Detective Loupe and the Earl of 256 Faces
Chapter 2: The Cookie Crumbles That Way
SHURP… SHURP. Gumi's eyes twitched as she awoke to the sound of pages turning. She opened her eyes to find Len standing next to the evidence wall with a folder open, already a hundreds of pages scattered across it, and onto the wall itself. She rubbed her eyes as she sat up. "Len, what are you doing?"
"Restarting the investigation, what does it look like? Sorry if the mattress was uncomfortable."
"Mattress?" She looked under herself. "Oh. How did we get here?"
"When we arrived at the station I carried you here myself. Sorry, but I don't know where you live."
"You could have just looked at my ID in my wallet."
"That would have involved going through your skirt."
She opened her mouth to say more, but she clicked her teeth shut. "Have you been up all night?"
"Couldn't sleep. Not with the Earl on the loose." He pinned up the photo of the van. "I don't hear any water running, so I'm going to go take a shower. I left some more deduction puzzles on my desk for you." He left without a word, grabbing his spare set of clothes and heading down to the first floor.
"Len…" Gumi watched as the door closed behind him as she placed her hand on the photos on the desk.
The water rained hard on Len's skull as he leaned onto the tile, his fist balled. 'Do something!'
'Do something!' A man yelled, his face blocked from view in the darkness. A vital monitor was going absolutely haywire attached to a girl in a medical smock. The young blonde had a VR visor over her eyes and an oxygen mask over her mouth.
'She's not stabilizing! I don't know why, we're doing everything we can!'
'Rin, open your eyes!' A young boy climbed in with her, tears in his eyes. 'Rin, wake up! Sister!'
A magnifying glass appeared on the screen, two red digital eyes behind them. And then it returned to normal, with a flat beep. 'No!'
"Kuso!" Len collapsed to the tile, his tears running into the drain. "Rin…."
Len returned to the office pissed and depressed, only to find Gumi's wiggling butt sticking out of the refrigerator. He sweatdropped. "What do you think you're doing?"
She emerged with a surgical mask over her mouth and nose, her eyes watering. "The masks: they do nothing." She slammed the door shut and ripped off the mask, diving for the trash can and gagging. "When was the last time you cleaned out that thing? I think something was staring at me in there."
"Why were you raiding my fridge anyway?"
"I wanted to cook breakfast since I finished your puzzles. But my appetite is ruined now."
Len paused at the second bit of information. "You finished?"
"Yep." She grinned proudly before another round of bile came up her throat.
"The dead man in the locked supply room?"
"The floor wasn't completely level, an edible ball was rolled into the room from outside. The rats took care of the rest." She wiped her mouth as she got up. "If that's what pregnancy is like, I'm not doing it."
He ignored it, still focused on her work. "The mid-field murder?"
"Wore perfectly flat shoes, and walked backwards in his own footprints to cover his tracks."
"Electronic Alibi?"
"Timed scripting triggered by a phone text message."
He lowered his brow. "Okay, one more." Len slid open his desk and pulled out three photos, laying them out in front of her. "This was my academy's final test. This picture was taken in a murdered man's dying breath with his own camera. This picture was taken from the same position by police. The third is a lineup of possible suspects. Which one is the culprit, just going on what you see here? You have five minutes to inspect both photos before I take them away. The lineup will stay."
The girl looked back and forth between them. At the four minute mark, she put her finger on the lineup. "This one, with the bum leg."
Len gulped hard. "Why?"
"The lake in the background is frozen in the nighttime shot. The culprit ice skated across to murder the man, but there was a scuffle, and he sprained his ankle. Since it's impossible to skate back with sprained ankles, he stole the man's shoes. When he returned later to clean up the crime scene, he returned the shoes."
"Why did he skate across?"
"Because he knew it would melt in the morning, erasing any trace of him ever being there."
"Correct. Who the hell are you?" Len leaned back, amazed.
"Just your run-of-the-mill assistant." She grinned. "Speaking of that…." She pulled out her cell phone and dialed it. "Yes, can I speak to Gomu please? This is… Gomu, take that horse mask off your face for God's sake! Look, you still running that hazmat haulaway? I've got a toxic fridge I need disposed of. I'll text you the address."
"Wait, you're dumping my fridge?"
"Nothing that goes in there will ever be safe for human consumption. Don't worry, I'll get you a new one." She grabbed his hand and pulled him up. "In fact, let's go shopping right now! We can pick up some food on the way! Then we can share some ice cream, and watch a movie, and go to a love hotel…." Len stared at her with incredulous eyes. "I'm not fooling you at all, am I?"
