Go fuck yourself," you bark at Westfield. "Go fuck yourself, that's what you want your last words to be?" Westfield responds puzzled. "It's not very original and not exactly something you want written on your tombstone, although there is- Westfield's rambling is interrupted by Carla who punches him squarely in the jaw knocking him down.

Without hesitation Carla grabs Westfield's revolver and points at him. "Shut the fuck up, you annoying loquacious bastard," Carla demands. She offers you her hand and helps you off the floor.

"Are you alright?'" Carla asks.

"Yeah, I'm fine what about you?" You ask in regard to the injuries Carla obtained.

"Don't worry, it's nothing that won't heal in a few weeks." Carla says as she keeps her gun firmly aimed at Westfield.

"Well detective are you going to kill me or what?" Westfield goads as he continues to lay on the floor. "You've must have fantasized about this moment hundreds of time, don't chicken out now."

"As much as I'd love to shoot your fucking head off, I need you alive to tell me where Victoria Higgins is."

"Yeah and then you'll just kill me anyway, tell you what if you give me your word that you'll spare me, I'll lead you to her."

"You're going to take her at her word?" You interrupt, somewhat baffled by what Westfield said.

"Ben, I've known Carla for years and if it's one thing I've learned about her it's how much pride she has in the fact she is honest and incorruptible, it would go her against her nature to say she'll let me live and then just kill me, she calls it honor but in reality it's just egotistical."

"Shut up," Carla snaps at Westfield.

"So what's it going to be detective, is letting me live worth the life of Ben's sister?"

"Alright you fucking asshole, you have a deal but if try anything I'll hurt you very badly, now call your two thugs downstairs to get in here, this deal doesn't include them."

"Fair enough, they failed in their task to keep intruders out so it's no skin off my nose if you kill them."

"Ben, take cover," Carla warns you.

You hide behind a dresser in the room while Westfield calls for his men. "Lewis, Jerry get you're asses up here!" He yells. Walking into the room oblivious unaware of the trap, the two men enter the room. Carla using Westfield's own revolver shoots one of the thugs in the eye while the other reaches for his gun. His able to take out of the holster but is shoot in the throat before he can even aim it at Carla.

"Now tell me where Victoria is," Carla aims her gun back at Westfield.

"Hillside apartments, it looks like an apartment building on the outside but it's really a whorehouse, she was brought there early this morning, the address is 197 Hillside Street," Westfield informs.

"Let's go get her then," You say rather impatiently.

"Hang on Ben, how many men do you have at this building?"

"There's the man in charge, Ivo and I think he was two guys with him,"

"Just three guys?" You interrupt once again baffled.

"I own the police, I don't need to waste money recruiting more muscle then I need, besides there is also going to be about eight girls and a few johns" Westfield points out.

"Well we should get over there but before we do..." Carla trails off midsentence. She heads to the dresser you hid behind earlier and opens the top drawer, all the while keeping an eye on Westfield. She pulls out a set of handcuffs and tosses them to Westfield.

"Put these on," Carla orders.

"Kinky," Westfield quips as he puts the handcuffs on his wrists.

Carla goes to the body of one of the dead henchmen and takes the gun from its hand. "Take this," she says in a way that makes it sound she isn't going to take no for answer.

"I don't know how use these thing," You whine.

"You just aim and shoot."

Reluctantly you take the gun from Carla as she goes back to Westfield. "On your feet asshole."

Westfield complies and the three of you head out of room and downstairs. "Ben, we're taking your car it would be a dead giveaway if we show up in my cruiser, also you're going to have to drive, I won't be able to do the driving and keep an eye on this fucker."

You nod your head in agreement and go out the front door. Once in your car along with Carla and Westfield you drive off to Hillside apartments. When you arrive you notice that the apartment building doesn't look anything like you thought it would, in fact it looks ordinary. Since most of your knowledge of the outside world has been through TV and movies rather than firsthand experience, the events that have happened today have made you realize the world is for better or worse not quite what you thought it was. You pull into a parking spot in front of the building.

"So I'm going to head ask for your sister, once I get her it's mission accomplished, there's nothing to it," Westfield plans out.

"Let's get going," Carla instructs.

"Hold it there detective, my men know who you are they will shoot on sight, not that I care but it would put my life in danger as well, Ben has to bring me in, also you're going to have to remove this handcuffs, they will defiantly know something is wrong if I enter the building wearing these."

"Don't take your eyes off him," Carla warns you. "If I here gunshots I'm coming guns blazing." Carla lets Westfield out of his cuffs as you get out of the car. Westfield soon does the same while you heed Carla's advice and watch every move he makes.

