"Leo! what happened to you? Can you hear me, Leo? Leo?! Gilbert did you pushed him too hard?" asked Chad. How was I supposed to know he would faint? It's not my fault he is so weak.

"I swear I just make him stand and before I can know it he was on the ground. Did he die? Please tell me he is breathing!" I replied nervously. GREAT! just great all these years of my career are over. I killed an innocent boy. I should finally retire and hide somewhere.

"He is breathing.." said Chad observing him. Oh thank God, that was a close one

".. heavy" he adds. oh no! My career is over! I am going to jail.

"Let's take off his jacket. Quick" Chad advised and started unzipping his jacket. We both gasp at the sight of his body filled with bruises.

"This looks much worse than I thought he sure has scars all over his arms and legs," said Chad observing the boy's body. This is child abuse! The old man is so done for, I am sure the anger is shown on my face because I am disgusted!

Just wait for me Jack Williams I will make sure that you curse the day you were born.

"What are you planning on doing now Gilbert?" asked Chad worryingly noticing my obvious facial expressions.

"What do you think partner? " I smirked at him while getting up.

"Oh yes... Partner your smile is telling me that the old man is so dead" he replied, He is so sympathetic that's why I chose him as my partner. Chad is observing Leo's jacket which looks pretty old to me.

"I don't think, this will protect him from cold anymore, It has holes in it," said Chad and throw the jacket in the garbage.

"Why did you-" he cuts me off, "Don't worry I had a plan. It is the time! " he said smiling at his evil idea. No! don't tell me he is thinking what I think he is thinking.

"No" I uttered and made a call.

-------------------------------------------------
I came back and saw that he had already done it despite the fact I denied it.

"When I said 'No' I think I was pretty clear that it's not happening! I am the boss and you can't decide without my permission. Take off that jacket, he doesn't have any right to wear it yet! " I said angrily.

" Do you have a better plan, it's -17 degrees today, he might get sicker and it's just a short matter of time, we will buy a new one on our way home and the boy will be out of your nose?" said Chad excitedly. He sure has grown close to this kid in a short period. I like this side of Chad.

"Get him inside my car we are going to your place. I have already called a doctor over." I said signaling the driver to take the car a little closer to us.

After a while, Chad and I managed to get Leo inside the car. Chad started seat-belting him.

"Any news on that boy who stole your car yet?" I asked He is so careless with solving cases how did he even manage to become a police officer?

"He left my car near the same location where he stole it. The shocking part is there is nothing wrong with it, but the team is further investigating the car to make sure it's safe" he said making sure Leo is comfortable sitting in the car.

"Sounds good to me," I said and we sat inside the car.

"So what should we do with him now?" he asked concerned. I said we are going to his house did he not hear me? Why is he excited all of the sudden?

"For now he is staying at your house," I said checking the time. As expected always late because of this guy!

"Really?! I would love to let him stay" he said excitedly. Ha, You didn't have a choice anyways. There is no way I was gonna keep him.

"Make sure you take care of him well," I said realizing we are 2 hours late.

The boys will be freaking out by now, I should just call and let them know we will be there around 7:00 am.

"I will try my best Gilbert just leave this case to me," he said smiling, he looks happy.

This is the first time I've ever seen him this happy after that one incident which changed his whole life, I guess he likes the boy.

This is good because I might not have to worry about Leo and Chad for a while, as for others we need to talk!

We reached his house and he took the boy with him, One thing down and I only have one more thing left to do now.

"Take me to my office, Andrew," I said, looking out the window.

"Looks like someone is in trouble judging by your expressions," said Andrew the driver.

"You BET!" I said giving him a sign to drive faster and he did.

After a while, we reached my office. I entered a big hall full of fish tanks around me because they are calming and my organized things on my table along with a desk, two sofas for clients, a refrigerator for my sodas along with some snacks, and the black gold Era I love the most. This feels like home more than my own house, after my daughter this office is the most important thing to me, I built this for my comfort with so many memories.

I could see them standing straight near the entrance with their eyes looking at the ground. 3 boys and 1 girl.

"Which one of you did it?!" I asked furiously. I already know it's Alex but I want him to confess. Everyone pointed at him and one of the boys pushed him toward me.

"Hey! Stop pushing" he insisted.

"Why did you do it!?" I asked giving him the death stare, he is scared to speak up but I will make him.

"I am sorry, it won't happen again," he said looking down.

"AGAIN?! there is nothing like a second chance Mr. Alex Lucus! Someone's life was dependent on you guys and yet you managed to mess up?! You almost shot the victim instead of the kidnapper. This is the least I have expected from you because you have always been the best at shooting practice! " I shouted in disappointment.

"I was not focused Sir, my best friend went missing that day," he said as tears filled his eyes. but he was holding them back.

"So? You put someone else's life in danger?!" I said letting all the anger out on him. he is not making sense right now. He couldn't hold back anymore and started crying.

"HE IS MY BEST FRIEND.. and.." he paused for a while because of his breakdown. "and he is the only friend I have.. So let's make this clear! You find my friend and I promise to never mess up again." he outbursts.

"Okay deal! The rest of you get back to work. " I said and head towards my desk.

"Here are the latest reports on Mr. Chad's car," said Noah the fat kid with glasses. He has brown eyes and black hair. They all are just teenagers working with me. Some like crimes and some can't find better part-time jobs to pay their bills.

"Hmm. Interesting not even a scratch, I have to say it's pretty impressive" I said observing the picture Noah took of Chad's car.

"What should I do now sir," asked Noah politely. I must say he is the most well-mannered among all of them.

"Take Chad's car and drop it off at his house and make sure to give him the last warning on my behalf," I said while going through some files. Noah will take care of the car, The twins Oliver and Olivia are working on some cases. As for Alex, he left because of his frustration. I guess it's finally time to fulfill the promise I made 2 days ago.

I put my head on my desk... Urgh! So many cases this week. It's been a long day with that kid called Leo. Let's just focus on his case for now. It's the quickest way to move on to other cases.

"Sir, your phone is ringing," said Olivia a girl with blonde hair and hazel eyes. I had to make sure it was Olivia or Oliver every time they talk to me because they are identical. The only difference is Olivia has long hair and a soft voice. Although when she tie her hair in a ponytail just like now I can't tell the difference, I picked up my phone and speaks of the devil.. it was Chad. I received the call

"Hey, just wanted to let you know that Leo is doing great the doctor said he fainted because of an empty stomach and right now he is resting well," he said sounding happy.

"That's good," I said yawning. I need some good rest as well.

"I wanted to ask you this since this morning... Should we tell him?" he asked concerned.

"Tell him what exactly?" I said confused, but then the realization hit me.

"About Lucus," he said. Yes, I have already guessed it.

"No, not yet," I said and cut off the call. We must wait until we get rid of that old man. Alex Lucas, you are Next...

End of Chapter 3.