"Not in the slightest."
"Poo." As she dragged him out the door, the mail cylinder landed.
Len and Gumi were munching on some breakfast sandwiches at an outdoor area. A security officer eyed them suspiciously, but Len pulled out his license, flashing it at him. "Now that I think about it, how come you're not at school? It's a weekday."
"I'm near graduation. I'm doing independent study from now on."
"Graduation? How old are you?"
"Almost 17. I started early." She took a sip of orange juice. "What about you, Senpai? You're as old as me."
"I'm a graduate of the detective academy. I don't need to go."
"Hmm? Well, if that's what you want."
A man walked up to the table with blonde hair and silver undertones. "Ojou-sama."
"Eh? Claus! What are you doing here?" Gumi gasped. "I'm sorry. Senpai, this is Claus, groundskeeper of the Yowane estate. Claus, this is Detective Len, the one I'm shadowing."
"My apologies, Ojou-sama, I didn't expect to find you here. I was attempting to find a proper caterer for the party."
"Party?" Gumi blinked.
"I sent a message to the address you told me. There is a sphere-of-influence gathering at the Yowane estate tonight. Even if the madam has passed on, it is an event to strengthen our ties with our associates. You are required to attend, as the successor of the Yowane estate."
"I-I see." She bit her thumb. "Thank you, Claus. You did everything right. I'm sorry for being absentminded about it. Who is going to be attending?"
"The Ritter and Grot groups. The CEOs of Crypton, AH-Soft, Zero-G, etc etc. And your cousin, Neru."
Her brow lowered. "Neru…."
"Ah. If you'll dismiss me Ojou-sama, I need to return to my duties."
"Of course Claus, you are excused." Before he got too far though. "Claus! We are allowed to bring dates to the party, correct?"
"Of course."
"Then tell the maids and butlers that they too can bring their husbands and wives, and enjoy the festivities."
"They will be overjoyed Ojou-sama." He bowed once more before leaving.
The furniture movers tried to fit the fridge through the door as the tube opened up. "Here it is, just like Claus said." She waved it in front of Len's face. "It's his handwriting."
"You bought something that's way too big, Gumi." Len shook his head. "I apologize for her, guys." They filed out, exhausted, and still needing to go down five flights of stairs. No elevator.
"Wait until the cabinets get here. And we still have to get some curtains, and some furniture, and we have to update this desk."
"Why do I suddenly feel like my girlfriend is moving in with me?"
"Yahn! Len and I are going steady and we haven't even kissed yet!" She squirmed before opening the letter. She paled. "S-Senpai…." Len took the letter from her hands.
Ojou-sama. I'm sorry I couldn't speak to you about this. I can only pray this reaches you before it is too late. In reference to the party tonight, your life has been threatened. Those that did not inherit Madam Haku's fortune are plotting great harm upon you during the party. A note was delivered to the Estate through a stray dog that was let loose on our property. If you come to the party, you will be killed.
Since before the Madam's passing, you have been very kind to us. Even if the Yowane estate is taken over or destroyed, we will not forget your kindness. Your continued survival will bring us peace. Please take this chance to escape.
"Oh God… it's the Earl, isn't it? The Earl is going after me next."
Len shook his head. "No." He turned to his board. "In no instance has a threat been delivered through an animal."
"Have you ever thought that his M/O might change?"
"Why do you think he's called the Earl of 256 Faces? He never changed his M/O after number 256, always going back to his past deadly tricks. This is someone else." He turned to her. "Who at that party would hold negative feelings towards you?"
"Basically anyone. The record companies for Aunt Haku retiring. The modeling agencies she and I turned down. Even my relatives were pissed that she gave me everything in her will."
"What will happen to the Yowane estate if you don't show up?"
"Probably a coup. Someone would try to take over. And then everyone would… I can't let them lose their jobs! The butlers and maids of the Yowane-hen have dedicated their lives to that job. It's all they know!" She planted her rump on Len's desk. "What do I do?"
"Are their lives worth your own?"
"Of course! They raised me just as much as Aunt Haku!"
"Well then…." Len picked up the Loupe on his desk and gripped her shoulder. "We're just going to have to solve your murder before it happens."
She stared into his eyes, his sincerity giving her enough comfort to reveal a small smile. "But first, we need to get you a suit."
Len gritted his teeth in distaste as the tailor made the finishing touches on his dark blue suit with ruffled cuffs. "Is this REALLY necessary? I look like a pedo Austin Powers here."
