On Barodius's trial day, Runo arrived early to Wardington's courthouse to meet with local law enforcement. Alice carpooled along and sat on the back benches with other civilians. Shun and Dan stayed at the hotel to help Wardington police escort Barodius to the courthouse.

After everyone parked their vehicles, Billy ran from the courthouse to greet everyone in the parking lot. "You guys came early, but the civilians came even earlier!"

"Shouldn't you stay inside since you're a material witness?" Dan wondered.

"Any other witnesses testifying today?" Shun asked.

"Dan, I'll be fine. I've been undercover for so long that I didn't know if there were other witnesses, Shun. Since you guys are all here, I'll go back inside since I'm not supposed to be in proximity with the defendant. Later!"

After Billy left, the two DSP agents and Wardington police were about to escort Barodius across a narrow driveway when someone inside an incoming black SUV began shooting. "Everybody duck!" the brunet exclaimed.

Every law enforcement officer aimed their weapons at the surprise vehicle. The perpetrator shot back but mostly missed, and the SUV disappeared into the distance. "That car had no plates, which is illegal," Shun commented. "I don't know if they were trying to kill us or Barodius, but we need to get inside immediately." Another black SUV drove by, and the drive threw a smoke bomb before speeding off. "Did you see that?!"

"Shun, just keep going!" Dan ordered. "The rest of us has this covered!"

After escorting Barodius to a separate room, the raven-haired agent took a seat next to Alice in the back. "Where's Runo?"

"She wanted to stand with Wardington police instead. Where's Dan?"

"Cleaning up a mess outside." Shun repeated what just happened to Alice. "Do you think Julio is sending us a warning?"

"That's very risky, though. Is anyone hurt?"

"No, but something tells me this trial won't run smoothly."

The trial began once the judge took her seat. Amidst the talk between all the important players, the redhead whispered, "I don't know where the sudden drug trafficking accusations came from, but no one will admit it because it's not the highlight of this trial."

"And I feel especially bad because Billy was working undercover with the narcotics ring and even got injured. He said that an anonymous tip informed them of suspicious financial activity, followed by an excerpt from a bank statement. Could Julio have been the anonymous tip? Maybe the deal went wrong, and he wanted all the money to himself."

"Yet he still turned state's evidence, likely because Barodius mentioned Julio's name. That means Julio foiled his own plot if he wanted to pin everything on Barodius. Turning state's evidence doesn't turn anyone into a hero."

"As for drug trafficking... Billy said he collected decent evidence. What if all three were connected? Like you said, Barodius could've used the narcotics ring to produce fake medications and sell them as the proprietary name. Julio could've been the middleman that cleaned up loose ends until the anonymous tip."

"I know that Barodius is the primary defendant, but if only there was a way to charge him for illegally giving medications to Soon."

After more witness statements and evidence presentations, the judge gave the jury sufficient time to discuss before delivering the final verdict. "On the count of embezzlement and money laundering, how does the jury find?"

"We find the defendant guilty, Your Honor."

"And on the count of drug trafficking, how does the jury find?"

"We find the defendant not guilty."

The judge smacked her gavel. "This case is dismissed. Please prepare Barodius Meunier for processing."

Shun stared at all the walking people and whispered to Alice, "There's definitely more to this case that we don't know about."

"And results like this happen because people have money to buy their innocence."

While law enforcement escorted everyone outside, Julio suddenly yelled, "This is what you get for stealing my money, Barodius!"

"You know just as well that you didn't disclose all your earnings either."

"I'm surprised that you weren't charged for fraud because you sell fake medications to—"

Glass just shattered.

"Everyone, duck and cover!" Runo ordered.

As people crouched behind the benches for cover, another window had shattered. "Do you need to help the others?" Alice asked.

"Let me ask—" Some people frantically ran toward the exit, causing several others to fall off balance. Shun then realized that he and the redhead were both on the ground...with her under him. "Sorry...are you okay?"

