TO THE HUNTSVILLE

The United Nations had created its own specialized crime branch: the United Nations Investigation, or UNI. Unlike any ordinary law enforcement agency, UNI handled the cases that no other organization could solve—cases that were often international in scope and complexity.

Within UNI, officers were ranked according to their experience and responsibilities, divided into five distinct tiers:

At the base of the hierarchy were the Junior Officers. These officers worked under the direct supervision of a Head Officer and were responsible for assisting with investigations, gathering evidence, and performing on-site tasks. Though the lowest in rank, they formed the backbone of the organization’s field operations.

Above them stood the Head Officers. These officers led cases on the ground, overseeing the investigation firsthand and managing all mission operations at the crime scene. They were the primary decision-makers during field missions, directing teams and ensuring that every lead was followed meticulously.

The next tier was the Top Officer, a strategist and coordinator. This officer did not operate on the field directly but instead determined which officers would be assigned to which cases, pairing personnel with missions according to their skills and strengths.

Above the Top Officer was the Judician, the head of UNI in a specific country. Judicians oversaw all operations within their jurisdiction, ensuring the organization functioned smoothly and maintained its integrity.

At the pinnacle of the hierarchy was the Head Judician, the ultimate authority within UNI. Selected through a vote among all Judicians worldwide, the Head Judician held the majority decision and also served as a member of the United Nations itself, bridging the gap between global governance and law enforcement.

Each rank, each officer, and each decision played a crucial role in UNI’s mission: to bring justice where all others had failed.

All officers at the United Nations Investigation were trained to perfection—intelligent, disciplined, and careful in every mission. Every move they made was calculated, every decision precise. Mistakes were rare, almost unheard of.

Almost.

Because there was one exception.

Rehan Haq, a 27-year-old Head Officer, strode through the lobby of UNI’s London headquarters like he owned the place. Part American, part Indian, he carried himself with an effortless confidence, bordering on recklessness. The polished floors reflected his boots with a faint echo, each step punctuating the calm of the otherwise meticulous lobby.

He approached the grand doorway of the Head judician's office, eyes scanning the engraved letters above the frame. He raised his hand and knocked.

"Can I come in?"

From inside came a gruff voice, heavy with surprise.

"Who is it?"

Rehan smirked.

"Your loved one."

After a pause, the voice softened, tinged with amusement.

"Ah… come in."

As Rehan stepped inside, the air seemed to shift, subtle tension threading through the room. Even in an organization like UNI, where order ruled every inch, Rehan’s presence had a way of bending the rules—and bending reality itself.

Rehan leaned slightly forward, hands resting on the edge of the desk.

"So," he asked calmly, "what did you call me here for?"

The Head Judician studied him for a moment before speaking.

"See, Rehan… you are a good man. You know that, right?"

He paused, then continued, "So tell me—will you go to Canada?"

Rehan frowned.

"Canada? Why?"

The Head Judician exhaled slowly.

"The Judician there has been requesting again and again that you be sent to solve a case. I’ve been refusing, but they keep pushing. That’s why… you’ll have to go."

Rehan shook his head instantly.

"No. I’m not going."

"I don’t want to send you either," the Head Judician replied, his tone firm. "But they’re insisting. You have to go, Rehan."

"I said I don’t want to."

The Head Judician leaned back in his chair.

"I understand. And you should think about this too—why would I send someone like you?"

Rehan’s eyes narrowed.

"What do you mean, someone like me?"

"Every mission you go on," the Head Judician said bluntly, "you return after creating some kind of mess."

Rehan scoffed.

"When did I ever mess up?"

"Your last mission," the Head Judician replied sharply. "You killed six people. And when asked why, what was your answer? Self-defense. All six—self-defense."

Rehan shrugged.

"Because it was self-defense."

The Head Judician’s voice hardened.

"In what kind of self-defense do six people die?"

Rehan replied without hesitation,

"Sir, that’s called extreme self-defense."

The Head Judician stared at him.

"Do you think we’re fools?"

"No, sir. Absolutely not."

"What?"

"I’m saying—absolutely not."

The Head Judician waved his hand dismissively.

"Whatever it is, you have to go."

Rehan shook his head again.

"No."

The Head Judician leaned forward, his voice final and cold.

