No more than ten minutes after Snow’s prediction, the summons began. Lady News was the first of their group to be interviewed. She was back in less than ten minutes.
“They only asked two questions: did I see anything strange, and who did I suspect? Then they let me go. Barely a minute,” Lady News said with a hint of disappointment. “After I left the room, I chatted with the Duchess and others. It seems all the nobles were the same—just one or two perfunctory questions.”
“That’s very dismissive compared to how they interviewed the staff,” Trevor said indignantly.
Dr. Fit was next. He took more than ten minutes but returned with a cheerful, beaming expression. “Without surprise, I told them I was the first to examine the body. They asked me if I’d be willing to help them identify the poison as a consultant.”
“What?” Everyone looked surprised.
“They don’t have enough hands due to the government shutdown, remember?” Dr. Fit smiled from ear to ear. “Of course, I won’t get any payment, but it will be a unique experience.”
“Did you agree?” Report Man asked.
“I said I needed to ask my wife first. I successfully convinced her, so yes, I agreed. I’ll sign an agreement to prevent me from leaking anything about the FBI or the investigation until the case is closed.”
“When do you start?” Report Man pressed.
“Right now. They’ll assign me a laptop to work with Agent Chuck—he leads the analysis team. I shall go now.” Before leaving, he winked at Report Man. “I’ll see what I can do to feed your curiosity.”
After Dr. Fit left, Report Man was quickly summoned. When he returned, he did not look like he had been hired by the FBI, but he was certainly energized.
“Agent Mulder realized I’m a men’s fashion reporter, so he asked me a lot about dressing, which didn’t please Agent Scully at all,” Report Man said. “He’s a man of taste; he’s wearing a fine-fabric dress shirt under his uniform, with French cuffs. Both cuffs have the Queen’s head engraved on them.”
“Not surprised, utterly,” Lady News said sarcastically. “He is clearly supporting the Queen’s ‘Make Aesthetics Great Again’ movement. He definitely prefers to wear a dress uniform rather than the unaesthetic combat uniform he’s stuck in now.”
“It could be his big chance,” Report Man mused. “If he can please the Queen with this case, he might be promoted to an office head position.”
“Guys, check the news. There’s an official White Palace announcement now,” Trevor said, putting his phone on the table.
Everyone looked down at their screens. “No surprise there,” Lady News read in a low voice. They do indeed imply the opposition: “‘Although the FBI is still investigating the case, our Queen’s determination is stronger than ever. Any dirty political resistance will not stop Her Majesty from continuing the reformation of our nation.’”
“Frankish Kingdom also posted an official announcement,” Spion said, scrolling through his phone. “It only says Queen Cinderella is in mourning and is waiting for the result of the investigation. Meanwhile, the tariff negotiation will pause.”
“But the whole internet is more interested in Gossip News’ report,” Report Man said with full enthusiasm. “They’re pushing a theory about why the Ambassador and his wife didn’t come to the Salon together. Several Salon members pointed out they attended the reading club and lectures with the Ambassador’s wife, but no one saw the Ambassador himself here. So they believe the Ambassador may have come here only to meet someone who couldn’t be seen in public, like a secret mistress.”
“Spion, have you seen the Ambassador in the Salon before?” Trevor asked.
“No, I only worked as a waiter on the first floor. Never saw him,” Spion shrugged.
“If the murderer is a professional killer, killing him in a private suite might be easier than in a party, isn’t it?” Trevor asked.
Everyone nodded in agreement. They exchanged theories: Lady News thought the murderer might be his secret mistress, heartbroken that the Ambassador wanted to end the affair. Report Man raised the possibility that the murderer meant to poison someone else entirely.
Their discussion was interrupted when Spion was summoned.
Spion’s departure made Trevor feel nervous. He suddenly realized he and Spion were not supposed to be in the Premium Zone in the first place. But Spion came back shortly, holding a dessert tray.
“Hungry?” he asked, putting the tray on the table. “I saw the Business Minister and the Secretary of Commerce leaving. I don’t think they had been interviewed by the FBI.”
“Yeah, surely,” Trevor said, taking a bear cookie.
They enjoyed the dessert for only a short time before Ali, the Head Waiter, and an FBI agent approached. “Mr. Edson,” Ali smiled at Trevor, his voice soft. “Please come with us to the Reading Room. It’s your turn now.”