## Chapter 234: Full-Scale Investigation
Arthur sat in his office, meticulously reviewing the documents in front of him. But no matter how he looked at it, he couldn’t figure out who would have done such a thing.
From a simple, straightforward logical standpoint, even if Bernie Harrison’s case was eventually deemed a frame-up by Scotland Yard against an elected official, the consequences would not be limited to just one or a few officers. It would damage the entire department’s social reputation and future financial allocations. If Parliament really wanted to make a big deal out of it, they might even team up with the judges who had always disliked Scotland Yard and seize control of the Metropolitan Police.
In short, this didn’t seem like something an insider would do, or at least not someone with a brain. And those without brains wouldn’t usually be placed in a second-tier department like Scotland Yard, where the pay was low, the work was heavy, and the responsibilities were not light.
Brainless young masters were typically assigned to some meaningless, marginal departments with a job that could be ignored.
Since it wasn’t an internal problem with Scotland Yard, then it had to be an outsider. But this kind of ruthless approach, which could be considered a life-or-death struggle, seemed so strange.
At first, Arthur thought it was targeted at him, but after comparing notes with Rowan, he felt like he was just a victim of collateral damage.
Not all criminal cases were transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department. Applications for CID assistance had to be submitted by the supervising superintendent of the police district involved, then approved by the regional superintendent.
In other words, if the other party was determined to target Arthur, they would have to clear every hurdle in the police district involved. If they were even slightly blocked, they wouldn’t be able to reach Arthur.
But why would the superintendent and superintendent of the local police district help the other side do such a thankless job? The case occurred in their jurisdiction, and if it was investigated, they wouldn’t be able to escape responsibility!
If the other party was so powerful that they could manipulate an entire regional police system, then why not just come out and target him directly? Why use such a treacherous and risky method?
Arthur put down the documents in his hand, resting his chin on one hand. He couldn’t figure it out no matter how much he thought about it.
The Red Devil sat by the window, chewing on a sugar cube, his eyes filled with interest as he looked at him: “Got any conclusions?”
Arthur glanced at him and said, “This doesn’t seem to be aimed at any one person. But the guy who can get a member of Parliament to do his bidding could easily make Scotland Yard miserable in Parliament. Why bother with this kind of conspiracy? And I also don’t understand why Mr. Bernie Harrison would agree to do this. If this gets exposed, it will also affect his reputation and be detrimental to his future elections.
Could it be that the Tory Party is behind this? Trying to throw a wrench in the Whig Party’s works during the parliamentary session, distracting people from the Reform Bill? But even the Duke of Wellington wasn’t willing to lie about agreeing to parliamentary reform. Would he do something like this?”
The Red Devil, upon hearing this, just sneered. He maliciously picked up the newspaper on the table and read the headline, word for word.
“Viscount Palmerston: It’s normal to have different voices within the party. We should consider everyone’s opinions.”
Arthur frowned slightly upon hearing this.
His eyes locked on the Red Devil, trying to glean more information from his expression.
Although Arthur couldn’t find a reason for Agareus to help him at the moment, there must be a reason why this guy was saying this out of the blue.
Arthur narrowed his eyes slightly: “Can you benefit from this case?”
The Red Devil clasped his hands together, his features almost squeezing together on his face. He replied in a deliberately nauseating, saccharine tone: “Oh! My dear Arthur, you shouldn’t always be so materialistic. I just genuinely want to help you.”
“Ha… that’s suspicious enough.”
Arthur threw his hat on the table: “But the world is really interesting these days! Humans who should be talking about feelings are constantly talking about interests, and devils who should be talking about interests are starting to discuss friendship with me. Tell me, what do you know? While I haven’t changed my mind yet, there’s still the possibility of a deal.”
The Red Devil just smiled upon hearing this and reminded him: “Arthur, you should have realized that what you need most right now isn’t to uncover the truth, but to help Scotland Yard distance itself from this matter. I can directly help you deal with Bernie Harrison, make him issue a letter of understanding for Scotland Yard’s arrest. As for what happens next, everyone will be happy.”
Arthur’s tightly furrowed brows slowly relaxed upon hearing this, and a charming smile appeared on his face: “So, even if Bernie Harrison issues a letter of understanding, this isn’t over? Agareus, thank you. It seems that compared to taking shortcuts, it’s more reliable to solve the problem once and for all with more effort.”
With that, Arthur stood up, grabbed his coat and uniform, and walked out.
The Red Devil was stunned for a moment, then slapped his thigh in anger: “Careless! Arthur, you sneaky bastard!”
