Detective Agency of the Bizarre
Chapter 435 - 435 Two hundred ninety-two

435: Two hundred ninety-two.

Safe Lennon Islands?

435: Two hundred ninety-two.

Safe Lennon Islands?

Thump thump thump thump thump—

The towering hatted rooftops of Himfast’s characteristic buildings blocked the storm, while the sound of horse hooves was faintly audible amidst the pounding rain.

In the Champs Elysees District, the white buildings were dim and lifeless under the torrential downpour.

The carriage stopped in front of a restaurant that was still open for business.

Lu Li handed Jojo the rain cloak, along with 300 shillings, “Go buy tonight’s and tomorrow morning’s meals, and some food that’s easy to carry with you.”

There was no need for detailed instructions; Jojo knew what to do.

“I brought money, all my fortune,” Jojo said, taking the rain cloak and ignoring the shillings, she patted her pocket and asked, “What do you want to eat?”

“Meat.”

“Understood.”

Jojo put on the rain cloak, pushed open the carriage door, and the chill, damp air hit her face.

She rubbed her arms, jumped down from the carriage, and splashed water everywhere.

“Find us at number 66 after you’re done.”

Lu Li’s calm voice came from behind her.

The restaurant was number 12, just over two hundred meters away.

Jojo, without looking back, waved her hand and pushed open the door of the restaurant glowing with the bright light of electric lamps.

Behind her, the carriage slowly drove away from the restaurant entrance.

In front of number 66 on Champs Elysees District, the carriage stopped.

The lights on the first floor were off, with only a dim glow coming from the bedroom’s electric lamp on the second floor.

Lu Li reached for the rain cloak, then seemed to think better of it, she took her suitcase and backpack and climbed straight out of the carriage.

The stinging rain that fell on her was sliced apart by some invisible barrier above her head, veering off to the sides, as if there was an unseen umbrella shielding her from the storm.

Lu Li stepped up to the doorbell and rang it, soon, footsteps could be heard descending the stairs from inside the house.

“Who is it?” Aunt Mary’s gentle, inquiring voice rose.

“Anna and Lu Li,” Lu Li replied.

The footsteps behind the door quickened, and the door was swiftly opened.

Aunt Mary, wearing a milk-white silk robe, appeared surprised and tiptoed to gently embrace Lu Li, asking in astonishment, “Oh heavens, how did you come to be here?”

“Passing by.”

“Come in quickly,” Aunt Mary glanced outside and hurriedly made room.

After closing the door, Aunt Mary moved into the living room, turned on the electric light, and a soft radiance spilled out.

“Where is Anna?” Aunt Mary looked around and asked.

In the halo of the electric light, Anna’s ethereal spirit materialized, and she softly spoke, “Aunt Mary.”

Aunt Mary’s gaze softened, and sensing something in Anna’s eyes, she whispered, “You’ve grown up too…”

She turned back to Lu Li and asked, “Did you come directly from Belfast?

Have you had dinner?”

“Jojo has gone to buy it.”

Aunt Mary nodded, then, seeming to remember something, asked, “Where are you headed?”

“Shadow Town.”

“Shadow Town…” Aunt Mary’s brow furrowed.

“Isn’t that the little town by Shadow Swamp?

It disappeared…”

“That’s why we’re going.”

Aunt Mary nodded thoughtfully, “Be safe, is there anything I can help you with?”

“No.”

“You must have something to drink to warm up,” Aunt Mary smiled, gently pulling Anna into the couch and then walked into the kitchen to prepare coffee.

Lu Li sat down next to Anna, the sofa sank, and Anna lightly leaned on his shoulder.

Anna experienced the illusion of having a body, otherwise, where did the pulsation in her chest come from, she controlled herself to keep from snickering.

Lu Li looked around the room, Aunt Mary’s home had undergone many changes since his last visit.

Those personal items were gone, and the house was so clean it seemed as though it had just been moved into.

“Are you planning to leave here?” Lu Li asked.

Aunt Mary returned to the living room holding two cups of coffee, handing one to Lu Li.

“I’m thinking of going to the Lennon Islands,” Aunt Mary said, looking at Anna leaning against Lu Li, a knowing smile on her face.

“My exorcist friend told me the refuge is only prepared for nobility, exorcists, and their families; I’m not eligible to enter.

But the Lennon Islands have few anomalies, it’s very safe there.”

“Did she tell you the Lennon Islands are safe?”

“Mhm, she said a lot of people are considering moving there after the storm passes,” Aunt Mary sighed softly.

“If things weren’t getting worse day by day, who would want to leave their home?”

Departing from Rhodest Port to the Lennon Islands would take at least one to two weeks.

Even though the current large cruise ships are relatively comfortable, nearly half a month of life on a ship would still be extremely arduous.

It seems that the news of safety in the Lennon Islands could very likely have been spread by the three major organizations.

Do they believe that other places are no longer suitable for human habitation?

Unfortunately, the phone lines had been down because of the storm, otherwise, Lu Li could have called Tesla for information.

“What about you two?

Will you stay on Ailen Peninsula?” Aunt Mary suddenly asked, her tone hopeful, “We can take a ship there and settle together.”

Lu Li thought quietly.

As the world slowly revealed its truths, the refuge at the top of the cliff seemed to become unsafe too, and the sudden emergence of islands far from the maelstrom was very tempting for Lu Li.

But first, Lu Li needed to ascertain whether this was true or false.

After thinking, he answered Aunt Mary, “After I return, I will confirm the news.

If it’s true…

we might go to the Lennon Islands.

If we don’t come back, you make your own decision.”

Aunt Mary frowned, “Is Shadow Town that dangerous…”

“One must be prepared for the worst in any situation.”

The atmosphere became somewhat somber, but then Aunt Mary, like an elder, asked Lu Li and Anna some questions, and the mood eased again.

At one point, while Aunt Mary was inquiring about Annie’s situation, Lu Li suddenly spoke up, “Jojo hasn’t come back yet.”

“Your friend?” Aunt Mary looked out the window, where no pedestrians were visible under the dim street lamps.

“Where did he go to buy food?”

“She went to No.

12 on this block.”

“Hunterley’s delicious grilled steak?” Aunt Mary asked.

Upon confirmation, she murmured, “Little Hunterley usually takes half an hour to prepare it, and it’s been…

forty-five minutes now.”

“Has there been any strange talk in Himfast of late?” Lu Li asked, standing up; Anna nearly fell on the sofa as he moved away from her.

“Anomalies…

indeed, there are some rumors,” Aunt Mary recalled something.

“Lately there is gossip about a desperate ghost in the shady alleys, begging passersby to save her, but whether they run or help, she’ll drag them into the alley.”

“It’s that resentful spirit,” Anna looked at Lu Li.

Lu Li walked to the suitcase at the entryway, set it on the dining table, and unclasped the buckles.

Three flintlock pistols lay quietly inside the neatly arranged case.

Lu Li took them out one by one, slipping them into holsters, and strapping them around his waist and thigh.

“I’ll go with you to find her,” Aunt Mary moved to grab the women’s overcoat hanging on the coat rack.

“You stay,” he said.

Thud.

The suitcase snapped closed, revealing a pair of calm black eyes.