Chapter 46: The Underground Structure

Chapter Forty-SixThe Underground Structure

After signing the contract with Miller Carter and receiving an advance payment of ten pounds, Klein did not hurry to Williams Street. Instead, he arranged the time for four in the afternoon.

Miller was very understanding of this. In his eyes, Detective Sherlock Moriarty, acting alone, surely needed to recruit some manpower before beginning the exploration.

Once the old-fashioned gentleman left, Klein immediately returned to the dining table and cut the already cold steak, stuffing it into his stomach.

Honestly, does he not need lunch? Did he have to choose this exact time to come over…

Having barely filled his stomach, Klein rather miserably began tidying up.

At two in the afternoon, Madam Mary visited at the agreed time. Her eyes were slightly swollen, but her face had grown even more gloomy. Even Stelyn Sammer, accompanying her, had no choice but to keep silent.

Klein placed the carefully selected photograph into an envelope and handed it over.

“Madam, please confirm it.”

Mary froze for two seconds. Then she slowly inhaled, accepted the envelope, took out the photograph, and examined it carefully.

“…Very good. Extremely good. You are the most efficient and responsible detective I have ever seen. I am honored to have introduced you to the members of Cragg Club… This is the remaining seven pounds. You deserve it.”

Mary took a wallet from her leather handbag and counted out one five-pound note and two one-pound notes.

Then, without waiting for Klein’s response, she stuffed the photograph back into the envelope, placed it in her handbag, and abruptly rose to leave.

Thud, thud, thud. Her buttonless leather boots made hurried sounds, and Stelyn Sammer had to work hard to keep up with her.

When she opened the door and went out, Mary suddenly tripped and almost fell. Fortunately, Stelyn happened to support her.

Because of that little interruption, Mary clearly slowed her movements, seeming to have become calmer.

Madam, you forgot to take the portable camera… I will give it to Madam Sammer later and let her bring it to you…

Klein silently watched the scene and slightly shook his head, saying nothing.

He returned to the second floor and took an afternoon nap. He woke comfortably amid the punctual chimes of a nearby church bell.

Klein had already looked through the map earlier and confirmed that Williams Street lay at the border of the West Borough and Queen’s Borough. It was a suitable residential area in the core of Backlund.

A decent house in the West Borough or Hillston Borough costs around 2,500 pounds. Miller Carter’s house is close to Queen’s Borough, and it was once a former viscount’s property. Its area definitely will not be small. To buy the whole thing must cost at least 3,500 pounds, and may even reach 5,000 pounds. That could already be exchanged for a rather good mystical item… He came to visit me, yet did not bring a butler or attendant. Is it because he has just arrived in Backlund and everything has not yet entered the proper track?

Klein put on a double-breasted frock coat, adjusted his hat, picked up his cane, and went out onto Minsk Street.

At that time, the gas streetlamps had not yet been lit, and the street was actually gloomier than it would be at dusk. Still, the air was acceptable. It was not as choking as in the several boroughs to the east.

Taking a rental carriage all the way to Williams Street, Klein saw a waiting male servant outside house number 8.

The servant wore a red waistcoat and light-colored trousers. He bowed respectfully to the visitor.

“Good afternoon. Are you Detective Moriarty?”

“Yes. I arranged a time with Mr. Carter.”

Klein nodded lightly and followed the male servant into the mansion, which had a lawn in front and a garden to the side.

The house had two floors. The first floor was rather messy, with a great deal of building material piled around. Workers came and went, carrying out renovations.

Miller Carter was not…