Why do we love crime shows?

Is it to know the mind of the perpetrator?

Are we curious about what the police do when a big case drops in their laps?

Or is it the way we wish to nitpick their professionalism?

It's anyone's guess.

Any crime drama lover would be in their utmost glee to witness the detaining of the Macallis family.

From the moment the Macallis company was at the end of the corporate sniper, the world has been watching their every move. The media houses had their eyes and ears on every point of media placed on the companies under the Macallis name. The younger generation was much more intrusive. The talented trolls and instigators found buried news about Sherida and her willful deeds.

These talented internet reporters created numerous short articles and compiled clips of their evidence. Out of these drama-filled bloggers - three were contacted by an employee of a reputable media house.

This confidential contact was duplicated at four news channels within Pasadena. Two were highly profiled on a national level and sported high viewership while the other two were local channels that are well-known to be viewed at bars, cafes, and middle/low-class households.

They were all fed the same 'tip'.   
{Joint forces of the Local Police and FBI were seen on-route to the Macallis Estate.}

There was no time or need to clarify this tip. The media already had proof. The Macallis were on their way to getting sued by hundreds of citizens, the city officials were deep into their investigations of all Real Estate owned and built by the family. The contractors and inspectors who gave the green light on these projects were heavily investigated. The result was as expected.

During that pitfall in Real Estate, another piece of news was aired - claims of fraud, embezzlement, financial blackmail, and acts of corporate espionage all under the Macallis Corporation and all subsidiary companies.

Those two headline news were enough to light a fire in the hearts of the respective News Directors.

News vans and personal cars sped up to reach the joint force convoy. They were lucky to meet the tail end and kept up with their speed. 

The Macallis Estate was outside the villa district on its acres of land. Many commented on this move by the family. It was a showcase of a superiority complex. With the geographical placement of the homes, the Macallis' extravagant estate looked more like the neighborhood's overlord and they were the lackeys at their beck and call.

Security was topnotch but who were they when the FBI and the police come barreling at their gates? It was a smooth entry. The media houses recorded every detail of the situation; the internet hosts were already live-streaming with their viewers going higher and higher each second.

The cops created a perimeter with their cars and the feds parked at vantage points for easy escape. 
The police chief was there personally to serve the warrant. When he left the confines of his squad car, he threw an annoyed glance at the reporters and shook his head. 
"Don't move past this barricade. If you do, you will have a private suite for 24 hours at my place," the chief said. Those words were nonchalantly thrown over his shoulder but the people there knew the man was serious. 

This was the scene before the butler was informed of their arrival and his hurried entrance to the family dining room.

The detaining of the Macallis family and the personal secretary took four minutes.

The Investigative joint team of feds and cops took fifteen minutes to gather every information medium in the house.

A thorough search for hidden compartments took thirty minutes. 

Questioning of all staff took an hour.

Under the morning sun and in the center of many camera viewers, the shackled family was recorded for the curious to see. The live streamers had a bigger impact when all three main members of the family had their faces clearly shown. 

Mother and daughter protested and struggled to hide their faces but were ignored. Chairman Macallis and his secretary walked with their head held high with smug expressions with the thought of such claims being thrown out the second they step foot in the station. 

The police chief and the team leader of the FBI squad pitied them both. They knew that this family was done for. They were so arrogant that they were blind to the scheme they fell in.

Think about it.

Information that was to be deeply hidden surfaced right after the fall of HW Financial Group.

The sharp and professional investigation of the city departments.

The united front of the victims to sue the relevant companies.

More damaging information was released in hours.

During that time given for awareness, low-key rivals were weirdly moving in the sense of comradeship - the FBI and the local police were working together in harmony. Wouldn't that alert someone? In the ongoing livestreams, wordly viewers made this comment but supposedly highly intelligent businessmen didn't see this? This fact made the agents and officers pity them even more.

During the drive to the police station, more news articles surfaced, this time the arrest of the Macallis family. Online bloggers, search engines, and video platforms were all occupied by this scandal. 
To the common people, this was entertainment. How grand was it to see one of the many 'rich folk' slowly fall to their level?

For Josef Macallis, this was a death sentence. His image fell. His credibility as an honest and trustworthy business partner was crushed. The public will voice their outrage and condemn him for days to come. With this, boycotts will begin, contracts will be severed and profits will become stagnant. Won't this be putting him out for slaughter by his rivals? All of his riches will be up for grabs.

This was all the butterfly effect because of his spoiled daughter's actions.

                                                                                          ~~~~~~~

The ones behind it all were nonchalant about it. 

