Lord Richard's Arc

Chapter 1 of 3

Lord Richard adjusted his cravat and studied the case files spread across his mahogany desk. Three merchant houses robbed in two weeks. The same pattern every time. He wanted to master investigation skills that could dismantle organized crime networks like this one. His estate in Aristocratic Arbors gave him resources, but he needed more than wealth. He needed to think like a criminal to catch them. He stood and walked to the window. His manor was too visible, too known. He needed a proper headquarters for this work. Yesterday, he had purchased a grand building with elegant columns and tall windows. The Regency architecture drew less attention than his family estate. Inside, he could store evidence without servants gossiping. He could interview informants without scandal. The building would become his base for dismantling the crime network. Tomorrow, he would move his files there and begin the real work.