Made for Vendetta

It was evening at the Citadel estate, where the elite of the city gathered for the annual masquerade ball. Laughter and music filled the air, and the grand chandelier sparkled like a thousand stars. Among the guests was the charming but enigmatic Eleanor Zaborowski, a rising star in the world of finance, known for his sharp wit and even sharper business acumen.

The clock struck midnight, the atmosphere shifted. A piercing scream echoed through the ballroom, silencing the revelers. Guests rushed to the source of the commotion, only to find Eleanor sprawled on the floor, a blood protruding from his head and chest, his mask askew. Panic ensued as the realization of murder set in.

In the corner, Simone Webster is sitting in tension, unable to move. In a moment, he knew a rapid bullet came fast; he was shot in the head from a distance afar.

The guests ran outside, and a group of armed men went inside. They weren't satisfied; they shot Eleanor in the head, and one of them cut Eleanor's index finger and took the gold ring on it. They shot again at both bodies, and blood started to spread on the floor.

They fled away from the scene. The police and ambulance were too late. A forensic team and detectives arrived to investigate.

Detective Clara is searching for leads through the phone. "The victims, Eleanor Zaborowski, a finance specialist and an investor, and Simone Webster, a real estate agent and developer, are both from well-known families and have connections to politics."

Detective Noel said, "I've already interviewed the guests. An armed group went inside and shot them both in the head. There are no traces of them, it's all planned."

Detective Clara replied, "And the security cameras were all smashed and broken. You're right."

Detective Noel said, "We have to talk to the family and any other possible connections we could find."

Detective Clara said, "I believe we're dealing with a dangerous game."

Detective Noel replied, "I believe there's more. We have to get this over as soon as possible."

The forensic team and the coroner took the body and placed it at the medical examiner facility for autopsy.

Hours pass by, both of the victims' families arrived at the police station.

Ezekiel asked, "What happened to my brother?" worried.

Detective Clara said, "Mr. Eleanor and Mr. Simone were murdered at the masquerade party in Citadel. My condolences."

Detective Noel Ramirez and Detective Clara Bennett introduced themselves properly.

Detective Noel asked, "Does your brother have any enemies at work?"

Ezekiel said, "I heard that he was having a fight about a private property with his business partners."

Detective Noel said, "We will investigate his business partners right away. And I suggest that you should not see your brother for now."

Ezekiel said, "Why so? I wanted to see my brother. He was murdered. I don't know what happened, but I want to see him."

Detective Noel commands, "Show him the way to the facility."

"Right this way, Mr. Ezekiel," Detective Clara said.

Simone's father went through the interrogation room after they left.

Mr. Robert exclaimed, "What are you doing? Instead of wasting your time asking us an open-ended question, you should find the killer now!"

Detective Noel explained, "Mr. Robert, I understand your frustration, but we need details in order for us to find these armed men and the sniper killer."

Mr. Robert said emotionally, "All I know is he's a business partner and a friend of Eleanor. Why did they kill my son? Why him? He was a good kid."

Detective Noel said, "Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Robert. We will find the killer."

Mr. Robert exclaimed, "Don't assure me, find them!"

He left and went to the examiner facility. Mr. Robert saw that Ezekiel and Jacob's faces were full of emotion and anger. When he opened Simone's sheet, he cried.

Eleanor was shot in the chest and head. He was brutally cut from his finger through arms. Simone was shot in the head and their eye sockets were opened. Their brains were both blown out.

"What did they do to deserve this?" Mr. Robert said weakly.

Detective Clara said, "We should go outside now, gentlemen. We are still going to undergo an investigation here."

They all went outside to see Detective Noel.

Detective Noel said, "Thank you for your cooperation, gentlemen. You all need to rest for now. We will update tomorrow about the findings."

Jacob said, "My brother was a good man. He never had any enemies until the conflict with his partners. They're all in Sicilia quarters. Maybe you will find useful there."

Detective Noel said, "We will, Mr. Jacob. We're not going to sleep until this all brought to justice."

Jacob and Mr. Robert went to the parking lot. Ezekiel stopped for a second.