Chapter 7 Chapter VII

Every day, Ashley Paterson follows the newspaper and television coverage of Dennis Tibble's murder.The police appear to have hit a dead end. It's over, Ashley thought, there's nothing to worry about anymore. That night, Deputy Sheriff Sam Black showed up at her apartment.Ashley looked at him, and her mouth went dry for a moment. "I hope I'm not bothering you," said Adjutant Blake, "I was on my way home when it occurred to me to stop by." Ashley stammered, "No...please come in." Sheriff Blake walked into the apartment, "You have a nice place."

"thanks." "I bet Dennis Tibble doesn't like this kind of furniture." Ashley's heart began to pound. "I don't know. He's never been to the apartment." "Oh. I thought he might have been here, you know." "No, I don't know, Lieutenant of Peace. I told you I never went on a date with him." "Yes. Can I sit down?" "Please." "You see, I have a big problem with this case, Miss Paterson. It doesn't fit into any pattern. Like I said, there's always a motive. Talked to people personally, nobody seems to know Tibbar well. He doesn't hang out with people much."

Ashley listened, waiting for the attack to come. "Actually, from what they've told me, you're the only one he's really interested in." Has he discovered something, or is he just investigating with no clear goal? Ashley said carefully, "He's interested in me, Sheriff, but I'm not interested in him. I made that clear to him." He nodded. "By the way, I think you are so kind, and sent those documents to his apartment." Ashley almost blurted out, "What document?" and then suddenly remembered. "It's...it's not a problem. It's just by the way."

"Yes. Someone must hate Tibber very much, so he did such a thing." Ashley sat there nervously, not saying a word. "You know what I hate?" said Adjutant Blake. "Unsolved murders. They always give me a sense of frustration. Because a murder can't be solved, I don't think that means the criminal is very smart. I take that to mean the cops aren't smart enough. See, I've been lucky so far. I've cracked every case I've taken on." He stood up. "I'm not going to drop this case. It would help if you remembered anything You'll call me about the detective work. Won't you, Miss Paterson?"

"Yes, of course." As Ashley watched him go, she thought: Is he here to warn me?Does he know more than he told me? ※※※ Toni is more engaged with the Internet than ever.Chatting with Jean-Claude was her favorite, but that didn't stop her from talking to other people.Whenever she has a chance, she sits in front of the computer, and the typed letters fly around and appear on the computer screen in droves. "Toni, where have you been? I've been waiting for you in the chat room." "I was worth your waiting, honey. Tell me about yourself. What do you do?"

"I'm a pharmacist and I'll treat you well. Do you take drugs?" "Screw you." ※※※ "Is that you, Toni?" "It's your dream. Is it Mark?" "yes." "Have you not been on the Internet lately?" "I've been busy. I want to see you, Toni." "Tell me, Mark, what do you do?" "I'm the librarian." "That's exciting! All those books and everything..." "When will we meet?" "Why don't you ask Nostradamus ① (Note: Nostradamus [1503~1566], French medical scientist, astrologer, prophet, published prophecy collection "Continuous Century"— — Annotation)?”

"Hello, Toni. My name is Wendy." "Hello, Wendy." "You sound interesting." "I enjoy life." "Maybe I can help you enjoy life more." "Do you have any idea?" "Well, I hope you're not one of those ignorant people who are afraid of experimenting and trying new and exciting things, I want to show you something fun." "Thanks, Wendy. You don't have what I need." Then, Jean-Claude came back online. "Good evening. How's it going? How are you?" "I'm fine, how are you?"

"I've been missing you. I'd love to see you in person." "I want to see you too. Thank you for sending me your picture. You are a handsome young man." "You're beautiful too. I think it's very important that we get to know each other. Is your company coming to Quebec for a computer conference?" "What? I don't know that. When?" "Three weeks. Lots of big companies will be there. I hope you'll be here." "I hope so too." "Let's meet tomorrow in the chat room at the same time, shall we?" "Of course. See you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow." ※※※ The next morning, Shane Miller walked up to Ashley. "Ashley, have you heard about the computer conference that's going to be held in Quebec?" She nodded. "Yes. Sounds interesting." "I was just weighing whether we should send a delegation there." "Everyone goes," Ashley said. "Symantec, Microsoft, Apple. Quebec City is building a huge showcase for them. It's like a Christmas giveaway." Shane Miller laughs at one of her hot tidbits. "Let me take care of everything." The next morning, Shane Miller called Ashley into her office.

"How do you feel about spending Christmas in Quebec City?" "Are we going? Great," Ashley said enthusiastically.In the past, she had spent Christmas holidays with her father, but this year, she was afraid to think about it. "You'd better bring warm enough clothes." "Don't worry. I will. I'm really looking forward to this trip, Shane." ※※※ Toni is in an Internet chat room. "Jean-Claude, the company will send a group of us to Quebec!" "I can't believe it! I'm so happy. When are you going to arrive?" "Two weeks. There are fifteen of us."

