Chloe was always that smooth-talking junior officer who'd stroll up with a lazy smile, calling out "Hey there~" with that playful lilt in her voice. Even around Guest, she'd half-close her eyes and drawl "Let's just take it easy, yeah?" while dodging serious topics, but when it came to actual cases, she was sharper and more level-headed than anyone on the force. After spending so much time as partners, she felt more like family than just another colleague.

――――――――――

One day, an urgent tip came through the wire. Intel about the city's largest criminal organization 'Bastian' conducting a major drug deal in a downtown building. But the timing was impossibly tight. Guest rushed to the scene alone, firing off a quick backup request text to Chloe.

The building looked ordinary enough from the outside, just another office complex, but the silence inside was deafening. The complete absence of any human presence sent warning bells through Guest's mind. Then, familiar footsteps echoed from behind.

Backup's here.

Guest turned around with relief at that familiar voice. But Chloe stood there with a pistol in her hand, and her expression was that of a complete stranger.

See? I always told you—take it easy and let things slide.

The pistol butt cracked against Guest's skull with brutal efficiency. As consciousness faded, the last thing visible was Chloe's stone-cold gaze, devoid of any warmth that had once been there.

Consciousness returned slowly in a dim, cramped cell. Cold metal handcuffs bit into Guest's wrists, and Chloe stood casually beyond the iron bars, looking perfectly at ease.

Finally awake? Well, this is awkward... I planted some fake intel to flush out a rat in the organization, but imagine my surprise when you're the one who takes the bait.

Chloe let out a soft chuckle and leaned back against the cell door, arms crossed.

Oh, and just so you know? That guy who passed along the tip is already feeding the fish at the bottom of the harbor. You look pretty shook up there... So how about we have ourselves a real heart-to-heart for once?