karlmaks
Stories
7
Chapters
3,734
Words
6.7 M
Comments
25
Reading
23 d, 6 h
-
Detective Lukar returned to his office and immediately made a call. “Are you familiar with the underground casinos in the Imperial District?” “…No, it’s not about the Kodak Family. I’ve got a case on my hands… Listen, it’s better if you cooperate. I’d rather not say anything that might hurt our relationship.” “Alright, see you soon.” Lukar was contacting one of his informants. In the Federation, particularly in criminal investigations, having reliable informants was…-
1.8 M • Ongoing
-
-
The lead attorney watched the apprentice take the stand. They had rehearsed what to say and how to frame the narrative to gain leniency. The apprentice spoke honestly, describing how Johnny had exploited his labor, extorted his money, and humiliated both him and his mother. The details might have been tragic, but for a judge who had seen far worse cases, they were unlikely to stir much sympathy. Early in his career, the judge might have been more empathetic, but years of exposure to human failings…
-
1.8 M • Ongoing
-
-
“…We’re sorry, we’ll investigate this as soon as possible!” The customer service operator hung up the phone with a forced smile and sighed. A curious colleague asked, “Another complaint about the sewers?” Nodding, the operator jotted the details of the complaint in her logbook. When she finished, she noticed the page already listed more than twenty complaints. She found it odd and mumbled, both to her colleague and herself, “Yes, but… this is strange. These complaints happen every…
-
1.8 M • Ongoing
-
-
A tingling sensation crept up from the soles of Kent's feet, raced through his spine, and surged all the way to his scalp. Wherever it passed, his skin erupted in goosebumps. The instinct to survive—the most primal, raw, and overpowering human urge—kicked in. Swallowing hard, he was about to speak when Lance pointed at the pile of untouched meat. “Don’t waste it. Eat.” There were eight people in the room, including Kent and his men. The croupiers weren’t present—they only came around…
-
1.8 M • Ongoing
-
-
On Wednesday morning, the overweight businessman Johnny arrived at Jingang City’s Urban Court, seated in a wheelchair pushed by his daughter. His case was scheduled to be heard today. Jingang City was a bustling metropolis, with numerous cases requiring hearings daily. Minor disputes were handled in expedited court sessions, but criminal cases like assault required formal proceedings to ensure both plaintiff and defendant had the opportunity to defend themselves and assert their legal…
-
1.8 M • Ongoing
-
-
Kent was starving. After working late into the night yesterday, he hadn’t eaten since morning and felt like he could devour an entire cow! He eagerly wiped his hands, which he’d just used to scratch his toes, on his pants and rubbed them together in anticipation of the meal. Saliva flooded his mouth, making his hunger even more unbearable. He swallowed it down and snapped impatiently, "What are you two idiots standing there for?" Seeing the two men who had already gone out lingering near the…
-
1.8 M • Ongoing
-
-
After returning to the company, Lance took everyone to the western cliffs near the port to test the handguns. The area was desolate, quiet, and ideal for practice. The crashing waves against the rocks masked the sound of gunfire, ensuring they wouldn’t attract attention. Lance set up makeshift targets and encouraged everyone to take turns shooting. This was the Federation, where freedoms extended to a shocking degree. The idea of avoiding firearms in gang disputes was laughable. In fact, Lance had…
-
1.8 M • Ongoing
-
-
Kent’s trusted enforcer grumbled under his breath, silently cursing his boss and his entire family as he stood at a deli counter ordering lunch. This meal was coming out of his own pocket. It wasn’t the first time Kent had sent him on errands without providing money. While the enforcer resented the unfairness, he tolerated it because his paycheck, though meager, was reliable. Sometimes, tolerating injustice is a mistake. Give an inch, and they’ll take a mile. The Imperial District…
-
1.8 M • Ongoing
-
-
Ennio stirred as someone nudged him awake. He was about to complain when a jolt of realization snapped him out of his grogginess. Rubbing his face, he looked up in the darkness at Morris, who whispered, “There’s a truck coming.” The night was quiet, amplifying every sound. A conversation like this, unnoticed during the day, could easily be overheard now. Peeking out from the alley, Ennio spotted a truck moving slowly toward the corner. Earlier in the day, he had visited a community…
-
1.8 M • Ongoing
-
-
The car wheels rolled to a stop, pressing down the unsettled dust that had just begun to rise. The cheap vehicle, worth no more than two or three hundred dollars, parked in an alley across the street from the casino. Lance placed the revolver in the car’s center console. He wasn’t sure if they would search him, and carrying the gun could end up arming his opponents if confiscated. The folding knife, however, was tucked discreetly behind his belt at his waist, a spot less likely to be searched.…
-
1.8 M • Ongoing
-
- Previous 1 … 295 296 297 … 374 Next