Chapter 6250: Chicago Memories (19)

The fluorescent lights of the Chicago Police Department also emitted a cold glow that reflected harshly on the paper. The aroma of coffee could not soothe the fatigue; a few officers squatted on the ground organizing files, while others were using the shredder. Among them stood a particularly strong figure by the window, exuding an intimidating presence that deterred others from approaching easily.

His face, akin to a classical sculpture, held a profound melancholy. He stroked the paper of the file in his hand with his fingers, and the top right corner of the document featured a photo of a young man with black hair and blue eyes.

The female officer in her police uniform strode in briskly, adjusting the holster at her back, and said, “Brian Patsey is being discharged soon.”

She sighed softly while standing still, then said, “Although everyone supports reopening the investigation, this matter is not that simple. I think we should investigate the carnage case first. What do you say, Bruce?”

The man referred to as Bruce turned around; his silence was heavy, and the atmosphere in the room was suffocating. After a moment, he spoke up, “I understand. I will investigate the previous case without delaying the investigation of this carnage case. Let me know if there’s any way I can help.”

“There is indeed something.” The female officer walked over, placed her gun aside, and said, “The young master from the freight company, I believe his name is Eric, went to see that kid who shares your name after leaving the hospital. What do you think they talked about?”

“Bruce Wayne is not a suspect,” he replied. “I understand you might find his actions peculiar, but he is not a normal person; that doesn’t mean he’s done anything in this case. He has neither motive nor means to commit the crime. I believe he is innocent.”

“That’s what I think too,” the female officer nodded while crossing her arms, “because, after all, there were survivors in the basement. Everyone says he’s not the ‘rabbit killer.’ Even though he sensed danger and left early without saving others, it doesn’t count as a crime. What I worry about is that Eric and Brian might try to pin the suspicion on him.”

“They won’t succeed,” the man shook his head, “Eric going to see him was unwise, and you all should refrain from contacting him for now.”

“Seems like you know him well, you both are from the same place, right?” The female officer frowned slightly, “However, I advise against exposing this matter, otherwise, you might have to recuse yourself. No one in the department would mind, but those two families are waiting to catch us slipping.”

He nodded, just about to say more when a young officer approached and said, “Officer Wayne, the phone desk said someone called for you, a girl claiming to be your girlfriend asked you to call her back.”

The female officer raised an eyebrow, “No wonder you rejected me so quickly, turns out you have a girlfriend. Go on.”

He said nothing more, just quickly left the room and went to the phone desk. Picking up the receiver, he dialed back, and soon a pleasant female voice came on the line.

“Bruce, it’s me, Jennifer. I know you’ve been busy lately, but it’s been almost two months since we last met. Remember I told you about moving recently? You have to come and help; I can’t move so many things by myself. Come to the dormitory, and I’ll explain everything.”

“I can’t go to the school now,” he said.

“Then let’s meet at the café, the one by the park. I’ll wait no matter how late. Bye.”

Jennifer hung up the phone, looked at Bruce beside her, and said, “Do you think he’ll really come? My dad says he’s the new prestigious guy at the department…”

“Don’t worry.” Bruce said, “He’ll definitely come.”

“Let’s be clear, my family and I will never testify in court, nor will our testimony carry signatures. At most, I can tell you the general situation we know, and you have to ensure my safety.”

“Rest assured, ma’am,” Stark said, “I’ve rented an apartment off-campus; we can stay there for the time being. I’ve set up comprehensive monitoring and alarm systems, no one can get in.”

Jennifer immediately took his arm, “I know you’re amazing. The phone you got me is simply astonishing; I’ve never seen one so slim and good. If Nokia Company knew you had this skill, they’d certainly hire you for a high salary.”

Stark chuckled, adjusted his glasses, and said, “I’m not interested in making phones. It’s a pity the junkyard isn’t a place for a lady like you, otherwise I’d show you my skills.”

“Junkyard?” Jennifer was curious, “What are you doing there?”

“If you don’t mind getting dirty, I can take you to see,” Stark said, wrapping his arm around her waist, “I guarantee even your dad will be interested.”

Jennifer nodded eagerly. She held a phone in her hand; it wasn’t the brick-like phones of this era, but more like the later Motorola and Nokia design with buttons, somewhat resembling future touchscreen phones.

In this era where only the wealthy could afford giant bricks, having such a gem was undoubtedly the center of attention. From the admiration in Jennifer’s eyes, it was clear she would never find the junkyard too dirty.

Bruce couldn’t help but marvel at Stark’s incredible social networking skills. Although Jennifer’s family isn’t considered top-tier wealthy, her dad is a tool manufacturer, and her mom’s family monopolizes the hardware industry in Chicago. While she is not the heir, she is a beloved youngest daughter, and it’s believed that meeting Stark would surely increase her favor.

