Chapter 60: A Dedicated Woman |
Although the unexpected visit caught Shad off guard, Mrs. Lawrence, being a reasonable person, didn’t let her disappointment linger too long after reading the detailed report thoroughly:
“Since the investigation has concluded, why didn’t you hand over the report to me immediately? Was it because of Mr. Sparrow Hamilton’s sudden illness?”
The elegant lady inquired politely as she placed the report at her side. Fashionably dressed with a ruffled neckline that highlighted her fair neck, she exuded sophistication. Despite appearing older than Madame Lasso, her presence was striking.
“After taking over this agency, I organized the remaining cases from Uncle Sparrow. My initial plan was to include the final surveillance report, which had been delayed due to his illness, in the document. So, last Saturday, I conducted one last surveillance on Madame Lasso...”
Shad made a hesitant expression, shooing away the orange tabby cat, Mimia, who had wandered over out of concern. Seated on the single-seater sofa, he spoke in a worried tone:
“During my investigation, it became apparent that Madame Lasso’s background is... complicated. She seems to have ties to certain local, unsanctioned organizations.”
He tapped the armrest of the sofa to underscore his anxiety:
“Very dangerous.”
His hesitation spoke volumes, and Mrs. Lawrence nodded knowingly. Shad wasn’t sure what conclusion she had drawn.
The lady summarized, nearly pinpointing Shad’s thoughts.
“Yes, exactly. I don’t want to bring trouble upon myself. Of course, by doing so, I am effectively terminating the investigation. If you wish, I can refund the advance payment Sparrow had collected. You may keep the report, but I’ll have nothing more to do with this matter. I apologize for saying this, but I also hope you’ll avoid getting too entangled in it.”
Madame Lasso was linked to the illegal group “Mercury Blood,” which was planning some significant activity. With the professors having severed Shad’s connections to Mercury Blood, he wanted no further involvement with them.
“Detective, I appreciate your concern, but do you think I lack my own background?”
Mrs. Lawrence raised her chin, determined to find evidence of her husband’s infidelity.
“But Madame Lasso, she...”
Shad hesitated. He genuinely didn’t want this pitiful woman to suffer misfortune because of a misunderstanding.
“She has connections not only with the upper echelons of nobility but also with the local underworld. Do you understand? She’s someone who, through either legal or illegal means, could cause us serious harm.”
Shad deliberately exaggerated Madame Lasso’s influence.
“Detective, I understand your concern, but I’m not a mere housewife.”
Hearing this, Shad quickly recalled the basics about this client. The Lawrences, while not nobility, were influential industrialists whose combined enterprises were enough to intimidate an uninformed outsider. Their families were already prosperous before their marriage, which had clear elements of a business alliance.
If not for Sparrow Hamilton’s reputation as an expert in investigating extramarital affairs, clients of this caliber wouldn’t have sought out his agency. Thus, Mrs. Lawrence’s claim of being resourceful wasn’t mere boasting.
Seeing that Shad was about to speak again, the lady shook her head and said mysteriously:
“Detective, this world isn’t as simple as we imagine.”
The scent of her perfume was intense but not overpowering, evident from Mimia’s lack of displeasure.
“The world is like an isolated island, Detective, but what lies beyond the island is reality. In this world, there are some remarkable individuals—powerful, effective, strange, and dangerous. I’ve met a few of them during housewives’ afternoon tea parties. They can resolve my troubles.”
Shad was startled, understanding her unspoken implications. He hesitated, unsure of how to respond.
The kingdom’s collaboration with the True God Churches ran deep. While the three Grand Arcane Academies operated in secrecy, they maintained connections with the aristocracy and royalty. Non-institutional Ring Warlocks, motivated by gold pounds or other reasons, could also appear among ordinary people. Mrs. Lawrence likely wasn’t being deceived when she claimed to know Ring Warlocks.
“Is that so?”
Shad suspected his expression looked strange at that moment.
“Well, that’s good to hear. But Madame Lasso is genuinely dangerous. Whatever methods you use, please be cautious and discreet.”
The young detective nodded in earnest.
“Of course, I understand. If I decide to act, I’ll be extremely cautious and ensure I never confront her directly. This report is excellent. It allows me to track both that shameless woman and my husband’s movements.”
She rolled up the report and placed it in her handbag. Then, taking out her wallet, she unclasped its brass buckle and retrieved two golden coins worth a pound each, placing them on the coffee table. Pressing her red-polished fingernail against the coins, she remarked:
“I’m sorry for Mr. Sparrow Hamilton’s passing. He was a reliable man. This is the balance for the commission, Detective. The rest has nothing to do with you, and it won’t implicate you.”
She smiled politely at Shad, adjusted her skirt, and stood up.
The original balance was “1 pound 7 shillings,” but it had been rounded up to “2 pounds.” Shad wasn’t sure whether he should express his gratitude. Standing up to bid her farewell, he vaguely understood that she would not return to this house.
“Mrs. Lawrence...”
On the first-floor foyer, Shad stopped the lady just before she left. He couldn’t reveal his identity as a Ring Warlock but didn’t want her to come to harm:
“Please be careful. Even if you have capable friends, Madame Lasso herself is very dangerous. She’s someone to approach with extreme caution.”
Mrs. Lawrence turned and smiled at him:
“Detective Hamilton, you’re a kind man. But I think, compared to your uncle, you’re not suited to being a detective here.”
“Hmm? Why does Sparrow Hamilton have such a poor reputation? Even young Franklin seemed to dislike him.”
Shad thought, standing on the staircase, watching Mrs. Lawrence open the first-floor apartment door and step into her waiting carriage.
The young detective walked to the door and stood on the stone steps of 6 St. Derain Square, watching the private carriage circle half the square and disappear under the gloomy sky. He worried about what might happen next.
The stifling summer atmosphere of Tobesk City seemed to herald rain.