New Gods of North America

To use an analogy that may not be quite appropriate,

For example, someone is a wanted criminal who changed his name and fled to a distant and unfamiliar town.

Then someone noticed his identity, but did not tell the local sheriff and townspeople about it. Instead, he went to the other party's home alone and privately showed him the wanted warrant he brought from afar.

Although it is possible that he is confident in earning the bounty,

But in terms of probability, the greater possibility is that they want to engage in "coercion" or "transaction".

Seth Grayson's speech speed seems a little slow.

It felt like he had to confirm every word in his mind:

“For students like me who come from lower-income families in the city, the cost burden of successfully completing their studies is quite heavy. Even if you can apply for student loans without financial aid, it often takes many years to pay them off completely.

"I don't even meet the requirements for applying for a loan. In order to demonstrate my worth and exchange for tuition, I had to do something for certain powerful people, such as extracting intelligence or looking for some 'evidence'. Gathering evidence about your detective agency was also one of the instructions I received.

"But I found that I seemed to be involved in a struggle that I shouldn't touch. When it comes to life and death, the anger that overflows from either side of you is not something a small person like me can bear. So I came here and decided to hand it over to you."

Wayne quickly distilled the central idea of ​​his words.

“I’m helpless,” “I’m only in it for the money,” and “I’ve chosen your side now.”

However, Seth Grayson has only found some small pieces of evidence that can be used to make groundless accusations.

As for saying it so seriously...

Wayne thought about it for a moment, and then he realized that the person who had been directing Seth Grayson behind the scenes might not be targeting the "Detective Agency" itself.

"Why?" Wayne asked, sitting up slightly.

Seth Grayson was still like a computer running at high speed, but he output information carefully:

"I have learned some information about your detective agency through various channels. Frankly speaking, I have already collected evidence of your detective agency accidentally causing a residential fire in Georgeburg, which is enough to use reasons such as "careless work", "excessive use of violence" and "collusion with the police to cover up the news" to lead the public to dislike you.

“But when I saw this diary and discovered that you were able to participate in a private investigation led by the Cathedral, I realized that you might be working for the Cathedral and His Excellency the Bishop.

"Bishop Corleone has managed the Diocese of Virginia for many years. I don't think he has lost control of the situation. And those who attempt to challenge his position must have support within the church. In comparison, as a fallen person, I prefer to choose the safer and more secure side."

As expected, I was being targeted for some strange reason...

"I need a name," Wayne said.

This time, Seth Grayson thought a little longer.

Fortunately, he finally spoke:

"It was Reverend Pycelle of the College Church. I had been working for him before. But I don't have any evidence to accuse him. Even the compensation given to me was paid by other channels."

Wayne recalled briefly that he had just met the pastor not long ago this morning.

No way?

Reverend Pycelle was already old and gray, and he had to tremble while holding on to the platform when he preached.

Still so strong and healthy?

Noticing that Wayne fell silent for a moment,

Seth Grayson tried to continue speaking, "Do you need me to cut off contact with him?"

Wayne shook his head.

Then he asked, "Is your safety guaranteed now?"

Seth Grayson didn't think twice about this:

"I shouldn't be suspected at the moment. My recent contact with you, Mr. Wayne, can be said to be a continuation of my search for evidence. However, their patience has never been very good, and I'm afraid they won't be able to hold on for too long."

"Who else are 'they'?" Wayne continued to ask.

"I don't know. Even Reverend Pycelle wouldn't contact me directly. I dug it out based on some clues. But I can confirm that the reward I received came from Cohen Pharmaceuticals."

Hmm...

How dare the School of Life interfere in the affairs of the church?

Wayne quickly thought about it, "I remember that before our detective agency went to provide security at Mr. Ben Harmon's estate, someone had put something in his food that caused him to be allergic. Did you do that?"

"no."

After Seth Grayson answered, he thought for a moment and added:

"I have always tried to keep myself 'clean' and not directly involved in anything like that.

"But I know that it was done by an apprentice chef, the one who 'resigned' at that time. Mrs. Ben Harmon's personal maid actually witnessed his actions beforehand, but she did not warn him."

There is such a good show?

All right,

Wayne put aside all distractions and made a quick decision:

"I understand. If you are in danger because of this incident, you can ask me or our detective agency for help. We will provide you with protection."

"Thank you so much."

Seth Grayson nodded first, then took another quick look at the diary:

"Mr. Wayne, I actually hope to join your detective agency. This diary is also a letter of recommendation I prepared for myself. If that is not enough, I can continue to try to enrich my resume."

"You just said you are the 'Fallen', what are your abilities?" Wayne asked.

Seth Grayson hesitated for a moment:

"What I can do may not meet the needs of your detective agency... I can cover a layer of 'film' on the surface of an object. When I 'write' on one of the 'films', similar 'traces' will appear on the other 'films'.

"I know it's pretty useless to bounty hunters, but there's something else I can do."

After listening to this, Wayne turned his head to look at the sky outside the window, then turned back and asked, "Have you studied the general history of America?"

"Of course, that's a general education course in the first year," Seth Grayson replied.

Wayne opened the notebook that contained the homework for each course and handed it to Seth Grayson.

At the same time, he said, "I need to go to Richmond, so I'll leave it to you. By the way, do you know where I can find a horse-drawn carriage the fastest near the college?"