During the daytime, Bruce and Stark went to look at apartments off-campus. With Stark’s pace of invention and creation, living in a dorm definitely wouldn’t work. That place couldn’t even fit a workbench, being able to fix an engine would be considered an achievement in Stark’s spatial management skills, doing anything else was impossible.

Fortunately, due to Stark and Bruce’s heroic act of diving underwater to rescue someone during the fishing competition, the organizers and other participants unanimously agreed to give them the prize money. 5000 US Dollars was a substantial sum in those days, more than enough to rent an apartment off-campus.

Conversely, Stark didn’t have to worry much about safety issues as he had crafted monitoring equipment ahead of its time. If he were to turn the apartment into a base, no one could escape his surveillance, as this world didn’t have superpower users, making it incredibly safe.

The three of them exited the phone booth, strolling along the lakeside towards the end. Here stood the largest café of the entire commercial street. Since today was a day off, the place was quite crowded. They casually found a corner to sit down, Stark busied himself with taking pictures of Jennifer, while Bruce placed their order and sat by the floor-to-ceiling window, waiting for Arkham Batman.

Soon, Arkham Batman’s figure appeared by the door. This was indeed the only proper café by the lakeside. Amongst cafés, this was the place to be. Upon entering, he immediately noticed the three people sitting by the window.

Bruce also noticed him as he saw Arkham Batman head towards the depths of the café and choose a seat not by the window, beside the restroom. Bruce then walked over.

“You’re looking for me?” Arkham Batman’s tone seemed rather calm, perhaps his anger had reached a peak which subsequently made him settle down.

“I have something to tell you,” Bruce said, “did Brainiac leave you any instructions before you came here?”

Arkham Batman just stared at him without speaking. So Bruce continued, “This isn’t the world we’re familiar with, there are no superheroes, not even superpower users. This is Shiller’s memory.”

Arkham Batman slightly squinted his eyes, apparently unaware of this fact. After all, he wasn’t here to play a game but to confront someone. Although Brainiac allowed him entry, he wasn’t obliged to explain the background story. Therefore, Arkham Batman might have thought this was merely a game instance created by Brainiac, not expecting such intricacies.

“What do you want?” Arkham Batman asked. He knew Bruce wouldn’t offer him information without wanting something in return.

“Don’t be hasty.” Bruce obviously hadn’t finished speaking. “The girl who called you is Jennifer, Tony’s current girlfriend. Her family knows some leads about the Brotherhood’s human trafficking cases, and I have some leads too.”

Arkham Batman lowered his eyelids, seemingly contemplating. He might be assessing the value of this information, but Bruce spoke candidly, “A few days before the Brotherhood’s induction ceremony, Brian gave me a piece of clothing…”

Bruce briefly explained his speculation and then said, “I need you to get me this year’s freshman information. I need to find the scapegoat.”

“Why are you looking for him?” Arkham Batman asked, “The Brotherhood wouldn’t easily expose their intentions, if their aim was for him to die, they wouldn’t say much to him.”

“I’m not the police, I’m not searching for evidence,” Bruce shook his head and said, “So, do we have a deal?”

“Agreed.” Arkham Batman accepted almost without hesitation. Amidst the human trafficking and carnage case, Bruce was trustworthy; he wasn’t implicated in the trafficking case, and although he possibly tampered with the carnage case, he wouldn’t be the perpetrator. The Chicago Police Department is currently under great pressure and desperately needs progress. Collaborating with Bruce is a wise choice.

“Shiller is a student at the University of Chicago.” Bruce immediately dropped a bombshell. “And he’s not just any ordinary student. According to the professor, he’s currently not very sane.”

Arkham Batman frowned deeply. As president, he had mastered the skill of hiding his emotions, but this news was significant enough for him to show a serious expression because he realized Bruce mentioning this now meant Shiller was at least involved in one of the cases.

“What do you mean by ‘not very sane’?” Arkham Batman pressed.

“He has enemies.” Bruce replied, “I’m not sure who exactly, but he will take action, it’s just a matter of time. If you don’t want to alarm them, don’t start by investigating the school.”

Arkham Batman fell silent for a while, seemingly weighing his options. Any case recently involving Shiller’s shadow isn’t good news, and if it involves his personal vendettas, it becomes even more challenging. Even though Arkham Batman came here intending to trouble Bruce, he could only heed his advice and put the school investigation aside for now.

However, Bruce was evidently planning to move within the school, or he wouldn’t have requested student information. Arkham Batman looked into Bruce’s eyes and then said, “Don’t do anything that leaves us in an awkward position.”

“I won’t.” Bruce smiled, but it was as cold as the Chicago wind. This realization made Arkham Batman aware that he had already found his positioning in this game; compared to being Batman, he was more inclined to be the Joker.