"I said—you have to go.”

The hum of the engines filled the cabin as the plane taxied down the runway. Rehan sat back in his first-class seat, cap pulled low over his eyes and headphones snugly in place. Outside, the city lights of London blurred into streaks as the aircraft prepared to lift into the night sky.

A crisp, professional voice came over the intercom.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We are ready for takeoff. Please make sure your seatbelts are securely fastened, your tray tables are up, and all electronic devices are in airplane mode. Thank you for flying with us, and enjoy your flight."

Rehan didn’t bother looking up. His eyes were hidden beneath the cap, and music drowned out most of the cabin’s chatter.

(Inner thoughts)

"Man… I was supposed to be heading to Japan. That would have been fun… cruising high above the clouds, soaking it all in. But no… the old man had to insist on Canada. Now here I am, shivering in Huntsville’s freezing weather. Ah, that old man…"

He leaned back, letting out a dry chuckle, letting the hum of the engines and the drone of the intercom lull him into a lazy rhythm as the plane climbed higher into the night sky.

The plane had finally touched down at Toronto Pearson International Airport, its wheels skimming over the runway as the engines wound down. Rehan stepped out into the brisk Canadian air, tugging at his cap and pulling his headphones off, only to be greeted by… this.

A man stood just outside the terminal, holding a large banner that read, “Rehan Haq, here.”

Rehan squinted, his lips twitching in disbelief.

(Inner thoughts)

"Who the hell is this guy…? And who the hell sent him?!"

Without thinking, Rehan sprinted toward the man, each step brimming with impatience.

"Hey! Leave it!" he barked.

The man flinched, gripping the banner tighter.

"Why, sir? What’s the matter?"

"I said—leave it!" Rehan repeated, frustration lacing his tone.

The man blinked.

"Who are you, sir, telling me what to do?"

Rehan exhaled sharply.

"I’m Rehan Haq!"

Recognition flickered in the man’s eyes.

"Oh! Sorry, sir… but please, tell me your name?"

"I just told you—I’m Rehan."

"No, sir, I mean your… um… code name?" the man prompted nervously.

Rehan’s eyes narrowed.

"Code name?"

"Yes, sir!"

"I’m not saying it," Rehan muttered, crossing his arms.

"But if you are Rehan Haq, then please… say it!" the man insisted.

"No, I’m not saying this," Rehan shot back.

"Then… you are not Rehan Haq?"

"I am Rehan," he said firmly, voice sharp.

"Then say it!" the man urged.

Rehan groaned, throwing his hands up.

"Ah, fine. I’m saying it… Psycho."

The man grinned, visibly relieved.

"Yes! Now I know—you’re the real one!"

Rehan groaned, waving him off.

"Just… shut up.”

The car sped smoothly along the highway, Toronto slowly fading behind them. The man drove with focused precision, hands steady on the wheel, while Rehan lounged in the back seat, one arm resting casually on the door, eyes half-lidded.

After a moment of silence, Rehan spoke.

"By the way… what’s your name?"

"Sir… Albert," the man replied reluctantly.

Rehan raised an eyebrow.

"Einstein?"

"No, sir. Hawk," he corrected quickly.

Rehan sighed.

"Tell your parents to change your name."

Albert blinked, puzzled.

"Why, sir?"

"Because you’re insulting Einstein," Rehan said flatly.

"Sir… what did I do?"

"Who stands outside an airport holding a banner like that?" Rehan snapped.

The man hesitated.

"I thought… how else would you find me?"

Rehan leaned back, unimpressed.

"You do know we could’ve booked a cab, right?"

"Sorry, sir," he muttered.

Rehan waved him off.

"Yeah, fine. Anyway—tell me something."

"Yes, sir?"

"Do you know what the case is about?"

The man nodded slowly.

"Not fully, sir. But yes… There is a girl. She’s under suspicion."

Rehan’s eyes opened fully.

"A girl? Why?"

"Because everyone who has gone missing had met her before disappearing," he explained.

Rehan tilted his head.

"Oh. So what does this girl do?"

"She’s a teacher, sir. Works at a school in Huntsville," the man replied.

"A teacher…", Rehan murmured.

He glanced at the man.

"Sir… didn’t you read the case file we sent you?"

