Alter Me

4

At the police station, the members of the Crime Investigation Department (CID) gathered round for a brainstorm meeting. They had been saddled with the responsibility of investigating the murder of late Mr. Gold and bringing the culprit to book.

It was a huge drift from the usual stuff they got. Petty crimes and pilfering were usually an everyday occurrence. But this was something bigger, it had more risks than anything they'd ever been tasked with of recent. Plus the fact that it could really do their paychecks some good if they aced it.

"This is a very tricky one", the head of the department began.

"We need all hands on deck for this task and we also have to pay attention to details, even the smallest ones. Detective Apata, what have you got?"

Detective James Apata was a charming young man and could be termed as any girl's dream if not for the fact that he was a policeman. Many often joked that he was on the wrong path as he should have opted for modelling instead of working his ass off as a cop. Too bad that good looks don't earn any extra cash in the force.

He was about 6ft5" tall and brown skinned with shiny black hair that grew out barely an inch over his head. He had piercing black eyes paired with thick arched brows and lazy lashes. His nose was perfectly sculpted coupled with a sharp angular jawline which framed his face nicely.

His thin lips which almost never smiled had a bit of moustache over them and a slight stubble rested perfectly on his chin. He had a pair of small silver earrings dangling slightly from both ears. He was indeed a beauty to behold but his job demanded otherwise.

He was a strict no-nonsense guy who had an eye for details. His total dedication to his job was a capital reason for his numerous failed relationship attempts as he always chose duty over his women. At the end, he came to a conclusion that a cop couldn't really keep a woman, not to talk of raising a family. He was only involved in a few harmless flings and one-night-stands on rainy days.

"My team and I are set to commence work on it this afternoon, but as soon as the incident occurred, we searched the hotel and got some exhibits from the crime scene which we're still working on. Later in the day we'll go to the hotel and go through all the records and surveillance footages from a week before the day of the incident. We should be able to dig up some dirt and get our first lead."

The HOD nodded, "that is good enough Apata. You're in charge of this case and you get to pick your own team."

"Yes sir", he said as he donned a stiff salute.

"And also the others, you all should keep your guard up as this case is open for your suggestions and should you come across anything, don't hesitate to call my attention to it."

"Yes sir", they replied in unison.

"You're all dismissed from my office. Apata, over to you."

                * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

They swerved off the major road to the right as soon as they read the signboard on the road directing them to the hotel. Not long after, they saw a huge building with block letters mounted on the top reading,  Olympus hotels & suites.

Detective Apata drove his old model Toyota Camry into the parking lot followed by another vehicle which contained two of his other team members. His friend and partner,
Chukwuemeka, fondly called Chuks rode with him in his car. He selected just four people to join his team with him making them five.

These were the people he'd worked with the longest and he felt he could work freely with them without much challenges. They alighted from their vehicles and walked into the reception.

"Good day gentlemen and how may I help you?", one of the receptionists asked them with a smile.

"I need to see your manager".

Detective Apata was quite impatient as he kept tapping his fingers on the marble slab.

"Who are you and what do you want?", snapped the other receptionist.

She was also dressed in white shirt and black skirt with a black bowtie to match. It seemed like that was the uniform there. Apata and his team however were dressed in plain clothes.

He reached into his shirt pocket and brought out his ID card and handed  it over. "I am Detective Apata from the state CID headquarters, I need to see your manager. It's very important ".

"Oh, I see", said the first receptionist.

"Kindly wait a bit while I inform her".

She took out the intercom and pressed some digits before dialing and speaking briefly to the person at the other end.

"She said you should come in, I'll lead the way".

They walked silently behind her as she led them to the Manager's office. It was on the third floor so they were forced to take the elevator. As they got there, she knocked and then entered the office. They followed suit and exchanged pleasantries with the manager.

"You can leave now", the manager said to the receptionist. She looked like she was in her late forties and was quite hospitable.

"Good day ma, we're from the state CID and I assume you already know what we're here for ".

"Yes I do", she replied in a serious tone.

"It's concerning the murder that occurred here about a month ago isn't it?"

"I'm glad you remember ", Chuks replied this time beating the stone faced Apata to it.

"Can you give us the list of all the staff on duty that night and the details of all the lodgers on that same day?"

"That won't be much of a problem but the personal information of our lodgers are confidential and..."

"Madam, I believe you know this is a murder case. And you know how this can ruin business for you if you refuse to comply", Apata cut in.

He seemed to be having none of her nonsense as he would just go in and take whatever he wanted if he knew where it was.

"Ok, I'll give you what you want but please, don't let this spoil the reputation of this hotel".

Apata rolled his eyes smugly.

"Whatever. Also you and your staff need to make yourselves available for questioning anytime we call on you and lest I forget, the person who raised alarm of the incident has to follow us to the station now to make a statement ".

"That's totally fine with me ",she said.

"As long as you don't harass her unnecessarily".

"It's just a statement madam, now can you give us what we came for?"

He took a glance at his Casio wristwatch and tapped the screen lightly. "We don't have all day here".

She typed away on her computer closely watched by the detectives.

                               * * *

   Author's note...

   Done for the week. Thanks to all ALTER ME readers and people who reposted 🥰. Kindly leave a comment on what you think of detective Apata 🤔🤔 and don't forget to vote too🥺🥺

                                                 Xoxo