"This is the most boring security job I've ever worked in my entire career."

"Dan, just shut up and eat the food. How often do you get invited to a fundraising dinner for free?"

While the brunet was arguing with Runo in the background, Shun stared out a window at the dark evening sky. "Hey dude, are you okay? You haven't said anything or eaten any of the free food."

"I just have a lot going on."

The bluenette ran in front of her pondering colleague and asked, "Is it related to work? You'd better let us know now before it becomes worse."

"It's nothing personal or life-threatening... But it seems like Alice doesn't want to talk to or be near us since she always gets hurt somehow during public events that we get assigned to work at."

"What do you mean by 'us'? Or is it just you?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Runo took out her phone and opened her chats with Alice, which at first glance were full of emojis and GIFs. "I was just texting her earlier. She seems fine to me. Maybe she doesn't know how to respond to you. Being left on 'read' is an awful feeling."

"That's not even closely related to—"

Dan swallowed his bite of food and dragged Shun aside. "Here's a better question. Do you see me talking to or texting Alice all the time?"

"Of course not. Alice said herself that she barely communicates with you—"

"Exactly! Let the girls have their girls' talk. Maybe Alice is setting her boundaries or something. All I can tell you is that you can stop trying so hard now."

"Okay, Dan... I won't even argue with you over the last thing you just said. Besides, I don't see any progress made between you and Runo."

The brunet choked on his food after hearing such an insult. "Runo and I have known each other since grade school, college, and even DSP! Shun, did you run out of arguments to throw at me?!"

The bluenette heard the commotion and ran over quickly to push her friends apart. "Guys, that's enough! I certainly didn't expect any of this drama when I asked Shun what was wrong, but Dan still has a point. Alice did indeed move overseas for a few years of college and work, so coming back will still take time to adjust, especially since her grandfather passed away. She could still be going through the stages of grief. It's not an easy process. If you're worried about her lack of communication, then give her some space."

Dan also chimed in with serious responses. "Alice also works a different job than us, so you have to consider her work-life schedule too. I had mixed feelings about having Marucho add her as a consultant, but overall, it was just to have her stay in touch with us in case she needs help during a dangerous situation. But you implied that having her close by might actually be putting her in dangerous situations... which is understandable given the line of work we do." He took another bite of food and asked, "Why are we talking about this again?"

"Runo's right," Shun concluded. "Giving Alice some space is the best option. I'm going to eat."

While walking over from table to table, he glanced at all the crowds that the attendees formed. Based on their outfits, these people definitely look rich to me. Do they actually donate to Jesse Glenn's reelection campaign? Or just show up to show off? Then there were crowds of people wearing more humble clothing while holding cameras and notepads. Those are reporters...probably here to ask questions about the election.

Although unclear from a distance, the raven-haired agent saw a young woman with orange hair standing in the middle of a crowd. "Alice, is that you?"

The rest of the crowd miraculously dispersed and left the orange-haired individual by herself. "My apologies, but you must have the wrong person."

"Sorry, I thought—" Shun took a good look at the woman's spiky orange hair and navy blue eyes. "You're Mira Fermin... current editor-in-chief at Bayview Broadcasting Station."

"Wow... I'm surprised that you recognized me at first look. I've rarely worked in the field ever since becoming editor-in-chief and also haven't updated my profile picture since. You're from the Department of Special Projects, right? I guess the rumor about increased security is true."

"I'm here only because city hall requested more security. Do you have a moment to talk?"

"Ask away."

"What exactly distinguishes regular news from investigative journalism?"

"Ah... I haven't been asked that in a long time. I personally don't engage in investigative journalism, but BBS also helps consumers investigate discrepancies and inconsistencies, such as hidden fees, surprise costs, false policies for returns and cancellations, and so on. Why do you ask?"

"Recently, there's a reporter named Joe Brown who's been all over the news asking some tough questions. His last employer was BBS during his internship, but then he left and somewhat stayed quiet until recently. Any thoughts about him?"

"I saw his name in past employee records, but that was before I became editor-in-chief," Mira lied without flinching. "I've reached out to him before to see if he was interested in returning, but all my calls went to voicemail. I've never seen him in action until on the news recently. I'd love to see him in person."

"Based on how he presents himself on the news and at the election debate, I'm sure he wouldn't miss Senator Glenn's fundraising dinner tonight either."

A young mint-haired man ran up to the editor-in-chief and whispered, "Everyone's waiting for you."

"Thanks, Ace. I'll be there soon." Mira then asked the DSP agent, "Anything else I can help you with?"

"Did Alice come today?"

"You know her? She's one of my best employees! She said she was coming, but that was thirty minutes ago. I don't need her yet until it's time for the unofficial press conference session. Anyway, I have a crowd waiting for me. It was nice meeting you." With that said, the editor-in-chief walked off with her colleague down some hallways before disappearing into the crowd.

"Shun, there you are!" By surprise, Marucho appeared with Dan and Runo beside him. Behind all of them was Jesse Glenn himself. "Senator Glenn, let me introduce you to three of my most trusted DSP agents—Daniel Kuso, Runo Misaki, and Shun Kazami. These three have been here for as long as I have been director of operations."