"No, I kept it at home and forgot about it," Rehan admitted casually.

The man tightened his grip on the wheel, clearly worried about Rehan’s style.

A few minutes into the drive, Rehan leaned back, eyes on the man at the wheel.

"You know… you can drive a car fast, right?" he asked, voice dripping with mockery.

The man nodded nervously.

"Yes, sir… I know."

Rehan’s smirk widened.

"Then… do it!"

The car inched forward at a painfully slow pace. Rehan groaned, rolling his eyes.

"Yes… technically, you’re driving," he muttered under his breath, "but are we going to Huntsville this century or next?"

The man tightened his grip on the wheel, desperately trying to pick up speed, while Rehan just leaned back, arms crossed, smirking.

A few minutes later, Rehan leaned back in the seat, glancing at the man beside him.

"By the way… where are you from?" he asked casually.

"Sir… from Canada," the man replied.

Rehan raised an eyebrow.

"Then why is your name Albert? I mean… Albert isn’t exactly a Canadian name."

The man hesitated, then said,

"Yes, sir, Albert is a German name. But… My father really liked Albert Einstein, so he named me that."

Rehan blinked, then smirked.

"Oh… okay. So, what’s your father’s name?"

"Sir… Tesla," the man said proudly.

Rehan’s jaw dropped.

"What?! You’re joking, right?"

The man shook his head.

"No, sir. Actually… My grandfather was a huge fan of Tesla. Because of him, my father became interested in Einstein… and that’s why I ended up being named Albert."

Rehan leaned back, rubbing his forehead, muttering under his breath,

"Of course… makes perfect sense.”

After a brief silence, Rehan spoke again, his tone casual.

"By the way… do you have a girlfriend?"

The man stiffened slightly.

"No, sir."

Rehan glanced at him through the rearview mirror.

"Why? You don’t like anyone?"

"No, sir… it’s not that," he said awkwardly. "I just… don’t know how to talk to girls."

Rehan scoffed.

"Why do you need to talk to them? Trust me—girls would want to talk to you. Look at you, man. You’re pretty handsome."

The man smiled shyly, lowering his gaze.

"Heh… thanks, sir."

Rehan continued,

"But still, if you don’t know how to talk to people… I mean, you’re in UNI. You should know how to talk, right?"

The man nodded slowly.

"Yes, sir, I should. But the thing is… I was recruited into UNI strictly for crime investigation. I don’t get cases that involve people like that… or situations where I have to talk to women."

"Oh," Rehan said, understanding.

After a pause, the man asked carefully,

"Sir… Do you have a girlfriend?"

"No. I don’t," Rehan replied.

The man looked surprised.

"But sir, you look good too. Then why don’t you?"

Rehan let out a dry breath.

"Because I don’t want to be in a relationship. Life’s peaceful this way. Why take on someone else’s burden?"

The man hesitated.

"Sir… can I say something?"

"Say it."

"You seem… careless."

Rehan smirked.

"Yeah. Everyone says that."

The man gathered some courage.

"Sir… you must’ve had a girlfriend in the past, right?"

Rehan’s expression didn’t change.

"Yeah. I did."

"What happened then?"

"Nothing," Rehan said flatly. "I broke up."

"Why?"

Rehan looked out the window, his voice calm—too calm.

"Because I was only in that relationship for a mission. Once the mission was over… I left her."

The car grew quiet after that.

—-----

Rehan broke the silence after a moment.

"Albert… I heard this is some kind of vanishing or kidnapping case. Can you tell me what’s actually going on?"

Albert’s expression turned serious.

"Yes, sir. Students have been disappearing from a school in Huntsville."

Rehan straightened slightly.

"Students?"

"Yes, sir. All of them are under the age of fourteen," Albert continued. "The strange part is that the last person seen with each of them was the same woman—a teacher at that school."

Rehan frowned.

"And she admitted to it?"

Albert shook his head.

"No, sir. She completely denies it."

He hesitated before continuing.

"Some disturbing evidence was found inside the school—signs of violence in a few areas. In another location connected to the case, bodies were discovered."

Rehan’s eyes sharpened.

"The students?"

"No, sir. That’s the problem. The bodies belong to adults," Albert explained. "And the evidence doesn’t match the teacher at all."