"It's a modern-victorian ball, Senpai." Gumi answered from behind him, watching the spectacle from behind her 3D glasses. "Can you make his butt stand out more?"
"Make my… hey! I'm going to have to be moving around in this thing you know!"
"Sorry, sorry. A girl can dream, can't she?"
"And where's your dress, huh?"
"Oh, I had that fitted last month. Didn't you, Naru?"
"I still think you should have one more fitting. You might have grown a bit more than I allowed for." Gumi just waved the brunette off as she did some final tweaks. "Rest assured though, your girlfriend is going to be the most gorgeous person in the room." She patted his shoulder. "You're done."
"Thanks. And she's not my girlfriend."
Naru raised her eyebrow. "Then you've got one HELL of a benefit, friend."
"Yahn!" Gumi squirmed in her seat, blushing as Len slammed his hand to his face.
A knock came on Len's office door. "Master Len, your transportation to the party is here."
He opened the door, to find the groundskeeper. "Thank you Claus." He leaned closer to him. "She's secure?"
"Our most trustworthy guards have been posted inside and outside her room. She will be guarded until you arrive. Please keep Ojou-sama safe."
"Well that's the idea, isn't it?" He followed Claus into the waiting Limo. The man started up the engine and began to move. "Now that I think about it, I have no idea where this mansion is." He went all of 50 feet from his door, swiping a key card at a gate. "SERIOUSLY?" Resisting the urge to sweatdrop, he began to observe. Cameras were posted in intervals, actively scanning the exterior. There were three guard hounds guarding the interior, as well as two security patrols. He also noticed the landscapers had more in their vests than just garden tools. "How many are loyal to Megumi?"
"Nearly all. Most of the staff had hands in raising her and would never betray her." They stopped at the red carpet at the door. "You will be escorted to the steps where Ojou-sama will make her debut for the night." He got out and opened the door for him. "Please follow the head maid."
He nodded, patting the man on the shoulder. The maid bowed to him gesturing to the open door. "Please save her, our surrogate daughter." He closed his eyes in a tiny nod before entering the main hall, which would also double as the ballroom.
Len's eyes narrowed as he scanned the room. KAITO and MEIKO from the Crypton Corps. S.F. Miki from AH Corps. Lily from INTERnet Corps. There were also agents from the Idolmster Modeling Company. He stopped the maid. "No cameras. Have the guests take them to the coat room." She bowed as she stepped back.
"My God… what is THAT?" A golden blonde girl with one long ponytail tied off at the side said. She had it tied off with an oversized blue and black ring that floated. Her dress was silver and gold, a bare midriff and back. "This twit should so be Tweeted."
Three or four butlers went through the guests, whispering to each of them. Disapproving grunts came about as they took their cameras away, especially from the Modeling agencies. "I refuse!" It was the blonde again. "This is my phone, and I'm keeping it with me. I will take photos as I choose."
"But Lady Neru, this rule is very important."
"Just let her keep the phone." Len said as he approached the party. "It's meant to send and receive messages after all. As long as she agrees to the no photo rule, then there should be no issue, correct?"
"Y-yes, but… there would be no guarantee…."
"And rightly so!" Neru huffed, turning away.
"Then let's just tape the lens." Len shrugged. "I'm sure you would be agreeable to that, right Lady Neru?"
She shot Len a glare before handing the phone to the butler. "All right. Tape it. And just who are you?"
"Kagamine Len, Lady Megumi's date for the night. It's an honor to meet the cousin that she's told me so much about."
"Hmph! All of it bad, I'm sure! She's been badmouthing me ever since she got my Aunt's inheritance. Make no mistake, I'm only here out of obligation to our family."
"Of course, Lady Neru. May I ask where the lucky man is that escorted such a beauty as yourself?"
She stopped silent. "He is currently indisposed."
"I see. Well, I must be off to meet my date. I am sure we will talk more in the near future."
"The nerve of that little… RGH!" She stormed off to the punch table, her clutch squeezed tight in her hand.
As he reached the base of the stairs, Claus nodded to him from the opposite side, flicking a switch on his watch. "Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf of the Yowane family, I thank you for being our guests tonight. I now present to you the hostess of this great occasion, Lady Yowane Megumi."