He also rushed out in a hurry: “Arthur, look, maybe we can talk about it again. I’ll give you a 50% discount, what do you think? If it really doesn’t work, I’ll take a loss. You can consider the letter of understanding as a loan. I guarantee you, there will be no interest.”
Arthur stopped a public carriage on the side of the road, not even looking at him: “First-time service is free, additional services are charged separately. Agareus, I advise you not to play around with me in this area, because I’ve been scammed many times in this area. And I advise you to think back, who came up with the tiered pricing system for ‘The Brit’?”
…
Shortly after, in the East End of London, Tower Hamlets, Whitechapel Parish, on the second floor of Martin’s Tavern, in Arthur’s private room.
Arthur took a sip of his white porcelain teacup, then looked up at the Russian maid sitting opposite him. She had golden braids, greyish-blue eyes, and was dressed in a black plaid skirt and white stockings. She was sitting in a ladylike posture, displaying her elegance and grace.
“It’s been a while, Fiona. You’ve gotten even prettier.”
Fiona just rolled her eyes upon hearing this: “Is that all you can say? It’s always the same thing. I want to hear something new sometimes.”
Arthur put down his teacup and said: “Sorry, I’ll learn more when I have time. But for now, you’ll have to bear with it.”
Fiona looked at his half-dead expression and just glared at him, then sighed: “Okay, who, what time, what location, and how much money.”
“You should really change that habit.” Arthur said, “I was actually going to lay some groundwork.”
Fiona looked displeased: “Your groundwork? Forget it. Your groundwork is to do the job first, and you can only talk about the price once you’re satisfied. Look, just for your little requirements, I’m now working for the embassy. I’m being called around all day. You know, I used to be a proper lady from a respectable gentleman’s family.”
Arthur saw how unhappy she was, but because she was the only one who could do the work at the Russian embassy, he could only comfort her gently: “You’re really working hard.”
Fiona rolled her eyes at him: “It’s not hard, it’s just Mr. Hastings’ task.”
Speaking of which, Fiona couldn’t help but emphasize: “But you have to remember to pay me more.”
“Money, of course, you’ll get your share.”
Arthur pulled out a check from his pocket and waved it in front of her: “Here’s two hundred pounds. It’s also a reward for your hard work over the past six months.”
With that, Arthur pulled out another check from his pocket: “And here, another two hundred pounds…”
Fiona saw these two checks, and the gloom in her heart instantly vanished. Her heart was filled with joy, and she raised her slender fingers and pinched the check: “My dear! Mr. Hastings, you are the sun in my heart! Are these two hundred pounds to keep me working at the embassy for another six months?”
“No, Fiona, this bonus is extra.” Arthur said with a smile, “If you do a good job, I can add another two hundred pounds.”
Fiona heard this, her eyes met his, and for some reason, her face turned red: “Actually… actually, I don’t need that much.”
Arthur nodded in agreement: “Of course, I think so too. So, I’m going to have you do something else.”
“Arthur Hastings!”
“Insulting your boss will cost you money.”
“Okay, then you tell me, I’m listening.”
Arthur opened the briefcase next to him, took out the documents inside, and handed them over: “Just like last time, it’s not suitable to approach this target from the front. Mr. Bernie Harrison is a member of the House of Commons. He’s recently been involved in a murder case.
According to the information I have, he likes to frequent some brothels. I’ve already had people investigate some of his other hobbies this morning, and they’re all listed in the appendix of the documents.
In his London residence, besides him, there are also his wife, two children, a male servant who drives, a female housekeeper, and two maids. I need you to collect as much information as possible about them, but be careful, the methods you use must be non-violent.
Also, for the time being, I need their itineraries. Who they met, where they went, every detail, I need to know.”
Fiona took a deep breath upon hearing this, her eyes wide open like the oil lamp on the stage.
She said: “Mr. Hastings.”
Arthur took a sip of tea: “What is it?”
Fiona was so angry that her teeth were itching. She forced a smile: “I think, instead of doing so much work, why don’t you just play around a bit? I’ll give you a discount on the price.”
Arthur put down his teacup and said calmly: “Fiona, I told you before, these three checks for two hundred pounds are not easy to earn. But for the sake of our future cooperation, I think you should try harder. Of course, if you want to retire early, I think that’s fine too.”
Fiona was startled, and she picked up the teapot and filled the teacup: “Look at what you’re saying, why are you angry? It’s just about checking on a few people. I guarantee you, you won’t find anyone better than me in this area.”
(End of Chapter)