Chapter 18: Watertight

Over 400 square feet wasn't exactly small, but with various furniture filling the space, it still offered a cramped visual sensation. Both the furniture and the room's arrangement appeared worn and old, and with the tiny, slanted windows allowing rare sunshine, it resembled sitting in a damp, dark basement. Though it was now summer, wearing light clothes still brought a chill, letting one imagine how cold this heating-lacking room would be in the winter.

"Sorry, Mr. Adrian, for keeping you waiting, I always have to put my daughter to sleep around this time," the woman said cautiously as she sat down in front of Adrian, her voice carrying a hint of timidity and nervousness. Her complexion was pale and haggard, a stark contrast to the image Adrian had seen in her photograph at the private detective's office over two years ago.