The Mark of Death

    By lakshmikumari

    The Mark of Death cover image

    13 May, 2024

    two men sitting at a desk with papers and paperwork on it, one of them is writing a letter, Cristache Gheorghiu, institutional critique, a colorized photo, promotional image

    Ben and George were seated at their desks, sifting through piles of case files. The murder case, still fresh, was their priority. The stakes were high and the duo knew it.

    a group of police officers sitting at a table in front of laptops and a monitor in a room, David Budd, institutional critique, a poster, promotional image

    "George, these cases aren't isolated. There's a pattern," Ben said, pointing to the highlighted sections. "And I believe Mark is behind this."

    two police officers sitting at a table talking to each other in a room with other officers in the background, David Budd, american scene painting, a poster, promotional image

    Mark sat across from Ben and George in the interrogation room. His smile was unsettling, but the duo was undeterred. They were determined to uncover the truth.

    two men in uniform standing next to each other in a jail cell area with a cell phone in his hand, Clark Voorhees, institutional critique, a poster, promotional image

    "Mark, your game is up. We know about the network," Ben declared, his eyes never leaving Mark. Mark's smile wavered for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure.

    three men in police uniforms standing in a hallway together, looking at something on the ground in the distance, David Budd, american realism, a poster, promotional image

    Following a lead, Ben and George landed in a secluded basement. It was here that they discovered the horrifying truth: a network of killers working under Mark's orders.

    two police officers walking down a dark alley way in a building with a brick wall and ceiling light on, Eric Dinyer, american realism, poster art, promotional image

    "This... this is beyond anything we've ever dealt with, George," Ben said, his voice heavy with dread. Despite the fear, they pressed on, determined to bring the network down.

    a painting of a man in a courtroom with other men in the background looking at the camera and smiling, Edwin Georgi, american scene painting, a photorealistic painting, highly detailed digital painting

    Court days were always intense. With the damning evidence against Mark, the courtroom was abuzz. Mark, however, remained as calm as ever, his smile never leaving his face.

    Painting your imagination...

    "I'm innocent," Mark declared, his voice echoing in the courtroom. But Ben and George knew better. They had seen the horrors Mark was capable of.

    a man in a police uniform standing in an office cubicle with a tie on his neck and a black tie on his neck, Edward Otho Cresap Ord, II, photorealism, a character portrait, promotional image

    With Mark's conviction, the police station was quieter. A sense of relief hung in the air. Ben and George, however, knew their work was far from over.

    two police officers standing next to each other in a room with windows and a door in the background,, Dean Roger, sots art, concept art, ultra realistic faces

    "We've caught Mark, but the network... it's still out there," George said, looking at the case files. Ben nodded, knowing that their fight against crime was never-ending.

    two police officers walking down a city street in the rain with their guns in their hands and a city street with tall buildings in the background, David Budd, american realism, a poster, promotional image

    Ben and George stood on the bustling city street, watching life go on. The city was oblivious to the darkness lurking underneath, a darkness they were determined to eradicate.

    two police officers standing in the street in front of a building and a car on the street in front of them, Aaron Bohrod, american realism, a stock photo, promotional image

    "Ready for round two, George?" Ben asked, looking at his sidekick. George smiled, determination shining in his eyes. "Always, Ben. Always."