"So you don't know who he was?"
At City Hall, the police officers who had rushed over after receiving the emergency call and were now examining the scene glanced at Jack.
"Yes. His hair was a mess, and he looked like he was in his thirties. His face was painted with blotchy makeup, so I couldn't make out what he looked like, but he had exaggerated red lips..."
Jack sat in a chair, holding a cup of hot coffee as he patiently recalled the strange man he had encountered earlier.
Although he did not know who that person was, Jack felt that... that guy knew him. Maybe...
Jack shuddered. That crazed laughter rang in his ears again, and he hurriedly stood up. Under the policeman's astonished gaze, he ran behind the desk and pulled open a drawer.
He took out a pill bottle and poured two pills into his mouth. Only then did he stabilize, like a patient suffering a heart attack.
Seeing the policeman's surprised look, Jack shook the bottle in his hand. "Sorry, my condition is a bit troublesome. It's an issue with my ears. I've been too busy lately and haven't slept well."
The policeman nodded. "Understandable, but I suggest you go home now and get a good day's rest. If you find any other clues, call us. This is the Major Crimes Unit."
The policeman handed Jack a business card, then left with his team. This was not a major case, after all.
Someone had merely been knocked unconscious. If it had not happened at City Hall, they would not even have bothered responding.
After the police left, Jack borrowed an umbrella, picked up a briefcase, and left.
He rented a place in the Upper West Side. Although it was somewhat remote, it was next to