The three agents each shook hands with Jesse, who replied, "Age is merely a number. Accomplishments are more important. I heard that DSP has been diligently trying to solve some high-profile sniper murders, including that of my former challenger Hydron."

All eyes faced Marucho, who cleared his throat and discreetly answered, "I'm not at liberty to discuss open cases, but you have my word that all of DSP will solve them all, with or without leads."

"Well, aren't you all diligent and enthusiastic? Director Marukura, I definitely believe that DSP is the best law enforcement agency available to assist local law enforcement police. Anyway, I must tend to some curious reporters now. Would you like to join me?"

Shun whispered to Marucho, "Sorry, I need to make an urgent phone call."

"Alright. I hope everything's okay." With that said, the blond director brought only Dan and Runo with him to follow Jesse.

The raven-haired agent walked through the serving tables a second time. This time, he saw Mira, Ace, and Alice all talking enthusiastically with pens and notepads flailing in the air. Although what they were saying was inaudible from Shun's distance, Alice suddenly covered her mouth and laughed cheerfully, catching the agent's attention. I don't remember when the last time she looked that happy was, but she looks happy now.

Then the trio checked the current time on their phones and watches before splitting up. The redhead went to grab a glass of apple cider when Shun walked up to her. "You scared me!"

"Sorry... Anyway, I finally saw your coworkers today. It looked like you guys were having a lot of fun during your discussion."

"Actually, it was a rather heated discussion about how to plan our schedule tonight, because Jesse Glenn suddenly agreed to host another livestream press conference. One of my coworkers argued that this is a publicity stunt, considering that Hydron is no longer running for election."

"I agree. It would be surprising if Jesse Glenn didn't take advantage of the fact that he has no competition now. But I thought you said that you wouldn't come tonight?"

"Really? Did I say that? My supervisor did ask for my help last minute because of the schedule changes. This is actually my first time doing fieldwork with them. We've always been working on different projects by ourselves. Anyway, I need—"

"Before you go..." After hearing that command, Alice stayed in place, although Shun was unsure of what to say next. "How did you end up working at BBS again? And how close are you with your supervisor and coworkers?"

"I applied to BBS on a referral from my previous employer overseas, remember? I wouldn't say my team is that close since we focus more on solo projects than group work, but we've never argued over anything serious before."

"Did you know that Joe Brown used to be an intern at BBS? But that was way before your time."

"What...?" The redhead was at a loss for words, so she drank her entire glass of apple cider instead. "No, I didn't know that. Ironically, I didn't do a lot of research on BBS before applying, but you know I needed a place to stay and work immediately after coming back."

"There's more to life than just your career, though."

"But I just want to focus on work right—"

"Alice, what's wrong? You're usually very enthusiastic about your work and thinking one step ahead."

"I..." The reporter took a deep breath before facing the table to grab another glass of apple cider. "I knew something was weird about Hydron and his whole campaign, but now he's gone, and local police already have an open investigation on the child labor allegations. We're at Senator Jesse Glenn's fundraising dinner right now. I haven't heard of anything questionable about him, so I'd rather focus on finishing whatever my supervisor needs me to finish tonight."

"That's not like you at all... Every time we talk about a case, you always have a hypothesis—no matter how outrageous it sounded at first—and pull up some news article as your justification. So far, everything you predicted was true to some degree. Of course, you always end up in a dangerous hostage situation when we're together and—"

"I guess you just don't know me well enough."

"Wait... what?"

"I'm glad you see the good in me, but I'm not as lost or helpless as I was before when I first returned. As much as I appreciate our previous interactions and all that you did for me, I don't think there will be anything more between us."

Shun's next question was unexpected. "What did you get yourself involved with?"

Alice froze while at a loss for words again, which prompted her to drink the entire second glass of apple cider. I don't even know what we're talking about anymore.

"This may not mean anything to you, but your grandfather was at BBS on a few occasions to install new internet cables. I just find it weird that all of you have been to BBS at some point in your lives, but—"

"I'm sorry, but I have unfinished business to deal with." The redhead was at the point where she had no control of her emotions or speech, which resulted her in covering her mouth afterwards. Did I just say what I thought I just said?

Before Shun could even speak, the lights in the entire restaurant suddenly went black. The speakers emitted a dull feedback noise before playing an audio recording of what appeared to be two men talking. "I think that's enough C-4 for now. Do you know anyone who sells acetone and hydrogen peroxide?"

"What's wrong with the guy that I referred you to last time?"

"He raised his prices. I was wondering if you know anyone who sells in bulk with a discount."

"I'll see who I can find. Anything else you need?"

"Someone with enough spare time on their hands to remove serial numbers off of some firearms for me."

"Are you asking me to help?"

"What do you think?"

Everyone at the fundraising dinner started whispering. "Doesn't one of the guys talking sound like...Jesse Glenn?" Dan asked sheepishly, considering that the senator incumbent was standing not that far away from him.

"But who's the other speaker?" Runo asked in return. "Wait...did someone hack into the audio system? This is like what happened with Hydron at the city hall debate!"

