Chapter 1

A horrific case of predatory assault had recently shaken the city. While performing the autopsy, I followed standard procedure and examined the victim's private injuries.

Suddenly, the Police Captain―my own wife―exploded in front of the crowd of onlookers.

"Are there no female medical examiners left in this department? Do you have any idea how much you're traumatizing the victim's memory?"

"Your own wife is standing right here, Jace. Are you really that desperate?"

In an instant, I became the target of public fury. Everyone wanted my head.

The department suspended me to quiet the mob. They even told me I'd have to pay a fee just to keep my office.

I didn't argue. I just handed in my resignation.

Without me, no one in Silverwood City is going to solve this case.

1.

"Jace, you're ruining our department's chances for the year-end awards. The internet mob is at our gates demanding your head."

Chief Miller slammed his hand on the desk, his face dark with rage.

Outside, people held banners calling me a "Perverted Doctor" and accusing me of violating the dead.

The online comments were even worse, telling me to rot in hell.

I stood my ground. "Chief, I followed every protocol. The victim's injuries were internal. I had to look."

Sienna walked in, her voice sharp and cold as she cut me off. "Chief, the mob is growing. You need to issue a formal punishment now."

She looked at me with pure disgust. "Still think you did nothing wrong? Being married to a hypocrite like you is the greatest shame of my life."

My heart felt like it was being pierced by needles.

I had followed standard procedure. It was her sudden outburst in front of the ignorant crowd that caused this mess.

Now the victim's family was rioting, calling me a monster who didn't belong in the force.

Sienna handed over a demotion request. "I suggest we demote Jace immediately. He should also pay a two-thousand-dollar fine every month for a year to appease the public."

"Here's the announcement. If you sign it, I'll post it now."

The Chief didn't hesitate. He signed the paper and handed it back to her.

Sienna looked at me with a mocking smile. "Also, to protect other victims from your prying eyes, I've applied for your transfer."

She threw a cheap security guard uniform at my feet.

"From now on, you'll patrol the hallway outside the morgue. If anything goes wrong inside, you're the first one I'll blame."

She didn't even look at me as she ordered her team to clear out the lab.

My things were tossed into the hall. My latest autopsy report was thrown into the trash.

I walked over and picked it up, looking at her coldly.

"Sienna, I'm telling you now. Without me, no one catches this guy."

"Don't burn this bridge. You'll need it later."

During the exam, I noticed the injuries matched a case from six months ago.

This was likely a serial killer.

But that old report was lost in a fire at the archives. I was the only one who remembered the details.

As I was about to speak, a group of officers entered, surrounding a man.

Sienna's eyes lit up. She ran forward and grabbed his arm.

"Cade! You're finally here. The Chief and everyone have been waiting for you."

When I saw his face, my blood ran cold.

I finally understood why my wife, the great Sienna, had made such a low-level scene today.

She publicly humiliated me just to get me out of the way for him.

Cade smirked at me, his eyes full of triumph.

"Jace, long time no see. Thanks for taking care of Sienna while I was gone."

"Now that I'm back, your position―and Sienna―belong to me again."