Esper Harem in the Apocalypse

"Is it safe for me to assume that you are acquainted with the mafias?" the woman asked.

She already knew everything, as it was evidently mentioned in the report that Rudy Ross was Maria's cousin and her bodyguard. That would mean that Rudy was also a Mafia.

The woman was trying to test Rudy's honesty in his statement and whether she should believe his words or not. Her skills were far above the other officers.

"It's very safe. But they have legal immunity, so you can't do anything to them or me."

"Yeah, I know. How do you think I became the female head chief of this department at the young age of 23?"

"Hard work? Passion? Dedication? Nepotism?"

"No." She shook her head and turned off the recording device before leaning toward the desk. She looked into Rudy's eyes and shot a charming smile at him before uttering, "By bribing the corrupt officers and killing everyone who stood against me. Others fight against the competitors, I simply get rid of them."

"That's… also a way."

"That was obviously a joke, kiddo. Relax."

"Do you know the definition of a joke?" Rudy asked. "They are supposed to be funny."

The woman looked at her phone and said, "John is here. I will ask him to come to my office."

A minute later, John came rushing into the woman's office and took a few breaths. Seemingly, he ran his way to the office.

"John, I am here to collect the drugs you confiscated from me," Rudy said with a serious look on his face.

"What…?" John raised his brow in confusion and asked, "When did that happen?"

"Heh," the woman scoffed at Rudy and commented, "It seems you also need to learn the meaning of a joke."

"Come on, that was funny."

"What's going on here?" John asked with a puzzled look on his face. "And Cassy, you are using your office to do your makeup again? I can spell the disgusting smell of the nail polish."

"How rude, Jonny. What's wrong with that?"

'Cassy and Jonny…' Rudy glanced back and forth at the woman and John and wondered, 'They are using nicknames, and the way they talk seems like they know each other very well. Don't tell me, this chick is really his girlfriend!'

"Johnny, how many sins have you committed?" Rudy asked with a grin on his face.

"You are not allowed to call me that."

"Anyway, what's your report, John?" the woman asked.

"Everything is clear. The suspect's alibi checks out. She was at the cafe when the murder happened," John reported.

"So we are back to square one. How many suspects are left on the list now?"

"Two more, but they both are not available. One is out of the country, and the other is out of the city. We have asked them to come, and they agreed," John responded.

"Do one thing, visit the crime scene again and pretend as though you have found a strong lead on who is the culprit. And make sure to make noise when you enter the apartment."

"Sure, but… how would that help?"

"She thinks that the murderer might be from the same apartment building, or better yet, the neighbors of the victim," Rudy suddenly quipped.

"..."

The woman looked at Rudy in surprise and nodded in acknowledgment.

"You should join this field, Rudy Ross. You have exceptional talent, and it would be a waste if you don't contribute it to society," the woman asserted.

"Then let it be wasted," Rudy shrugged.

"And here I was, looking forward to working with you."

"Cassy, are you seriously flirting with a high schooler right now?"John squinted his eyes and shook his head in disgust and disbelief.

"What, are you jealous?" she scoffed.

"Obviously not. I am just worried about Rudy. You have this playful personality which is why it's dangerous to leave a boy alone with you. I don't know how you do it, but you always succeed in making them fall in love with you. Especially during the interrogations; you make them confess everything and solve the cases."

"Jonny, you are making me look like I am some kind of slut. Mind you, I am still saving my V-card for someone who doesn't fall for my charm. I will only love the man who doesn't fall in love with me even after my advances because that man would never betray my love once I make him fall for me."

"Are you a masochist?"

"Uhh… what's your relationship with each other? I am curious."

"We are childhood friends," John responded. "She is the daughter of the previous head chief, but that's not why she got this position. She was born a prodigy. When she was six years old, she solved a case that had been unsolved for a decade.

Her father used to bring her here, and she looked through the reports of the case. She would guess the culprit, which would turn out to be true. At the age of 15, she had already solved over 50 cases on her own."

"Wow. I didn't ask for an entire biography, but… wow. That's impressive."

"On top of that, she is born beautiful," John added.

"Oh my, are you trying to make me blush?" The woman chuckled. "Because if you are, you will have to try harder."

"Don't flatter yourself."

"You know, Rudy." The woman turned to Rudy and said, "Even as a prodigy, I am still an innocent maiden. When I was sixteen years old, I confessed my love to John, and he turned me down, saying I was not his type. Can you believe it? He rejected someone like me!"

"Why are you telling him all that?!"

"My wish?" she shrugged.

"Wait… you said you would only love the person who doesn't love you back. Does that mean… you are still in love with John?' Rudy asked curiously.

"Obviously not. I am not the type of girl who would chase after a guy after he turned me down once."

"Good, because I already have a girl I like," John sighed in relief.

"Oh? Tell me about it," Rudy and the woman said in unison with a curious look on their face.

"Why are you two getting along so well? Let's finish what Rudy is here for. I bet he was busy collaring his sister."