325 The Equestrian Teachers Problem (1/2)
When he returned to the living room, Klein picked up a letter opener and opened the envelope before taking out Isengard Stanton's letter.
The famous detective wrote:
”Your idea has greatly helped us. Please allow me to thank you here first.
”After receiving your letter, we immediately organized some people to sweep through crucial areas. As expected, we found some clues, and quite a few stray animals that had frequently appeared and were remembered by the residents had disappeared.
”In the process, we also noticed an interesting thing. Four years ago, in the serial murder case, yes—the targets were single prostitutes with a child. Quite a few people living near the scene of the crime had mentioned that although the most suspicious teenager was eccentric and vicious, he was quite fond of animals, especially a large black dog.
”After the boy died in the gang firefight, the people who lived around him never saw the dog again.
”I'm curious. Who is its current owner? Was it the murderer of some unsolved serial murder case from even further back?
”The above facts have all been proven to be true at the scene of the 12th murder case, and it has played a key role in giving the police a preliminary idea of the suspect. If all goes well, and the culprit is arrested, we will be able to get the majority of the reward money.
”My friend, I clearly remember your contribution. I will not forget your share.”
…
Isengard Stanton seems to suspect that I knew the truth about the Devil, so he had deliberately hinted at something? Klein put down the letter and mumbled silently.
However, this letter also made him feel relieved.
The official Beyonders weren't looking for the wrong person!
If the gigantic Devil dog didn't get receive any additional help, then it was only a matter of time before it was caught and killed.
As for Isengard Stanton's prediction that there was another master, Klein didn't have enough evidence to confirm the matter, so it could only be said that there was a certain probability.
In short, my mission ends here. The job is now left to the Nighthawks, Mandated Punishers, and Machinery Hivemind squads. Klein pulled out a fresh sheet of paper, picked up a fountain pen, and replied Isengard Stanton with a letter filled with humility. He also ignored his subtle hints like a real, ordinary private detective.
After cutting another paper figurine and sending the letter, Klein strolled to the public carriage stop to wait. He thought in a relaxed manner, The next thing to do is wait for the money…
Leppard said he would be visiting the Roselle Memorial Exhibition for three days straight. I'll have to wait until Saturday before visiting to find him and make the final payment. Hopefully, the patent for the bicycle will be filed by then. Sigh, the Backlund Patent Office seems to be known for its inefficiency.
Klein had already made plans for the day. Since there was no Beyonder gathering, resulting in him being unable to buy the appropriate items, he suddenly had a lot of free time. He didn't need to busy himself for a short period of time.
In the morning, I'll go to the Quelaag Club, practice my marksmanship, practice my Beyonder powers, have lunch there, and then find a better circus to observe the magician's performance and see if I can get some inspiration. He took out his golden pocket watch and looked at it. He boarded the public carriage in a good mood.
…
Hillston Borough, Quelaag Club.
Since Klein came by at least twice a week, the attendants remembered him and didn't require him to show his proof of membership or his Frost constellation badge.
It was Wednesday morning, and since most of the Quelaag Club's members belonged to the middle-class, where they still had fixed and decent jobs, it was difficult for them to visit the club unless it was Sunday, tea time, or when they took time off from work.
The spacious and bright hall seemed abnormally empty. There were only a few people sitting in the corner where the coffee tables and sofas were.
Glancing around, Klein spotted an acquaintance and went up to greet him, ”Talim, with such terrific weather today, you should be at the turf club.”
The acquaintance was Talim, the aristocratic equestrian teacher who had introduced him to the club at the request of Mrs. Mary Dumont. He had once brought Klein business—the protection of Daily Observer reporter Mike Joseph on his trip to the Golden Rose for investigations.
Talim looked up, touched his short brown curls, and smiled.
”Oh my, it's the honorable great detective. What have you been up to? I haven't seen you in a long time. ”
That's because you haven't been to the club for days… Klein smiled as he sat on the sofa next to Talim.
”I've been helping the police with the serial murder case. Although it might not necessarily yield any results, the reward is tempting enough. Besides, establishing good relations with the police is very important for us private investigators.”
What I just said was bragging. I'm just an unremarkable character who'd been summoned… he mocked himself inwardly.
Among the few members sitting in the same sofa area behind them, a man who appeared to be a stockbroker initiated a discussion on the latest Western Railway shares and East Balam Plantation shares.
Talim didn't doubt Klein's answer. He chuckled and said, ”This is indeed something that will busy a great detective.”
After exchanging a few pleasantries, he gradually entered a pensive state.
Just as Klein was about to bid him farewell and leave for the underground shooting range, Talim suddenly looked at him and said, ”Mr. Moriarty, may I ask you a question?
”Uh, you can charge me a consultation fee.”
”This one is free. Also, just call me Sherlock.” Klein laughed.