Chapter 390: Inquiry Begins
Chapter 390: Inquiry Begins
Twenty minutes later, in the study room.
Feng Bu Jue sat behind the desk, flipping through the small notebook Officer Mark used to record testimonies. Detective Scofield occupied a chair beside the table.
They had "commandeered" this room to conduct individual inquiries with the suspects one by one.
"Based on the confirmed evidence and related information in this case, we can logically construct the perpetrator's criminal psychology. There are three basic steps: collecting data, analyzing patterns, and drawing conclusions. Specifically, we’ll rely on the Deductive Method..." Feng Bu Jue explained (while subtly showing off) the theories of criminal psychological analysis to Scofield.
"Oh! The Deductive Method? I’ve heard of that", Scofield interjected, finally recognizing a familiar term. "Isn’t that from the Sherlock Holmes novels?"
"No—the Deductive Method is just a general concept. The term itself has multiple meanings", Feng Bu Jue shook his head. "In this case, we’re not using Sherlock Holmes’ version of the Deductive Method, but rather the one from Criminal Psychological Profiling."
"Erm... what’s that?" Scofield asked.
"It involves inferring the perpetrator’s psychological traits to outline their physiological characteristics, personality traits, daily habits, etc.", Feng Bu Jue elaborated, "which helps narrow down the pool of suspects. This isn’t a strict science, but it’s an advanced investigative approach." He licked his lips. "The Deductive Method in Criminal Psychological Profiling has two steps. First, we gather primary evidence through conversations with a Suspect—this evidence could be behavioral elements or Criminal Psychological Traces. Second, we use general principles from Criminal Psychology, Forensic Science, scouting, and other fields to connect the criminal act or Psychological Traces to specific suspects, ultimately forming a psychological profile."
"Of course, the actual profiling process involves five detailed steps and a dozen critical points—I won’t get into all that now. It’s too much to cover in a short time. Anyway... I’d guess these courses will be part of the Police Academy Curriculum within ten years. The future belongs to Academic School detectives—those who know how to write reports will get promoted faster."
Knock knock—
As Feng Bu Jue rambled on, a knock interrupted them. Officer Dempsey called through the door, "Carolmadam has arrived, sir."
Scofield and Feng Bu Jue exchanged a glance. The latter nodded, prompting the detective to shout, "Bring her in."
The door opened, and Carolmadam entered. Her eyes were swollen and red-rimmed, tears still fresh on her cheeks. Expensive makeup smeared by her Handkerchief had stripped away most of her facade, leaving her face—never particularly attractive—looking haggard and worn.
"I’m sorry to keep troubling you during such a difficult time", Feng Bu Jue said as Dempsey shut the study door behind Carol.
"It’s fine... you’re just doing your duty", Carol replied softly, her voice hoarse from hours of crying.
"Please, sit down", Feng Bu Jue gestured to the chair opposite him.
Detective Scofield stepped forward, offering Ms. Carol assistance into her seat.
"Thank you", she murmured before settling across from Feng Bu Jue.
"I’ll be direct", Feng Bu Jue declared as she sat. "The killer is someone in this villa—among us."
Carol had anticipated this. Despite her grief, even she could deduce the obvious.
"W-who?" she stammered.
"I have some hypotheses", Feng Bu Jue admitted, "but before I confirm them, I’d like to hear your thoughts."
"Mine?" Carol blinked in confusion.
"Yes", Feng Bu Jue pressed. "Tell me—who do you think the killer is?"
Carol hesitated, her eyes flickering nervously. Though her mind raced, her lips formed a reluctant reply: "I... I don’t know. Why ask me?"
"Hehe..." Feng Bu Jue chuckled. "Since you’re reluctant to speak, I’ll share my deduction instead." Leaning back, he added casually, "I believe the one who killed Dennis.Lovecraft is none other than you, Ms. Carol."
"What?!" Carol gasped, outrage and shock sharpening her voice. "How dare you say that! I loved my husband! His death shattered my heart—how can you accuse me?!"
"According to your testimony", Feng Bu Jue countered calmly, "the door was locked before you opened it. When you saw the corpse, you never entered the room—just collapsed in the corridor from fear." He shrugged. "But when we arrived, all the windows were locked from the inside, with no other exits. Who else could the killer be but someone with a key—like you?" He paused dramatically. "My theory? You killed him first, locked the room, then left to dispose of the murder weapon and wash away bloodstains before returning to feign discovery of the corpse, clearing your own suspicion."
"You... this is complete nonsense!" Carol sputtered, her anger tangling her words. "Why would I kill my husband?!"
"The motive?" Feng Bu Jue waved his notebook. "Let’s call it love turned to hatred. According to Officer Mark’s Inquiry records, you and Dennis had no children, correct?"
"Yes! What of it? Is that a crime?!" Carol snapped.
"A couple in their forties—wealthy on both sides. Without financial stress, why would a loving couple have no children?" Feng Bu Jue mused. "Not illegal... but suspicious, don’t you think?"
"None of your business!" Carol snapped.
"Private matters, you say? Hmph." Feng Bu Jue pressed on. "An outsider like me can’t help but speculate further. Did your husband love you as deeply as you loved him? Or did he marry you for another reason? You know, while the Lovecraft family is already rich by general standards, compared to yours..."
(End of Chapter)
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