"Have you lost your mind?" Ledley instinctively took a step back: "Are you asking to get involved with him?"
"Please, Ledley, I’m not asking you to do anything you’re unwilling to do." Arthur rested his hands on his chin: "I just want you to get close to him, get to know him a little, chat, have a drink, and see if he’s interested in you. But anything beyond that is not part of my request. If he starts making moves on you, even if you blow his brains out, no one will say anything about it."
Ledley said angrily, "Even if he’s interested in , so what?"
Arthur smiled slightly: "Nothing much, I just want to know about it, that’s all. Of course, if you’re really unwilling, I can’t force you. But if you’re willing to make a little sacrifice for this, I guarantee, Ledley, our previous grievances can be written off, and no one will care about your little hobby anymore. You know , Ledley, my promises always count. I sincerely hope you will think it over."
Although Arthur didn’t say it, Ledley knew in his heart that things were certainly not as simple as they seed.
This legend of Scotland Yard, the paradox of greatness and baseness, Sir Arthur Hastings, never does anything unprofitable.
He wanted to investigate young Thomas Gath’s sexual orientation and would surely make an issue of this matter.
Although Ledley didn’t know what Arthur was up to, the fact that he would make such an overreaching request indicated that this matter was of considerable importance to him.
But...
What exactly for?
Ledley couldn’t figure it out.
Ledley stood there, his expression changing unpredictably. He couldn’t even hear the laughter outside the window on Yellow Chrysanthemum Street anymore, nor did he care whether he was still wearing a dress.
There was only one thought in his mind: this man was crazy. And he was crazy in a very calm and calculating way.
Arthur Hastings.
This man, known for his bloodthirstiness in his early years at Scotland Yard and later gaining the reputation of a scher at the Foreign Office, now sat by a low tea table on Yellow Chrysanthemum Street, asking his old subordinate to seduce a playboy?
Ledley finally spoke slowly, his voice dry: "So... are you so sure I’ll agree?"
Arthur shook his head, his tone peaceful to the point of sincerity: "I’m not sure. I just hope you understand that this matter is very important to ."
"And what if I refuse?" Ledley said hesitantly: "If I turn around and leave tonight and refuse to cooperate with you, what... do you plan to do?"
Arthur didn’t reply. He just stood up and leisurely adjusted the creases on his cuffs before walking to the door, gently nudging it open to let the cold wind from Yellow Chrysanthemum Street in.
However, before he could take a step out, he heard Ledley’s chilling scream from behind: "You... don’t, Sir! I agree."
Arthur, with his back to Ledley, lifted the corners of his mouth in a barely noticeable smile.
He always knew the lad would agree. He knew Ledley too well; not only did this kid crave progress, but he also feared his grudges and retaliation, even... murder to silence.
He raised his hand to loosen his wrist: "Good job, Ledley. Have a pleasant evening. I’ve got other etings tonight, so I’ll take my leave first."
With a click, the door closed.
Ledley watched Arthur leave until his immaculate tailcoat vanished at the end of the stairs, and only then did he release a tense breath, albeit stiffly.
But he hadn’t fully exhaled when he felt wound up like a tightly coiled spring again, his legs still trembling, his palms as wet as if they’d been dunked in a bucket.
He took a few steps back slowly and collapsed into a soft chair, eyes fixed on the door as if it might suddenly open by itself.
He wanted desperately to take off the clothes he was wearing, but his fingers wouldn’t obey. He couldn’t even undo the clasp on his pearl necklace.
"Damn..." Ledley muttered agitatedly as he slapped himself: "Is it who’s crazy, or is it him who’s really insane..."
But just as he cald his breathing and prepared to take off the outfit that humiliated him to the utmost...
"Aaaah!!!"
Outside the window, a sharp scream pierced the night.
Ledley shuddered all over and looked out the window abruptly: "What happened?"
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