They all looked up the stairs as she emerged. Len could barely keep his mouth from dropping open as he saw her. Her hair was pinned back into a loose knot, exposing her delicate neckline. Her eyes glistened, matching her bright, yet shy smile. Her dress was a strapless Victorian gown, best described as vanilla and rose, red ties and rose-shaped fabrics adorned all sides of it. The gown just barely caressed the floor, showing the tiniest hint of a ruby red high heeled shoe. Her arms were delicately gloved in a vanilla-shaded silk. She sighed nervously as she waited at the last tier from the bottom.
"Lady Megumi's escort is Master Kagamine Len, son of the great detective Loupe Dan."
Len sent Claus a sharp look. That was private information. He softened before going up to meet her, presenting her with a matching corsage, which he began to apply to her wrist. "That tailor woman? She was right. You look stunning."
"She was also right about the fitting. I feel like I'm going to bust out of this thing at any moment!"
"That won't happen. Just trust me." They both turned to the crowd below and bowed. They applauded, though more out of respect than anything else.
"I thank you all for attending tonight. I hope that, even in the shadow of the passing of our beloved Lady Haku, you may enjoy yourselves and strengthen your bonds in this time of tragedy. Now, let the festivities begin." The band began to play as they descended the final set of steps arm in arm.
"What's your field of study? Politics?"
"Interior design, now shut up! Lady MEIKO, Lord KAITO, I swear you two get more attractive every year. Have you two tied the knot yet?" Their polite smiles turned into frowns before upturning again. "Miki, you're looking as fit as ever. No surprise since you have no breasts to get in the way of your exercise program." Len held back his amusement as best he could. "Oh, I'm so glad you could make it this year. Len, this is Aunt Haku's old manager. You look like you've lost weight, have you been testing your models out again?" The crowd disbursed around her, no one wanting to be the next one to be cut down by the girl.
"Like a fucking pro." Len chuckled under his breath.
"What can I say? I've done this too often." Neru and Gumi's eyes locked from across the room. "Oh, I didn't realize the refreshments were already being served! Everyone please enjoy!"
They walked up to each other, the space between them darkening as it got shorter. "Not this time, Megumi." The blonde said before Gumi could open her mouth.
"Not this time what?"
"I'll not be one of your tongue-lashing victims this time." She narrowed her golden eyes and smirked. "Just know this…." She grabbed Len's face and planted a heavy kiss on his lips. Shocking everyone including the recipient. Breaking away, she turned back to the girl again, a satisfied grin on her lips. "Everything you have will one day be mine."
"Kgh!" Gumi raised her arm in a rage, her hand spread wide.
Neru braced herself, turning away. There was a quick shuffle and her opposite cheek started to burn, knocking her down. Len had slid in between them, blocking Gumi's arm and taking a swipe at the girl with his other. He sent a quick look to her before turning to Neru. "Don't dirty your dress with her blood, Milady. She doesn't deserve to wear it."
"U-unh." Gumi took a deep breath. "Guards! Remove Lady Neru from the premises until she learns how to conduct herself properly in front of a host! And get a disinfectant cloth for Master Len. Who knows what types of diseases she's carrying."
Neru stared her straight in the eye before the guards guided her to the exit. "Everything. I'll have everything, starting with him." She whispered under her breath.
Len washed his face off at a wash basin in a side hall. His date swallowed. "Thank you, Len."
"You're the hostess. She wanted to get a reaction out of you."
She nodded. "And I nearly blew the whole thing. I guess I can't deduce as quickly as I thought."
"It's fine." The music changed to that of a waltz. The dance was beginning. "It's started. You up for this?" She nodded. "Then let's give them all a waltz they'll never forget." She took his outstretched hand and they made it to the center floor.
By tradition, the host and hostess have the first dance uninterrupted, and they failed to disappoint. A traditional waltz from two young people was almost revitalizing, and the guests crowded around the refreshments table in awe. "You dance better than I thought."
"My mother's influence from long ago." Len shrugged. He gripped her waist tightly, tugging her close. He spoke a little louder. "Milady, would you be averted to a kiss from the lips tainted by that girl?"
"EH?" She gasped… before an understanding came to her eyes. "No, it's okay."
As the first song ended, he swept her towards the crowd. In one swift motion he placed a relationship-defining kiss on her lips. Her eyes quivered in shock as he pulled away. "I love you, Meg."
Her eyes widened, and she slammed both her hands hard on his back. KABLAM! Everyone was paralyzed. Gumi's brow and lips trembled, her breath becoming ragged. "L-Len…." A patch of red soaked her dress across her spine.
"Meg! Meg, what's…." He pulled his hand away from her back, coated in blood. "HAH! Meg, stay with me! Gumi!" She began to crumple to the floor.
