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91.18% Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics / Chapter 3911: Chapter 3028: Dense Green Trees Prolong the Summer Days (26)

章節 3911: Chapter 3028: Dense Green Trees Prolong the Summer Days (26)

In Gordon's office, he stared at the map on his desk while his former subordinates shook their heads and sighed.

"This guy did it on purpose," said a burly detective with a full beard. "The places where the body was found, nearby these four cold storages—one owned by Richie, one by Lawrence, one by Spencer, and another by the damn Falcone Family."

"Ironically, the victim was frozen to death," another detective, a short-haired, competent woman, said. "If we announce the cause of death, it virtually points a finger at the owners of these cold storages. But if we don't, we can't delay for too long as the journalists' cars are already on their way here."

"Let's not announce it yet," Gordon said. "In the absence of solid evidence, it's better not to offend the journalists, let alone them. Moreover, if I remember correctly, each of these cold storages uses the latest refrigeration and preservation technology, meaning the inside of these storages isn't actually cold."

The people around the desk frowned, clearly puzzled about this technical aspect. Gordon paused, then walked over to the phone. Soon, Victor Fries, a well-known cryogenic scientist from Gotham University, appeared in his office.

"Long time no see, Professor Fries. Is Nora doing better?"

"Much better, she can go back to classes now. What brought up the cold storage issue all of a sudden? I haven't been a consultant for a long time," Fries said.

"Yes, but you always had connections with them. We just want to know if all four cold storages have adopted the latest compact ice preservation technology, or if any of them has a traditional one?"

Victor walked up to the desk and looked at the map, then after thinking for a moment, said, "I remember that they all have adopted the latest technology, but if you ask who still retains a traditional cold storage... I recall that this one kept a small ice storage."

Victor pointed to a location on the map, and everyone's expression soured as that cold storage was owned by the Falcone Family.

With the old Godfather back in Italy and the new Godfather missing, the Falcone family business was managed by Cobblepot, but Gordon knew that there was nothing more important to Cobblepot than his mother, especially with her in poor health. Cobblepot would certainly not be distracted by such matters.

However, all clues pointed towards Cobblepot, who was also one of the candidates for the mayor. Although he didn't campaign vigorously due to his mother's health, seeming to have given up, his popularity wasn't low, as the reformed mob sought someone to represent their interests, making Cobblepot the ideal candidate.

In other words, with Mr. Nigma's death, Cobblepot also benefited, possessing both motive and opportunity. In an instant, he became the prime suspect.

The involvement of two mayoral candidates meant this was certainly not a simple murder case. It likely involved complex political maneuvering, and Gordon felt his head buzzing.

However, no matter what, he couldn't believe Cobblepot would act at this time. Gordon had watched Cobblepot grow up; he knew Cobblepot would never leave his mother, not even for half a minute, let alone hire someone to commit murder now.

Suddenly, Gordon remembered that Cobblepot's mother was recuperating in Arkham Asylum, which meant Cobblepot was at Arkham Asylum—and so was Shiller right now.

There, case solved—that's who did it.

But then it struck Gordon that something was off. If it were Shiller, he wouldn't just dump Nigma's body in an alley; he would certainly process the body in some way, a method that often hinted at his reasons for the murder.

Yet Nigma's body was just starkly left in a usual alley, no external injuries, only the unmistakable cause of hypothermia, with no clues or traces suggesting why he died this way. This wasn't typical of Shiller's methods.

To think Shiller had suddenly changed, had learned to disguise his actions, or was too lazy due to hot weather, Gordon was even less convinced. If conditions weren't right, Shiller would rather not act at all, but once he did, he would ensure it was done perfectly.

If not Shiller, then who could it be?

Just then, the office door was knocked on, and a subordinate stood outside, saying, "Boss, the forensics department has found new clues; do you want to come take a look?"

Gordon immediately stood up, followed by the others, including Victor, who wasn't asked to leave, so he naturally followed Gordon to the forensics department.

The head of the forensic department was a slim Black man, who handed an X-ray to Gordon and said, "We found something in the body's stomach, but we can't identify what it is without opening the abdominal cavity. Shall we proceed with an autopsy?"

Gordon hesitated slightly and asked, "Does he have family?"

Another subordinate stepped forward and said, "We've informed Mr. Nigma's wife and son; they said as long as it helps catch the killer, any investigative measure can be taken."

"Have they come over?"

"No, because they didn't want to encounter reporters."

"A wise choice," Gordon remarked as he walked over to the table with the body, where the shroud had already been removed. The body was well-preserved, almost as if still alive. Gordon instinctively felt something was amiss.

"The body hasn't started to decompose yet?"

"That's what we were about to discuss," the Black man came over and said. "The body's temperature is abnormally low, far below room temperature, which has delayed any spoilage, making it appear almost alive."

