Adrian and Julian ascended the stairs, occasionally glancing around at the lively scenes that unfolded around them. The echoing voices of boys studying in unison in classrooms mingled with the spirited laughter of children running about. Some older youths huddled in quiet conversations at the corners, casting curious gazes toward the detectives as if they were interlopers in their secluded world. Despite their circumstances, the children were decently dressed in a uniform comprising brown woolen shorts, crisp white shirts, suspenders, brown vests, red bowties, and brown flat caps. Adorning their chests, a coat of arms proudly displayed the Zorkin family's emblem—a majestic oak tree firmly rooted in rich, black soil.
Upon reaching the top floor, a marked contrast awaited them. The atmosphere here was notably more serene compared to the bustling lower floors, primarily occupied by classrooms and bedrooms. It was evident that this floor catered to the faculty. Advancing toward the door at the end of the corridor, they noticed a golden-lettered sign reading "Director." Adrian politely knocked, and a voice promptly invited them in.
Within the spacious office, lavishly adorned with rich wooden bookshelves bearing the weight of colorful book covers, meticulously organized files, and important documents, the atmosphere exuded an air of erudition and responsibility. Seated at the desk before them was a middle-aged woman, her eyes fixed intently on her unexpected guests, her expression one of mild surprise tinged with a trace of curiosity. Behind her, a portrait of Lady Juliana Zorkin graced the wall, this rendition depicting her amidst a profusion of vibrant flowers in her lush garden. She wore an exquisite azure dress and an expansive hat that partially obscured her inquisitive gaze, presenting a vision of ageless beauty—though whether this was an accurate portrayal or a testament to the painter's skill remained a question. At the edge of the desk, a small sign bore the inscription, 'Tally Komash - Director.'
"How can I help you, gentlemen? I don't believe I have your appointment. You must be from the metalworks factory," Tally began, a hint of formality in her tone. "I've already sent a letter stating that this year, we might encounter difficulties in providing fresh graduates, due to certain known reasons. But I assure you, we'll notify you as soon as we resolve this matter."
Adrian pulled out his badge and introduced himself, "My name is Detective Adrian Belinsky, and this is my partner, Julian Novak. We're here to ask you a few questions about one of your former students."
Tally's demeanor underwent a noticeable shift; she sat up straight, intertwining her fingers before her. "Is that so?"
Julian, who had been standing behind Adrian, noticed a book on a small desk to the side. He picked it up, examined it, and read aloud, "The Arduous Path To Collective Liberation, written by none other than Jeremy Alder." He approached Tally's desk and placed the book down firmly. "Is this the kind of literature you're introducing to your orphans before sending them off to a life of factory labor?"
Adrian, looking at the book in front of him, raised an eyebrow at Tally, his expression querying her silently. "I doubt the factory management would appreciate receiving unwitting revolutionary recruits."
"Your police tactics will not work here. This book was confiscated from one of our students, and he was reprimanded because of it. In Zorkin Orphanage Homes, we ensure our students receive the best education possible without any political indoctrination," Tally asserted with unwavering confidence.
Julian, his arms crossed, continued to press the issue. "I just find it intriguing that despite the rumors of your collaboration with the A.L.L, we find this book in the director's office."
Tally remained resolute, her gaze steady. "My duty is to ensure that our students receive accurate information. I don't have the time to entertain rumors like the Police Department."
Adrian interjected, his tone shifting. "I believe we've started on the wrong foot, Miss. We're here for a different reason."
Tally turned her attention to Adrian, her expression open to cooperation. "I'll hear you out, detectives."
"I appreciate that," Adrian acknowledged, raising his hand to signal Julian to hold his thoughts. "It's not easy to find people willing to cooperate with police investigations these days," Julian chimed in, but Adrian subtly urged him to silence with a glance.
"Perhaps you should take a closer look at your own organization and ask why that's the case," Tally retorted sharply.
Adrian redirected the conversation, mentioning, "Johnny Terenkin. He was one of the orphans here some years ago."
