Early morning.
The fog had yet to disperse.
The people from the Patrol Hall had arrived at the Lapp Textile Factory early. The person leading them was none other than Director Gove.
"What a terrible smell!"
Someone in the crowd covered his nose and mouth.
"The nearby river is full of dead fish, and the river water has even changed color. Is this really a place for people to live?"
"I heard it's because of the latest technology. The cloth has to be steamed at high temperatures and then dyed, so the water deteriorates and gives off a strong stench," someone said.
"Of course, I don't really understand it either. I've only heard people say that. But there certainly is a lot of smoke being discharged."
Everyone looked up at the towering chimneys. Thick black smoke was pouring from them into the sky.
That black smoke would eventually become part of the air, blanketing all of Signo City.
Someone muttered under his breath:
"No wonder the air quality in the city has been getting worse these past few years. Factories should be built farther away from the city."
"Welcome! Welcome!"
Before their discussion was finished, someone walked out through the factory's main entrance and bowed enthusiastically.
"Gove, my friend, why didn't you tell me you were coming? I could have made preparations."
"Jack." Gove smiled faintly.
"We're here to investigate a case this time. We may need your cooperation. Can you stop the factory today?"
"Stop work?" Jack's expression changed dramatically.
"Gove, you're joking, right?"
"The machines in my factory are different from those elsewhere. Starting and stopping them requires a long adjustment period. The wages of all those workers, along with machine wear and maintenance, would cost at least several thousand pounds. Who's going to pay for that?"
Several