"I… Love…." The girl's eyes closed and she went limp.
"MEGUMI!" He cried, tears streaming down his face, his sister's face transposed on hers. "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!"
The maids and butlers witness to the incident began to wail. Claus just stood there in disbelief. "How… how could…."
"Claus. CLAUS!" Len called him. "CLAUS!" It took him three yells before he rushed over.
"This can't be, my master!" He went to his knees, lifting her wrist and squeezing it. "Lady Megumi…."
Len looked him in the eyes. "Please, take her to her room. I'm sure she wouldn't want to be seen like this."
"Of course, Master Len." He picked the girl up, limp as a rag doll, sobbing as he climbed the stairs.
"Well, I guess the party's over." Lily shrugged. "Someone get my car from the valet!"
"Yowane-house caretakers, seal off this room!" Len yelled from the floor. Maids and butlers locked and stood in front of each door. Len pulled his Loupe from his pocket and stood up, wiping his tears. "This is a crime scene. And someone in this room is a murderer!"
"That's preposterous!" Someone yelled.
"Where's the proof?"
"Sit down, all of you!" Len snarled in a rage. "You of the Crypton and AH groups. To you she was a threat, a rival, knowing full well that her voice is perfect for performing. To you, of the INTERnet group, she inherited Haku's royalty licenses, forcing you to pay her the millions she was owed. You could have easily wanted to fatten your own pockets. Those of Idolmster that were fervently turned down by both the aunt and the niece, suspicions were raised against you, and how you treated your idols. They harmed your reputation, and to fix it, you needed to stop their outcry against you!" Claus passed behind him, heading to the kitchen as he spoke. "Any one of you could be the suspect!"
"And what about you? You're a suspect in this too! She was in your arms the entire time. You could have easily killed her!"
"Need I remind you that she was shot in the BACK? Or should I slap you with the hand that's stained in her blood? And I have no motive."
"As boyfriend, you could be a benefactor in the girl's will!"
"Claus!" Len yelled, without taking his eyes off the crowd. He emerged, taking his hand out of his jacket pocket. "Do you know the status of Megumi's will?"
"She has yet to submit one… and never will now." He went back upstairs.
"So there you have it. I have no motive. As a boyfriend, I cannot legally claim anything. However each of you have something to gain in her death. And I will find out who!"
Claus entered Gumi's chambers, closing the door and sitting at her bedside. "Milady, I realize the drug you ingested will only have you sleep, but I hope you can hear me somehow. Your date was ingenious in this illusion, but I'm afraid this gives me the opportunity I need." He slid a carving knife out of his vest pocket. "To take the life of someone so fair and so young may seem cruel to you, Milady, but the pain I have been submitted to is far too excruciating." He pointed the blade down in his fist, raising it above her. "Far too excruciating to let you live!"
On the downward arc, Gumi opened her eyes. Claus's arm slid to a halt. "It was you?" She rolled out of bed, a tear running down her cheek. "All this time… it was you? Why, Claus? You owe me that much!"
"It's because of your existence that I need to kill you!" Claus sobbed. "Lady Haku… I loved her completely, and she, I. Even though I was a lowly butler, she found my heart and treated me kindly. We promised to share everything together, be it as husband and wife, or Lady and Butler. But then you came along, you see."
"I don't understand! Claus, I always considered you a friend, confidant, a parent. You carried me when I couldn't walk, and cried with me when I had tears! If I had gotten in your way with Aunt Haku, I'm sorry. I had no intention of doing that! That's no reason…." Her eyes got big. "The inheritance?"
"That's right, the inheritance!" Claus lowered the blade to bear. "Haku loved me, and I loved her equally. However you replaced me in her heart. Her true feelings came out when she bequeathed everything to you! She only loved you! That revelation rent me through! And so I will rend you through!"
"Claus, no!" Gumi gasped, paralyzed as he leapt for her.
"Milady, duck!"
KABLAM! A second shot echoed through the mansion. Len whirled around, looking up at Gumi's state room. "Shit!" He broke into a run, dashing up the stairs. He smashed through the door. "Gumi!"
He found her huddled in a corner, trembling. The closet door nearest to her swung open, a bullet hole in the slats. The head maid trembled in tears behind the smoking gun. Claus got up, his shoulder pierced, bleeding profusely. "Even if I am to die… I will see Milady in the afterlife!" He dove for the girl again.
"AAAHHH!" The maid screamed, squeezing the trigger two more times. BLAM! BLAM!