Tally nodded in recognition. "Yes, I remember him."
Adrian probed further, "What can you tell us about him? It's rather unusual for one of your students to end up at the prestigious medical school in the Central District, rather than toiling away in the gritty factories around here."
Tally retrieved a cigarette from a small box on her table, placing it into an elegant long holder and lighting it with an air of nobility. "That is true. Johnny possessed a remarkable intellect, and we believed it would be a travesty for his talents to be wasted on a factory floor."
Adrian, given permission, lit a cigarette from the box in front of him and casually settled into a plush chair facing Tally's desk. Meanwhile, Julian began examining the books on the surrounding bookshelves, occasionally pulling one off to inspect its contents.
"He found us himself, rather than the other way around. He expressed a strong desire for knowledge and a future, unlike many of our other orphans who often crave nothing more than sustenance," Tally explained, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "Many of our children aren't sure whether their parents are alive or dead, but Johnny remained in contact with his mother."
Adrian and Julian exchanged glances. "Do you have any idea about her current whereabouts?" Adrian inquired.
"I don't," Tally replied. "The last I heard, she was still working on Whispers Street, but that information is a few years old."
"Whispers Street? Where is that?" Julian asked.
"It's here in the Northern District, a place where the goddess of love produces her orphans," Adrian remarked, sharing an understanding look with Miss Tally, who nodded in return. "Do you happen to know what happened to Johnny after he left medical school?" Adrian continued.
"I was deeply saddened to hear about it," Tally began. "He squandered his potential as a brilliant doctor to become a bartender in the slums, if I recall correctly. It's truly a heartbreaking case." She extinguished her cigarette and placed it back in its holder. "Is there anything else I can assist you with? I have a class to attend shortly."
"Miss Komash, you see, the rumors aren't just rumors," Adrian paused, leaning in slightly. "We possess a correspondence between the late Lady Zorkin and none other than Jeremy Alder. Inside those letters, there's enough material for the Royal Department to confiscate all the buildings belonging to your orphanage and arrest everyone involved, including someone as esteemed as yourself."
Tally stood up from her chair. "Is that a threat?"
Adrian shook his head. "No, it's a proposal, directly from me to you." He motioned for Julian to leave the room, and though Julian didn't seem entirely pleased with the idea, he complied. Once the door closed behind him, Adrian continued, his tone earnest. "I give you my word that this correspondence will not reach the RD, but I will need your help."
Tally regarded Adrian with a mix of intrigue and wariness. "And what help might you be asking for?"
Adrian hesitated momentarily but then continued, "I've learned that you have another Orphanage Home, exclusively for girls, located in the Eastern slums. Is that correct?"
"Yes, that's correct," Tally replied, still not entirely grasping Adrian's intentions.
"I need you to find out if there's a girl studying there," Adrian stated plainly.
"Do you have a name?" Tally inquired.
"Katarina," Adrian replied.
"No last name or any other identifying information?" Tally asked.
Adrian sighed, his frustration showing. "I don't have a last name, but she has a striking head of red hair. You can't miss it. She's six years old."
Tally seemed taken aback. "So, if I find her, what will happen with the correspondence?"
"I will bring it directly to you," Adrian assured her.
Tally appeared surprised. "Hiding evidence, especially anything related to Jeremy Alder, is akin to treason. You're a true Snigograd cop, Mr. Belinsky."
Adrian's tone grew sharp. "Will you help me or not?"
"I'll see what I can do," Tally conceded, her expression guarded. "How will I contact you if I'm successful?"
Adrian jotted down his phone numbers on a piece of paper in front of him. "This is my home number," he said, pointing to the top number. "If you can't reach me there, call my office number below."
Tally smiled cautiously. "Trusting you might be my biggest mistake, but I suppose I don't have a choice. Who is this Katarina, and what do you want from her?"
Adrian rose from his chair, adjusting his jacket and hat. "She is my daughter. Goodbye, Miss Komash. I'll be waiting." With that, he exited through the office door.
104Please respect copyright.PENANAZinlZDYj58