Chapter Nine

 Brian entered the office with his colleague, both dressed in their police uniforms. They saluted the middle-aged man seated in a swivel chair. He, too, wore a police uniform. The dim light cast a dull sheen on his bald head, and his sunken eyes, shadowed with exhaustion, held a weary intensity.

“Hello, Brian.” The man leaned back into his chair, resting his hands on the armrests. He cleared his throat and ran his fingers through his short beard. “We’re closing Khalid’s case,” he announced.

Brian’s brows furrowed. “Why, sir?”

“There’s no evidence of a murder. Let call it a suicide, so there’s no point wasting time on it.” The man shrugged and leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “We have a new case to focus on, and I need you to shift your attention to that.” His gaze flickered between Brian and his colleague before settling back on Brian.

“Do you understand?” His tone was firm, though his eyes studied Brian’s tense expression. Brian’s lips thinned, his jaw tight, resisting the urge to argue.

After a moment, Brian lowered his head and nodded reluctantly. “Yes, sir.”

The man exhaled and leaned back in his chair. “That’s all. You’re dismissed.” He gestured toward the door.

The two officers saluted once more before turning on their heels and exiting the office.

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