Gordon hesitated slightly and asked, "You're sure he's dead, right?"

"There are no signs of life left," the Black man shook his head. "To be safe, we also checked the brain waves, confirming he's brain dead."

Gordon stepped forward and gently touched the body, finding its temperature oddly low. To preserve the condition of the body, the air conditioning in the forensic department was set very high, but the body felt more than cold—it was like touching ice, somewhat freezing the fingers.

As the Black man mentioned, the body's perfect condition was a bit too much. If it wasn't lying still, Gordon would have thought it was still alive. What method did the killer use to ensure the freshness of the body?

Gordon knew they couldn't delay any longer. He directly addressed the Black man, saying, "Prepare for the autopsy. Open his stomach and see what that thing is."

Because everyone's attention was on the body, no one saw Victor's surprised and thoughtful expression as he looked at the X-ray.

The forensic scientists at the lab worked rapidly. Before long, the corpse's stomach was opened, and a gloved hand pulled something out. The moment it was removed, Gordon felt a rush of cold air hit his face.

A small device was lifted in front of the goggles. Simultaneously, the temperature on the thermometer touching the corpse's skin began to rise, indicating that this palm-sized device was maintaining the body's temperature and freshness.

What is this?

Gordon peered through the observation window looking at the object. Soon after the sterilization was complete, the Black man walked over with the object and, removing his goggles, said, "It looks like a cold-air generator, but it's a bit too small. I've never seen anything like it on the market. Or is there some breakthrough in refrigeration technology I'm unaware of?"

Gordon took the device from his hand and found it had no off switch and couldn't be stopped, but just holding it made him feel cool all over—almost too cool, as holding it for just a few seconds made him want to shiver.

Gordon had no choice but to put the device down and turned to look at Victor, who appeared unperturbed as he walked through the crowd. Picking up the device, he examined it carefully and said, "The principle of compact ice is to ensure that its contents do not engage in heat exchange as much as possible, but this thing is designed for cooling, which is entirely different from my work."

"Do you know anyone who could make this?"

"Frankly, I haven't heard of any cryogenic scientist capable of this." Victor seemed puzzled as he added, "I basically know everyone in the industry, and I haven't heard of anyone creating something like this. Besides, with the weather being so hot, if this were available, it would have sold out quickly. Who wouldn't want to make money?"

The others also found his reasoning sound. Considering the device was small, portable, and so effective at cooling, even a higher price would be acceptable. Who wouldn't want to feel cool as autumn in 40-degree weather?

Just as everyone was studying this small device, a painful moan suddenly came from the autopsy room at the back.

The group turned in shock only to find that the body, which had been still on the autopsy table, had moved.

Without a moment's hesitation, the Black man yelled, "Quick! Get inside! No...get a doctor! Find a doctor!!!"

Everyone was stunned by this unexpected development.

About ten minutes later, a stretcher was loaded into an ambulance. Gordon, who stood at the door watching the ambulance leave, looked as dark as charcoal,

with his colleagues buzzing with discussion behind him.

"Oh, God, even if it was a suspended animation, it shouldn't be like this, right?! The person has been cold for so long, yet he came back to life?!"

"So, does this not count as a murder case anymore? Is it true?"

"The moment he got up almost scared me to death! I've been in this field for over twenty years and have never seen anything so..."

"Enough noise!" Gordon turned and shouted, "Get back to work!"

Gordon rarely lost his temper so significantly, and the officers scattered in an instant. Reporters gathered outside the police station, clamoring to rush in, were firmly blocked, with some still persistently shouting at Gordon.

"Director Gordon! Wasn't Mr. Nigma already declared dead? Why has he suddenly come back to life? Was your declaration of his death too hasty?"

"Is it confirmed that Mr. Nigma was in suspended animation? Director! Do you think this could be a ploy to attract voters' attention?"

Gordon felt a growing headache. He sighed deeply and walked back inside, returning to his office where Victor was waiting by the window.

"You recognize that device, don't you?" Gordon asked.

"Why do you ask?"

"If that device had nothing to do with you, the moment you saw it, you should have been excited," Gordon said, lowering his eyelids. "I know you scientists well. New technology is an unrivaled stimulant for you."

"That's actually not new technology." Victor didn't deny Gordon's view and merely said, "It's just a portable cooling device."

"Did you make it?"

"Not entirely," Victor shook his head and said. "The one I made isn't nearly as effective, only cooling the span of a forearm, and certainly doesn't have the ability to bring anyone back from the dead."

"Do you think revival has anything to do with this device?"

"That question obviously hits the mark," Victor said as he pulled up a chair and sat down. "There's no need for me to repeat Nora's story; how do you think she survived initially?"

Gordon fell into thought before answering, "Her vital signs had completely ceased, just like a dead person, allowing her to survive in this manner up until the illness was addressed...Is the principle the same?"