Rehan leaned forward.

"Explain."

"The physical evidence doesn’t match her strength or profile. Also… the way the victims were killed suggests trained attackers. Some signs indicate precise attacks—quick, professional. Others suggest hand-to-hand combat, but again, done with expertise."

Albert exhaled.

"Even if she were working with a group, sir, the evidence still doesn’t line up. The teacher met the children—but the victims we found were adults. That’s what makes this case so confusing."

Rehan leaned back slowly, a faint smile forming at the corner of his lips.

"So… the obvious suspect doesn’t fit."

Albert nodded.

"Exactly, sir."

The car continued toward Huntsville, the silence inside heavier than before.

Rehan spoke again, his tone turning slightly serious.

"Any marks on the bodies? Anything unusual?"

Albert shook his head.

"No, sir."

"Nothing at all that stood out?"

"No, sir."

Rehan paused.

"Which room in the school were the bodies found in?"

"The storage room, sir."

Rehan frowned.

"Wait. If the bodies were found in the storage room, then there should’ve been signs somewhere else too," he said slowly. "I mean, if they were moved there, there should’ve been traces. Or were they placed there directly?"

Albert hesitated.

"Sir… we don’t know that yet."

"Hmm."

"What was the storage room like?" Rehan asked.

"It was empty, sir."

Rehan raised an eyebrow.

"Empty…"

He leaned back and let out a slow yawn.

"Then someone from the school must be involved," he said casually. "What else?"

The car continued toward Huntsville in silence.

Rehan broke the silence again.

"How many people are assigned to this case?" he asked. "I mean, how many did the top officer put on the team?"

Albert answered quickly,

"Around seven, sir. And yes—Canadian police will also be working under you on this case."

Rehan frowned slightly.

"Seven people?"

"Yes, sir. It’s less than usual, but the top officer said… since you’re involved, it won’t be a problem."

Rehan repeated slowly,

"Seven…"

Albert nodded.

"I know it’s less, sir. But those are the orders. What can we do?"

Rehan leaned back.

"It’s not that less."

Albert blinked.

"What?"

"I mean," Rehan continued casually, "we don’t really need that many. And on top of that, we’ve got local police support."

"Oh…"

After a brief pause, Albert spoke again, a little hesitant.

"Sir… can I say something?"

"Go ahead."

"I’ve worked with other head officers before," Albert said. "They’re usually very serious. Always tense. Always buried in the case. But you’re… different."

Rehan gave a faint shrug.

"You could say that."

Albert hesitated, then asked,

"By the way, sir… why is your code name ‘Psycho’?"

Rehan smirked lightly.

"They say I’m a psycho," he replied. "So they figured they might as well make it official."

The car rolled on toward Huntsville, the road ahead quiet and cold.

The car slowed as they reached their destination.

Albert turned toward Rehan.

"Sir… we’re here."

Rehan glanced at the building in front of him, his brow slightly raised.

"Oh… so this is the school."

"Yes, sir," Albert replied.

Rehan’s eyes narrowed.

"Can I ask something?"

"Of course, sir," Albert said.

"Why did you bring me here directly?"

Albert shifted nervously.

"Sir… the top officer in Alberta is already here in Huntsville. They requested to meet you personally, so I thought it best to bring you straight to the school."

Rehan let out a low whistle, his eyes scanning the school’s facade, the quiet playground, and the empty halls beyond.

"Hmm… direct, huh? Interesting."

The car came to a stop in front of the main entrance, and the cold Huntsville wind pushed against the windows. Silence hung between them for a moment, heavy with anticipation.

Rehan stepped out of the car, shivering slightly as the cold Huntsville wind hit him.

"Ah, hoo! Who says it’s not that cold in Huntsville… whoever says that, their—" he muttered under his breath, cutting it short.

Albert cleared his throat nervously.

"Yes, sir… it’s a bit chilly here."

Rehan rubbed his hands together.

"Alright, that’s fine… ah, ha… it’s cold, though. What time is it?"

"Around eleven in the morning, sir," Albert replied.

"Eleven, and it’s this cold?" Rehan raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, sir. This is common here," Albert said.

Rehan scanned the empty school grounds.

"Hmm… is school closed? I don’t see anyone."