Nico Monetti was in charge of this part of the game. Taking down Macallis was new, his job was to snipe HW Financial Group - Korea with Baek Chun and dissolve the US branch. Their subsidiary companies now held a few million dollars and employees after it was concluded.
With his new assignment, he was checking how badly his 'news' affected his prey. Coincidentally he was in Miami, doing business talks with Ares. It could have been done over video call but he sensed how distracted his cousin was. The other brothers were busy when he notified them and left the wild twin to him.

"What's this?" Ares's voice made Nico aware of a new person in his temporary office.

"Rose is playing with a newbie on the Forbes list."

Ares's eyes gleamed with interest. "How bad it will be after you're done with your part?"

"Hmm... I have to make them beg for a buck when I'm through," Nico answered with a cheeky smile on his face. He was once again reminded how still waters ran deep.

"Damn!! I know about the company in Korea he gave to Brother Chun since they messed with brother-in-law but what did these people do?"
Ares took the tablet beside his cousin, showing images and information of numerous companies in a few states. Two caught his eyes as they were in Florida. His jewelry business was now internationally renowned, it was time to go into a business he wanted to dive into from the start.

"The girl messed with cousin-in-law multiple times. She was the one who instigated the latest attack as a third party. The father is also involved with trafficking."

The tablet fell from Ares's hands. He knew about that attack offhandedly since Amara and Rejeanne have been 'Queen-Mode' for a few days. He knew of the movements by updates over their network but was finalizing a design for his father to give attention to the subtle development.

"Dude dug his grave real deep. To be discovered by Rose is a public death sentence. We will sweep them away one time but brother will toy with them till they go insane," Ares said with a whistle.

"I'm compiling a shopping catalog for him. He will be meeting his Mother In Law soon. I think it's Korean etiquette to greet with a sincere gift. I dunno what's appropriate to give but I'm making a list for him." Nico proudly showed him the personally made digital catalog like an experienced Sales Agent.

Ares's eyes twitched in discomfort when playful Nico showed up. Something triggered the guy to be more vicious towards this guy his twin was messing with.
"Cousin. Who else will be shown this catalog and whose properties are these?" he asked even though he knew the answer.

"The Macallis dude and Rose will get first pick then it will be circulated throughout the family."

One has to know, presently Mcallis's properties have yet to go either bankrupt or seized by the bank.

Ares nodded in acknowledgment. "Tell Second Brother to hurry up with his selections. I want to buy two companies I like," he grumbled, snatching the tablet from Nico. The Italian pouted because his act was halted. 

The two stayed in companionable silence minor the few orders Nico gave his overseas staff as they watched the stocks for Macallis fluctuate. On a screen beside the stock market visuals, was the local news channel reporting the schemes Rose executed. Ares was once again reminded of how meticulous his twin was. Eros was careful of his actions and always made a failsafe plan with all his dealings. Pride filled his chest as he listened and witnessed the chaos his twin was creating. 
Basking in this brotherly glow, he turned to Nico. 

"What else you found out about this guy that you're also targeting his liquid assets and feeding the feds so many desserts?" he asked.

Nico was obedient to his older brothers' plans and rules. He will never step out of line. If something bothers him he will give a colorful lecture of conjoined words one wouldn't think of then state his grievance. 
In Ares's eyes, since the guy is going the full mile with this poor soul, it means Eros gave him the green light.

"He killed his mistress six months ago," Nico relayed in a monotone voice.

Ares frowned. Murders were considered an alternative to their killings in a low form. They don't retaliate for such things. There must be more. He waited patiently for his cousin to continue.

"She was six months. He fathered a baby girl with her."

The frown disappeared. His body became eerily relaxed. Nico sensed this change and smiled, waiting for the additional punishment from the young War God.

"Place a few more assaults with a 2nd-degree murder investigation on his so-called hidden records. Rose will handle the judge and lawyers. I will alert three of my guys in whatever prison he's sentenced to, in that state to kill him within six months of his incarceration."

Nico giddily added everything to the file and sent it to the feds who they assigned to Pasadena.

Ah, the blood of a devil is surely sublime.

                                                  ~~~~~~

Back in Pasadena, in a jail cell with random strangers covered in heavy body odor, Naomi Macallis sat stiffly, staring blankly at the ongoing new report. Piece by piece the little world that she created was crashing down. She couldn't believe the riches she flaunted were the result of her husband's unscrupulous acts.
 The prestige within their circle was an illusion. One news clip and it disappeared.

What can she do? How will she survive? Won't they take everything? What about her daughter? 

'Josef should have a plan, right? The lawyers! They are the best. They will get us out of here.' Her thoughts were clear on her face. 