"I saw the way you looked at Northcutt, do you have a thing for cops or authoritative women in general?" Westfield pokes fun at you.

Due to being far more focused on finding Victoria you ignore Westfield and the two of you head inside. The interior looks just as ordinary as the exterior as you make your way to the front desk. Behind the desk was a heavy set man who might as well be wearing a sign that said "sleazy", he must be Ivo. He is looking into space when he noticed you and Westfield. Upon recognizing his boss he becomes much more attentive.

"Westfield sir, what brings you here? Ivo says somewhat surprised by Westfield's presence. "Who's this with you?"

"Never mind who this is, bring me Victoria," Westfield demands with a no nonsense attitude.

"Who?"

"The girl that was brought in this morning you moron."

"Yes of course I'll get her right away," Ivo obliges as he scurries from the front desk and goes up a flight of stairs. Several tense minutes later he comes back down with a girl, it takes you a moment to figure this is your sister. She is covered in bruises, has an eye swollen shut and looks absolute petrified.

"What happened to her?" You say very upset which causes Ivo to look at you awkwardly.

"My friend asked you a question," Westfield reminds Ivo.

"Oh yes, you see the first customer who requested her, nearly got his eyes scratched out, I had to break her, so she would understand the consequences." Rage fills your body of the thought of this lowlife causing harm to your sister, you remember the gun Carla had given you.
> You don't kill Ivo
You decide not to kill Ivo, it takes ever nerve in your body to resist the urge to point your gun at him and shoot. As badly as you want this monster to pay for what he did to Victoria, trying to kill him would put you and your sister in danger and you're very close to getting out of this situation. You know where Ivo works, there will be time to get revenge another day.

"I'm taking her, you don't need to know why," Westfield bluntly tells Ivo.

"Yeah sure, she'd but nothing but trouble for me anyway," Ivo presumes.

You take Victoria by the hand as you head out of the apartment building. You notice Victoria says nothing and doesn't acknowledge you in any way. When you try to make eye contact with her, she gives you the thousand yard stare with her eye that isn't swollen shut. As soon Westfield is dealt with you need to get her to a hospital.  You, Westfield and Victoria leave head outside and towards your car. Carla gets out of the back seat when she sees you approaching.

"Oh my god what happened to her?" Carla asks in regard to Victoria.

"One of Westfield's men hurt her," You explain trying not to get too upset.

"I had no idea Ivo would that," Westfield defends himself.

"Like would give shit, now put your jewelry back on," Carla orders as she tosses the handcuffs back to Westfield.

You help Victoria into the passenger seat as Carla and Westfield seat in the back. After helping your sister you get into the driver's seat and head off. "Where are we going?" You ask Carla.

"Head out to Kennedy road," Carla requests.

"Kennedy road, there's nothing out there...oh shit!" Westfield figures out what is happening. After fifteen minutes of driving in silence you turn on to Kennedy road. It's outside of Van Hove and as Westfield claimed there is nothing out here. The road seems to go for miles as two empty fields lie to the left and right of the road. After going along on the road for almost a mile Carla tells to stop the car.

"Alright get outside," Carla commands.

"You can't do this, I kept my end of the deal," Westfield protests. After exiting the car Carla grabs Westfield by arm and keeps her gun firmly pressed against his back.

"Ben get over here," Carla calls to you.

You follow her as she leads Westfield away from the road and deeper into the field. "On your knees," She continues to order Westfield.

"You're not going to do this, you're too proud to do something so underhanded," Westfield tries to call Carla's bluff.

"True, I gave you my word that I wouldn't kill you, but I never said anything about Ben," Carla points out.

"What?" You say as Carla's comment catches you off guard.

"Ben if you don't kill this monster, he'll just harm more people like he harmed Victoria, you need to put an end to this."

"I know a killer when I see one and Ben you're no killer."

> You kill Westfiled
Holding up the gun you got from Carla you put the muzzle up to the back of Westfield's head. You pull the trigger immediately without saying anything knowing the longer you hesitate the more difficult it would get. Small bits of what used to be Westfield's head wind up landing on your shirt as his body falls forward. You stand in silence as the realization of what you just did sinks into your mind. Carla notices you're becoming uneasy.

"You did the right thing Ben," Carla comforts you as she puts her hand on your shoulder.

"What's going to happen?" You ask.

