As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the cityscape, Adrian and Artemia found themselves outside a rather unremarkable apartment block nestled in the Western District. This district marked the fringes of Snigograd, bordered by the sprawling Faber Forest to the south and the expansive sea to the west. To its east lay the vast and untamed Southern slums, while to the north, the prestigious neighborhood of Old Heights loomed like an unreachable dream for the middle-class inhabitants of the Western District. For those who resided here, Old Heights served as a constant reminder of what they might attain if they toiled hard enough, although many harbored no illusions about the falsehood of that promise. Some enjoyed quaint houses with well-tended gardens, while others relished the convenience of living in the newly constructed apartment blocks, rarely exceeding five stories. The neighborhood was known for its impeccable upkeep and full police protection, making it feel like a different world to former slum dwellers who had made the leap to the Western District.
With purposeful strides, Adrian led Artemia up the clean, well-maintained stairs to the second floor, where they halted in front of apartment four. He contemplated the situation, aware that there might be no better course of action. As his knuckles were poised to rap on the door, Artemia interjected in a hushed tone, her voice tinged with doubt, "Are you certain about this?"
"As a detective, I'm trained to question everything, Artemia," Adrian replied, his hand hovering before the door. However, before he could knock, she halted him once more, her grasp keeping his hand suspended in mid-air.
"Can you at least enlighten me on who this person is before we enter?" she implored.
Adrian met her gaze, exhaling a sigh of resignation. "This is my former partner from the Department," he admitted, a sense of bitterness creeping into his tone. "You know, the one who betrayed me."
Artemia's features contorted in surprise. "So, why are we here, Adrian? Haven't you learned from your past mistakes?"
Adrian pivoted to face her, his resolve unwavering. "If we're to find Tally and uncover the truth behind all of this, Julian is our best lead."
Their conversation was abruptly cut short as the apartment door swung open, revealing Julian in disheveled attire, his shirt unbuttoned and grey pants askew. He bore a look of utmost astonishment as he assessed Adrian from head to toe. Only after a moment did he register Artemia's presence, to which she offered a polite smile.
"Adrian? What brings you here?" Julian inquired, still somewhat taken aback.
"I'm here to talk, Julian. May we come in?" Adrian retorted, his determination etched across his face.
Julian, clearly caught off guard, stammered in response, "Yes, of course, come in."
Adrian and Artemia entered the apartment, greeted by the soothing melodies of a pipe playing on a gramophone. The spacious living room exuded an air of refinement, adorned with tasteful paintings and rows of meticulously arranged books, including volumes on criminology and various arts. Julian, their host, gestured for them to take a seat on a sumptuous crimson leather couch. Swiftly, he made his way to a crystal bottle, the clinking of glasses accompanying his actions as he poured them both a drink. Artemia accepted the cup and gave it a discerning sniff, while Adrian waved the offer away, causing Julian's surprise.
"Sorry, I'm trying to cut back on drinking," Adrian explained.
Julian nodded with understanding, setting the cup on a coffee table as he settled into a matching reddish leather armchair, positioned opposite his guests.
As the silence stretched, Adrian felt compelled to bridge the gap. "Oh, my apologies for not properly introducing you. Julian, this is Artemia, and Artemia, this is Julian."
Julian extended his hand with a cordial smile, and although Artemia's handshake was somewhat reluctant, she did so with a hint of distrust. Julian took a sip from his cup before placing it down, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. He began, "Look, Mr. Belinsky…" but Adrian interrupted him.
"Just call me Adrian. I'm not your overseer anymore."
Julian smiled awkwardly and continued, "Look, Adrian, I don't know what you think of me, but I deeply regret how I spoke to you that day outside the orphanage." He shook his head, brows furrowed. "That was no way to speak to anyone, especially a skilled detective like you." He paused meaningfully before continuing, "I was devastated to learn that you were let go."
Adrian listened attentively, then looked down at the intricate carpet in Julian's living room before responding. "I accept your apology, Julian, but what else could they have done to me when you told them about the letters and such?"
Julian wore a baffled expression, clearly not comprehending. "I didn't tell anyone about the letters." He glanced at Artemia and then at Adrian, silently inquiring if they should discuss the matter of the letters in front of a stranger. Adrian picked up on Julian's hesitation and explained, "Artemia is from the Alderian Labor League."
Artemia, her eyes flaring with annoyance at Adrian's revelation, shot him an irritated look. Meanwhile, Julian appeared utterly perplexed, sinking deeper into his armchair.
"Well, logically, if you didn't inform them about the letters, then who did?" Adrian asked, his suspicion growing.
"It was Mr. Orlin," Julian replied, taking another sip from his glass.