Her new comrades in the jail cell shook their heads sympathetically. By her expensive outfit and the shoes she was clutching closely to her chest, they knew she was one of those trophy wives and it was her first time in jail. Poor thing.

Naomi's thoughts began to wander to the negative what if's. She began to think of people who may help them in their time of need. She had a few names but she couldn't remember. They were all saved in her confiscated phone.

"What to do?"

                                                                                                      ~~~~~~

In an interrogation room, Sherida sat on a cold metal chair with her hands shackled to the table. With a frown on her face, she tested the distance at which she move her hands. The chains and the metal bar loudly met each other, making it the only sound in the room.

 "Ugh!"  Her face twisted in displeasure at the crude sound. She continued her curiosity and looked around the sparse room. It was simple. Being boxed in, no other sound or any other living being was playing with her psyche as the minutes went by. She needed her phone. She needs someone to talk to. Noise. She wanted to hear what was going on on the outside.

Why were they arrested? They never did anything wrong. This is probably someone's revenge on her father. No one was better than her father, in her eyes.

"Sigh. When is Daddy coming to get me?" she whined. She tugged at the chains once more. "I don't like this," she pouted as she looked at the silver handcuffs on her wrists. After complaining about her predicament, her thoughts strayed to what the people will think of her when she leaves that place.

An hour passed.

Two young police officers entered the room with their hands filled with files, a laptop, and three cups of coffee. They gave Sherida a pleasant smile and sat on the other side of the table. The young woman perked up and allowed her eyes to feast on the two men. 

They were gorgeous. Every woman's cop hubby fantasy. Cute and handsome, muscular, tailored fitting uniforms and pleasant. 

Sherida forgot about her predicament. 

"Hello. I'm Officer Jamie Fayre and this is my partner, Officer Eric Lloyd. It must be cold in her. We brought you some choices. Chamomile tea. Simple Coffee or a Mocha Espresso. Your choice, miss."

"Oh, Thank you. I'm Sherida Macallis. I would take the Mocha Espresso."

The blonde-haired Officer Lloyd diligently served her the Espresso and gave her a helpless smile when her hands were limited in receiving the drink. She returned his smile and adjusted her posture to give him a better view of her body.

"Miss Macallis. We are here to ask you a few questions due to the predicament your father is currently in," The dark-haired Office Fayre began the investigation with a warm tone.

                    "No problem. I know this is just a mix-up. My daddy won't do anything bad like what those idiot reporters are saying. This is somebody's petty tricks," she proudly stated.

"This is all a formality. Your mother went through the same and is currently waiting." 

Sherida had a triumphant smile on her face. If her mother was free then she will be next.

"Can you answer our questions, please?" Officer Lloyd asked softly as he set up his laptop and secondary recorder. The cameras in the room also record sound but having a secondary record can help in many ways.

                      "Sure."

"Please state your full given name. Your age. The names of your parents. Your address. Finally, if you have any siblings." Officer Lloyd was no longer a soft-spoken officer. His voice was steady and lacked emotion as he rattled off his questions.

           "Sherida Macallis. 22. My father is Josef Macallis. My mother is Naomi Macallis. I live at #1 Myrtle Drive, Wisteria Estate. No siblings, I'm the only child."

"Are you employed or are you furthering your studies?" Officer Lloyd continued.

                 "I'm in college at the moment."

"Can you state your University for me and the major you're enrolled in?"

"ArtCenter College of Design."

"Impressive. Your Major?"

       "Photography. It's like a backup plan when I finish my modeling career."

"That's nice to have a backup plan. Can you tell me about your life as a college student?"

    "Well, it's a full Arts school so it's boring but there are other colleges around so I have more friends on other campuses to enjoy my days. My friends keep telling me to transfer but how can I? It's still nice over at ArtCenter."

"Is that so? This means you met meaningful friends. College friends are a treasure to have when you're approaching adult life." Officer Lloyd was the one tasked to be the friendly and understanding officer while Officer Fayre will be the one to divulge the truths of her interrogation and her father's acts.

        "I made a few." She didn't expand on who her friends were after the embarrassing situation at the restaurant.

"That's nice. Since you're studying photography and have a budding career, are you planning to work under your family's name?"

           "Yup. Daddy bought and renovated a modeling agency for me."

"When was this? He must have known this was your dream, right?"

             "It's only a few months ago he bought it."

"Do you think he will pass his legacy onto you since you're his only child?"

           "Ha! That will be something. He said I'm too stupid to understand business, that's why he was looking forward to having my Jaejin as his son-in-law to take over. I do not know business partners. I only know which companies are ours." Sherida thought it was nice that the officer was listening. She never had someone to vent her frustration on. 

"Your Jaejin?"