They were just centimeters apart as their bangs touched each other's faces. Alice's heart rate accelerated from the close proximity and fear of the unknown shooter. "I'm fine. No injuries—" Suddenly, glass flew everywhere again. "I know you want to protect me from the debris, but this isn't a permanent solution."

"It's the least I can do right now." The raven-haired agent pressed his earpiece to talk to his colleagues. "Someone is shooting at the courthouse from outside. The windows keep shattering."

"I'm leaving the courthouse now to check it out," Dan replied.

"Wardington police and I are escorting Barodius and Julio away," Runo replied. "At least the shots aren't aimed at anyone in—OH MY GOD! THEY BOTH GOT SHOT!"

Police tended to each person's wounds as the bluenette called for ambulances. The gunshots finally stopped, and people stood up slowly again. "That was not the same gun used to shoot the glass," Alice noted. "I didn't hear anything."

"That means...we have two shooters?" Shun immediately saw residual glass in the redhead's hair and brushed it all off. "You don't want that on you forever."

"Thank you." Alice's face turned red at first, but then turned pale upon seeing a foreign object fly into the room. "Look at this. Someone folded and tossed a paper airplane inside here after the gunfire."

"Open it."

"It says... 'A taste of your own medicine.' But whom is the note—"

"Sorry guys, but we lost Julio." The bluenette pressed on the mob boss's wrist and neck but shook her head. "No pulse detected."

"And remember the two black SUVs from earlier?" Dan asked. "They came back earlier and crossed the intersection outside upon leaving!"

Shun took a 360 degree look at the entire courtroom while Alice asked softly, "Are you okay?"

"This is far worse and complicated than I thought..."

-x-x-x-x-x-

BREAKING NEWS: Gunshots were fired before and during the trial of pharmaceutical CEO Barodius Meunier, leading to one dead and one critically injured.

Marucho toggled from the news report back to his video call with Wardington police. "Hey Billy, everyone at DSP just finished watching the news. I know we lost Julio, but who was critically injured?"

"That would be Barodius. The hospital said he's still in critical condition. Meanwhile, I'm in the morgue with the coroner's report right there. From Julio, we found a hollow point bullet that was coated with paraffin and contained traces of oxycodone, methadone, hydromorphone, and even fentanyl in it. Cause of death was respiratory depression due to the unusual method of opioid overdose."

"Also an unusually fast overdose," Runo commented. "He flatlined within minutes of getting shot."

"I'm just as surprised as you, Runo. These opioids are very potent. Anyway, I have a meeting with the narcotics team later because we're extremely concerned about how someone obtained these four opioids, especially the fentanyl."

"Does that mean you need to go back undercover?" Dan asked. "Can you even still work undercover after testifying in this high profile trial?"

"No more undercover for me! The information that Marucho provided us about the narcotics rings was sufficient to arrest guilty members. Their court dates are coming soon too. But Julio's death and the murder weapon took us by surprise."

Shun changed the topic slightly. "You said that your coroner extracted a hollow point bullet from Julio. Did the hospital extract any bullets from Barodius?"

"I only have X-ray images since surgery hasn't started yet. Our ballistics team believes that this bullet is solid and at least one centimeter shorter than the hollow point bullet. There's also a third, sharper bullet in the courthouse that we think was used to break the windows."

"Speaking of multiple different weapons, do you have any updates on the unidentified vehicles outside the courthouse? Or if any of the bullets you found match anything in your database?"

"No updates on the SUVs. There's not much to work with given tinted windows and no plates. No hits in our databases about those bullets or the smoke bomb. All of this combined is just weird."

"How about this?" The raven-haired agent opened a web browser and shared his screen. "See all the abuse-deterrent and tamper-resistant formulations of opioid painkillers that Barodius was promoting? All four of those opioids you found are in this product lineup, except for the naloxone component because it's an opioid antagonist. This makes me wonder if Barodius was the intended target instead of Julio. The SUV shooters tried to shoot us before the trial started, but Julio wasn't outside at all."

