On a coach at the intersection of Berkland Street, Leonard Mitchell was discussing with two of his "Red Gloves" teammates about today's subject of investigation, Dwayne Dantès.
"I haven't had direct contact with this gentleman yet, only questioned his servants and neighbors," Cindy, with her wine-red hair, began to report her findings. "Initial confirmation shows that Dwayne Dantès was the same as usual from last night to this morning. He went to bed at 11 p.m., finished washing up at 7:30 a.m., and had his valet prepare his clothes. There was nothing unusual during the entire time. Of course, sometimes he'll have a late-night snack and finish his day after midnight, and sometimes he'll get up before seven and go for a walk, but that's not the norm."
Another "Red Gloves," Bob, nodded and said: "From this perspective, Dwayne Dantès doesn't seem problematic."
Leonard Mitchell, sitting rather casually, immediately smiled: "But the reverse is also true.
"According to the information gathered so far, the missing servant was likely replaced between 11:20 and 11:35 p.m. The intruder entered Chanis Gate at 6 a.m. We discovered the problem at 7:20, but we couldn't find the target.
"In other words, during the time frame of the infiltration incident, Dwayne Dantès was asleep and had no alibi witnesses."
"What you say makes some sense..." Cindy looked at Leonard with mild surprise.
In her impression, while this teammate often had judgments and questions that cut to the core, he rarely made such long-winded, logically coherent statements. He was more like a scatterbrained poet, with only occasional flashes of insight.
Bob, who had a rather sharp chin, frowned and shook his head: "This way, everyone on this list can't shake off suspicion. None of them sleep under observation. Even their wives or husbands would already be asleep during that time.
"Also, I don't think an intruder would be so bold. He had already entered Chanis Gate and escaped successfully, accomplishing this unbelievable feat. Would he still hang around nearby without abandoning his identity and getting far away? Is that possible?
"The risks he would have to bear are incalculable. Unless he's still plotting something or unwilling to give up something. But what else can compare to infiltrating Chanis Gate? What can compare to those sealed artifacts, materials, and formulas?"
If I didn't already know that Dwayne Dantès is problematic, I'd make the same judgment... Leonard had his arguments ready. Crossing his right leg, he said: "I'm just saying that we can't simply dismiss Dwayne Dantès' suspicions that easily.
"Besides, Captain Soster also said that the intruder is likely already dead behind Chanis Gate. Even if Dwayne Dantès is involved, he's more likely just an accomplice.
"Hmm... don't you think it's too coincidental? He moved here less than two months ago, and the church encountered something that might not happen in hundreds of years. And he really does visit Saint Samuel Cathedral far too often, with plenty of opportunities to get a good grasp of the situation.
"Also, during this time, there was that strange sewer explosion on Berkland Street."
Cindy tucked her wine-red hair behind her ear: "You've convinced me. This is indeed a subject that needs special attention."
Bob pulled at the edge of his left "Red Glove": "There really are too many coincidences here.
"But coincidences don't necessarily equal problems. Even if Dwayne Dantès goes to church every day and listens to the bishop's sermons, he can only grasp the surface routines. He wouldn't be able to obtain deep-level intel, like when the internal guards go to Chanis Gate or how the Nighthawks hand over shifts."
"So he's more likely one of the accomplices." Leonard shrugged.
He also didn't understand how Dwayne Dantès could be so familiar with the Nighthawks' internal procedures.
Cindy echoed: "Either way, we need to conduct a deeper investigation.
"At noon, should we just enter Dwayne Dantès' dreams and ask? He has a habit of taking an afternoon nap."
Leonard raised his right hand and waved slightly: "No need to rush.
"Haven't we done routine investigations before? Haven't we entered Dwayne Dantès' dreams already? And we didn't find anything.
"If he really doesn't have a problem, then another dream intrusion won't yield anything extra. If he does have a problem but didn't expose himself before, that means he has a way to counter dream interrogation. If we enter again, he'll fool us the same way.
"So we should, on one hand, keep an eye on him, see who he contacts, and prevent his escape. On the other hand, wait for feedback from Dixie to clarify the real identity of this rich gentleman. Once we have a lead, we can apply for higher-level investigation methods than dream interrogation."
Cindy was a bit surprised again and couldn't help but joke: "Rarely do I see you analyzing the situation so seriously."
And with such clear thinking!
Leonard was silent for a moment, then gave a self-deprecating smile: "Maybe it's because I've encountered something similar before."