147 Alessa 3 (1/2)

Two people called out his name, and both stared at each other promptly after. However, their staring contest only lasted for two seconds and their attention went back to him.

Chris chose to turn around and faced Simonne, ignoring the other. He nodded at the man in acknowledgment. After all, even though the officer did not help him much, Simonne did try his best to put good words to the ear of his superior. However, it seemed his position in this branch was not as good as at Alina City. He didn't have to be a genius to guess that it had something to do with the length of service there.

Wendy's brother managed to come to his side in just a few strides due to his height and long legs. The man was actually taller than him, a fact which he found a bit annoying. Simonne's face was also colder than his.

”When will you be going back to Alina City?” the man asked directly to the point. There was no need for an exchange of greetings between them since they already had it inside the confession before he left. Chris reckoned this police officer just forgot something to tell him.

Since the person was more likable than his sister, and he felt no uneasiness towards him, he thought there would be no problem to reply. He shook his head and said, ”Sorry, I won't be going back there anytime soon. I already transferred to another school here.”

Simonne's face did not change even though a hint of annoyance was on his voice when he nodded. ”Alright. That's all. I just asked because my sister wants someone to help her with something.”

Chris didn't speak. He was not interested to know what it was and why the other was here instead of Alina branch.

”... I thought you can help investigate somebody from there, surnamed Luizon. It is Wendy's request.”

When Chris was about to turn around and leave, he suddenly heard Simonne saying this in a way as if he was telling it to himself. However, due to that familiar surname, Chris ended up narrowing his eyes to man. Remembering that Wendy was that Clea's friend, he immediately realized that it made sense that she would want to know what happened and mobilize people who might help uncover the case. After all, this was one of that girl's few merits. Aside from being someone who had a strong sense of justice, she treasures her friends a lot. Since this Clea was closer to Wendy than Felicity, that girl must be quite heartbroken by now and wanted to deliver justice for Clea.

Still, he couldn't help but comment with narrowed eyes. ”Why do you think I can help? I'm just a nobody. You can do it better than me because you all have the resources from your branch. Also, she's there.”

Simonne shook his head and said, ”Wrong, she's now an exchange student at Country J. Nevermind. I'm now stationed here and won't be back there for a year or two. I thought you're just taking a vacation and will eventually come back once the break is over. Since you can crack a cold case, I supposed that you can maybe help. But yeah, nevermind. Have a safe trip home. Thanks for your participation in today's investigation.”

Though pissed off at being reminded of why he ended up in this place, he nodded at the man. This time he really turned around and trotted speedily towards the only entrance and exit of the place. He already did a mistake once. Learning his lesson, he sped up his pace and walked without letting the voice calling out to him to hinder him.

This time, he really didn't want to deal with this lady who he didn't know how had gotten to this place. When he first saw her, he brushed it off as coincidence and tried to encourage himself that she had other business in the place. That it was not necessarily him. Unfortunately, the opposite of what he was hoping happened- which he later learned when she called out his name at the same time that Simonne Gomez did.

The woman looked like she would not stop until she speaks with him. Now that his short talk with the other man was over, what should come next? How would he deal with this trouble?

'What a stupid question. Of course, ignore the trouble and walk away,' he thought, even though the person somehow managed to catch up with him through half-running, half-walking.

”Mr. Meyer, wait,” she said while catching her breath, ”...I have no other intention today. I just want to say, thank you.”

He froze for a brief second, quite caught off-guard that she did not stalk him to annoy him with that confusing and no-brainer request of hers. However, his bewilderment only lasted briefly, his steps resuming after until he successfully passed by the entrance and reached the bus stop.

It was to his great relief that no more ghosts or madwomen chased after him or stopped him from getting home.

Finally, the traumatic series of events ended.