"Brilliant! I feel as though something important is about to happen." "I think so too." Something very important. ※※※ Every night, Ashley watches the TV news anxiously, but there is still no new development on the Dennis Tibble murder case.She started to relax.If the police can't connect her to the case, they won't be able to find a connection to her father.Several times she dared to ask him about it, but each time she flinched.What if he is innocent?Would he forgive her for accusing him of murder?And if he's guilty, I don't want to know, Ashley thought.I cannot bear this.And if he did those horrible things, it seemed to him that he was doing it to protect me.At least I won't have to face him this Christmas. ※※※ Ashley called her father in San Francisco.She cut to the chase: "Father, I can't spend Christmas with you this year. My company is sending me to Canada for a conference." There was a long silence. "What a bad time, Ashley. You and I have been spending Christmas together." "I can't do anything..." "You're my only family, you know." "Yes, father, and... you are my only family." "That's what matters." Important enough to kill? "Where is this meeting held?" "In Quebec City. It's..." "Ah, lovely place. I haven't been there in years. Let me tell you what I'm going to do. I don't have anything scheduled at the hospital during that time. I'll be flying so we can have Christmas dinner together. " Ashley said hastily, "I don't think it's..." "It doesn't matter which hotel you're staying at, you just have to book me a room. We don't want to break tradition, do we?" She hesitated for a moment, then said slowly, "Yes, Father." How can I face him? ※※※ Elliott is excited.She said to Toni, "I've never been to Quebec City. Is there a museum there?" "Of course there's a museum," Toni told her. "There's everything there. Lots of winter sports. Skiing, skating..." Aliette shuddered. "I hate the cold. I don't like sports. Even with gloves on, my fingers are numb. I'll stay in the museum forever." ※※※ On December 21, a group of Universal Computer Graphics Corporation arrived at Jean-Lesage International Airport in Saint-Foy and was sent to the historic Frontenac ① in Quebec City (Note: Frontenac Ke 〔1620〜1698〕, the French governor of New France, he had expanded French territory in North America and the fur trade, defeated the Iroquois, and defeated the British who attacked Quebec. - Annotation) Castle.The temperature outside was sub-zero and the streets were covered with snow. Jean-Claude gave Toni his home phone number.She made the call as soon as she checked into her room. "I hope it's not too late to call." "No! I can't believe you're here. When can I see you?" "Well, we're all going to the convention center tomorrow morning, but I can sneak out and have lunch with you." "Good! There's a restaurant called 'Paris-Brest' on the Boulevard d'Or. Can you meet me there at one o'clock?" "I'll be there." ※※※ The Québec Convention Center is a four-story, glass-and-steel structure with an innovative design, located on the René Levans Avenues, and can accommodate thousands of conference attendees.At nine o'clock in the morning, the hall was packed with computer experts from all over the world, exchanging information on the latest developments.They packed multimedia rooms, exhibition halls and video conferencing centers to the brim.Several seminars were held simultaneously.Toni felt bored.Saying nothing, she thought, slipped out of the conference hall at twelve forty-five, and took a taxi to the restaurant. Jean-Claude was waiting for her.He took her hand and said enthusiastically, "Toni, I'm so glad you're here." "me too." "I'll try to make sure you have a good time here," Jean-Claude told her. "It's a beautiful city, and it's worth seeing." Toni looked at him and smiled. "I know I'm going to love it." "I will spend as much time with you as possible." "Can you spare the time? What about the jewelry store?" Jean-Claude smiled slightly, "I have to let it go." The head waiter brings the menu. Jean-Claude to Toni: "Would you like to try some of our French-Canadian food?" "OK." "Then please let me take your order." He said to the head waiter, "We want Lake Broome ducklings." He explained to Toni, "It's a local dish of ducklings stuffed with apples. Poached in aged apple brandy." "Sounds delicious." And it did. ※※※ During lunch, they told each other about their past. "So you've never been married?" "Nope, what about you?" "No." "You haven't found the right man." Oh my gosh, wouldn't it be great if it was that simple? "yes." They talked about Quebec City and what to do there. "Do you ski?" Toni nodded. "I love skiing." "Ah, great, me too. And snowmobile rides, ice skating, great shopping..." There was something almost childish in his exuberance.Toni had never felt so at ease with anyone. ※※※ Under the arrangement of Shane Miller, a group of his people attended the meeting in the morning and were free in the afternoon. "I don't know what to do here," Arlette complained to Toni. "It's freezing like hell. What are you going to do?" "Anything." Toni grinned. "That's going to be slower." ※※※ Toni and Jean-Claude had lunch together every day, and every afternoon Jean-Claude took Toni on a sightseeing tour.She had never seen a place like Quebec City.It's like discovering a picturesque French village on the North American continent at the turn of the century.The old streets and lanes have interesting names like "Broken Neck Steps", "Under the Castle" and "Sailor's Leap".It is a set of Currier and Ives lithographs① (Note: Currier and Ives lithographs, created and published by two American lithographers Currier and Ives in the 19th century, depicting the customs, Lithograph group paintings of people and events.