"Pretty much."

"That makes you the prime suspect."

"There's no need to pressure me, chief," Victor shook his head. "I know solving cases isn't that simple. Mere capability isn't enough; obviously, I have no motive, no opportunity, and I have a substantial alibi. You can't convict me based merely on a cooling device."

"Alright, then let me be blunt: who could have access to your freezing equipment and technology?"

Victor didn't respond, but he recalled a certain day many years ago, in a dimly lit lab, he asked a scrawny boy, "Do you know how water turns into ice?"


next chapter

章節 3912: Chapter 3029: Dense Green Trees and Long Summer Days (27)

"Do you believe me if I said I have no idea what's going on either?" Gordon said into the phone, "This is all beyond my comprehension, I've been in this line of work for over 20 years..."

After hanging up the phone, Gordon heaved a long sigh, turned to his subordinate, and asked, "Is Mr. Nigma alright now? Has he woken up?"

"He woke up when there was still business to be done," Brock, the chubby detective, entered as he removed the cigarette from his mouth and said, "He might want to see you. You'd better think about how to explain things."

"What do I need to explain? He was practically dead at that time." Despite saying that, Gordon tried to calm his emotions, then said, "I admit this was a failure on our part, but he better provide some useful clues, or I won't spend much more time with him."

Brock shook his head, said nothing, and went down to drive. On the way to the hospital, he asked, "Are you investigating something from ten years ago?"

Gordon immediately turned towards him, scanned him up and down with his eyes, and asked, "What about it?"

"Nothing, just surprised you're digging up that old case. I must remind you, not all investigations that dig deep reveal good things."

"For whom is it not good?"

"For you, of course," Brock said after exhaling a puff of smoke, "Someone has their eyes on you."

"Am I scared of being watched?" Gordon scoffed. "In the days when the mob put dozens of guns to my head, I was never scared. And now you're telling me a few rats from the gutters want to threaten me?"

"It's different now. Back then, you had only yourself." As Brock turned the steering wheel, he said, "Now you have a family, your wife, and your daughter..."

Gordon's heart suddenly clenched, and he stared hard at Brock, "They would dare touch my family?!"

"They're not the mob. The only thing missing in their operation is loyalty. As long as it serves their purpose, they aren't afraid to use any means necessary, James. I'm not trying to stop you from doing anything, but I must remind you, rats will eat anything."

Gordon's Adam's apple bobbed, Jane's fresh and lovely face kept appearing in front of him, then he looked forward and said, "If I give up on what I'm doing now because of this, that means I see them as a burden. But not only are they no burden, they are my motivation, they're not the stumbling block in my career, but rather they give me the real determination to shed blood and sacrifice."

"Only by truly becoming a father have I understood what really decides which path people will choose at the crossroads of their life. To make sure millions make the right choice, it's essential that the faces of their loved ones come to mind during these decisions, not blood, death, and tears."

"Only then can I peacefully enjoy the warmth my family brings me and face my daughter without any guilt. If ensuring my happiness means forcing countless people into darkness, then the education I provide my daughter will never allow her to make the right choice, and will only lead to another tragedy."

Wanda was pacing in the living room, holding her child, her eyes nearly brimming with laughter. She kept clicking her tongue, swinging her arms to make the child in her arms giggle.

Another woman in pajamas came downstairs; Wanda turned to her and said, "How do you feel, Mrs. Gordon? Massages are definitely beneficial for pelvic floor recovery. I'll introduce a yoga class to you later..."

"I've told you, call me Barbara." The woman laughed, holding her waist and said, "Actually, my OB-GYN also recommended that I do massages, but I've been a bit busy and haven't had the time."

"No matter how busy, you must make time for it. Poor recovery can affect you for a lifetime. What's more important than good health?" Wanda stressed.

"Alright, I got it. Since I'm doing yoga, should I buy a yoga mat or something? Or will a carpet suffice?"

"You don't need those. If you buy them, they'll just end up as mats for the kids to crawl on. I still have bite marks on the yoga mat I bought earlier, and I'm definitely going to bring it up at their wedding."

Barbara laughed, stretched lazily, and Wanda put down the child, hesitated, then Barbara took the initiative to ask, "What is it?"

"Mr. Gordon... I mean, he hasn't been home for a few days, right? Nicole just had a baby not long ago..."

"Would you believe me if I said I expected this situation before giving birth? But really, I was already prepared for it; that's just how his job is."

Wanda obviously didn't take it as lightly as Barbara, she pursed her lips and said, "I would never allow a child's father to be away this long, but maybe that's just how tough police work is. It's just poor little Jenny..."

Barbara shook her head, "If you had seen Gotham a few years ago, you wouldn't think it's a pity. Actually, when little Jenny grows up, she will definitely be proud of her father."