           "Yeah. The guy that I like and could be a good husband when I step into the world of entertainment. He will be successful in business and, in my modeling career. I don't know why he's ignoring my advances. Its clear that he will be living better by my side. His father's company is done for, I heard. After that stupid article about him being gay and crap, Daddy cut ties with his family. I still don't believe him." She rambled on and on.

"I heard about that scandal. Ummmm.... Min. Min Hanjool. HW Financial Group. A pity with that one. The Korean and US companies fell and he's in the hospital. Poor soul. So you're still friends with Jaejin?"

             "Sort of," she answered uncertainly.

Officer Fayre took this chance to take over the talk.

"Then I guess you heard of the assault made on him a short time ago?" He asked this question in a tone of disbelief in her friendship with Jaejin.

            "Yes. It was tragic. I can't believe someone will hurt him so badly." Her voice was sympathetic and forced. All of this was clear to the officers.

"Tragic? An attempted assault may be a cause of concern to someone's mind but I won't call it tragic," Officer Fayre muttered with his brows furrowed.

              "Huh? Attempted?"

"Yes. We believe it was a hate crime that failed to be executed. This was his recent assault case. Were you talking about his first assault, by chance, Miss Macallis?"

              "Yes. Yes. That one. He was so hurt." She began to lament his misfortune and his reluctance in receiving her help.

"Probably he didn't want you to know it was actually an attempted murder. If it wasn't for the good samaritan dealing with his attackers and ensuring his survival at the hospital, it may have been a murder case." Officer Fayre's words were forceful and shook Sherida to the core.

 She recalled her orders to the thugs she hired. On that day she was so angry at Jaejin and that friend of his that she wanted him to be groveling at her feet. Her pride will never let her accept rejection from someone like Jaejin. In her eyes, he wasn't at the same level as her but she can bring him there. Sherida blatantly gave them orders to hurt him as long as he didn't die so he can be grateful for her help and care.

 Officer Lloyd leaned forward and sighed. "Miss. Can you think of any reason why someone will hurt your friend?" He gave off the feeling of wanting to help ease her burden. Was that the talent of great police work or an example of 'using your looks for an advantage'? Either way, it helped Sherida think of something to throw at them.

            "I don't know. He's a popular guy because of his looks. Who knows what people may think of him? Some may be jealous. Some may be obsessive. Some may want him for themselves and become possessive of him to the point they push him to that length."

"Wait! So you think someone schemed that assault that could have claimed his life?" Officer Lloyd's timely reaction of disbelief and Officer Fayre's look of confusion made Sherida inwardly gloat. She was silently patting her back for her play on words.

            "There's a possibility. I hope you can find that person. I only want what's best for Jaejin."

"We want to do that also. Since you can't help us with your father's predicament. What about Mr. Min's?" Officer Fayre opened four files and placed them before her.

The first was photos of Jaejin's battered body after his emergency surgery. The photos captured his injuries clearly, even the stab wound.

The second was criminal profiles of the men who assaulted Jaejin that night. In the third file were transcripts of their confessions and detailed information about who hired them.

The fourth file was second best to be the most damning. Three clearly written and detailed letters stating their agreement with investigative assistance and their accounts of what happened leading up to that day.

Sherida's eyes shook when they landed on names she knew of and what they told the police. Officer Fayre pushed the first and third files closer to her fingers. She flinched harshly and pulled her hands away like they were burned from contact with the items. The handcuffs bit into her skin sharply causing her to cry out at the abrupt pain. Her reaction was recorded. 

She was lost in her spiraling thoughts. She paid those people enough to keep their mouths shut and they still betrayed her.

How dare they?

Her face contorted in a mean expression to match her mood and thoughts, oblivious to what the officers were doing.

 - Did you do your job? How the fuck can you ask for payment when you haven't even started?

> You're asking us to attack this kid in a popular area. Of course, it would cost a lot. Anyone can call the cops.

- You pieces of shit. I can easily replace you with someone of a better standard. The money I'm already paying you is a figure you can only dream of I will give you half now and the rest later. You better do a good and convincing job to get the other half.

> How bad should we beat him up?

- I don't care, as long as he doesn't die or end up in a coma. He will be indebted to me once I save him.

That's her voice?

Why did she hear her voice and that man's?

Raising her head, her eyes met an ongoing video of her in the backseat of her personal car and a rugged man beside her talking animatedly at each other. This was the auto surveillance camera that was installed in every car on the estate. Only her father and his aide had access to it.

How did she miss this?

Her wide disbelieving eyes moved to the now stern officers. 

T-They tricked her. 

"Now, Miss Macallis, care to answer some questions.?"