A sudden realization flashed through Bai Ci's mind. It was about what they had been worrying over just a moment ago—the "big surprise" Zhao Yu had left behind before he died.
A suspicion welled up in her heart. Could this be the "big surprise"?
Had Zhao Yu and his partner killed Edmond, then committed suicide, leaving this massive mess for Lin Wan and Chen Mo to clean up?
Her voice was slightly tight as she said, "Evan, calm down first. Do you suspect... that Edmond's death has something to do with the two people inside my house?"
Seeing the shifting expressions on Bai Ci's face, Evan grew even more certain of his deduction. "Just now, when I went to look for him, I found him collapsed in his rented cottage. He had already stopped breathing some time ago."
"I asked around the neighborhood, and the only people who visited him recently were a man and a woman wearing post office uniforms. Both were unfamiliar, new faces."
His tone was filled with absolute certainty. Clearly, he had already verified the information, which was why he had stormed over in such a rage.
Looking at his agitated state, Bai Ci stood her ground firmly, blocking his path, though her tone remained gentle. "Evan, don't be so quick to jump to conclusions."
"I'm not trying to take sides or make excuses for them. But after spending some time with them, I can tell they aren't the type of people who would harm an innocent person. They have no reason to kill Edmond."
"But since there are eyewitness accounts, I think you need to sit down and have a proper talk with them. You are a detective. With your sharp observation skills and judgment, you can surely tell right from wrong. It won't be too late to decide if they are the killers after you hear their full side of the story."
Even though Evan had explicitly specified a man and a woman, Bai Ci did not suspect Lin Wan and Chen Mo. It wasn't as if she hadn't seen classes capable of flawlessly disguising Adam's apples and chests before.
Wasn't Lin Wenyu a prime example?
Even putting aside her suspicions about Zhao Yu, although Lin Wan and Chen Mo had very different personalities, their goal was to uncover the truth behind the plague. They had no reason to kill someone they had no grudge against.
Furthermore, Edmond was a key figure connected to the underlying secrets. Even if it were for clues, killing him would bring them absolutely no benefit.
Bai Ci's words carried a rational weight and a sense of trust, taking the edge off Evan's rage. He took a deep breath, as if trying to use the cold air to suppress his roiling emotions.
Indeed, he was a detective. He should be rational and rigorous.
But today, Edmond's death had thrown him into complete disarray. Merely hearing the neighbors' testimonies, without finding any key evidence, he had rushed to name the culprits, failing to follow even the most basic rules of investigation.
Seeing Evan's emotions gradually stabilize, Bai Ci continued, "Besides, a major incident occurred at the post office this morning. My fiancé was infected with the plague because of it and is currently hospitalized."
"I asked them here so we could investigate the truth together and find a cure. Just like me, they want to put an end to this as soon as possible. They wouldn't complicate matters at a time like this by murdering Edmond."
As a detective, Evan's rational mind never truly stopped working. Now that he had calmed down and begun to analyze the clues, he also realized something was off.
If the two new mail carriers were indeed the killers, the most likely motive would be Postmaster Byrne's orders. But if that were the case, they would have no reason to hide in Lora's house, let alone discuss uncovering the truth with her.
Furthermore, he knew and trusted Lora's character. Her fiancé had contracted the plague, and her only goal was to save him; she had no reason to harbor Edmond's killer.
Evan took a deep breath and rubbed his throbbing temples. The rage in his voice had largely dissipated, replaced by profound exhaustion and grief. "I'm sorry, Miss. I was too emotional just now, please forgive my rudeness. You're right. I should talk to them first and get to the bottom of this."
"It's alright, I understand. Edmond was your friend, so hearing of his death must have been devastating." Seeing that he had mostly calmed down, Bai Ci stepped aside to clear the doorway.
"Come inside. They are in the living room. If you have any questions, you can ask them directly. I believe the truth will eventually come to light."
Evan followed Bai Ci inside. Bypassing any pleasantries, he walked straight to a chair in the living room and sat down. Leaning forward slightly with his hands on the table, he fixed his gaze on Lin Wan and Chen Mo, cutting straight to the point.
"My name is Evan, and I am a detective. I want to ask you two a question. Do you know Edmond?" His gaze locked onto their faces, refusing to miss even the slightest micro-expression.
"Edmond?" Lin Wan was taken aback for a moment before shaking her head. Her tone was sincere as she said, "I don't know him, and I've never heard that name before."
Chen Mo also shook his head. "I don't know him either."
Their reactions were perfectly natural, and their eyes were clear and steady without any hint of evasion or panic. They did not look like they were lying.
Evan stared intently into their eyes, trying to spot any crack in their composure. But after watching them for a long while, he realized there was only genuine confusion in their eyes, with not a trace of guilt.
Seeing this, Bai Ci chimed in at the right moment. "Try to think back carefully. Perhaps you've seen him before, but just didn't know his name."
"Edmond is a tall, handsome young man. His most distinct feature is a neat row of five or six small dark moles under his left eye, following the curve of his eye socket."
Hearing Bai Ci's description, Lin Wan and Chen Mo thought back carefully for a long moment, but they both still shook their heads.
"I'm sorry, I still can't recall anyone like that. I've never seen such a person," Lin Wan said.
Chen Mo nodded in agreement, remaining silent.
Seeing their open and candid attitudes, Bai Ci knew they truly had never met Edmond, nor did they even know he existed.
This meant that on the commercial street that afternoon when Zhao Yu inexplicably gave her roses, the two of them hadn't noticed Edmond being taken away by Zhou Kai.
Bai Ci confirmed a suspicion she had harbored all along: Zhao Yu's sudden flower-giving stunt was ultimately designed to distract Lin Wan and Chen Mo. By drawing their attention away, it allowed Zhou Kai to carry Edmond off right under their noses without anyone noticing.
It was just like a magic trick. To pull off an illusion, both the magician's sleight of hand and a distraction to divert the audience's attention were absolutely essential.
Evan stared at them for a full half-minute. Finally, he unclenched his fists, his face showing a trace of exhaustion and disappointment. "You aren't lying. You really don't know him."
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