Path of the Extra Chapter 380: Leo Karumi [14]

"Detective, huh..."

"Yes." Detective Nolan leaned forward a bit, attempting to glance beyond Leo into the residence.

"If it's not too much trouble, may I step inside?"

Leo moved to obstruct the entrance with his frame.

"Regrettably," he replied steadily, "I don't believe you're welcome at today's birthday celebration. Are you?"

The detective maintained his grin, even though it appeared tense now—uncomfortable beneath Leo's gaze.

"I'm not," he conceded.

"However, this matter is crucial, so—"

"Do you possess a warrant?"

"A warrant?"

The abrupt inquiry evidently caught him unprepared. He blinked in surprise.

"No."

"Then, are there urgent conditions permitting immediate entry into my parents' home?"

The grin faded from Detective Nolan's features.

"No," he responded, more cautiously this time. "Not right now. Yet what I wish to talk about is vital—concerning you—which is the reason I'd prefer to—"

"I cannot permit that," Leo interrupted. "From a legal standpoint, this residence is owned jointly by my mother and father. Absent their approval, neither of us can authorize your entry."

Detective Nolan's eyes narrowed just a touch.

"You appear to know some law."

Leo's cheeks flushed with a warm, amiable smile—one that would have left Lea doubting her sight if she witnessed it.

"Just bits I've absorbed from viewing numerous legal and crime films."

"I understand," the detective remarked, the strain lessening somewhat.

"In that case, might you summon one of your parents here?"

Leo's smile shifted to one of regret. He rubbed his cheek, seeming truly concerned.

"I'd like to, but I apologize, Detective. My parents are constantly occupied with their jobs. This represents a rare occasion for us all to gather, and the family is savoring my younger sister's birthday..."

His eyes dropped, and his grin gentled as though confiding in himself.

"I don't desire anything to spoil the cherished moments forming today."

For an instant, suspicion flickered in the detective's gaze—then empathy resurfaced, and he nodded sympathetically.

"Naturally," Detective Nolan replied warmly. "A detective's arrival could thrill the children, but it might distress your parents and mar their day. They're fortunate to raise such a considerate son."

Leo appeared mildly sheepish.

"I hope that's true."

The detective let out a sigh.

"Well, if you don't object, could we chat? Only us two."

"Certainly," Leo agreed.

"Provided it won't drag on."

The detective's face grew solemn.

"I presume you've heard about the latest vandalism at your school?"

Leo nodded deliberately.

"The culprit has been wrecking items for several years," he noted. "Music club instruments, classroom seats... and swiping umbrellas from pupils."

Leo's eyes widened in astonishment.

Only one of those activities resembled true

Upon hearing about the vandalism, Leo had immediately thought of the music room incident. Yet it turned out there was a genuine saboteur stalking the school grounds—unknown to Leo until now.

"I... had no idea about most of that," he confessed.

The detective inclined his head.

"But you knew about the instruments, didn't you?"

Leo nodded once again, allowing his features to crease with anxiety.

"My instructor—Instructor Kaya—has replaced instruments multiple times due to it."

"I'm aware," Detective Nolan stated. "The school is fortunate to employ a dedicated teacher like her—eager to provide her personal instruments without seeking additional compensation."

Leo nodded yet again.

The detective exhaled deeply this time.

"Regrettably," he continued, "among these repeated vandalism incidents, I suspect the perpetrator harbors ill will directed at ."

Leo retreated a pace, pretending dismay.

"Toward me?" he questioned. "But what makes you believe that? It's common knowledge I rehearse in the music club, yet I'm uninvolved in the other incidents."

"I'm uncertain regarding the other two as yet," the detective allowed. "However, the music club sabotage happens most often. Upon closer examination, I observed the harm coincides with your departures from the room. The individual behind this might aim to implicate you—or deliver a warning."

Leo lifted a hand to his lips, as if grappling with the revelation.

"I... understand..."

Detective Nolan rested a comforting palm on Leo's arm.

"I realize that's disturbing to learn," he assured. "But the school treats this gravely—that's why they reached out to me. I don't intend to brag, but I boast the top resolution rate in my unit. You're secure with me."

Leo regarded him with appreciation, then paused.

"Does this imply you'll... serve as my protector, perhaps?"

Detective Nolan denied it with a shake of his head.

"This person is wary. They evade observers and aren't foolish enough to approach you head-on." His gaze intensified. "At least not yet. Still, I recommend avoiding solitude whenever possible."

Leo acknowledged with a nod, and the detective's demeanor eased once more.

"You know," Detective Nolan remarked, "I've come across your name often. It's appeared in papers repeatedly—declining parts in movies helmed by renowned directors and such. Few would reject fame's door."

He offered a slight, nearly affectionate grin.