"Yes, sir. The school declared a holiday because of all this… you know, the case," Albert explained.

Rehan’s eyes narrowed.

"And the top officer… where are they?"

"Sir… probably in the principal’s office. If not, we can call them over," Albert replied.

Rehan smirked.

"Why?"

"Because… there’s a heater there, sir," Albert said quickly.

Rehan grinned.

"Well then… let’s go to the principal’s office."

He started walking toward the building.

"Sir, it’s not on the ground floor… first floor," Albert quickly added.

Rehan waved his hand dismissively.

"Then let’s go… who cares about the cold anyway?”

Rehan climbed the stairs to the first floor without a second thought.

"Hurry up," he called back to Albert.

"Yes, sir… coming," Albert replied, quickening his pace.

(Inner thought: Wow… first time I’m seeing a head officer literally rushing for a heater…)

Albert reached the first floor and led the way to the principal’s office. He opened the door, and there they were— the principal and the top officer, both seated behind the desk.

"Sir… you’re here," Albert announced nervously.

The top officer looked up.

"Yes, he’s here to conduct the investigation. But… where is Rehan?"

Rehan stood outside the door, casually leaning against the wall. He whispered to Albert,

"Go in… I’ll follow behind."

Albert nodded, a bit flustered.

"Ah… yes, sir."

Together, Albert and Rehan stepped into the office, the door clicking softly shut behind them.

As Rehan stepped into the office, the top officer rose immediately.

"You… I didn’t think you’d come," he said, his voice a mix of surprise and respect. "But it’s an honor that you did."

Rehan gave a faint smile, shrugging lightly.

"Oh, thank you. But you’re the top officer, right?"

The man nodded.

"Yes, I’m the top officer—Clive Columbus."

"Oh," Rehan murmured, glancing around.

The principal spoke up, a bit hesitantly.

"Sir…?"

Clive waved him off.

"Ah, sorry. I almost forgot to properly introduce you. This is Rehan Haq—one of UNI’s head officers. And not just any head officer; he’s counted among the organization’s top-ranking officers. When he gives an order, even a judician must follow it."

The principal blinked.

"Wait… a head officer’s order can override a judician?"

Clive leaned back in his chair, a faint smirk on his face.

"Yes. Rehan prefers to solve cases at the ground level. No other rank can operate like this, which is why he’s a head officer. If I told him to, he could be made a judician immediately. And his crime-solving record? Ninety-seven percent success. That’s why every judician requests the head judician to let him join a case—no one else has the authority to assign him. He doesn’t need permission; the system bends for him."

Rehan raised an eyebrow, letting the weight of the introduction sink in. He knew he had a reputation—but hearing it out loud, from Clive Columbus himself, still brought a slight smirk to his face.

The principal gestured toward the chair.

"Sit, sir… you can also sit," he said.

Rehan lowered himself into the chair, casually leaning back.

The principal studied him for a moment.

"Sir… if you hold a position like yours, why isn’t your name more… famous?”

Rehan smirked.

"Whoever speaks about me in public… that’s their own loss."

The principal nodded slowly.

"True… but don’t you think it’s risky? Your information could leak."

Rehan shrugged.

"No."

The principal blinked.

"No?"

"Yes. If it leaks… well, you’ll die anyway. What else?"

The principal stiffened slightly, taken aback.

"Ah… Principal sir, sorry… don’t take it personally," Clive said softly, his tone steady but respectful.

"He just talks that way."

The principal relaxed a little, giving a small smile.

"Yes… I understand. You have a job to do."

Rehan leaned back, smirking.

"Huh… I don’t understand. It’s my work… you get it."

The principal chuckled awkwardly, a nervous but genuine laugh escaping him.

Rehan glanced around, then asked casually,

"By the way… you declared a holiday, right?"

"Yes, sir," the principal replied.

"With all that happened… we thought it was best."

Rehan raised an eyebrow.

"How long is the holiday?"

"Sir… until the case is solved," the principal answered.

Rehan leaned forward, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Cancel the holiday."

Both the principal and Clive froze.

"What?" they said in unison.

Clive spoke first.

"Sir… but crimes are happening. The children won’t come… it’s safer this way."

Rehan shrugged.

"True. But if the children don’t come, how will the culprit execute his plan?"

