his voice with each word: “Captain, YOU gave us the number! You led us on this iigation! You - you maniputed us!”

  “I wouldn’t call it maniputed.” Captain Ko sighed and shook his head: “You were looking in that general dire already. And I pointed you and Marcus the right way. I could not look into it, I ot look into it. But what I do is help cover your tracks more or less when you’re looking into it.”

  “That - that’s still manipution!”

  “Kevin, calm down a little.” Keryn pulled Kevin back while looking into his eyes and shaking her head: “So - you tell us about what you have here? What’s happening? What happeo your wife?”

  “No, and it’s none of your business.” Captain Ko narrowed his eyes. Keryn was not prepared for this blunt an answer. She was left speechless for the moment.

  “What about Brooklyn Payhen? What’s he got to do with this?” Mick asked.

  “He was my partner when handling that case. And it was through that case he was introduced to everything as well. He, too, has a copy of that note.” Captain Ked: “And - he got a little too greedy with the ask, that’s the real reason he was ousted from the force.”

  “But why does he want a deal with you?” Kevin huffed and asked: “How you help him with what he has?”

  “We started from the same we did not pursue the knowledge the same way.” Captain Ko scratched his nose: “Or, to the same extent. I used my position and access to learn a lot more than he does, even some retively taboo arts and rituals. To get rid of his curse, he needed some very specific sacrificial rituals and materials. And I help him with that. In exge, he promised to not interfere with what you do, and to get some of his, uh, more troublesome employers to back off.”

  “You mean, like Bensons?” Keryn asked.

  “Yes. Like them. And some others. Brooklyn Payne was not a good cop, arguably not of many good qualities. But he’s resourceful and experienced in what he does. Call it private iigator, handler or fixer.” Captain Ko sighed: “And - he wanted out. Hopefully after all of this what he had would be enough.”

  “He’s leaving the city?”

  “He had way more than enough to leave the city, pay the tax and start a new life elsewhere. But he wanted more, he wanted luxury when he would be out of here.” Captain Ko shook his head: “And what you do? People don’t like to be told they probably won’t be able to live to spend their wealth.”

  “Where is he now?” Mick asked: “If he knows these people, then robably ask him for ways to tact - ”

  “No. I tried.” Captain Ked: “And for his own safety he couldn’t tell us any more. But he did tell me this, and I was waiting food time to gather the squad, but I guess now is as a good time as any - a powerful employee of his tasked him to find this Luo Zhuge. And this cided with our iigation into this guy’s dire.”