"Are you saying that this man could be the serial killer?" Brandli asked. "But why is it a level 4 incident?""One night three years ago, this serial killer killed a 4th-tier knight who had just got promoted from an a.s.sistant knight test examiner to a lead examiner. Then he murdered his wife and two kids," Barzel said through gritted teeth.
Devoe stared at Gabriel"s body in horror. This man may prove to be my undoing. If the Gray Temple investigated me, what they may find out could earn me a lifetime in prison.
Goodenia staggered back with terror. He was aware that n.o.body involved in a level 4 incident could walk away easily.
"Take the body back," Brandli said grimly. "And lock these three in Bastie Prison. Interrogate them."
"Yes, my lord," said the patrol men. They quickly tied them up with ropes.
By then, six riders from the police department had arrived. They dismounted, and their leader walked up to Brandli hurriedly. "Lord Brandli, we heard there is a level 3 incident—"
"You guys are right on time," Brandli interrupted. "Take this body back and have the coroner examine him. He"s the suspect involved in a level 4 incident."
The man froze for an instant, but understood right away when he saw the black iron cross. "Yes, my lord!" He had his men bring a stretcher from the back of a horse, cover the body with a white sheet, and lift it up onto the stretcher.
"We"re innocent, my lords! The iron cross belongs to the owner of the restaurant. He set us up!" Devoe screamed as he got dragged up.
Barzel walked over to him with a darkened face and kicked him in the belly. Devoe held his stomach and crouched down in pain.
"Shut them up, Bob," Barzel said coldly.
"Yes, Boss," Bob answered. It was the first time he had seen his boss so angry. He waved his wand and uttered some spells; then, the two thugs" mouths got covered by some green mud.
Goodenia struggled and glanced back at Mag, who was standing at his door; he suddenly found himself regretting having messed with him.
"Move it!" Monkey roared, jabbing Goodenia in the face with his elbow.
"Why is the boss so angry today, Monkey?" Bob asked.
"That examiner was his best friend; they drank together that night," Monkey said in a low voice. "Do not ever bring this up before the boss," he warned.
Bob nodded, and said not another word.
"Thank you for apprehending these thugs. If he is really the serial killer, we"ll give you the reward," Brandli said to Mag.
Mag was very surprised by this turn of events. "Thank you. It"s my pleasure."
Mag had thought he had gone too far, but after hearing what Barzel said, the self-reproach he felt after he"d killed Gabriel was totally gone.
"Thanks to you, my friend and his family can rest in peace now," Barzel said to Mag, holding out his hand. "I"m Barzel. We should have a drink someday."
Mag shook his hand. "I don"t drink anymore. But, you"re always welcome here."
"I told you Amy"s always right. She knows which person deserves to die," Kra.s.su said to Brandli, smiling a proud smile.
"She should have killed them all," said Urien.
"You"re both right, my lords. If you"ll excuse me, I must go back to the Gray Temple," Brandli said with a smile. "Tell the little owner I said thank you, Mag."
"I don"t know why you"re thanking me, but you"re welcome," Amy called out from the restaurant.
Mag turned around and saw Amy eating dried fish with the kitten in one arm. When she raised her head and met Mag"s eyes, she froze for an instant, and then gave the fish to the aggrieved kitten.
Mag smiled. "He"s thanking you for catching a bad guy." I shouldn"t have let her feed the cat.
Amy"s eyes brightened. "Really?"
Brandli nodded with a smile. "Yes. You"re a little hero." He nodded at Mag and left with Barzel.
"What"s smelling so good, Mag? I haven"t had any lunch yet. Can you make some new dish for me?" Kra.s.su asked.