Detective Ling Wong knew there was a problem when she was invited to the home of the Police Commissioner that night. They'd never even had private conversations before, much less a home meeting.
She had given court testimony in the morning and was involved in two active investigations, so she was already exhausted that night. But for a discreet meeting with the boss, she was interested in whatever this was about.
They were left alone in the rustic style living room with dark wooden furniture. A maid brought them coffee and pastries before exiting. A fireplace was burning nearby.
"I know I can trust you," Michael said. "We have similar interests. I know all about how you solved that major investigation last year."
Never breaking her poker-face, Ling was aghast, but unsurprised that the news got out. A year ago, the nation was gripped by a cult that was committing random macabre murders which resulted in the largest police investigation in the city's history.
Ling was a new detective -- the first Asian female on major crimes -- and she was responsible for ending the murder spree thanks to a secret source. A highly-connected prison inmate gave her vital information after pressing her for sexual favors. She gave what all men behind prison want besides their freedom; a female detective's body.
That case can be found here:
Detective's Body, Prison Toy
"How many people know?" she asked, keeping the tone respectful.
"Not many. Some of the action was caught on surveillance cameras and the Warden showed me. Don't worry, I requested that the footage be deleted."
"You could have ruined my life and career. I'm assuming you want a favor."
Michael nodded, sipping coffee in between. "Today would be the day. I need help from someone like you."
For once, she saw a crack in the powerful man. Before coming here she had no idea how serious it would be. Now she knew. And she was certain that this man would never reveal the info of what she did in prison.
"You can tell me," Ling said. "It will stay between us."
Michael leaned forward, laying it all out. "My wife has sex with other men. And I watch it happen. It's been that way for nearly 20 years."
It took a lot of courage for a proud man to admit something like that, Ling thought. The admission was spoken confidently, without a trace of remorse or embarrassment, even though it must have been tough.
"Are you being blackmailed?" she asked.
"Something like that. By someone on the police force."
"Do you know who it is?"
"Not yet. I want to show you something. I trust that everything stays between us."
She nodded. "Confidentiality is part of my job."
The commissioner reached for an envelope and handed it to the detective. Ling opened it and saw a series of photographs in a fancy bedroom. Pictures of the boss's wife with a younger man on top. Both naked. Three other naked men were waiting for their turn.
Included was a typed letter:
---
Commissioner,
Who knew that the city's most distinguished lawyer is also a hotwife? Your wife is a real beauty and she looks so good with her legs spread. It would be a shame if this were made public. Both of your reputations would be in pieces. Hopefully it won't come to that.
Until further notice, nothing changes. Tell no one. Your wife continues going to these events. If she doesn't show up and perform, these pictures will go to every news outlet in the city. They'll be posted online and will be sent to the heads of the police department.
Don't be a hero in this situation. You can't win.
We'll keep in touch
---
After reading the note, Ling turned her attention back to the Commissioner, who looked thoroughly humiliated.
"I got that letter months ago," Michael said. "My wife continues attending these sex parties and the blackmailer keeps sending us new pictures. That's how this works. It's been difficult for us."
"Do you have enemies I should know about?"
"You're still a young woman. Someday you'll understand that power is a dangerous thing that breeds many enemies. Anyone could be doing this. That's my problem."
They both sipped their coffee and Ling was given a moment to digest the news and think about things. Behind the Commissioner's confidence was a man who knew his career and reputation would be over at any moment if this wasn't resolved.
Ling pointed to a photograph. "I know two of these men standing in the background. One is a detective who I've worked with. The other is a cop I've seen on patrols."
"Everyone in those photographs are law enforcement. It's a high stress job and men want relief. But we can't hire escorts because it'll draw too much attention, so we share our wives instead. It's a longstanding tradition. Simple as that."
"When it comes to men and sex, I shouldn't be surprised anymore."
"You're a cold-blooded lady," he joked. "Now for the big question, Detective Wong; what do you think about all this?"
She answered immediately, "I think if this person wanted to blackmail you, it would have happened already. This person is playing games. It could be a personal vendetta. Why would a law enforcement agent who participates in these events expose the wife-swapping?"
"You pose an interesting thought. It's like torture having my wife continue with this. Absolute torture."
Ling tapped the stack of photographs. "Where were these taken?"
