The Shadow of Great Britain

308: Chapter 198: Comprehensive Investigation 308: Chapter 198: Comprehensive Investigation Arthur sat in his office, going over the file in front of him again and again.

However, no matter how he looked at it, he couldn’t understand what kind of person would commit such an act.

Because from a plain and straightforward logical perspective, even if Bernie Harrison’s case was ultimately deemed as Scotland Yard framing an elected member of Parliament,

the ones who would end up suffering would not only be some officers from Scotland Yard but also the social reputation and future financial allocations of the entire department.

If Parliament decided to escalate the matter, it might even join forces with the judges who had always been uncomfortable with Scotland Yard to strip the Greater London Police Department of its power.

All in all, it didn’t seem like the work of an insider at Scotland Yard, or at least, not the work of a sane insider.

And those without brains were generally not arranged by their families to enter Scotland Yard, a secondary department with little benefits, heavy workload, and significant responsibility.

Educated nitwits were usually placed in peripheral departments where it didn’t matter if they showed up or not.

Since it wasn’t an internal issue at Scotland Yard, it must have been someone external.

Yet, such tactics that practically spelled a fight to the death seemed too bizarre to contemplate.

At first, Arthur thought it was targeted at him, but after comparing notes with Rowan, he felt it seemed more like he was an accidental victim.

Not all criminal cases were transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department; a request for assistance from the Criminal Investigation Department had to be filed by the supervisory Police Superintendent of the involved police district and approved by the chief superintendent of the major area.

That is to say, if the opponent had decided to target Arthur, they would have had to clear every checkpoint in the involved police district; if even one point blocked them, the trouble wouldn’t reach Arthur.

But then, why would the local district’s Police Superintendent and chief superintendent help someone with such a thankless task?

The incident happened in their jurisdiction, and they couldn’t escape blame if it were pursued!

If the opponent could manipulate the police system of an entire area, why not confront him directly instead of using such despicable and risky tactics?

Arthur put down the file in his hand, one hand supporting his chin, still unable to puzzle it out no matter how hard he tried.

The Red Devil sat by the window, chewing on a sugar cube, looking at him with eager interest, “Got any conclusions?”

Arthur glanced at him and responded, “This incident likely wasn’t targeting a specific person.

But whoever can force a member of Parliament to act could easily torment Scotland Yard in Parliament, so why resort to such conspiracies?

Moreover, I don’t understand why Mr.

Bernie Harrison would agree to do this—exposure would also negatively impact his reputation and surely harm his future election prospects.

Could it really be that the Tory Party is behind this?

Are they planning to trip up the Whig Party during the parliamentary session to divert public attention from the reform bills?

But even Wellington the Duke wouldn’t gladly lie about agreeing to parliamentary reforms; would he engage in such activities?”

At this, the Red Devil merely curled his lips, maliciously picking up the newspaper on the table and reading out the headline word for word.

“Viscount Palmerston: It’s normal to have different voices within the party; we should take into consideration everyone’s opinions.”

Hearing this, Arthur slightly furrowed his brows.

His eyes stayed fixated on the Red Devil, trying to read more information from his expression.

Although right now Arthur couldn’t find any reason why Agares would help him, this fellow certainly didn’t make such a comment without reason.

Arthur’s eyes narrowed slightly, “Do you stand to benefit from this case?”

The Red Devil pressed his hands together, his features almost squishing together on his face, and replied in a deliberately nauseating sycophantic tone, “Oh!

My dear Arthur, don’t be so mercenary.

I genuinely want to help you.”

“Heh…

that statement of yours is suspicious enough.”

Arthur threw his hat on the table, “But it’s really intriguing, isn’t it?

Those who should be talking sentiments with me discuss profits every day, and the Devil who should be discussing profits is now preaching about friendship.

Speak up, what do you really know?

Make it quick, before I change my mind; we might still make a deal.”

The Red Devil, upon hearing these words, merely smiled and reminded, “Arthur, you must have realized by now that what you desperately need is not to uncover the truth but to help Scotland Yard disassociate from this matter.

I can directly sort out Bernie Harrison for you, making him issue an exculpatory statement for Scotland Yard’s arrest.

As for what follows, everyone will be happy.”

Upon hearing this, Arthur’s tightly knitted brows slowly relaxed, and a charming smile appeared on his face, “So, even if Bernie Harrison issues the exculpatory statement, this matter won’t end there, huh?

Agares, thank you.

It seems taking a shortcut is less prudent than spending more effort to solve the problem once and for all.”

With that, Arthur stood up, grabbed his coat and uniform, and walked out.