"That scoundrel Vincent," Adrian growled, reaching for a pack of cigarettes in his pocket. However, Julian promptly sat up, urging him, "Please, Adrian, no smoking in here." Adrian paused for a moment, then nodded slightly, returning the pack to his pocket.
Julian turned his attention to Artemia and Adrian, curiosity evident in his expression. "Would it be impolite to inquire how you two crossed paths? Adrian, you've never been one to align with the League or show much appreciation for Jeremy Alder's principles."
Adrian sighed, crossing his arms. "Well, I've made an exception this time."
Artemia, who had been quietly sipping her drink, set the empty glass on the coffee table and spoke. "I saved his life twice, and he saved mine once," she began, her tone nonchalant. "More like half a time, really, because I was about to be saved regardless." She turned to Julian, locking eyes with him. "Now, we want to save another life, and apparently, you're the only one who can help. That's why we're here." She gestured openly, then settled back into the couch.
Julian shifted his gaze between Adrian and Artemia, a flicker of concern in his eyes. "Who's in danger?"
Adrian exhaled deeply, his voice heavy with gravity. "Remember Mrs. Tally Komash? The woman who had quite the confrontation with you at the orphanage?"
"Oh, you mean that... lady," Julian spat out the word, his expression revealing his disdain. He immediately caught himself and offered an apologetic nod to Artemia.
She smiled wryly. "It's alright; I've heard worse."
Julian returned his attention to Adrian. "So, how is she in danger?"
Adrian rose from his seat and sauntered toward the expansive window, affording a captivating view of the gleaming Old Heights in the distance. Opening the window, he extracted a cigarette from his pocket and ignited it, leaning casually against the frame as he gazed out onto the cityscape. "As expected," he began, exhaling a plume of smoke, "after the Royal Department got their hands on Lady Juliana's letters, the orphanage was seized, and everyone working there was arrested. I don't know what happened to the children. But I'm sure you're aware of all this," he remarked, turning to face Julian.
Julian's expression remained stoic. "No, I'm in the dark about this. Just as Chief Lobakin mentioned, all investigations related to Lady Juliana's case were halted or closed. I was never informed of any of it."
Adrian scratched his chin, a pensive look on his face. "That's quite peculiar."
Julian glanced at Artemia, silently inquiring if she had any insights. She merely shrugged, voicing her curiosity. "What's peculiar, Adrian?"
After a prolonged pause, Adrian responded, "Don't you find it odd that I'm the one breaking this news to you, and not the newspapers? And it's even stranger that the PD wasn't informed either." He extinguished his cigarette and approached Julian. "Though it does start making sense. They don't want anyone to know because it wasn't the Royal Department or the police who took over the building—it was Cliffnail's men!"
Julian sprang to his feet in astonishment, casting bewildered glances at Adrian and Artemia. "That can't be right. Cliffnail Syndicate rarely ventures beyond the Southern slums."
"We saw it with our own eyes, and Adrian even had a conversation with them," Artemia chimed in.
Julian, still grappling with the revelation, directed his incredulity at Adrian. "But why did you go there, Adrian?"
Adrian glanced at Artemia, then back at Julian. "It's a long story, but I attended the protest on that 'Bloodshed Thursday' or whatever they call it. I shot a Royal Department operative while trying to protect her and I was subsequently interrogated and judged by the Alderian tribunal for my past actions against their cause." He nodded toward Artemia, who didn't seem too pleased with his tone.
Julian, baffled, crossed his arms. "Wait, wait, wait. You took part in the Scarlet Uprising? You, Detective Adrian Belinsky, who always claimed that politics wasn't our concern?" He wore a puzzled expression.
"Can we skip this part, Julian?" Adrian implored, sinking back onto the edge of the couch and edging closer to his former partner. "I need your help, partner, more than ever."
Julian scratched his head, wrestling with the situation. "Do you need my help," he inquired, glancing at Artemia, "or does the Labor League require my assistance?"
Adrian replied firmly, "I need your help, Julian, and an innocent person is in danger. I'm not even referring to all the missing kids."
Julian half-smiled, his expression softening. "If I were you, I'd probably say something about how Mrs. Komash deserves her predicament. But you're right, Adrian. She's innocent, despite my differences with her on political matters," he said, casting a quick glance at Artemia. "No offense intended."
"None taken," she responded nonchalantly.
"So, are you in?" Adrian cautiously inquired of Julian.
After a brief pause, Julian answered with a broad grin, "Of course, it would be an honor to work with you again, Mr. Belinsky."
"Just call me Adrian," he reiterated. Adrian then glanced at the crystal bottle of liquor, exclaiming, "Pour me a drink, damn it." Laughter ensued, bringing a sense of camaraderie to the room.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDC5hsxZKkL
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