"Westfield's gang will implode, the police will start doing their fucking job now that no one will be paying them to do otherwise and Westfield will become a meal for the vultures, now let's get your sister to a hospital."
> Three days later
Ivo sat in his room behind the front desk. With the death of Westfield the rest of the gang has either left Van Hove or fighting in a fruitless battle for control of what little power the gang still has. Once word had reached his brothel about what had happened, all of the girls who were working for him left. It always the fact the Ivo was connected to Westfield that kept girls living in fear of him, without Westfield he was nothing. The two men who served Ivo left shortly after in an attempt to save themselves. Ivo also thought about leaving but he had nowhere to go. His only hope would be that in time a new criminal would come in and take over Van Hove and Ivo could offer his services to him.

The sound of footsteps came from out in the hall. Ivo picked up his shotgun off the floor and head out. Running out of his room Ivo took cover behind his desk. Briefly peering out he saw nothing but he knew someone was there. "Van Hove police department, drop your weapon and come out with your hands up!" A voice called out.

Knowing he couldn't bribe or shoot his way out of this, Ivo tossed his shotgun over the front desk and walked up with his hands in the air. In front of the doorway was Carla aiming her gun at him, yet she wasn't alone, you were standing beside her. The last time you were here you spared Ivo simply because it was too risky for you and your sister. Now there was no risk at all, Westfield is dead, Ivo's guards have abandoned him and Victoria is recovering at the hospital.

"You!" Ivo shouts upon remembering you from your last visit. "I knew you had something to do with what happened to Westfield."

"I killed Westfield for kidnapping my sister, you harmed her and now I'm going to kill you." You threaten.

"Detective Northcutt, you're a cop, you're not going to let him kill me in cold blood are you?" Ivo tries to plea with Carla.

"All my life I played by rules and it wasn't until I broke them that I actually got where," Carla says as she aims her gun at Ivo and shoots him in the kneecap. Ivo falls face down and start screaming in pain. You approach him while Carla hands you her gun. Like with Westfield you put the gun on the back of Ivo's head and pull the trigger. Unlike with Westfield you have no doubts about what you did.


You decide not to kill Ivo, it takes ever nerve in your body to resist the urge to point your gun at him and shoot. As badly as you want this monster to pay for what he did to Victoria, trying to kill him would put you and your sister in danger and you're very close to getting out of this situation. You know where Ivo works, there will be time to get revenge another day.

"I'm taking her, you don't need to know why," Westfield bluntly tells Ivo.

"Yeah sure, she'd but nothing but trouble for me anyway," Ivo presumes.

You take Victoria by the hand as you head out of the apartment building. You notice Victoria says nothing and doesn't acknowledge you in any way. When you try to make eye contact with her, she gives you the thousand yard stare with her eye that isn't swollen shut. As soon Westfield is dealt with you need to get her to a hospital.  You, Westfield and Victoria leave head outside and towards your car. Carla gets out of the back seat when she sees you approaching.

"Oh my god what happened to her?" Carla asks in regard to Victoria.

"One of Westfield's men hurt her," You explain trying not to get too upset.

"I had no idea Ivo would that," Westfield defends himself.

"Like would give shit, now put your jewelry back on," Carla orders as she tosses the handcuffs back to Westfield.

You help Victoria into the passenger seat as Carla and Westfield seat in the back. After helping your sister you get into the driver's seat and head off. "Where are we going?" You ask Carla.

"Head out to Kennedy road," Carla requests.

"Kennedy road, there's nothing out there...oh shit!" Westfield figures out what is happening. After fifteen minutes of driving in silence you turn on to Kennedy road. It's outside of Van Hove and as Westfield claimed there is nothing out here. The road seems to go for miles as two empty fields lie to the left and right of the road. After going along on the road for almost a mile Carla tells to stop the car.

"Alright get outside," Carla commands.

"You can't do this, I kept my end of the deal," Westfield protests. After exiting the car Carla grabs Westfield by arm and keeps her gun firmly pressed against his back.

"Ben get over here," Carla calls to you.

You follow her as she leads Westfield away from the road and deeper into the field. "On your knees," She continues to order Westfield.

"You're not going to do this, you're too proud to do something so underhanded," Westfield tries to call Carla's bluff.

"True, I gave you my word that I wouldn't kill you, but I never said anything about Ben," Carla points out.

"What?" You say as Carla's comment catches you off guard.

"Ben if you don't kill this monster, he'll just harm more people like he harmed Victoria, you need to put an end to this."

"I know a killer when I see one and Ben you're no killer."

> You don't kill Westfield
"This isn't right," You tell Carla. "It's wrong to kill someone in cold blood even if they are a monster."

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Carla yells at you and for a moment you worry she is going to shoot you in addition to Westfield.

"In case you haven't noticed, because of this shithead your sister is psychically hurt and traumatized, all because he couldn't bother to earn money with a nine to five job."