"My wife and I have our own child. We frequent the theater. We've watched your shows several times. Frankly... it's regrettable you haven't graced the stage recently."

Leo rubbed the nape of his neck and chuckled uneasily.

"What can I say? Seems my enthusiasm for performing has waned."

"That's a pity," Detective Nolan observed.

"Yet you're youthful. A talented individual like you will shine in many pursuits."

"Haha... thanks, Detective."

The detective delved into his jacket and extended a card to Leo.

"Listen," he urged.

"Should trouble arise, my contact is listed there. Reach out right away."

"Appreciate it," Leo answered.

"I trust I won't need to."

"I hope not." The detective nodded.

"For the time being, I'll let you return. Wishes for a joyful birthday to your sister. Have fun at the gathering."

"Farewell, Detective."

Detective Nolan flashed a final courteous smile before pivoting and departing.

*****

Truth be told, he'd pegged Leo as a pampered youth. He'd accepted his son's account—believed the familiar details—and clearly, he'd misjudged. The sole motivation for accepting the case stemmed from his son's acquaintance with Leo. Nolan had encountered the name before, even observed the young man on stage. As for the vandalism? Likely mere student mischief. Nolan could apprehend them swiftly, with minimal exertion.

The boy called Leo was merely—

"Oh, right, Detective..."

Nolan halted abruptly as a call echoed from behind.

He spun around. Leo remained in the threshold, observing him.

Leo displayed a genial smile, yet his eyes held a chill.

"You spoke of having a son, didn't you?"

Nolan paused, then affirmed with a nod.

"By chance... does your son go by Dave?"

Nolan's eyes expanded in shock.

"How did you learn that?"

For an unexplained reason, Nolan sensed a keen surge of doubt. His honed detective senses rang like sirens. And that grin—it now seemed eerily unsettling.

"I believe it was two years back," Leo stated evenly. "At a parent-teacher conference. I walked past Dave and his mom, and spotted your wife's phone background. It featured you—your wife, and Dave centered—sharing ice cream."

"...!"

Nolan squinted.

"You recall a fleeting sight from two years past?"

Leo lifted his shoulders dismissively.

"Well, you're aware Dave and I clashed on several occasions. It likely lingered due to that."

"Incidentally," Leo continued, "how's Dave faring? Yesterday, our teacher reprimanded him sharply for his conduct. I'm concerned he remains troubled."

"He's recovered now," Nolan replied, striving for composure.

"Thanks for your concern."

"I'm glad. Relieved he's okay."

"Indeed," Nolan affirmed.

"My boy can be temperamental, but he possesses a kind spirit."

"I've seen that," Leo responded, smile intact.

"No need to fret. I recognize he's decent at heart."

Nolan peered into Leo's eyes, and conviction gripped his instincts. It was Leo. That smile morphed—insidiously—toward a smug curl.

"Incidentally," Nolan ventured warily, "I'd enjoy viewing more law and crime films alongside my wife and son. Any suggestions?"

Leo upheld his flawless facade and even seemed contrite.

"Apologies, Detective. Nothing springs to mind immediately. I consume too much media to keep track."

"Read?" Nolan echoed. "Few youngsters today embrace books. Impressive."

Leo chuckled breezily.

"Well, my dad's study brims with diverse volumes. Occasionally, I browse through them..."

Nolan's glance darted to the spot above the door where Leo positioned himself. A surveillance camera perched there.

"Ah, Detective," Leo noted, cocking his head.

"Have you ever taken a life?"

Nolan's eyes bulged.

"Excuse me?"

Leo rubbed his cheek, feigning embarrassment.

"As you mentioned, I'm still young. My interests might shift elsewhere. Perhaps detective work suits me. But I dislike injuring people, and... isn't that involved?"

He pressed on, his speech gliding effortlessly.

"I've learned that officers must adhere to the law rigorously. Violations hit them harder than ordinary folks. Plus, in shootings—rightful or otherwise—they face probes. Though bodycams often back them up."

Leo's smile persisted.

"But it differs for investigators like yourself, doesn't it? It must be tougher when compelled to end a life, enduring a harsher scrutiny than standard police."

’

Nolan's gut twisted. This child harbored something profoundly amiss.

"...We're prepared to avoid lethal force unless unavoidable. Regrettably, occasions arose where I had no alternative. But if innocent, the justice system safeguards you. No cause for concern."

"Understood." Leo beamed radiantly, as if the subject were trivial.

"We're fortunate for our robust legal framework."

"That we are..."

"Well, I won't detain you longer, Detective. Pardon the abrupt inquiries. Best wishes on your probe."

"No issue," Nolan stated.

"Hope our next meeting brings better tidings, Leo."

Pressing further would yield impasses and threaten his profession.

"Goodbye, Detective."

"...Goodbye."