Chapter 38
A few days after I visited the guard station, the newspapers made big headlines: the murderer in the serial killings had been caught.
“Inspector Jerry and Sergeant Tom captured the suspect, showing a perfect partnership,”
the paper reported.
According to the article, they hadn’t been able to catch the culprit using the first set of clues from the original corpse. Instead, they managed to identify him thanks to clues from the second body and by thinking differently about the first set of evidence.
“Wellers remained uncooperative throughout the investigation. He claimed all the victims had tormented him in the past…”
The investigation revealed that Tabinus Argenta and Wellers had often drunk together at the same bar, and every time, Tabinus would mock Wellers for being bald.
So, when Tabinus was released from detention, Wellers planned the murder. To avoid suspicion, he wore a wig and damaged the heart to make it look like a different type of crime.
At first, he intended to stop with Tabinus. But after witnessing how terrified people were after the murder, he felt a sense of superiority. That’s why he ended up killing Rilos—the woman who regularly fed stray cats—and even the cat she had taken care of…
The newspaper included an illustration of Wellers on trial.
“Huh? That’s the guy from back then.”
Goosebumps ran up my arm. I had bumped shoulders with him when I went to the pet store to buy treats and toys for the dogs. He had cursed at me and stormed off.
“That guy who lived with an old couple and didn’t even have a job…”
I never imagined I had actually crossed paths with the murderer. What if I had unknowingly run into the original story’s serial killer too? The thought gave me even more chills.
“It’s terrifying…”
The final line of the article read:
“The most helpful clue came from a witness who reported something shiny—that shiny object turned out to be the moonlight glinting off Wellers’ bald head.”
“Bald… I actually saw a shiny bald head.”
What a strange feeling. The very thing that was his complex—his baldness—was what led him to start killing… and in the end, it was also what got him caught.
“Maybe I should develop a hair loss treatment…”
Even in my previous life, a perfect cure for baldness hadn’t been invented. Someone once said that whoever invents a cure for baldness deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.
“If it succeeds, I could become filthy rich here too… Ah, but this isn’t the time for that.”
As I was immersed in the newspaper, I glanced at the clock and gasped. I hurried to get ready.
Today was the day I was supposed to meet Inspector Jerry outside. As promised, he had sent a letter immediately after interrogating Wellers, saying we should set a date to meet now that the case was closed.
Wellers had already been tried and sentenced to death right after the investigation. The execution was scheduled for two days later.
After tidying my clothes and hair, I left my room. The warm spring weather was perfect for going out.
As I crossed the garden to catch the carriage, I ran into Duke Calix basking in the sun with the dogs. He looked somewhat surprised.
“Lady Elena? Are you going somewhere?”
“Ah, yes. I have an appointment today, so I’m heading out.”
“An appointment? With whom?”
“With Inspector Jerry. We promised to meet outside once the case was closed.”
“…Outside? Outside the guard station?”
“Yes. It’s noisy inside the station and smells a lot like smoke.”
“…”
“This time, I’ll make sure to dig something up!”
I made a determined fist, but Duke Calix still didn’t look pleased.
“Do you really have to meet the inspector?”
“We need to find more clues to catch the real serial killer. We haven’t even gotten to Dr. Scott yet.”
“That’s true, but…”
“Don’t worry. I won’t get caught snooping around! Besides, I’m going with the escort you assigned!”
“No, that’s not what I meant…”
“Anyway, I’m going to be late if I don’t go now! See you later!”
I waved energetically at the Duke and ran toward the carriage. If I lingered any longer, I would miss the meeting time.
He didn’t look happy as he faded into the distance.
“Is he really that worried…”
Well, it made sense. In the original story, Inspector Jerry’s investigation is what led to Duke Calix’s death. So he had every right to be concerned—it could affect him if I said the wrong thing.
I really needed to look for other ways.
While pondering alternatives, we arrived at the meeting place before I knew it.
Inspector Jerry was already there, waiting for me.
“When did you get here? Have you been waiting long?”