"The reason why you never took Westfield's money or ignored his crimes was because you knew it was important to do the right thing no matter the cost, that's what being a cop is all about, you are last officer in Van Hove who is aware of that but if you kill Westfield you will become the very thing you're fighting against and you will be no different than the cops who took his money."

Carla's express seems to calm a bit after listening to you. "You're right, I will personally make sure Westfield spends the rest of his life behind bars."
> One week later
You walk into Victoria's room with a small vase holding water and flowers. As you enter you see Victoria resting on the hospital bed, a bandage covers her swollen eye and is still emotional fatigued from all that has happened. Upon seeing you however she lets out a smile.

"Some flowers should lighten things up here," You claim as you put the vase on a window still.

"Thanks," Victoria says weakly.

"The doctor says you should make a full recovery, next week you'll be able to come home," You try to cheer Victoria up.

"I have to see the psychologist they have here for next three months, I think her name is Dr. Nikol or something like that."

You walk to your sister's bed and hold her hand. "It'll be alright," You reassure her.

Carla suddenly walks into the hospital room. "Sorry to interrupt this family moment but can I speak to you for a moment Ben?" the detective bluntly asks you.

You look at Victoria who gives you a nod of approval and you head out of the room with Carla. "What's this about?" You ask.

"I wanted to thank you for stopping me from killing Westfield, I always thought so highly of myself but in the end I let my obsession with bringing him down consume me, thank you for helping me coming to my senses," Carla praised. "Also I should let you know I persona lead the raid on hillside apartments, his men were gone but we caught that fucker Ivo."

"That's a big relief and please note that you're a good cop and a good person Carla, you could've easily ignore what I said and shoot Westfield anyway."

"You're too kind, but I resigned from the police force this morning, I can't let myself get consumed like that again, also I plan on leaving Van Hove because there's nothing but painful memories here, but thanks to you I know there are still good people in this word, goodbye Ben," Carla hugs you and begins to make her way to the elevator.


"What's your name?" You ask in an attempt to keep Westfield's attention on you instead of Carla.

"It's Westfield, that's literally the first thing I told you," Westfield says somewhat baffled by your question.

"No, I mean your real name, if I'm going to be killed, I should have the right to know the identity of the person who is doing the killing."

"I see your point, alright I'll let you in a little secret, I was born and raised in a town called Westfield in New Jersey, I loved that town, of course when I first became a criminal I made a lot of mistakes and the police were closing in on me, I eventually had to leave and I resettled here in Van Hove, I learned that it's important to have an alias and to make sure the police are on your side, most people think nicknames are way to be cool but for me, they make staying out of jail a little easier, but if you really must know my name it's John Tiegel," Westfield  prattles. You can see Carla almost is free of her restraints. If you can just distract Westfield for a little bit longer Carla should be able to escape.

> You say "Why my sister?"
"Why my sister?" You ask Westfield. "Out of all the girls in Van Hove why her?"

"That's a fair question, you see her boyfriend Steve liked to gamble but no matter how much he gambled he never could seem to win, he wound up owing me quite a bit of money and would never be able to make enough money to pay me back, then two days he calls me and says he has a girl he can offer as payment so the next day I have one of my guys go and get her," Westfield tells you.

"Why did you kill him?"

"I learned he had been dating your sister for a month, a person who pretends to be in love with someone else for their own gain can't be trusted, maybe I overacted but it's better to be safe than sorry besides it's not like you feel sorry for that piece of shit, even a by the book cop like Carla here would waste too much time with his death." As Westfield says this his attention turns to Carla and she is forced to stop trying to free herself.

"Now it is time for you to die Ben," Westfield seals your fate as he turns back to you and shoots with his revolver and you are killed as Westfield again chooses to be safe rather than sorry.


Something isn't right, you don't know what is as information is proving to be hard to come by today. You walk down the driveway and into the backyard. There is a small patio complete with two outdoor lounge chairs. On one of the chairs is a heavyset man smoking a cigarette. This man might as well wear a sign that says "criminal" and you're positive it's better to stay away from him. There is a backdoor leading into the house and plenty of space between the man and the open door for you to avoid drawing attention. You manage to get inside and find yourself in a kitchen. Ignoring the dirty dishes everywhere you walk out of the kitchen and into a foyer. Briefly glancing at the rooms along the hallway you find they are all empty and eventually you reach the front entrance.

