Adrian, Artemia, and Johan remained seated as the others filed out of the room. Johan, in a gesture of camaraderie, invited Adrian to draw nearer, producing a cigarette case and extending it toward him. On the periphery, Artemia leaned her weight against a chair, propping open a jar of pickles and audibly savoring the tangy crunch of one, her other foot resting on the chair's edge.
"Consider yourself fortunate, Adrian," Johan initiated the conversation, his gaze penetrating. "Prior to Artemia's impassioned plea, I had been inclined to cast my vote in favor of ending your life with a bullet. But Jeremy Alder's words hold wisdom – through compassion, we illuminate our path to victory."
Adrian regarded Artemia and then turned his attention back to Johan. "I suppose," he replied, a faint smile gracing his lips, "besides Artemia, who has twice saved my life, I should also extend my gratitude to Jeremy Alder himself."
Artemia and Johan shared a chuckle. "Detective, you won't be meeting Jeremy Alder anytime soon," Johan remarked.
Johan, a man known for his contemplative pacing, rose from his seat and began his slow circuit across the room. Adrian recognized this as a sign that Johan was lost in thought, his mind whirring with strategies and possibilities. Adrian exchanged a subtle nod with Artemia, sensing that she harbored something unsaid beneath her composed exterior.
"So," Johan broke the silence, "in what capacity can you be of service to us?" He focused his gaze squarely on Adrian.
Sensing the need to contribute, Adrian hesitated briefly before responding, "Well, I used to believe my deductive skills were top-notch," he began, a hint of uncertainty creeping into his tone, "but now, I'm not so sure I'm as exceptional a detective as I once thought." He shrugged, an air of humility in his posture.
Johan shot a glance in Adrian's direction. "His tenure in the Police Department carries weight, doesn't it, Artemia?" he inquired, shifting his scrutiny toward her.
Artemia regarded Johan with a touch of sadness before sinking into her seat, her arms folding one atop the other, her head resting upon them. "Honestly, Comrade Johan," she sighed, "I'm unsure how he can be of use to us."
"What?" Johan's patience wore thin. "Artemia, are you out of your mind? This was your idea, after all. I need to demonstrate to the others that we're utilizing him to benefit our cause. You've seen how skeptical some of them appeared as they left this room."
Artemia exhaled deeply, her voice tinged with resignation. "I know, Johan, I know."
The room seemed to grow heavy with tension as Adrian contemplated his offer. Beads of sweat formed on his brow, and he knew that what he was about to suggest was no small matter. Johan's and Artemia's expectant eyes bore into him, waiting for his words.
"Perhaps," Adrian began, the weight of their anticipation pressing on him, "I can contribute something. It might not be a monumental boon to your entire cause, but I'm certain it's something Jeremy Alder would find invaluable."
Artemia, who had shared the same living quarters with Adrian for the past few weeks, observed his face with curiosity. She had never managed to glean much about his work in the police department until now. "Go on," she urged.
"Maybe," Adrian's voice wavered slightly, his throat dry with apprehension, "I could retrieve the personal love letters exchanged between Jeremy Alder and his beloved, Lady Juliana Zorkin." He could feel the weight of the task he was proposing. Obtaining those letters from the Royal Department would be a formidable challenge.
Johan's eyes ignited like fireworks against the night sky. He scratched his chin thoughtfully. "The letters?" he exclaimed. "Are you certain they even exist?"
"Oh, I'm certain," Adrian affirmed with conviction. "Those letters played a pivotal role in my dismissal from the department."
"I thought you always claimed it was a betrayal," Artemia interjected.
Adrian nodded. "It was," he admitted, averting his gaze. "My partner, who was privy to those letters, couldn't condone my intention to use them as leverage to extract information."
"Extract information from whom?" Johan inquired.
"Tally Komash," Adrian replied succinctly. "She's the director of the Zorkin Orphanage Home in the Northern District."
Johan's warm smile hinted at a connection. "Ah, good old Tally. How is she faring?" he inquired with genuine curiosity.
"I hope she's well," Adrian replied somberly.
"What do you mean?" Johan's demeanor shifted abruptly. "Speak up!"
Adrian explained further, "I studied those letters meticulously, and as I mentioned to Mrs. Komash, they contain enough damning information to implicate the entire Zorkin Orphanage Home organization throughout the Empire. And now that the Royal Department has them, they'll undoubtedly pore over every letter. Frankly, Mrs. Komash and everyone else associated with the orphanages may be in imminent danger of imprisonment."
Johan's complexion paled as he sank back into his seat. "The RD has the letters?"
Adrian's urgency was palpable. "They have the letters; I'm certain of it. But there's no evidence that they've apprehended Mrs. Komash yet."
Artemia, her tone tinged with indifference, added, "I doubt they've captured her. They'd have broadcasted it in every newspaper and over every radio station."
Johan nodded in agreement. "You're right, but we can't afford to waste time." He looked at Artemia and then turned to Adrian. "We need you to ensure Tally's safety." He tapped his foot anxiously before locking eyes with Artemia. "Bring her here; she's one of us. We'll deal with recovering the letters later."
"Are you certain about this, Johan?" Artemia questioned, her skepticism evident. "We might be walking straight into a trap. Who's to say they aren't expecting us to rescue her?"
"No, I doubt it," Johan countered. "They're preoccupied with pursuing our comrades."
Adrian interjected cautiously, "I must agree with Artemia. The Royal Department has had the letters for several weeks since my dismissal. They've likely had ample time to examine them and arrest Tally and the others at the orphanage."
Johan, undeterred, responded firmly, "Your theory would hold if it weren't for the Scarlet Uprising. They have clearly have more important matters at hand."
He rose from his seat and retrieved a set of keys from his inner jacket pocket, tossing them to Artemia. "Take the car, and don't forget your weapon, Artemia. Go!"
Artemia caught the keys effortlessly. "I always have my weapon with me," she affirmed. "Let's move." She gestured for Adrian to follow her, and they exited the room together, leaving Johan to grapple with the gravity of their mission.93Please respect copyright.PENANAEZjx9LBbef
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