A detective is born

Being a detective is not easy. It took me years to realize that. I’ve been working as one for ten years, and only now do I see the sad truth. I don’t say this because the cases are hard, but because of the dark world we live in.

Detectives always seemed amazing to me when I was a kid, both in movies and books. They became my greatest idols—how they brought light into the darkness of their cases and faced danger no matter the consequences. My friends thought they were old-fashioned compared to their superheroes. But I didn’t care, because I knew that becoming a detective was closer to reality than gaining supernatural powers. That way, I wouldn’t just become what I idolized—I’d also help people.

So I started my path to becoming a detective. By the age of six, I had watched every detective movie and read every crime novel ever made. By eight, I’d solved every book of mental exercises and advanced riddles I could find. At ten, I solved my first cases at school—like who stole Stephanie Brown’s backpack or who set fire to the second-floor bathroom toilet. At thirteen, I explored other fields like science and engineering. By fifteen, I had learned all the laws of my country. At seventeen, I helped the police solve the case of a missing student from my school who had been kidnapped by one of the teachers—a feat that earned me a recommendation to the best police academy in the country. At twenty, I graduated with honors, finishing early, and started out handling petty crimes at my city’s precinct. By twenty-three, I solved a murder case that turned out to be connected to a series of robberies—an achievement that got me transferred to homicide as a detective, where I’ve stayed until today, at thirty-three.

I’ve never left a case unsolved. That earned me the recognition of the press. But nothing could beat the feeling of justice and the relieved faces of the victims’ families.

Many think you don’t need much investigation when in reality it’s all about changing perspective. The answer is right there—you just need to open your eyes a bit wider. I never had trouble with my cases. Never. Well, until now…

“I told you, Stilman! The case is closed—end of story!” my lieutenant shouted in my face, spraying spit everywhere.

We were in his office, crammed with messy files, the smell of cigarettes strong enough to steal years of your life with one breath, coffee stains on the floor, and the chaotic noise of detectives running around outside his door.

“But sir, don’t you think it’s strange that one of the district attorney candidates dies right before the election? It’s impossible that he was killed by a common thief,” I tried to argue.

“Stilman, how many times have I told you not to stick your nose in cases that aren’t yours? The fingerprints on the murder weapon match that bum we picked up yesterday,” he said, lighting a new cigarette and giving me a threatening look.

“But I know that bum. He’s always in front of my favorite café. I’ve talked to him—he’s just a senile old man whose hands won’t stop shaking. He couldn’t have fired a gun even in his dreams.”

“Hunger makes people crazy, Stilman.”

“But this has to be bigger, Lieutenant. Thanks to this, the opposing prosecutor will win—and we already know he works for the local mafia.”

“I know, Stilman, but my hands are tied. You have no proof—just that crazy intuition of yours.”

“That intuition has taken me very far before, sir.”

He stared at me and blew cigarette smoke right into my face. I didn’t flinch or blink—I just stared back.

“Kid, let it go already. It’s probably just a coincidence. If you keep pushing this, I won’t give you my position when I retire. Remember, your mother needs you to cover her medical bills—and you won’t manage that with your current salary. So do yourself a favor—go get a coffee. My treat.”

My steady posture crumbled, leaving me stunned. He was right—my mother’s condition keeps getting worse. By the end of the year, the lieutenant will retire and I’ll take his place, finally able to pay off my debts and her medical bills. It’s just one case. I could let it go.

But no—something was off. The lieutenant was always open to my crazy hunches because he could steal the credit for himself—something I never minded if it meant making the world better. Especially with such a big case. And inviting me for coffee? He never wastes money on others. He didn’t even pay for dinner that time when I was drowning in debt—I had to wash dishes to pay the bill.

I pretended to be innocent and took his money for the coffee. Something was wrong with the lieutenant, so I had no choice but to wait for him to leave the station and follow him.

After waiting two hours outside the building, he finally came out, smoking a cigarette. It was nighttime and starting to rain. I didn’t bring an umbrella, but I waited in the rain even if it meant catching a cold. When he left, he took a route he never used. I followed at a safe distance so he wouldn’t see me. Sometimes he turned around, but I managed to hide behind buildings quickly. He stopped in a deserted alley. I crept closer and hid behind a pile of trash bags. From the shadows, a familiar figure appeared—the other prosecutor candidate.

“Why did you call me at this hour, Lieutenant?” he said, adjusting his tie.

“Stilman’s suspicious. I told you he couldn’t be fooled.” The lieutenant’s tone was worried.