A stairway to your left is your only option as you quietly head upstairs. On the upper floor there are a few doors to the left and a few to the right. You hear footsteps that are too heavy to belong to Carla coming from the right so you head left, as you look into a room and at last you find Carla. The discovery is bittersweet as you notice she is tied to a chair with blood coming out of her nose and she has acquired a shiner along with several other bruises. Without thinking you walk in as Carla franticly shakes her head, then you feel something hit on the back which causes you to fall to the ground. You're vision is a bit blurry but you see a man with slicked back blonde hair, wearing a white t-shirt and jeans, along with a revolver in his hand.

"Hello Ben, I'm Westfield, selling of drugs and take of lives, yeah that was lame I have to work on that, anyway it has come to my attention you're looking for your little sister and to answer the two questions on your mind, yes I took her and the reason why was I wanted to make money off her by turning her into a whore, I'm sorry about this, I purposely only take girls that have no family to avoid situations like these, but that dumbass Steve lied to me, good thing I killed him while I had the chance, sadly this makes you a loose end and you know what happens to lose ends, but since this wasn't suppose to happen, I'll give you a chance to say your final words, make them count" Westfield rambles.

Behind Westfield you notice Carla beginning to free herself from the ropes tying her hands to the chair she is in. If you can continue to distract Westfield long enough, she should be able to free yourself. "Well what are your last words?" Westfield asks impatiently.
> You say "Go fuck yourself"
"Go fuck yourself," you bark at Westfield.

"Go fuck yourself, that's what you want you're last words to be?" Westfield responds puzzled. "It's not very original and not exactly something you want written on your tombstone, although there is grave in Canada and I swear to god it has the words 'Fuck you' written on the side, but it's not obvious, you have to really pay to attention to see it but it's there," Westfield continues to blather but you can see Carla almost is free of her restraints. If you can just distract Westfield for a little bit longer Carla should be able to escape.
> You say "What's your name?"
"What's your name?" You ask in order to keep Westfield's attention on you instead of Carla.

"It's Westfield, that's literally the first thing I told you," Westfield says somewhat baffled by your question.

"No, I mean your real name, if I'm going to be killed, I should have the right to know the identity of the person who is going to do it."

"I see your point, alright I'll let you in a little secret, I was born and raised in a town called Westfield in New Jersey, I loved that town, of course when I first became a criminal I made a lot of mistakes and the police were closing in on me, I eventually had to leave and I resettled here in Van Hove, I learned that it's important to have an alias and to make sure the police are on your side, most people think nicknames are way to be cool but for me, they make staying out of jail a little easier, but if you must know-" Westfield's rambling is interrupted by Carla who punches him squarely in the jaw knocking him down.

Without hesitation Carla grabs Westfield's revolver and points at him. "Shut the fuck up, you annoying loquacious bastard," Carla demands. She offers you her hand and helps you off the floor.

"Are you alright?'" Carla asks.

"Yeah, I'm fine what about you?" You ask in regard to the injuries Carla obtained.

"Don't worry, it's nothing that won't heal in a few weeks." Carla says as she keeps her gun firmly aimed at Westfield.

"Well detective are you going to kill me or what?" Westfield goads as he continues to lay on the floor. "You've must have fantasized about this moment hundreds of time, don't chicken out now."

"As much as I'd love to shoot your fucking head off, I need you alive to tell me where Victoria Higgins is."

"Yeah and then you'll just kill me anyway, tell you what if you give me your word that you'll spare me, I'll lead you to her."

"You're going to take her at her word?" You interrupt, somewhat baffled by what Westfield said.

"Ben, I've known Carla for years and if it's one thing I've learned about her it's how much pride she has in the fact she is honest and incorruptible, it would go her against her nature to say she'll let me live and then just kill me, she calls it honor but in reality it's just egotistical."

"Shut up," Carla snaps at Westfield.

"So what's it going to be detective, is letting me live worth the life of Ben's sister?"

"Alright you fucking asshole, you have a deal but if try anything I'll hurt you very badly, now call your two thugs downstairs to get in here, this deal doesn't include them."

"Fair enough, they failed in their task to keep intruders out so it's no skin off my nose if you kill them."

"Ben, take cover," Carla warns you.

You hide behind a dresser in the room while Westfield calls for his men. "Lewis, Jerry get you're asses up here!" He yells. Walking into the room oblivious unaware of the trap, the two men enter the room. Carla using Westfield's own revolver shoots one of the thugs in the eye while the other reaches for his gun. His able to take out of the holster but is shoot in the throat before he can even aim it at Carla.

"Now tell me where Victoria is," Carla aims her gun back at Westfield.

"Hillside apartments, it looks like an apartment building on the outside but it's really a whorehouse, she was brought there early this morning, the address is 197 Hillside Street," Westfield informs.

