"You ran into her over at the prison?"
Though she could hardly believe it, Rachel also felt a weight lift from her shoulders.
Tina, who had been silent the whole way, led them into the building she had pointed out earlier. She couldn't help asking for confirmation.
"Yeah. She has a room there where she studies her art."
Fu Qian answered casually, taking in his surroundings.
He really had picked a prime spot. Even from the outside, the place had an air of distinction. Once inside, though, it became clear that was only a superficial impression.
It was more than fit for temporarily storing corpses. It felt like it could pass for a cemetery.
The building was made of brick and wood, and its materials didn't look as though they'd endured ages beyond counting. Yet it still seemed to seep with a faint chill that touched the soul.
Even the echoes of their footsteps sounded unusually crisp and resonant.
"I'm not that surprised. It sounds like something she'd do."
Tina's professionalism showed here. Though she frowned too, it didn't stop her from commenting on Fu Qian's story.
"Are you close with Rachel and Ed?"
Her tone piqued Fu Qian's curiosity.
"Not really. I've heard Hake mention them a few times."
Tina shook her head and answered without thinking. Then, after mentioning Hake, she seemed slightly ill at ease.
"How did Hake describe them?"
It sounded as if she were closer to his partner than Fu Qian was. Her reaction that morning—going out, then sneaking back—made a little more sense now.
Fu Qian silently drew his conclusion. He didn't press her and kept to the original topic.
"He said they were a good match... though I couldn't see it myself."
Tina let out a quiet breath of relief, then casually repeated