My Precious Family

Year 2022

"Did the police find any lead?"

"Sir Lucian, we have a murderer roaming among us, what can the police do to ensure that the public is 100% safe?"

"How is the investigation going? Is the police doing anything at all? Hello? Please, can you answer?" Another reporter chimed in, asking questions.

"Detective Lucian, you are the lead investigator on this case, have you really found nothing? All the suspects were seen released, what's the meaning of this?"

 More reporters started appearing out of thin air, all asking the same questions but every time it's rephrased.

My head...

Seriously, all I can see and hear are their mouths blabbering non-stop. I can't even catch a break with them buzzing in my ears like pests.

I'm Lucian Celeste, a detective inspector with black hair, blue eyes surrounded by dark circles, tall and my looks are pretty above average if I'd say so myself. Many people respected me when I first joined the force, and over the years I aimed higher, and here I am, with a pretty decent rank. I have solved many cases over the years– both alongside my colleagues and on my own.

But there is this one case that I can't solve. Every time when I think that I finally found some lead, it turns out to be a dead end.

"I cannot reveal much about the investigation, but I can say that we are doing our best to-" Someone cut in – a young, brown hair man, with fierce blue eyes, look at Lucian.

"How can you say you are doing your best, but all the suspects are released, and we haven't heard anything about the police finding any concrete evidence that points to who the culprit is? The public demands an–"

"I was about to answer, but you decided to cut in, young man."

Lucian answered, irritated by everything happening.

"As I said, we are doing our best to ensure that we catch the culprit."

I mean that's literally our job, obviously we are trying to solve it.

"I can't say much, but I found a new lead, but we must further look into it in case it's just a false one. And I advise the public to stay at home at night, and close their doors and windows properly, as the murderer hasn't been caught."

"I assure you that our top priority is to find the culprit, for both the victims and the public's safety."

Murmurings can be heard among the reporters, some are even checking their phone or notebook for more questions.

"Sorry, but I must leave now, thank you for your time," I immediately started walking to my car, then I saw Dan.

I looked behind, and thankfully they didn't follow me– some good reporters they are.

"Shouldn't you be at the station already?"

"Oh you know, I just couldn't help but enjoy how those reporters were, how should I say? Appreciating your hard work? Yeah that!" Dan snickered.

He hasn't changed at all since highschool, even if he managed to grow a whole ass beard.

Dan is one of my colleagues, helping me with some cases. Big and bulky, with chestnut coloured hair and eyes, however his personality-towards me- is...well, shitty.

"Oh God please, not with your so-called insults again," holding my laugh is harder than I thought as I burst out laughing.

I started walking to my car, as he followed me.

"Why are you laughing!" he yelled, walking aggressively.

"Please stop, you are embarrassing me," I sighed as passers-by snickered.

"Hey why are you following me?"

"Give me a ride to the station, my car is at the mechanic."

"Can't do. I have a day off after several weeks, and my wife and kid are waiting at home."

"Why are you even here then! It's literally 7 a.m. You wasted my time, tsk," Dan rolled his eyes.

"Oriana love this bakery's cake, but it's closed," I look at the sign saying 'close'.

"Oh Oriana? How is she? Haven't seen her for a while," his face instantly lights up, as if he's talking about his own daughter.

"She's fine, work's pretty tough for her, but she's strong."

"Ah well, working for the police can be hard, can't say we have it easy," he shook his head while smiling faintly.

"Right, by the way, this bakery's going to be closed for a while. Apparently the owners' son is going overboard to study, I think France?"

He stopped for some seconds, then continued, "Yeah France! He's going to study about pastries."

I looked at him.

He looked at me.

"What?" Dan asked, oblivious of what I'm thinking.

"How did you even know that? Even I'm close to them, but don't know."

"Never mind, I don't even want to know how you obtain such information" I lift my hand, as if I'm stopping him.

"God, just how do you think I know that? I'm just very close with them, that's all. And actually, everyone knows, but you don't because you were buried with work for the last couple of weeks."

"Anyway, I have to go now if you won't give me a ri- Oh never mind! Tiana's car! She's probably here for the cakes as well, found my ride, see you later Lucian," He gestured a goodbye then ran off to Tiana.

Now that he is gone, what should I do? The bakery is closed. How come I wasn't aware...

Was I really that busy?

Ah forget it, I guess I will just buy breakfast at another place.

Sigh

......................

I stepped out of my car, with a bag full of pastries, even though it's not my daughter's favourite.

I stepped in the house. The aroma of sweet tea filled the air.

Oh, they are awake?

Sigh

"What's with the sigh early in the morning, dad?" Oriana appeared, black hair and beautiful dark brown eyes like her mother's.

"Orianaaa!" I cried while hugging her.

"Woah there, calm down," she said hugging back.

"It's closed, and won't be opened for a while..."

"The bakery? Yeah I know, they told me a few days back."

"Are you actually upset because of some pastries, dad? Hhm, I mean yeah, I understand, it's deli-"

I broke the hug and grabbed her shoulders gently, and looked in her eyes, "But it's your favourite! You like it since you were young!"

"Lucian, they gave us some cakes just before they close," my wife, Evangeline, chimed in.

"WHAT?!"

They both looked at me, astounded.

"I knew he would do that, I told you mom! You should have just told him it's closed," Oriana sighed.

"No way, he hasn't been home for ages. Count it as a punishment for him," my wife, Angel–shortened for Evangeline– chuckled.

"Ah come here you!"

"No stay awa-" I grabbed her by the waist and gently pecked her flushed cheeks.

She's just so mesmerising. I love her so much. With her, we created a beautiful daughter.

I looked at Oriana, proudly and with a smile.

And we finally formed a perfect family.

"Come here, Ana, group hug" I extend my hand to her.

She smiled, a beautiful smile like her mother.

"Okay, but quickly, I'm hungry!" She took my hand and hug us tightly.

I feel like tearing up.

I hope nothing will break us, my precious family.

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