"Let's go get her then," You say rather impatiently.

"Hang on Ben, how many men do you have at this building?"

"There's the man in charge, Ivo and I think he was two guys with him,"

"Just three guys?" You interrupt once again baffled.

"I own the police, I don't need to waste money recruiting more muscle then I need, besides there is also going to be about eight girls and a few johns" Westfield points out.

"Well we should get over there but before we do..." Carla trails off midsentence. She heads to the dresser you hid behind earlier and opens the top drawer, all the while keeping an eye on Westfield. She pulls out a set of handcuffs and tosses them to Westfield.

"Put these on," Carla orders.

"Kinky," Westfield quips as he puts the handcuffs on his wrists.

Carla goes to the body of one of the dead henchmen and takes the gun from its hand. "Take this," she says in a way that makes it sound she isn't going to take no for answer.

"I don't know how use these thing," You whine.

"You just aim and shoot."

Reluctantly you take the gun from Carla as she goes back to Westfield. "On your feet asshole."

Westfield complies and the three of you head out of room and downstairs. "Ben, we're taking your car it would be a dead giveaway if we show up in my cruiser, also you're going to have to drive, I won't be able to do the driving and keep an eye on this fucker."

You nod your head in agreement and go out the front door. Once in your car along with Carla and Westfield you drive off to Hillside apartments. When you arrive you notice that the apartment building doesn't look anything like you thought it would, in fact it looks ordinary. Since most of your knowledge of the outside world has been through TV and movies rather than firsthand experience, the events that have happened today have made you realize the world is for better or worse not quite what you thought it was. You pull into a parking spot in front of the building.

"So I'm going to head ask for your sister, once I get her it's mission accomplished, there's nothing to it," Westfield plans out.

"Let's get going," Carla instructs.

"Hold it there detective, my men know who you are, they will shoot on sight, not that I care but it would put my life in danger as well, Ben has to bring me in, also you're going to have to remove this handcuffs, they will defiantly know something is wrong if I enter the building wearing these."

"Don't take your eyes off him," Carla warns you. "If I here gunshots I'm coming guns blazing." Carla lets Westfield out of his cuffs as you get out of the car. Westfield soon does the same while you heed Carla's advice and watch every move he makes.

"I saw the way you looked at Northcutt, do you have a thing for cops or authoritative women in general?" Westfield pokes fun at you.

Due to being far more focused on finding Victoria you ignore Westfield and the two of you head inside. The interior looks just as ordinary as the exterior as you make your way to the front desk. Behind the desk was a heavy set man who might as well be wearing a sign that said "sleazy", he must be Ivo. He is looking into space when he noticed you and Westfield. Upon recognizing his boss he becomes much more attentive.

"Westfield sir, what brings you here? Ivo says somewhat surprised by Westfield's presence. "Who's this with you?"

"Never mind who this is, bring me Victoria," Westfield demands with a no nonsense attitude.

"Who?"

"The girl that was brought in this morning you moron."

"Yes of course I'll get her right away," Ivo obliges as he scurries from the front desk and goes up a flight of stairs. Several tense minutes later he comes back down with a girl, it takes you a moment to figure this is your sister. She is covered in bruises, has an eye swollen shut and looks absolute petrified.

"What happened to her?" You say very upset which causes Ivo to look at you awkwardly.

"My friend asked you a question," Westfield reminds Ivo.

"Oh yes, you see the first customer who requested her, nearly got his eyes scratched out, I had to break her, so she would understand the consequences." Rage fills your body of the thought of this lowlife causing harm to your sister, you remember the gun Carla had given you.


You need answers, even if Carla is right when said you'd safer knowing less, finding your sister is more important. Your gut is telling you that you should avoid the police let Carla said, so you chose to sit at Victoria's desk and try to find information on the internet about Steve's murder. After searching "Steve Upton murder Van Hove", you find an online news article and begin to read it:

Murder on Kerr Road

Steve Upton, 28, was found murdered in his home around noon. Police had gotten a call from a neighbor about a possible break-in at Steve's address and his body was found shortly after entering the house. A Van Hove police spokesmen says that Steve was found with a "W" carved in his chest, the trademark of the notorious gang leader who goes by the alias Westfield. Police have asked anyone with information to come forward.

A second search for "Westfield" revels information about a gang simply called Westfield's gang. You learn about rumors of having police officers on the take may explain why Carla didn't want you calling the police again. The gang itself commits nearly crime in the book from drug dealing to armed robbery to downright murder. You need to find out why this gang killed Steve, why they took Victoria and how you plan to get her back, the first step is taking out your cell phone and calling Carla.