"Now I really don't know what to tell you, but I'll mention that during my meeting later. Also, Soon is doing much better in the hospital since she was started on appropriate medications for sickle cell disease. We can't build a case against Julio since he's dead, but we'll definitely look into what he was doing since Soon and Chris have spoken up. Anything else I can help you with?"

Marucho shook his head. "That's it for now. We'll keep in touch." Then he hung up. "Guys, we have our own DSP meeting in ten minutes."

Shun excused himself first and called Alice from a secluded hallway. "I have an update. Now that Julio's dead, Soon and Chris told Wardington police about his illegal child labor practices. Soon's also doing better since the hospital started her on the proper treatment."

"That's great! But if Julio is truly a 'mob boss', then he must have a replacement or someone next in line..."

"It'll be Wardington police's case, but DSP will help them when needed. That's the most important thing that I wanted to update you on."

"Thank you. That means a lot to me. What about Barodius?"

"Still in the hospital after getting shot. The jury already declared him to be guilty, so now we're waiting for him to recover and serve sentence." Then he debriefed her on his theory on the unknown shooters. "We have no idea whose side they're on or whom they work for."

"Very random, indeed. Any more updates?"

"I have a meeting soon. What about you? Did Marucho tell you anything about the consultant position?"

"Nothing yet. I need to go to the law firm again usual. I also have a meet-and-greet with a news agency in a few days."

"How are you getting there? And what about the stalking reporters?"

"I haven't seen the reporters since I came back. I'm now the new legal own of my grandfather's sedan, so transportation won't be an issue. I'll let you attend your meeting now."

"Later." Shun hung up and gripped his phone with unease. What exactly am I overthinking about and why?

In the conference room, Marucho led the meeting by presenting a new case. "Everyone, meet Klaus von Hertzon. He's a person of interest in money laundering and art forgery. There's an art auction at the Bayview Expo Center happening soon. My notes indicate that he doesn't get along very well with peers at events like these. Find out what's going on and what his next move—"

"Sorry for the interruption!" Julie's webcam window appeared on the screen. "But there's breaking news airing right now!"

Marucho turned on the television as told. The current news report was located in front of Wardington's police station, with several reporters pointing their microphones at the police chief. "Does the Wardington police department have any leads on the unknown shooters?"

"At this time, we do not. We collected all evidence found at the scene, but the courthouse is still closed due to this open investigation. All hearings, jury duties, and trials will be temporarily conducted at Wardington Expo Center until the courthouse is fully repaired."

"How come security was inadequate to the point that it led to casualties?" another reporter asked.

"I'm not at liberty to comment since this is still an open investigation, but you have my word that the courthouse will be much safer after reparations."

A third reporter's question took everyone by surprise. "Do you believe that a vigilante group is responsible for this unfortunate events?"

The police chief stared in confusion. "Can you please clarify?"

The third reporter listed several cases that occurred in other cities, all of which were unfamiliar to the DSP field agents watching the news. "All the guilty parties or defendants were targeted in some way that led to death or severe injury. The first case took place three weeks ago. This high-profile case with CEO Barodius Meunier is no different. What does the Wardington police department think?"

"I don't have a comment on this theory, since Wardington hasn't had other cases of the nature you mentioned."

Once the news transitioned to another story, the brunet agent asked Marucho, "Have you heard anything about this 'vigilante' group?"

"No at all. I've heard about the other cases that this reporter mentioned, but that was unprofessional of him to make assumptions like that on camera. I'll compare this case to the others at my own time, but all of you should focus on Klaus von Hertzon instead."

The blond director finished his meeting and dismissed everyone, but Shun stayed. "Speaking of reporters, I wanted to ask you about Alice's stalkers."

"Thanks for reminding me. Turns out that they're from the tabloids and have no connections to any credible news station. I sent the CEO a friendly reminder to leave Alice alone. Then he argued back saying that this is freedom of press. Then I said that stalking Alice is an obstruction of an active investigation. He finally backed off."