“I don’t care. You said the case was closed.”

“I know, but with this kid you never know—he’s capable of anything.”

“Then bribe him like we bribed you. The boss Duncan has more bills than those you’ve seen.” He pulled out a wad of cash as if it were scrap paper.

I didn’t need to hear any more. I always knew something was off about the lieutenant. But I didn’t think he’d go so far as to deal with the mafia. This is unacceptable. Who knows—maybe many of my cases were manipulated by him too. I really was an idiot. I always thought being a detective was easy. But I have to admit I was wrong—this world is more corrupt than it seems. Why can’t it all be peaceful and hopeful? Why do we kill each other?

And now what do I do? I’m witnessing a bribe to an authority. I could arrest them here and now. But why is my hand shaking so much? Is it because I’d be risking my career—or is it because deep down I want… no, need that bribe? My mother needs it.

No, what am I thinking? That’s not the boy my mother raised. She would never accept dirty money. That would go against my precious sense of justice.

I made a decision.

Resolute, I grabbed my gun and stepped out of my hiding spot. Both men froze, terrified, their hands up the moment they saw me.

“You’re under arrest for suspected homicide, bribery, and tampering with police evidence!” I shouted, loud and clear, without a shred of doubt.

“Stilman! You don’t have to do this!” The lieutenant was on the verge of tears.

“Shut up, coward,” the prosecutor candidate cut him off calmly. “Look kid, this is bigger than you think. You have no idea what you’re getting into. Just take the money and walk away.”

“I don’t negotiate with criminals! I never leave a case unsolved!” I said as I stepped forward to cuff them.

“We’ll see about that.” The prosecutor said confidently, glancing behind me.

I didn’t pay attention—until a strange sound threw me off. I looked down.

A knife—sticking through my chest.

And another.

And another.

Blood. On the ground, everywhere. Staining the clothes of the men in front of me.

I collapsed, convulsing, still holding the cuffs.

“And I just bought this suit today,” the prosecutor sighed. “Did you really think I’d meet the homicide lieutenant without backup? You really are an idiot for a so-called legendary detective. Sometimes justice blinds people. Take him away, boys—dump him in the nearest ravine.”

The men who stabbed me from behind lifted me off the ground. I kept my eyes fixed on the lieutenant, whose face was painted with fear.

“I’m sorry, Stilman. You should’ve taken the money.”

I should’ve never trusted anyone. Everyone’s a liar. Everyone’s corrupt.

Forgive me, Mom. I shouldn’t have fooled myself into thinking I was an ally of justice.

My eyes slowly closed, staring at this filthy world one last time.

But for some reason, they opened again.

I felt damp. A white ceiling above me. Warm arms holding me.

I turned my head and saw a beautiful woman with long dark hair. Her face looked exhausted. She tried to speak to me, but I couldn’t understand her words.

Where am I? The hospital? Did I survive?

Is she the nurse? Why is she crying?

I tried to ask what was happening, but only noises came out of my mouth. I tried to reach out and wipe her tears, but my hands were too small—they couldn’t reach. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t. I started crying for some strange reason. Weird—I hadn’t cried since fifth grade. She smiled and laughed. Then someone else picked me up.

A refined man with a serious face and a big mustache came closer and kissed me. Hey, hey, man—I’m not into that. Find someone else. Since when are doctors this perverted? I’m going to need a lawyer. I tried to slap him, but my hand wouldn’t reach.

The man walked, holding me, and brought me in front of a mirror.

I opened my eyes wide and saw my face. My new face. A tiny body, wrinkled face, bald. A baby. I’m in the body of a baby.

I looked around and realized this wasn’t a hospital room but a luxurious chamber with golden decorations. Everything was spotless, with maids and servants congratulating who I assumed was my mother.

The man holding me—my father, I guess—opened the window and showed me the scenery. A new world. Magical.

People flying through the sky on huge staffs, knights in heavy armor patrolling the area, pale-skinned people with blond hair and pointy ears hiding in the trees, and magical, bright colors everywhere—but best of all, not a single skyscraper. Just small houses in a village where people were singing and dancing joyfully. I could finally see an unobstructed sky. And in it, a giant dragon flew by.

That was the start of my new life in this magical fantasy world. A new opportunity.

A new chance to do things better.

Could this world hide something beneath all its light and magic? Does despair and corruption fill this place with misery too?

Well, that’s an answer for another day.

For now, I’ll enjoy it. And then I’ll do what I do best.

Uncover the truth.