"Northcutt," Carla greets.

"Detective Northcutt, it's me Ben, I just found out my sister was taken by some guy named Westfield, I really don't like being kept out of the loop," You complain.

"Look Ben, Westfield is an extremely dangerous man and I didn't tell you anything to keep you out of harm's way, if you're so insistent on getting involved then come over to my place where at least I can keep an eye on you, I'm at 224 Shamrock way."

"Why do I have the feeling there is still more you're not telling me?"

"Just come over here and I'll answer your questions I promise."

Carla hangs up, you get the feeling she is a caring person but has a very hard time showing it. Heading out the door and into your car, it occurs to you that Carla believes you're in danger, granted dealing with a criminal gang is dangerous but how much is her worrying justified and how much is simply in her head. You figure it's not worth worrying about as Carla is most likely you're best chance of getting your sister back, since it seems the police are at best useless and at worst the very reason you're in danger in the first place.

Arriving on Shamrock way you pull into Carla's driveway and notice along with a police car there is two black sedans in the driveway as well. Carla didn't mention she was having anyone else over and you doubt she bought two identical cars. Perhaps you're over worrying as much as Carla is and is something else she neglected to tell you.
> You go to the front door
You dismiss you're worries as paranoia and walk up to the front door. After ringing the doorbell you patiently wait. Finally the door opens and you're greeted by a large man.

"Yeah?" The man rudely greets.

"I'm looking for Carla Northcutt," You explain.

"Who are you?"

"I'm Ben Higgins, Detective Northcutt asked me to come."

The man heads back into the house without saying anything. You continue to wait in the doorway unsure of what to do next. Another man soon comes to the entrance he has slicked back blonde hair, wearing a white t-shirt and jeans, along with a revolver holstered on his hip.

"Hey Ben, sorry for the rudeness of my friend, we're all a little on edge, Carla is upstairs," The man greets. You walk into the house, a stairway is in the middle of the foyer. You're about to head up when unknown to you, the man with the slicked back hair takes out his revolver and points it at the back of your head. You never hear the gunshot that kills you.


"Where's Victoria?" You say in a rather angry tone.

"Not even a hello, now why should I help someone who has no manners?" Moira asks.

"For Christ sake's Moira, can you stop being a bitch for one second and just tell me where Victoria is?" You shout as your patience runs out.

The other workers in the building have heard your outburst and now all eyes are on you. "I think it's time for you to leave, Ben."

Embarrassed and feeling like a jackass, you head out and drive back home. This incident will no doubt make going out in the future more difficult.  When you're back in the safety of your dwelling, you begin to calm down. You go to your bedroom, sit down on your computer and begin the work you were going to do today. Although you are still upset, working relieves your stress quite a bit. After several more hours Victoria still is missing and your concern now as some justification. After the incident at Moira's, you really don't feel like heading out but need to determine what you're going to do next.
> You don't call the police
You decide not to call the police and try to convince yourself that you are just overanxious and this will all be over with soon. After eating dinner you go to bed. The night mostly consists of you tossing and turning.  When morning arrives you are too tired and too stressed to get any work done and for most of the day you don't really do anything. Your boss isn't going to be happy about this but your mind is completely focused on Victoria at this point. The sliver of hope you still have slowly fades as the hours pass and you beg for this torture to end. Finally around evening time you hear a knock at the door and run to it like a kid to presents on Christmas. Sadly it isn't Victoria but two police officers who tell you the grim news that Victoria's body has been found. If only you weren't such a recluse afraid of the outside world, dealt with Moira better or actually bothered to call the police you might have been able to find Victoria alive, as it is you must now come to terms with the fact you are truly alone.


You are Ben Higgins, a person of no consequence living in the town of Van Hove. The town was large but not big enough to be a city, not that it matted to you since your world is mainly your home and the small yard around it. For most of your life the idea of going out into the world made you uncomfortable, along with the idea of social interaction. Of course when the situation called for it, like getting food or mailing a letter at the post office, you could handle it no problem, but you found it joyless and were glad when it was over. In addition you rarely watched TV or even the news on the internet, unless it was happening on your property it didn't affect you or at least that's what you believe. As for money you work from home on your computer fixing problems on other people's computers via remote desktop connections. The company you work for pays enough so you have enough food and pay the bills. What is most important is that they leave you alone while you work.

