Beyond Abner: The Other Players

On Friday morning, Klein slept until he woke naturally, got dressed, and went downstairs to collect his subscribed newspapers from the box outside.

He unfolded the Tussock Newspaper and saw the glaring headline:

"Intis Ambassador Beckland Jean Madan Murdered; Terrorist Organization 'Aurora Order' Claims Responsibility!"

At the end of the article, the reporter gave a brief introduction to the Aurora Order and listed some of its crimes, making it instantly more notorious than almost every other secret organization.

The Aurora Order claimed responsibility? Wasn't this Mr. Tower's doing? When Mr. Tower commented on Mr. A at the Tarot Club, his wording was fairly objective, but there was clear wariness in his tone... And given his friendly relationship with Miss Daly, there's no way he's a member of the Aurora Order.

Then did the Aurora Order step forward to take the blame? Why would they do that? Were they like certain organizations back on Earth, hoping to gain publicity and swindle funding just by claiming responsibility?

Of course, there could be some deeper scheme... Or perhaps some ritual required it?

Forget it. No point dwelling on it... Whatever the case, it's finally over...

Still somewhat puzzled, Klein let out a breath and glanced out the window. A thin mist hung in the air, and sparse raindrops fell.

"Shouldn't a moment like this come with brilliant sunshine and clear skies?" Klein laughed at himself.

Next, he had to go catch someone in the act of adultery.

In Earl Hall's luxurious villa in Empress Borough, Audrey was enjoying breakfast under a maid's attentive care when she heard her father, a member of the Upper House and a major banker, mutter over his newspaper:

"The Aurora Order really is insane."

The Aurora Order? Audrey blinked and asked curiously, "What did they do?"

"Oh,