The Red Devil, startled by his actions, then hit his thigh in frustration, “Caught off guard!

Arthur, you damn sneak attack!”

He hastily followed him out, “Arthur, look, we could still talk; I’ll give you a fifty percent discount.

If that doesn’t work, I’ll take a loss.

You could also consider paying for the exoneration agreement with a loan; I assure you, it’s interest-free.”

Arthur flagged down a passing carriage by the roadside, not even glancing at Agares, “First service is free, added value services come at an extra charge.

I advise you not to try any tricks with me, Agares, because I’ve been burnt by this too many times before.

And perhaps you should recall who came up with the ‘British’ tiered pricing?”

…

Shortly thereafter, in the East End of London, Tower Hamlets, Whitechapel parish, upstairs at Martin’s Pub in Arthur’s private room.

Arthur gently sipped from his white porcelain teacup and then looked up at the young woman sitting opposite him.

She had golden braided hair, large blue-gray eyes, wore a black and white uniform, and sat with the poised elegance of a lady—A Russian maid.

“It’s been a while, Fiona.

You’ve become even prettier.”

Upon hearing this, Fiona just rolled her eyes, “Is that the only line you know?

It’s always the same, I’d like to hear something new for once.”

Arthur set down his teacup and replied, “Sorry, I’ll try to learn new phrases when I have some time.

But for now, you’ll just have to bear with it.”

Giving him a stern look and then sighing, Fiona responded, “Fine, who is the person, what’s the time and place, and how much?”

“You really should change that habit,” Arthur said.

“I was actually planning a bit of a build-up.”

Fiona’s face fell, “Spare me your build-ups.

Your build-ups always mean getting the job done first, and only discussing the price if you’re satisfied.

Just look, for your demands, I’m now toiling at the Embassy as a servant.

Ordered around daily, and mind you, I was originally a respectable gentleman’s daughter.”

Seeing her displeasure yet knowing only she could handle the job at the Russian Embassy at the moment, Arthur consoled her gently, “You really have had it hard.”

Fiona gave him a look, “It’s not hard—it’s just Mr.

Hastings’ duties after all.”

As she spoke, Fiona emphasized again, “But you’d better remember to increase the payment.”

“Money, of course, you’ll not be shortchanged,” Arthur reassured as he flicked a cheque in front of her eyes, “Here’s two hundred pounds, a reward for your hard work over the past months.”

With that, Arthur pulled out another cheque, “And here, another two hundred pounds…”

Seeing the cheques, all of Fiona’s gloom evaporated, and she joyfully clutched them, “My dear!

Mr.

Hastings, you are the sun in my sky!

Are these two hundred intended to keep me at the Embassy for another half-year?”

“No, Fiona, this reward is extra,” Arthur said with a smile.

“If you do a good job, I might add another two hundred.”

Hearing this, Fiona’s eyes met his, and, somehow, her cheeks turned red, “Actually… well, it doesn’t really need to be that much.”

Arthur nodded in agreement, “Of course, I think so too.

So, I planned to have you undertake a different task.”

“Arthur Hastings!”

“Insulting your boss might cost you,” he teased.

“Okay then, speak, I’m listening.”

Arthur opened a briefcase next to him and handed over some files, “Like last time, the upcoming target isn’t suitable for a direct approach.

Mr.

Bernie Harrison, a member of the lower Parliament, has recently been implicated in a murder case.

According to the information I have at hand, he frequents certain nightspots, and I sent someone to preliminarily investigate his other hobbies this morning—it’s all noted in the annex of the document.

Currently living in his London residence are his wife, two children, a male chauffeur, a female housekeeper, and two maids.

I need you to gather as much information as you can about them, but be mindful, the methods used must be non-violent.

Also, during this period, I need the schedule of everyone there, whom they meet, where they go—the more details, the better.”

Fiona took a deep breath, her eyes as wide as the lamp on the stage, and opened, “Mr.

Hastings.”

Arthur sipped his tea, “What is it?”

Trying to smile through her frustration, Fiona said, “I think, rather than doing so much, you might as well just play a little and leave it at that.

I’ll charge you a bit less.”

Placing his teacup down, Arthur lightly said, “Fiona, I had already told you, earning these three two hundred pound notes isn’t so easy.

However, for our future cooperation, I think you might want to put in more effort.

Of course, if you prefer an early retirement, I suppose that’s not out of the question either.”

Fiona felt a chill and quickly refilled her teacup, “Look at you getting worked up!

It’s just a few people, right?

I guarantee you won’t find anyone better than me around here.”