Your little sister Victoria says you do want to go out and do more, but you're afraid. Victoria is your main source of social interaction and the only person who have any real connection to. Several years ago, your parents died in a car crash and Victoria has been living with you ever since. The two of you get along for the most part, you have the same squabble that all siblings have but you genuinely care for each other. It's summer now and in the fall Victoria is leaving for college, which is going to leave you more alone than ever. Oh sure, she is going to visit and stay here between semesters, but you know this is the beginning of her going off to forge her own path and living her own life, something you never got around to doing.

Alas you are happy for her and would never want to hold her back. Certainly you would not want her to live the same dull and somewhat depressing existence you have. You do wonder if she is right and you do want to go out in the world and make friends but the fear is simply more than you can handle, while giving up and crawling back into bed is just too easy. If Victoria is right then what exactly are you afraid of? Not being able to fit in, or perhaps it's the shear unpredictably of life. It doesn't make a difference as you have no plans on changing your lifestyle in the foreseeable future.

You wake up late one morning, planning on spending the day working, you head into the narrow hallway and into the kitchen. The kitchen is cramped and needs to be cleaned soon, as you brush crumbs off the kitchen table you notice something is off. It's relatively quiet, normally when you get up Victoria is making noise doing one thing or another. She can't still be asleep, she was always an early bird, maybe she is feeling ill, you decided to check on her as you head back into the hallway and knock on her bedroom door.

"Vic, you alright?" You call out while knocking.

No response, you open the door just a tad to peek in and see her bed is empty. After this discovery you head back into your room and grab your cell phone off your dresser. There are no text messages or voicemail, Victoria always leaves one when she heads out. You send her text asking where she is. Several minutes pass and there is no reply. Victoria is glued to that phone and she always responds quickly, even though it's usual a text to stop bugging her. You begin to worry, but perhaps you're being overprotective. Your sister is an adult and unlike you has a life, although this is a big departure from her usual behavior. Her best friend is Moira Estacado, she owns the bar and restaurant "Moira's" located in the center of town. Maybe she would know where your sister is, or you could search Victoria's room, there might be something there you could find.
> You search Victoria's room
Victoria would kill you if she saw you entering her room, but you own the damn house so that gives you permission to go in. You walk in and find it a mess, clothes are thrown everywhere, there is a plate with bread crumbs on her nightstand that is beginning to attract ants, but you're not bothered since her room is always like this. You look around but can't find anything that would give a clue as to where she went. In a corner is a desk with her laptop on it, you turn it on but find it's password protected. It was you who insisted that she set up a password, why did this have to be the one time she would actually listen to you? Next to the laptop you find a framed photo of you and her. She has a big grin on her face while you look miserable complete with frown and tilted eyebrows.

The search has turned up nothing and you come to the conclusion you're simply overreacting, she's probably out having fun and enjoying life, something you should start doing someday. Her cell phone most likely has a dead battery or she lost it, hence the lack of response. She'll presumably be home in a few hours and that will be that. For now you head into your and sit at your desk to begin working on your computer. Your computer is your sanctuary, your escape from reality. Talking to people via online chat is far less stressful then dealing with them face to face. Not long after you log on to your company's website, you begin working on fixing someone's computer, most of the time the problem is a virus someone got while trying to download porn or a pirated movie. After a while your work is interrupted by the growling of your stomach which reminds you that you never had breakfast. You go into the kitchen and have breakfast which consists of stale cereal and milk that's only one day passed its expiration date. When you put the milk back in the fridge you spot a note that had fallen off the door and sailed underneath the refrigerator. Picking it up off the ground you read the message on it.

Ben, since you don't ever bother to check your phone, I'm leaving this note to remind you to wake up early so you can get me to Jan's dance studio tomorrow 6/26 at 10 AM. I can't get anyone else to do it and yes I know I should have my license, please try to remember because I hate going into your room to wake you up since it smells like feet in there  -Love Vic

Victoria loved dance and wouldn't miss it for the world, the worry you had earlier comes back and is a bit more potent this time. You decide to call the police, it may be a bit extreme but you figure it is better to be safe than sorry and take out your cell phone.

"911, what is your emergency?" The operator on the other end inquiries.

"I'd like to report a missing person," You answer.

"What's your name sir?"

"Ben Higgins."

"Who is it that's missing?"

"My sister, Victoria Higgins."

"How old is she?"

"Twenty."

"How long has she been missing?"

"I woke up and she wasn't here and she hasn't been answering her cell phone."

"I'm sorry sir, but the law states a person has to be missing for at least twenty four hours before we can investigate, in most cases the person comes back on their own, if she is still missing by tomorrow morning, call us back."

"Thanks, I guess." You hang up the phone, unsure of what to do next, you could wait to see Victoria comes back by tomorrow and call the police if she hasn't. It's also still possible to go to Moira's and see if she knows anything.