I thought I was right on time, but maybe I was late?
“No, I just arrived myself.”
He smiled warmly as he replied.
“Where should we go? Somewhere quiet to talk…”
“Have you eaten?”
“Lunch? Not yet.”
It was 11 a.m.—a little early for lunch.
“Then how about we eat first, even if it’s a bit early? I made a reservation at a nice restaurant.”
“Sure, sounds good. Let’s go.”
He even made a reservation? Inspector Jerry was surprisingly meticulous.
He guided me through the streets like a gentleman. The restaurant he had chosen was a famous place in the city center—one that usually required booking at least a week in advance.
“Wasn’t it hard to get a reservation here?”
“Not really. There are ways to make it happen.”
He gave a sly grin and stepped inside.
“Welcome. Do you have a reservation?”
“Yes.”
“Name, please?”
“Jerry Pablo.”
“Right this way.”
The staff greeted us with polite formality and led us to a private room in the restaurant—one of the best seats available.
Did we really need to meet somewhere this nice? What exactly did he want to talk about?
I couldn’t read his intentions, and that made me a little uneasy. Sure, the food was nice, but this all felt like too much.
After ordering, Inspector Jerry took a sip of water and finally opened his mouth.
“We were only able to catch the suspect thanks to you, Lady Elena. I wanted to thank you.”
Ah, so that’s why he brought me to such a fancy place!
Relieved, I responded more comfortably.
“I didn’t really do anything. I was just a witness.”
“That testimony is what helped us catch him.”
“I’m just glad he was caught.”
“Yes, it’s fortunate we got him quickly. Now we just need to catch the real serial killer.”
“Good luck. I’ll be rooting for you.”
“Thank you.”
I truly meant it.
If he didn’t catch the real culprit, both the Duke and I would be in danger. Please, I silently pleaded—catch the real killer, and fast.
As I cheered him on internally, the appetizer was served.
“Enjoy, Lady Elena.”
“Thank you. I will.”
More and more delicious food kept coming. Since I hadn’t had meals like this since possessing this body, everything tasted even better.
“How’s the food at the Duke’s residence? With such a good chef, you must always eat well.”
Suddenly, he asked about the Duke’s meals.
“The food? Hmm… I mean, I don’t really get special dishes. I’m just an employee.”
“You seem close with the Duke. Don’t you eat together?”
“Oh no, that’d be too much pressure.”
“You find the Duke burdensome?”
He looked a little shocked at my answer.
“Well, it’s an employer-employee relationship. Sharing meals with your boss can be uncomfortable, right? I think most employees would feel the same.”
“Ah, I see.”
“It’d be like you having lunch with the commissioner or your boss, right?”
“Yeah, true. I guess that was a silly question.”
Jerry seemed to be in a good mood again.
He must have been really curious about the Duke’s food. There’s not much to it, really.
But thinking about it, people who hadn’t experienced it might imagine all kinds of fancy things. One thing’s for sure—the employee benefits are ridiculously good, so people probably assume the food is too.
We chatted more as we ate, and before I knew it, even dessert was finished.
“Wow, I’m so full.”
“I hope it was to your taste.”
“It was delicious. Thank you, Inspector.”
“If it’s not too much to ask…”
“…?”
Inspector Jerry hesitated again. He always did this—even when it wasn’t a big deal.
“Would you grant me the honor of sharing a meal like this again sometime?”
“Again?”
“Yes. If you’re not too busy…”
I hesitated. Before coming here, I’d been considering other ways to dig up clues on the true culprit.
But honestly, no matter how much I thought about it, I couldn’t come up with a better plan. Maybe just meeting him a few more times and digging subtly would be quicker. I might learn something from Dr. Scott or others just by hanging around.
I didn’t need long to decide.
“Sure. If I have time, let’s meet again.”
“Thank you. Shall we go?”
“Yes.”
We left the restaurant and continued our conversation while taking a walk. I didn’t return to the Duke’s estate until late at night, after having dinner as well.
