Teresa took Qin Ran straight to the police station in Aitland City.
Not to the main building, of course.
Instead, she led him to a separate three-story building behind it.
An inconspicuous sign hung to the right of its entrance: Auxiliary Forensics Division.
"You don't have much time. About ten minutes... or less."
The police chief pushed the door open and walked in as she spoke.
Qin Ran followed close behind.
Beyond the door lay a long, narrow hall with doors on either side. Apart from the window at the far end, there was little way for light to enter, lending the already secluded building an eerie air.
Neither the police chief nor Qin Ran paid that eerie atmosphere any mind.
They strode down the hall.
Soon, they reached the basement level.
"Hey, Teresa. Morning!"
A middle-aged man in a white coat waved at the police chief, then asked without so much as looking at Qin Ran, "Here about the Winchester House case?"
"What else would it be?"
"Give me ten minutes."
The police chief made her demand without ceremony.
"That's no way to ask a favor... never mind. I'm more afraid of how you 'ask' for one. Ten minutes, and not a second more."
"I'm going for a smoke."
The middle-aged man shrugged in apparent resignation.
Then he stood up and headed upstairs.
The police chief, meanwhile, headed for the morgue at the back.
Their practiced coordination made it clear this wasn't their first time doing this.
Perhaps noticing the surprise in Qin Ran's eyes, the police chief explained, "He got into serious trouble two years ago, and I helped him out. He couldn't keep his old position, but at least he wasn't kicked out altogether. That's how we became friends."
"And how do you 'ask' for favors?"
Qin