Wanda felt the difference in their parenting. She and Jarvis focused more on presence, their parenting was not about setting examples but providing meticulous care.

But Gordon's family was clearly more old-fashioned, believing the best way to educate a child was by setting an example. As long as the parents are upright, hardworking, and tolerant, the child couldn't possibly turn out badly.

However, Wanda was not the type to point fingers or meddle, perhaps because she hated that her own father did just that, so she was always cautious and changed the subject.

"Has anything significant happened in Gotham recently?"

"I guess there might be," Barbara said, biting her lip. "Especially these last few days, he wouldn't just not come home without a reason. I guess there might have been another murder case involving a major figure."

"It's too dangerous here," Wanda shook her head, adding, "By the way, did you buy the formula milk you use? The kind I used before..."

Ding-dong!

Wanda turned her head toward the door, or more precisely, the bell outside in the yard had been rung. Gordon lived in the North District Manor that had been gifted to him by the former Mob Boss, and the house was enormous. Thus, Wanda first crossed a large living room, opened the door, then crossed the front yard, passed the fountain, before finally reaching the door.

A person dressed in a delivery uniform stood at the door and asked, "Is this Gordon's house? Your order has arrived."

"Oh, give it to me," Wanda extended her hand to receive it. The delivery man took a box off the vehicle, smiled at Wanda, and said, "You bought baby products, right? You look quite young."

"Yes, but how did you know?"

"Oh, the packaging for mother-and-baby products is different; they use better germ-resistant materials. I realized it when packing, God bless you."

Wanda smiled back at him, took the box, and walked back inside the manor. Once inside, she hummed and said, "I thought you hadn't bought it; it seems that online shopping here is pretty developed. What all did you buy?"

Barbara asked with some confusion, "What?"

"I mean, what did you order by delivery... never mind, I'll just open it myself."

Wanda didn't need a knife; a gentle flick of her finger slit the box open. However, instead of mother-and-baby products, Wanda saw a doll inside as soon as she opened the box.

She took out the doll with a puzzled look but didn't notice anything special—it was just an unusually ugly doll.

"Could it be a mistaken delivery?" Barbara suggested.

"Possibly, I guess it might be for someone else's child on this street. To want such a doll, that child must be a few years old by now. No wonder he said I looked a bit young."

Wanda threw the doll back into the box and left it outside the door, not bothering with it anymore. She glanced at her watch and said, "Jarvis has gone to Wayne Enterprises to help out; he's probably too busy to take care of us now. On my way here, I saw a Chinese restaurant that looked pretty decent. I'll go get you some Chinese food."

"It's too hot outside," Barbara said. "That's why I didn't have much of an appetite and just ate a sandwich. The dishes in Chinese restaurants are always steaming hot; I really can't eat them."

"Oh, right, would you like some Japanese sushi?" Wanda quickly thought of another option and said, "Sushi is usually served cool, not hot, and the protein from fish sushi would be good for you."

Barbara appeared somewhat resigned, but having spent these past few days together, she understood that Wanda was just restless by nature. Miss Witch had spent the past few days either caring for the children or cleaning the house. This huge manor, she had managed to tidy it all by herself without using Magic, proving that Alfred had met his match when it came to housework.

Wanda quickly changed her clothes and left the house, not forgetting to move the box containing the doll from the front of the house to the front gate, thinking if it were a wrong delivery, the neighbor might come looking for it.

Since there was a large supermarket not far from the manor, and many food outlets nearby, Wanda didn't drive but walked there instead.

However, she hadn't gone far from the block when she felt someone following her. Wanda initially thought she had encountered a robber, but since no robber could possibly rob her, she didn't pay much attention and kept walking.

As she passed by an alley, someone suddenly grabbed her, causing her to stagger into the alley. Turning around, she was met with the dark muzzle of a gun.

Wanda was stunned as she exclaimed, eyes wide, "Who are you? What do you want?!"

"Don't play innocent, Mrs. Gordon, you know what your husband has done..."

Just as Wanda was about to retort, she quickly realized they might have mistaken her for Barbara, meaning they were after Barbara.

At that moment, she wasn't thinking about her own safety but was immediately concerned that someone might be heading to the manor to target the children. Wanda gently rubbed her wrist and sent a message to Jarvis, pretending to be somewhat frantic as she said,

"What do you mean? What have you done to James? He's the Chief of the Gotham Police Department. If you hurt me, he won't let you get away with it!"

"Don't be nervous, madam, we won't hurt you, but you're going to have to cooperate with us, don't make any sudden moves."

Wanda felt herself being grabbed from behind. She resisted the urge to fight back, feeling a bag being slipped over her head and her hands being tied. She was then pushed into a car.

The restraints put on her posed no threat, but Wanda decided to play along with them. They better truly not intend to harm her; otherwise, she would have to show these lawless brutes what the Scarlet Witch is capable of.


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