Clive frowned.

"There’s risk in that, Rehan."

"Yes, there’s risk," Rehan said calmly.

"But I said yesterday…"

"Sir, today there’s risk because of yesterday," the principal muttered.

Clive nodded slowly.

"Cancel the holiday, sir."

The principal hesitated.

"But…"

"Now, sir," Clive interrupted, "we’ll catch the culprit."

The principal tilted his head.

"How?"

"Because Rehan said yesterday," Clive replied confidently.

The principal blinked.

"Yes… and?"

"What he said yesterday… means the culprit must have a plan."

The principal leaned back, skeptical.

"But what plan?"

Clive smiled slightly.

"Ah… we’ll know that at the end. It’s his habit—he reveals his plan only at the last moment.”

Rehan leaned back slightly and asked,

"Well… where is the teacher who’s the main suspect?"

The principal cleared his throat.

"She’s at her house, sir."

Rehan nodded thoughtfully.

"And… how many people know that she’s under suspicion?"

Clive spoke calmly.

"Only the officials, sir."

"So… can I meet her?" Rehan asked, his tone casual but sharp.

"Yes," Clive confirmed.

Rehan stretched his arms, stifling a yawn.

"Alright… we’ll meet her tomorrow."

Clive turned to the principal.

"Sir… from here on, Rehan will lead the case. I’m leaving now, Albert."

The principal’s eyes widened in shock.

"Wait… you’re not going to handle the case?"

Clive shook his head.

"No. My job was to organize the team. Rehan will lead from here. I only came to meet him personally."

The principal let out a small, astonished “Oh…”

Clive gave a slight nod.

"Alright, sir… we’ll take our leave then."

Rehan finally yawned and stretched.

"Ah… okay, let’s go.”

As Rehan stepped out of the school, he slid into the car. Clive was already seated in the front, and Albert drove silently.

Rehan leaned back, eyes narrowing thoughtfully.

"By the way… have we kept an eye on the teacher? I mean… cams, surveillance, anything?"

Clive shook his head.

"No… she’s a suspect, yes, but there’s no proof linking her to the crimes. Until we have evidence, we can’t do that."

Rehan glanced at Albert.

"Ah… well, where are we heading now?"

Albert replied, eyes on the road.

"Hotel, sir."

"Which one?" Rehan asked.

"Just a short drive from here," Albert said.

Clive spoke up.

"By the way… the rest of your team—the six officers who’ll work with you—are already there."

Rehan raised an eyebrow.

"Six people?"

Clive nodded.

"Yes, six… plus Albert."

Rehan blinked, slightly surprised.

"Wait… he’s included too?"

"Yes," Clive confirmed.

"Ah… huh. Fine," Rehan said, settling back.

Clive studied him for a moment.

"Any problem?"

"No… no problem," Rehan said quickly. "Just one question."

Clive nodded.

"Go ahead."

"Who decided she was a suspect?" Rehan asked. "I mean… if she met all the missing kids last, who noticed? Who reported it?"

Clive’s lips curved slightly.

"Shazi."

"Shazi?" Rehan asked, intrigued.

"Yes," Clive explained. "She’s working on this case too… and she’s part of your seven-member team."

Rehan nodded, processing the information.

"Oh."

Clive smiled slightly.

"If you want, I can introduce you to your team today itself."

Rehan shook his head, stretching slightly.

"No… we’ll do it tomorrow."

Clive glanced at Albert.

"Albert?"

"Yes, sir," Albert replied.

"Tomorrow, introduce Rehan to the team," Clive instructed.

"Yes, sir," Albert confirmed.

Albert stopped the car in front of the hotel.

"Sir… I’ll drop him off and be right back. If you need anything while I’m gone, just call me," Albert said, keeping his tone respectful.

Rehan looked at him.

"You’re going back?"

"Yes, sir. Just taking care of that," Albert replied calmly.

"Ah… okay," Rehan said, stepping out of the car.

The car drove away, leaving Rehan standing outside the hotel. A gust of cold wind made him shiver instantly.

Wow… “Love Palace,” he thought, glancing at the neon sign. Out of all the places… this is where they drop me.

————— TO BE CONTINUED —————

CHAPTER - 1: TO THE HUNTSVILLE