All afternoon, Hobart had been in a wonderful mood and worked with tremendous enthusiasm, accepting interviews from a magazine and a newspaper.
During the interviews, he delivered one memorable line after another, often sending the reporters into a frenzy of note-taking. They were all very satisfied with the interview.
Besides that, Hobart researched the case he had just taken on and formulated a corresponding defense strategy.
He also began handling the second batch of letters he had received, working at astonishing efficiency.
When it was time to get off work, Hobart stretched contentedly, picked up his cane and briefcase, and left work.
When he returned to the rented house, Hobart found only Fors.
After asking, he learned that Xue had received a contact signal from the Masked Man and gone to their agreed meeting place.
Hobart nodded, trying hard to recall. Why did he remember Xue receiving the Masked Man's commission much later?...
Backlund's heavy fog had obscured the sun in the sky early on, and the already narrow street immediately grew dim.
Xue arrived only a dozen seconds ahead of schedule. The Masked Man had not yet arrived, so she folded her arms and vigilantly surveyed her surroundings.
More than a minute later, the Masked Man finally appeared.
Xue said, "You're late!"
"No, I arrived before you did." The Masked Man said, "It seems you've already become a Sheriff."
Xue understood what he meant. The reason he had arrived early was to take the opportunity to observe her.
"Yes." Xue admitted it openly.
"I'm curious. What is your relationship with General Christine's eldest son?"
"Does that question have anything to do with the task you're giving me?"
"It doesn't." The Masked Man spoke gently. "You may not know this, but three months ago, General Christine's eldest son was still