Every child needs parents, but not every parent deserves a child.
The sentence lingered in the air like an invisible weight.
Julian stood outside the small house, hands in his coat pockets, eyes fixed on the dusty road ahead.
"Well," he muttered, "I wonder who killed him… and why he got killed."
Sebastian glanced at him. "You sound almost disappointed."
Julian shrugged. "Just curious. That kind of man usually creates more enemies than friends."
He stretched his arms lazily. "Let's go to the brothel. Maybe we could get some clues."
Meanwhile, near the doorway, Wendy approached Clara, who was still kneeling beside Lucy.
Wendy's voice softened.
"Don't worry, ma'am. You're not going to be caught. You did nothing wrong and if someone points a finger at you…"
She placed a hand gently over her chest.
"I'm going to lend my voice to speak up for you."
Clara's eyes filled with tears again, but this time, they were calmer.Grateful.
"Thank you…"
Wendy gave a small nod, then turned around to follow the two officers.
Before stepping out the door, Julian suddenly stopped. He glanced back at Lucy, who was still clutching her mother's dress.
"Hey, kiddo," he said, voice unusually gentle. "Take care of your mother. She loves you dearly."
Lucy nodded seriously.
"Take care, officer! Oh, and also the pretty lady!"
Wendy blinked. "Pretty lady?"
Julian smirked as they walked away. "Tsk. Pretty lady, huh…"
"You jealous, ain't you?" Wendy shot back.
Before Julian could reply, Sebastian spoke in a calm tone.
"I agree with the little kid. We're very lucky to have a pretty journalist working with us."
Wendy's face lit up. "See? At least someone here has eyes."
Julian snorted.
"Huh. What's the point of being pretty when she has a bad temper? Her beauty disappears, and the beast takes over."
Wendy stopped walking. "Ugh. I hate you, Julian."
Julian only laughed, hands still in his pockets as he strolled ahead.
Sebastian sighed quietly, rubbing his temple.
"Can we focus on the case for once?"
But even he couldn't hide the faint smile tugging at his lips.
For a brief moment, the heaviness of the investigation faded
They finally arrived at the brothel.
The building stood boldly at the corner of the street, painted in deep crimson with golden lanterns hanging by the entrance. Laughter and music faintly echoed from inside.
Julian adjusted his coat. "Well… this is certainly a work environment."
Wendy rolled her eyes. "Professional, please."
The moment their shoes touched the wooden floor inside—
Clack.
Clack.
Clack..
An older woman in a lavish purple dress approached them, heavy perfume announcing her presence before her voice did.
"Oh! Officers?" she exclaimed dramatically. "To what do we owe this pleasure?"
Sebastian stepped forward, composed as ever.
"We're trying to find some information about a murder case that happened in Starkville a few days ago."
The woman's smile didn't falter.
"Well, I see…" she hummed, circling them slowly. "And how can I help you?"
Before anyone could react, her hand suddenly reached up—
and lifted Julian's chin.
Wendy immediately bit her lip to stop herself from laughing.
Julian froze.
The woman leaned closer. "Such a handsome officer… Are you sure you're here for investigation only?"
Julian slowly removed her hand from his chin.
"Ma'am," he said stiffly, forcing a polite smile, "you can't do this to me."
Wendy turned away, shoulders shaking.
Sebastian cleared his throat. "We're on duty."
The woman laughed softly. "Oh darling, everyone is on duty here."
Julian shot Wendy a look.
She avoided eye contact, clearly enjoying this too much.
"What?" she whispered innocently. "You look very… popular."
"Not helping," Julian muttered.
The woman finally stepped back, still smiling knowingly.
"Well then, officers… if you're asking about the man who liked to drink and brag about owning people…"
Her smile thinned slightly.
"Yes. I remember him."
Suddenly,
"Oh dear," she gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. "I didn't notice the lady over there! How can I help you, my lady?"
Wendy straightened her posture, trying to look professional despite the ridiculous situation.
Before she could even open her mouth—
Julian and Sebastian spoke at the exact same time.
"She's my sister," Julian said.
"She's my partner," Sebastian said.
Silence.
Wendy blinked,
The old woman blinked.
Julian slowly turned his head toward Sebastian andSebastian slowly turned his head toward Julian.
And then,
Julian's lips stretched into a wide, mischievous grin, almost reaching his ears.
"Oho?" he said, voice dripping with mock curiosity. "Partner?"
He placed a hand dramatically over his heart. "Sebastian, I didn't know you felt that way about her."
Wendy's face turned red instantly. "What are you talking about?!"
Sebastian sighed, already regretting everything. "I meant work partner."
Julian leaned closer to him, whispering loudly on purpose, "Sure… work partner."
Wendy kicked Julian's shin.
"Ow! Violence! See? That's not how you treat family," Julian complained.
"You're not my brother!"
Sebastian rubbed his temple. "Can we please focus on the investigation?"
The old woman chuckled, clearly entertained. "Such a lively group you are. This is going to be fun."