The gun fell to the floor, as did the knife, as did Claus. "Lady Gumi…." He whispered, his stomach wounded beyond repair.
She gulped, standing. "I'm here, Claus."
"My love… for Haku was… limitless. But I did… care for you… as well. If you can… find it… please…." His eyes glazed over.
"Claus…." Gumi fell to her knees in front of him. "CLAUS!" She wailed, sobbing, punching his chest. "You fool! You damn fool! Of course she loved you! Of course I loved you!"
Len went over to the maid, still in disbelief. He grabbed her shoulders. "You did the right thing. Do you understand? You saved your master's life today, and that's the ultimate duty. You did the right thing." He picked her up, ushering her into the arms of a butler that had accompanied him. Len knelt down in front of the body, closing his eyelids. "You were too obvious, old man. That's why you're dead right now, because I knew."
Gumi shot him a look of rage. "ENGH!" CRACK! She slapped him hard. KABLAM! A shot echoed from the main hall, scaring the suspects. "YOU BASTARD!" She ran off, down the steps.
"Lady Megumi?" "You're alive?" "How is this possible?"
"Party's over, everyone get out!" She pushed through them, heading into the back corridors.
"Gumi, wait! Gumi!" Len ran after her, but was blocked by the guests demanding an explanation. "Everyone, I apologize for deceiving you. A threat was made on the hostess's life earlier in the day. Therefore we engineered her death before the culprit could strike to drive him out of hiding using remote controlled sound effects and blood capsules triggered in the hostess's gloves. Only myself, the hostess, and the head maid were privy to this information in order to reinforce the illusion. The culprit has been silenced, and you are all free to go. I thank you for your cooperation." He bowed before running after the girl. "Gumi! Come back!"
Len raced down the hall, past an open door where sobbing emerged. He skidded to a halt, slowly opening the door. This place was beginning to have a layer of dust, obviously not used anymore. It was a bedroom, with many decorations and awards, even a platinum album. He found Gumi sobbing at the foot of the dresser. "This is…."
"Aunt Haku's room." She whispered.
"Gumi, I…."
"I hate you. I hate you so much right now. You put me in danger, and I was an inch away from death. Do you even care that I could have died?"
"Gumi…" Len knelt down next to her, careful not to step on the gloves on the floor. "I was not about to let you die there. That's why I did everything I did."
"But you said you knew."
"I knew, but I didn't have any proof until he was forced to make a move." He picked up her hands. "Your life was never in danger. Why do you think I told the maid to hide in your closet?"
"Eh? When did you do that?"
"I told her to remove the cameras from the guests. That was code. I needed a live person watching your room, not a camera. When we were going over the plan with her, I took her aside and laid down some code, and made sure that she was armed in the event something went down. Your life was already protected."
"Len…." She paused for a moment to process the info. "But how did you know it was Claus?"
"What first made me suspicious was the letter. Someone who had known you for so long would have realized you'd never abandon your family. It would have also basically eliminated him as a suspect for trying to protect you, while at the same time, arousing suspicion of anyone and everyone else. The truth is, no one in that room would have been stupid enough to try something, and the only loose cannon, your cousin, we ejected early on.
"The other thing was the delivery message of the note. Looking at the security, no stray dog would have been able to wander onto the property without someone assisting, and with those guard dogs marking their territory in the garden, no mangy mutt in their right mind would go near the place.
"Finally, we never told Claus about the plan. When you faked your death, which was absolutely incredible by the way, he was visibly shaken, more than with tragedy. It was an indecision, the kind you get when the rug is just swept out from under you. It was in that moment that I erased all doubt that he was the killer."
Gumi dried her tears, standing up. "It still was scary as hell, Len." She sighed. "But… I can forgive you, now that I understand the whole story. Really, this whole thing is my fault in the first place." She flicked on a lamp on the vanity, placing her hand on a large box made of white leather. There were gilded letters on the top saying "Dearest Claus". "If I had given him this box, the box of their most precious memories in Aunt Haku's heart, maybe he would have realized how much he meant to her. But I put it off, wanting to keep her room exactly the way it was the day she died. Because of me… Claus had to die."
Len stood there in shock, staring at the lampshade. "Len? Senpai, what's wrong?" He flicked the lamp off and unscrewed the top, lifting the shade off the bulb and flipping it over. She looked inside and gasped. She clamped her hand over her mouth, paling. "No… No that can't be right! That's not possible!" The boy nodded as he ripped off a loupe identical to his own that was taped on the inside.
