There really was someone there.
In such a quiet place, even a car left idling for just a little while was enough to attract attention.
Fu Qian had also noticed that while the two of them were talking, someone had already peered down from upstairs.
And it seemed Mr. Hack even knew who was watching.
"You didn't go to work today, Ed?"
They got out of the car together. They had barely knocked when the door opened from inside.
A burly red-haired man in casual clothes peered out, looking somewhat puzzled.
By contrast, Hake wasn't surprised at all. He greeted him casually.
"I have the day off. What brings you here, Mr. Hack?"
It was clear that Hake was still quite respected around here. Ed's tone held not only the caution one might show when the police came calling, but also the deference due to an elder.
"We're looking for someone. Can we come in and talk?"
Hake maintained his usual manner, showing little emotion, his gaze languid.
Besides, the reason he gave was obviously rather tactful.
"The person" they were looking for could be Rachel, or the missing young people.
No wonder he was so experienced at dealing with people on the ground.
Someone would have to drive away the car that wasn't there. Now that the one answering the door was Rachel's husband, Ed, the odds that his wife had skipped work and was at home seemed slim. What she had gone off to do was undoubtedly a delicate matter.
If an outsider accidentally let certain things slip, the consequences could be serious.
Though Fu Qian had keenly sensed this, he had no intention of saying anything either.
"Of course. Come in."
Ed looked somewhat fierce, but he was clearly easygoing. He invited them in almost immediately.