Suddenly, the lights began to flicker, and Marucho watched Jesse run off down a hallway. "He wouldn't have run away if he had nothing to hide. Dan, Runo, and Shun—find him immediately!"

"Got it!"

On the other hand, Alice replayed the second speaker's voice in her mind several times. That's Lync's voice...which I'll never forget. Her ringing phone later interrupted her thoughts. "Mira, what do you need?"

"You heard the conversation in that recording. I need you to lure Jesse to an empty area near a window."

"What are you planning?"

"You'll know when to back off when you see the signal," was the last thing the editor-in-chief said before sending Alice off on her mission.

Jesse eventually made his way to the fourth floor, which was completely dark and empty since he reserved the entire restaurant for the night. He ducked immediately after a window shattered, and the sound of running footsteps later followed. "Who are you? Where did you get that audio clip?"

"You're not denying that you were one of the speakers in the recording, then?" asked Alice sternly. "You were talking to Lync Volan. C-4? Acetone and hydrogen peroxide? Firearms? What else are you hiding behind your perfect senator image?"

The incumbent walked away from the glass windows and chuckled. "So, it is true...investigative journalists do exist. The only reason to record such a conversation is to use it as leverage in the future. I have no good reason to release that clip and sabotage myself while running for reelection, and I doubt you're allied with Lync given his temperament."

"That doesn't answer my question. Where is Lync?!"

"What makes you think I know where he is? He's not the type to stay in touch for long. However, if you really are an investigative journalist, then you must realize how many high-profile people want you dead because of what you do."

"Don't act like you know me! My profession exists to uncover the truth when law enforcement can't do so. Just look at yourself! You're using your authority as a senator to engage in illegal firearms and explosive trades! Hydron was no different either. Anyway, the entire building of people will be looking for you just like how all the debate attendees were looking for Hydron." Suddenly, a faint red dot floated on Jesse's chest pocket, prompting Alice to gradually step back. "It's only a matter of time as to when the public will find you."

"Not if I—"

Gunshot.

From the third floor, Dan stopped running and pressed his earpiece. "Did you hear that? I think it came from upstairs."

"Let's skip this floor altogether and go up now," Runo suggested.

Shun complied without replying, as his mind was full of disorganized thoughts. This is starting to become standard procedure, but all I can think of is what Alice did in response to that audio clip.

Meanwhile, Alice stared at the bleeding senator in front of her before looking outside. Even though Jesse stepped away from the windows, the sniper shot from an angle through the original broken window and didn't need to break another window before firing the kill shot. The redhead's phone rang again afterward. "I'm still here."

"Get me his phone so I can break the encryption," was Joe's request before he hung up.

Alice put on gloves and retrieved Jesse's phone before leaving. Shortly after, the DSP agents arrived to see the lifeless incumbent on the floor. Shun ran over to check Jesse's pulse. "We're too late. He's gone."

Runo dialed Marucho's phone number while complaining in the meantime. "You guys heard what the recording was about, right? How did we never notice all this corruption that was right beneath our noses?! I'm sure Marucho will open a full-blown investigation into everyone that got killed."

"Someone's clearly trying to get their message through. Let me call Julie." The raven-haired agent stepped away from Jesse and dialed the analyst's phone number. Please don't tell me that Alice is involved somehow. Uncovering the truth is part of her job, but murder should not.

By surprise again, the speakers on all floors emitted a dull feedback noise. Julie happened to answer the incoming call at the same time. "Shun, what a coincidence! I was just going to tell you guys that someone hacked into all news outlets and is broadcasting live audio!"

"I hear it too. It's creepy."

Shortly after the feedback noise, a distorted male voice spoke live. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. We are the vigilante group that you may have heard reporters ask about on the news. We're not an official entity with a formal name, compared to some hacktivists and social justice warriors out there, some of whom I deeply admire. We're just trying to fix some of society's problems that have gone ignored or unnoticed. You'll thank us later. In the meantime, you need to find yourselves a new senator, because now you know that all the candidates were corrupt in some way. You've been warned." The broadcast ended with a sharp beep, which further heightened everyone's panic.

As other personnel arrived to process the scene, Shun answered a new phone call from Alice. "Where are you? Did you know that the whole restaurant building is on lock—"

"Jesse Glenn has been purchasing firearms and explosives from someone named Sid Arkale."

He paused and processed all those words in his head. "How do you know that? Who's Sid Arkale?"

"I took Jesse's phone and looked through it. Although he successfully eliminated all his competition in the senator reelection, there are still other political figures whom he doesn't get along with, so he had explosives planted at those people's upcoming major events."

"You were here when he was shot and took his phone?" Shun quickly glanced at Jesse's body, from which Rafe and Paige were collecting evidence. "That's stealing evidence and compromising the crime scene, both of which are illegal—"

"And none of that is news to me. This is what I used to do back when I worked overseas."

"Alice, are you okay? Is someone coercing you to do this? And why are you telling me this when you know I work for DSP?"

After a long pause, the redhead asked, "You want answers? I'll let you know later when and where we can meet."

The call ended afterward, followed by a text message notification on Shun's phone. Alice, what is going on? I'm starting to not know anything around me anymore...