"That's it? Just tabloids?"

"I'd send them to investigate the vigilante rumors if they really have nothing to do. Any other concerns?"

"Alice said she's meeting a potential employer soon at a news organization. Will that be a conflict of interest?"

"Not really. She did sign the confidentiality agreement with us. What are you thinking?"

"I know she'd prefer to work full time over there if hired, but I really don't know what I'm thinking. A lot has happened from when she got stabbed to enduring the courthouse shooting."

"Well...it was her request to go to Wardington for personal business. I shouldn't even have made that exception. But you're all very fortunate that the shooters weren't aiming at any of you."

"But do you plan to ask Alice to help with this new case?"

"Only for her professional insight. Obviously, she cannot do field work like you do, but I can't stop her from visiting the expo center at her own time."

"That's all I needed to know. Thanks, Marucho." Shun left the conference room and saw other DSP staff watching the news in the communal office area. Even though the jury delivered their verdict, it doesn't feel like this case is truly closed because of the unexpected sniper shooting. Even though DSP isn't in charge of that case, I can't help but want to know more...and about the vigilante rumors too.

-x-x-x-x-x-

Alice exited the elevator of a company building and proceeded to locate her destination on the thirteenth floor. She approached a set of double doors that said BAYVIEW BROADCASTING STATION and knocked. Am I truly ready to get back to work yet?

A young woman with short, spiky orange hair looked out a window and opened the door slightly. "May I help you?"

"My name's Alice Gehabich. I have an appointment with—"

"So you're Alice! I'm Mira Fermin, editor-in-chief. Please come inside." The news employee led her guest to her office desk, where they both took a seat. "There's not much for me to ask you about, actually. You've worked with Chan Lee overseas, correct?"

"That's right. She was my supervisor and also the one who recommended BBS to me."

"She's an excellent journalist herself, and you made an excellent choice. Are you staying in Bayview permanently?"

"For now, I plan to stay. I attended college overseas and worked with Chan for a couple years until I returned recently due to family matters."

"That's all I needed to know. Anyway, we only have a part-time position open right now. I'd also like to see how well you work first before offering you a full-time position. Does that work with your schedule?"

Part-time should be fine, in case Marucho needs my professional opinion on some cases for any reason. "That works. What do you need from me?"

"I have some paperwork for you to complete, but let me get your information first. Any questions for me so far?"

"Um...I hope you don't find this question weird, but are there any tabloid agencies in the area?"

"I only know of one in all of Bayview, and it has a ton of staff write all kinds of gossip every single day. Why do you ask?"

"I recently got discharged from the hospital, and a group of self-proclaimed reporters were waiting at the front entrance. They ask me inappropriate questions and follow me everywhere I go."

"Now that is weird. They couldn't possibly have known that early on that you intended to work here. Whether they're trying to recruit or harass you, that company is no place for a great mind like yours. Let me know if they're still following you. Anyway, let's get the paperwork started."

"Agreed. Thanks for your input." Alice uncapped a ballpoint pen as she watched Mira push over several sheets of paper. Here's to a new chapter in my life...

-x-x-x-x-x-

A young woman held her long creamy-blonde hair back as she sprinted quickly to greet her three visitors at the front entrance of Bayview Expo Center. "Thank you for waiting! My name's Katie Lowery. I'm the interim building director while the actual director is on paternity leave. How may I help you today?"

"We have a lot of questions." Dan showed his badge and introduced everyone to Katie. "A few days ago, we spoke with the actual director and had a mutual agreement to inspect the building prior to the art auction in a few days."

"Yes, he told me about that. My lead security officer will take you around the building, but what exactly are you looking for?"

"We're here to double check your security to make sure that all blind spots are covered. It helps to have another set of eyes."

"Okay...I mean I guess."

A camera snap caught Shun's attention, which led him to asking the interim director, "Do you have other guests here?"

"Actually, I do. She's a reporter from BBS and currently taking pictures of the art auction's promo sign for an article. It was the director's idea to promote the auction to the public. He already answered the Q&A interview before going on leave."

