Chapter 389: The Belated Nancymiss
Chapter 389: The Belated Nancymiss
As Feng Bu Jue and two officers crossed the foyer to meet the detective handling the Inquiry, the sound of an approaching car suddenly echoed outside the prison gate’s villa.
The trio halted instinctively, turning their gazes toward the entrance. Scofield and Dempsey wore expressions of confusion, while Feng Bu Jue remained as composed as ever.
Earlier, Feng Bu Jue’s expertise in analyzing footsteps had allowed him to deduce much about the visitor. As the passenger disembarked and approached the gate, keys in hand, Feng Bu Jue’s mind raced with conclusions.
“She’s a woman, twenty to thirty years old, slender, wearing tall riding boots,” he stated calmly. “And… she’s somewhat anxious.”
Before he finished, the door opened. A golden-haired beauty in her mid-twenties stood there, clad in a jacket and jeans, her leather riding boots unmistakable.
“Nancymiss?” Feng Bu Jue asked tentatively.
“Yes… and you are?” Nancy replied, glancing at Dempsey’s uniform. “What’s happened?”
“A tragedy has occurred,” Feng Bu Jue interjected, introducing his companions. “This is Chief Inspector Scofield from town, and Officer Dempsey.”
The officers tipped their cap brims politely to the lady.
“I’m Feng Bu Jue, a Celebrated Detective,” he added.
“Police officer… detective…” Nancy’s face tightened with worry.
Feng Bu Jue had chosen his words carefully—to prepare her and test her reaction. Now, he shifted. “Perhaps it’s best your family delivers the news.” He gestured upstairs. “They’re waiting in the second floor study room with another officer. We can go together.”
Nancy hesitated briefly, scanning the trio before rushing past them toward the staircase, leaving her luggage forgotten. The three men followed, though her urgency soon left them far behind.
“Incredible,” Dempsey muttered. “How did you know who she was—her name, even?”
“The rhythm and pressure of footsteps reveal gender, weight, and age,” Feng Bu Jue explained. “As for her name… I learned Kolston had a daughter arriving at the villa. Her blonde hair, facial silhouette, age, attire, and demeanor confirmed it was Nancy.”
Scofield admired him. “Truly a Celebrated Detective! So many deductions in an instant!”
Feng Bu Jue inwardly groaned. “What’s this Npc doing? Channeling Detective Di Renjie? Maybe I should rewrite his lines to match that lord’s clichés: ‘What wisdom!’ ‘Your meaning is…?’ ‘Flawless!’ ‘Brilliant!’ ‘What’s your theory?’ ‘How’d you deduce it?’—just swap ‘lord’ for ‘Mister Feng’! This sidekick role in a fourteen-chapter arc is pure nightmare fuel! I’ll crack under pressure unless I stir chaos… even if they think I’m mad. As long as the case closes, they’ll forgive me.”
“Ah… nothing,” Feng Bu Jue deflected, suddenly leaning toward the officers. “I’ve a plan to catch the culprit.”
After whispering his scheme, they exchanged glances.
“A brilliant idea!” Scofield declared.
“Surprisingly effective,” Dempsey agreed. “Those villa guests are influential, but as a detective, you can take the lead.”
“Win-win,” Feng Bu Jue smiled.
As they reached the second-floor parlor, Nancy’s sobbing pierced the hall: “No! This can’t be real!”
Inside, Jack held her tightly. “Take heart, sister. None of us wanted this,” he murmured.
Feng Bu Jue surveyed the room: Officer Mark recorded Carol’s testimony beside Madam Odetta, who comforted her. Lord Kolston brooded nearby, conferring with Dr. Powell. Barton paced alone.
“Officer Mark, a word?” Feng Bu Jue beckoned.
Mark approached upon Scofield’s nod.
“Privately,” Feng Bu Jue added, locking eyes with everyone present.
(End of Chapter)
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