RNP Chapter 3 Suicide? Homicide?
Chapter 3 Suicide? Homicide?
Inside the lavishly decorated study.
After the maid served three cups of black tea and some desserts, she respectfully withdrew and closed the door behind her.
Rean sat on the sofa, sizing up Baron Jesper sitting opposite him.
Perhaps because he was wealthy, this nobleman was well-preserved; despite being over fifty years old, he had very few wrinkles on his face.
His clothes were also quite exquisite, with Fletcher's family crest embroidered in gold thread on the sleeves.
He was holding a pipe made of some unknown material, which looked quite expensive.
Seeing Rean's gaze linger on the pipe for a while, Jesper couldn't help but smile and say:
"Mr. Rean, you're also interested in tobacco? Would you like to try some? This is tobacco I brought back from Orl City; it tastes pretty good."
"It doesn't feel as good as the Rick 5."
Jesper was taken aback: "Rick 5?"
"Yes, you're really good at this..."
Before Rean could finish speaking, Kent grabbed him by the collar and dragged him aside, his expression ferocious, and said in a low voice, almost through gritted teeth:
"Damn Rean! Have you forgotten what you promised me? Stop spouting those damn nonsense!"
"Listen! This money is crucial for both of us. Our rent is due soon, and if we mess up this big deal, we'll both be sleeping on the streets! Damn it, after this is over, you absolutely have to see a doctor!"
After finishing his sentence in one breath, Kent turned his head and forced a smile:
"Jesper, please don't mind him. My partner was just joking with you. That Rick 5 is... a type of tobacco from his hometown. You know, Vino City also produces tobacco, hahaha..."
"So that's how it is."
Jesper nodded as if he understood, "Then I'll definitely go to Vino City to take a look when I have the chance."
"But can we get down to business now?"
Rean smoothed out the wrinkles at his collar and smiled as if nothing had happened:
"Of course, anytime."
"Then let me explain the specifics to you both."
Jesper's face was filled with recollection, and his voice was low. "It was three nights ago. I came back from the factory area and found my poor son Jericho hanging in his room."
Rean suddenly spoke up and asked, "So you were the one who found the body first, Mr. Jesper?"
"I didn't discover it first; my butler found it and then notified me." Jesper shook his head. "Should I call him over?"
"Of course, this is important."
Upon hearing this, Jesper nodded, walked to the desk, and rang the bell.
Before long, the butler who had led the way earlier entered the study.
"This gentleman has something to ask you, and you must answer it seriously."
Jesper pointed at Rean and added, "Nothing is to be hidden."
"As you wish, sir."
The butler bowed respectfully and looked at Rean, "May I ask, sir, how may I help you?"
Without any formalities, Rean asked directly:
"Were you the first to discover Cyril's body?"
"Yes."
"Specific time?"
"Around 8:10 p.m., which is right around dessert time, so I remember it very clearly."
Were there any other people present at the time?
"No, I'm all alone."
The butler shook his head. "When we found young master Cyril, he had already stopped breathing, so I immediately notified the police officers, and then the master returned."
Upon hearing this, Rean looked at Jesper with an inquiring gaze.
"Mr. Ezra is right. When I returned, the police patrolman was already at my home. It was through him that I learned what had happened."
Kent chimed in, "So, Mr. Cyril's cause of death was suicide, and that's what the police told you, Mr. Jesper?"
"That's right!"
Jesper's face darkened. "But I simply cannot believe that my child would choose suicide! He is a devout believer in the church; he would never do something that would prevent his soul from ascending to heaven!"
"No matter how much I demanded the police investigate, their answer was always suicide. I can't accept that!"
"It sounds like those vampires closed the case quickly to avoid trouble; they've done this quite often."
Kent's words were full of disdain for the police department, but then he said eagerly, "Believe me, Mr. Jesper, there's definitely more to this than meets the eye! You've come to the right place; my partner is very good at this kind of work."
"That's what I think too."
Jesper nodded slightly. "That's why I hired you; I hope you can find the real answer."
Distrust of suicide means suspecting homicide?
Rean understood, and then he asked many more questions.
This includes questions about the deceased Cyril's habits, lifestyle, social experiences, family structure, and so on.
Baron Jesper and the butler did not hide anything from each other and told them everything in detail.
According to both of them, Cyril is 21 years old and the only direct descendant of the Fletcher family, with no other siblings.
His social life was also clean; he only associated with aristocratic children in the upper echelons of Wugang City and did not make any connections with criminals.
He also has a very healthy lifestyle, does not smoke or drink excessively, and has never used any illegal substances.
His love life is also very fulfilling. He has a fiancée who loves him very much, and the two have a great relationship. They have already planned to hold their wedding next year.
So, why would a young man with such a bright future, who could almost be considered a winner in life, suddenly choose to commit suicide without any warning?
It's no wonder that this nobleman, Jesper, wouldn't accept the police station's findings.
If this were to get out, even the goddess of the church probably wouldn't believe it.
But this is only one side of the story from these two individuals.
The first rule of detective work: Be reasonably suspicious of everything.
This is something Rean summarized himself, and it works quite well after practice.
After gathering all the information, Rean pondered for a long time. Under the watchful eyes of the three, he suddenly spoke:
"I want to see the place where Cyril died. Please show me the way."
Upon hearing this, Jesper frowned: "You want to investigate the scene? But Cyril's body has already been buried, and the scene has been examined by the police several times. Is it even possible to find any clues now?"
"Why not?"
Rean smiled and said, "Please trust me, Mr. Jesper, I am a professional."
"Alright, since you insist, Detective."
Jesper looked somewhat displeased, but still turned to the butler and said, "Take these two gentlemen to Cyril's room now, and remember to have the servants clean it afterwards."
"I don't want anything dirty in that room."
Upon hearing this, Rean raised an eyebrow almost imperceptibly, but said nothing, and simply followed the butler out of the study.