"Shun, are you okay?" Runo asked. "Dan and I are going to the roof."

"You two can go without me. I'm going to talk to the reporter first."

"Suit yourself!" the brunet yelled before the elevator doors closed.

The raven-haired agent approached the reporter but then gasped upon seeing who she was. "Alice, what are you doing here?"

"I didn't expect to see you here! I'm here because I work for Bayview Broadcasting Station now. This is my first assignment, actually."

"To write an entertainment article about this upcoming auction?"

Alice's smile flattened immediately. "I have to work my way up from scratch, you know."

"I know, but...this isn't news. Or does your employer want to see how well you can write before offering you better opportunities?"

"Something like that."

"But what about DSP? Can you work in two places at once?"

"Shun, you know that wasn't meant to be a permanent position. Consulting is only per diem. Plus, I signed that confidentiality agreement and won't reveal anything related to your cases to BBS. What are you doing here?"

"Examining the entire building, per Marucho's request. You know about the auction, right? Do you know anything about—"

"Hello?! Anyone here?!" A tall woman with wavy coral hair screamed at no one in particular. "So much for 'excellent' security. My passcode isn't working, and I can't even reset it even after scanning my attendee badge.

Katie stopped talking with a security guard and approached the woman. "Miss Vanessa, this is the millionth time that you've told me your storage unit malfunctioned again. What's your unit number again?"

"You should've memorized that by now because it's literally the only one that malfunctions here."

The interim director rolled her eyes and searched the directory on her business phone. "It's not intuitive at all when you and your sister register request for a storage unit under the name 'Dark Angels', yet you both use your legal names when requesting your badges for the—"

"Are you new here?! Because this is how Annie and I always sign up when we participate in the annual art auctions here. I want to speak with the manager!"

"I am the manager!"

"So that's where you went!" An equally tall woman with permed lavender hair ran downstairs and dragged Vanessa away. "Miss Lowery, forget about what Vanessa said. I finally opened the lock again. You can disregard everything."

After hearing the commotion, Shun dragged Katie over and asked, "Do you mind getting me copies of some documents?"

"Like what?"

"List of attendees, auction schedule, and entire building's floor plan..."

"And why?"

"To prevent people like Vanessa and Annie from asking for the manager during the actual art auction."

"Um...okay? Anything to help DSP, I guess."

After the interim director left, Alice asked, "You're not asking for those documents simply to improve customer service, are you?"

"Of course not. Anyway, I wanted to ask you earlier if you've heard about someone named Klaus von Hertzon. He's a person of interest in money laundering and art forgery, and he might be attending the upcoming art auction."

"I've seen his name appear on entertainment news before. In my opinion, art trade is quite dangerous and mentally exhausting."

"Really? How?"

"Some people love collecting art—simple as that. Others will exploit this by forging fakes and reselling at inflated prices. And there are truly obsessed ones that will go great lengths for a single piece of art. Which reminds me..." Alice searched up a new article on her phone and showed it to Shun. "My previous supervisor sent me this a while back."

The raven-haired agent skimmed the article quickly. "Someone bought an expensive piece of art but was murdered shortly after..."

"I know it looks straightforward, but there's more to this than just—"

"WE NEED TO EVACUATE!" Runo's voice echoed loudly as she, Dan, and several other security guards ran down the stairs. "Something smells awful on the second floor. We think it's a gas leak."

Without a second thought, Shun grabbed Alice's hand and ran outside to the sidewalk. "Sorry. I heard Runo say 'evacuate' and just ran—"

"You did the right thing. Don't worry about it."

Katie just returned after printing reports and screamed. "Are you kidding me?!" She pulled the fire alarm lever, and white lights flashed throughout the building. "I'm calling the police."

"Alice, what a surprise," Runo greeted after she and Dan reconvened with Shun. "Anyway, the utility company will need to inspect and clear the building before we can finish inspecting the building. Just what we needed..."