Published by Musa Publishing, April 2012

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This e-Book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines and/or imprisonment. No part of this e-Book can be reproduced or sold by any person or business without the express permission of the publisher.

ISBN: 978-1-61937-171-2

Published in the United States of America

Editor: Alisa Carter

Cover Design: Kelly Shorten

Interior Book Design: Coreen Montagna

To my parents, Jim and Konnie—
Thanks for paying for an education
that has virtually nothing to do with this book!

Chapter 1

The emerald glow from a retinal scan glinted off the pupils of Manuel Corr. A monotone female voice murmured, “Scan complete. Welcome back, Officer Corr.”

He exited the dingy beige surroundings of the public foyer for District 7 HQ. Past the automatic doors, he was immersed in fluorescent sterility as he traversed the hallway leading to the bullpen. Rows of desks sat dark and empty, like a yard of open graves. The night shift was out patrolling the city, investigating crimes that were taking place in the real world. Three of the desks at the far end of the room were still lit, with cops sitting behind them, waiting. They might as well have had a spotlight shining down on them in the darkness. He had to walk past them; there was no other way for him to get to work.