A sh of annoyance crossed Alistair''s eyes, but he still made the introduction. "Mr. Zeller, this is Mr. Conan Spade from headquarters, a joint investigator. Given the international implications of this case, they''re taking it quite seriously. Conan scoffed at these words. "Mister? Really, Alistair? You''re getting soft-since when do we address suspects as ''mister''?"


    "How I address people is my business," Alistair shot back. "As long as the investigation is thorough, my manners aren''t your concern."


    Ignoring the exchange, Conan dropped heavily into the chair across from Felix. "The voice


    Felix. recordings and videos from your phone have been authenticated-it''s definitely you, No amount of denial will help unless you can provide an alibi, so you''d bettere with us right now."


    He added with menace, "And if you resist, we''re authorized to use lethal force!"


    Conan''s hostility was crystal clear, but Felix chose not to dwell on it. He replied, "I actually do have an alibi, though I''m unsure if I can reach that person right now."


    His mind raced through his contacts, knowing he needed someone influential to back up his story. After all, an ordinary person''s words would not be enough.


    Conanughed mockingly. "An alibi from someone we can''t contact? Do you think we''re idiots? Take him in!"


    At hismand, two Wolfie troops members approached. However, they held back from using force, well aware of Alistair and Felix''s connection.


    To be fair, even Alistair could not help at this point, so he remained silent.


    "Well, isn''t this lively?" said an unexpected voice. "Felix, you have guests? Though they hardly seem like the friendly sort."


    Felix was surprised to see Averill appear at such a crucial moment, but his initial relief faded when he realized Averillcked the status needed to provide a credible alibi. "Who are you?" Conan demanded.


    Averill, never one to back down, shot him a sideways re. "Who are you people to barge into Felix''s house?"


    Though struck by Averill''s beauty, Conan stayed focused on his mission. "We''re from the Wolfie troops, and Felix is a murder suspect. Don''t interfere, or we''ll arrest you too."


    Felix, still seated, felt his anger rising at Conan''s increasingly hostile attitude. He could tolerate it directed at himself, but not at his senior apprentice


    Averill mocked, "Oh, the Wolfie troops! I thought you were someone untouchable, throwing your weight around.


    "Anyway, my precious junior apprentice wouldn''t hurt a fly, let alone kill someone. Did you even investigate properly?"


    Surprised by Averill''s boldness, Conan''s eyes glinted as he stepped closer. "Now you''re obstructing justice. You''reing with us too," he said, secretly pleased to have an excuse to approach such a beautiful woman.


    "I''d advise against falsely using Felix," Averill warned. "His other senior will be here soon. By then, it''ll be toote for apologies."


    Even Felix was startled by this revtion, unable to guess which senior apprentice might be arriving with Averill, given how recently he had moved to Gray City.


    "Well, well, quite the support you''ve got," Conan sneered. "If she interferes like you, we''ll arrest her too."


    As his words faded, an icy presence materialized behind him.


    "Is that so?" remarked a chilling voice.


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