Ghosts of Innocence: contos, #1

By Ricardo Almeida

Step into the gripping world of "Shadows of the Past: Unraveling a 30-Year Mystery," where the seasoned private detective, Mr. Seibert, takes on a case that transcends the typical mundane investigations of cheating spouses and missing pets. A haunting email from an old lady in her 60s, desperate to find her long-lost son, catapults Mr. Seibert into a journey filled with unexpected twists and emotional turns.

As you delve into the story, you'll witness the stark contrast between the detective world depicted in movies and the gritty reality faced by Mr. Seibert. This narrative skillfully captures the essence of his struggle, portraying the challenging nature of his profession and the constant financial strain he endures.

The plot thickens as Mr. Seibert accepts the job and embarks on a three-hour journey to an opulent mansion that harbors secrets and sorrow. The vivid descriptions of the grandeur of the estate, the well-kept gardens, and the stark differences from his own humble abode create a palpable atmosphere of envy and intrigue.

Stephanie, the nurse, becomes a key player in this unfolding drama, introducing Mr. Seibert to the fragile and almost catatonic old lady, Mrs. Annalise. The emotional weight of the case intensifies as Stephanie reveals the deterioration of Mrs. Annalise's condition over the years and the desperate hope for closure that the investigation represents.

The narrative takes an unexpected turn when Mr. Seibert is handed a stack of photographs, revealing the missing boy, Little Marcus, as a toddler. The complexity of the case deepens as the detective navigates through the extensive private research accumulated over the years, unveiling a tale of heartbreak, perseverance, and the unyielding bond between a mother and her lost child.

"Shadows of the Past" is not just a detective story; it's a poignant exploration of human connections, the passage of time, and the relentless pursuit of truth. With every page, you'll find yourself drawn deeper into the mystery, empathizing with the characters, and questioning the profound impact that the past can have on the present. Will Mr. Seibert uncover the truth behind Little Marcus's disappearance, or will it remain an unsolvable enigma, leaving the old lady in perpetual anguish? Only by immersing yourself in this intricately woven narrative will you unlock the secrets that lie within.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ricardo Almeida
• Release date: Nov 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223244912

Book preview

Table of Contents

Ghosts of Innocence (contos, #1)

Old Lady in her 60s searching for her missing son.

That was the subject of an email that had arrived in my inbox a few weeks ago.

It was a job offer that the nurse of said old lady explained in a few short lines.

Her contact details were listed below.

By that point I had been working as a private detective for a year and a half.

I was always surprised when somebody actually contacted me about a real case.

The job is nowhere near as fancy as it sounds.

Movies depict private detectives as desparados or outcasts who go after the cases the police

can't or won't touch.

Reality is an entirely different story and much more mundane.

Half of my case is concerned missing pets.

The other half usually involved spouses suspected were being cheated on.

I rarely get any serious work and I'm always strapped for cash.

Of the few real cases that I got over the years, those concerning missing people by

far my least favorite.

You never knew if you would find anything.

Sometimes the missing person was long dead.

Sometimes they've got a reason for hiding in other cases.

You come up with a big flat zero.

If any of those is the case, it's always a hassle to get the client to pay up.

When I looked at my empty calendar and thought about my similarly empty bank account, I

knew that I couldn't be picky.

I gave the nurse Stephanie a call and told her that I would accept the case it arranged

for a meeting.

A few days later I went on the three hour trip to the old lady's distant home.

When I arrived in front of a grand lavish mansion, my eyes grew wide.

At first I thought that I'd gotten the address wrong, but after cross-checking I knew that

I was in the right place.

I followed a paved path through a rich and well-kept garden.

As my eyes wandered around, I couldn't help but think of my measly two room apartment.

To say that I was jealous was an understatement.

I guess some people just have it all.

Such people to be precise.

For a moment I shuffled around in front of the door awkwardly, making sure my cheap clothing

looked as presentable as possible.

And then I rang the doorbell.

A chime reminiscent of some classical music piece played on for almost half a minute,

before Stephanie a friendly middle-aged woman opened the door.

Oh, it's so nice to finally meet you, mister.

She furrowed a brow trying hard to remember my name.

Cybert, I helped her out.

Oh dear, I'm so sorry, I don't know how.

It's fine.

I cut her off, giving her a well-meaning nod.

Where's the old lady?

Stephanie's friendly smile wavered and was soon replaced by a contemplative expression.

I'm afraid Miss Annalise isn't doing well.

She said if she led me inside and down a luxurious hallway.

The floor was made of tiled marble, the wallpaper was richly decorated and expensive-looking

paintings lined the walls.

As I followed Stephanie, I couldn't help but look around.

If she noticed my odd, a wide-eyed expression, she was discreet enough to pretend she didn't.

After a little while, she stopped at a door to our right and led me into a small study.

For a few moments, Stephanie was quiet and shuffled around before she sighed.

To be honest with you, mister cybert, I took the liberty of offering you this job without