——Annotation) city, inlaid in the frame of ice and snow. They visited the "Grand Fortress" and the walls that surrounded old Quebec.They watched the traditional changing of the guard inside the fortress walls.They visited the shopping streets: Rue Saint-Jean, Rue Cartier, Rue Côte de la Fabrigue, and strolled in Petit Champlain ② (Note: Petit Champlain [1567-1635], French explorer, French Belonging to Canada's first governor, the creation of Quebec City, the establishment and expansion of French colonies in North America. - Annotation) area. "It's the oldest commercial district in North America," Jean-Claude told her. "It's wonderful." Wherever they went, they were greeted with dazzling Christmas trees, nativity scenes and music to please shoppers. Jean-Claude took Toni for a snowmobile ride in the countryside, and as they raced down a narrow hill, he yelled, "Are you having fun?" Toni realized that this was not a random question.She nodded and said softly, "I had a great time." ※※※ Aliette spends her time in museums.She visited Notre-Dame Basilica, the Church of the Good Shepherd, and the Augustinian Museum, and she was indifferent to what else Quebec City had to offer.There were dozens of fine restaurants in the city, but when she wasn't eating in a hotel, she ate at a vegetarian buffet called Gomansour. From time to time, Aliette thought of her painter friend in San Francisco, Richard Melton, and wondered what he was doing and whether he would remember her. ※※※ Ashley is struggling with the Holy Salmon Festival.She really wanted to call her father and tell him not to come.But what excuse can I find?You are a murderer.I don't want to see you? Christmas is approaching day by day. "I want to show you my jewelry store," Jean-Claude said to Toni. "Would you like to see it?" Toni nodded. "Happy to go." Parente Jewelers is located in the heart of Quebec City, on the Avenue Notre Dame.When she entered the store, Toni was dumbfounded.On the Internet, Jean-Claude once said: "I have a small jewelry store." In fact, it is a very large store, decorated very tastefully.Six staff members are busy with customers. Toni looked around and said, "It's...it's extraordinary." he smiles. "Thank you. I wanted to give you a little present...a Christmas present." "No. It's not necessary. I..." "Please don't deprive me of this pleasure." Jean-Claude led Toni to a showcase full of rings. "Tell me what you like." Toni shook her head. "Those are too expensive. I can't..." "I beg you." Toni studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Okay." She checked the display case again.In the center was a large emerald ring surrounded by diamonds. Jean-Claude saw her staring at it. "Do you like this emerald ring?" "It's so cute, but so..." "It's yours." Jean-Claude took out a small key, unlocked the cabinet, and took out the ring. "No, Jean-Claude..." "For me." He slipped it around Toni's finger.Not too big not too small is just right. "Okay! This is a symbol." Tony squeezed his hand. "I... I don't know what to say." "I cannot tell you how much pleasure this has given me. There is a wonderful restaurant here called 'Bavillon'. Would you like to dine there tonight?" "You can say whatever you want." "I'll pick you up at eight o'clock." ※※※ At six o'clock that night, Ashley's father called. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to disappoint you, Ashley. I can't be there for Christmas. An important patient of mine in South America has had a stroke. I'm flying to Argentina tonight." "I'm . . . I'm so sorry, Father," Ashley said.She tried to be as convincing as possible. "We'll make it up, won't we, dear?" "Yes, father. I wish you a pleasant journey." ※※※ Toni looked forward to dining with Jean-Claude.It's going to be a lovely night.She hummed softly as she put on her coat and hat. "Up and down the street, There the eagles come and go, That's the way money goes, Puchi!The weasel ran away. " I think Jean-Claude is in love with me, mother. ※※※ "Bavillon" is located in the hollow and dark "Palace Station", the old railway station in Quebec City.This is a huge restaurant with a long bar at the entrance and rows of tables extending to the end of the hall.Every night at eleven o'clock, a dozen or so tables are moved aside to make room for a dance floor, and a music anchor leads a dance from reggae Folk music, later combined with African, North American pop and rock music. - Annotation) to jazz to blues Various tapes took over. Toni and Jean-Claude arrived at nine o'clock, and at the door they were greeted warmly by the boss. "Mr. Parent. Nice to meet you." "Thank you, Andre. This is Miss Toni Prescott. This is Mr. Nicholas." "It is a great honor, Miss Prescott. Your table is ready." "The food here is excellent," Jean-Claude assured Toni as they sat down. "Let's start with champagne." They ordered veal risotto, ray and salad, and a bottle of Volpolicella. Toni kept looking at the emerald ring Jean-Claude had given her. "It's so beautiful!" she exclaimed. Jean-Claude moved closer across the table. "You too. I can't tell you how happy I am that we finally meet." "Me too," Toni said softly. Music starts to play.Jean-Claude stared at Toni. "Would you like to dance?" "I am very willing to." Dancing is one of Toni's passions, and when she hits the dance floor, she leaves it all behind.As a little girl, when she danced with her father, her mother said, "The boy is clumsy." Jean-Claude hugged her tightly: "You dance really well." "thanks." Did you hear that, mother? Toni thought: I hope this can go on forever. ※※※ On the way back to the hotel, Jean-Claude said: "Honey, would you like to come to my house for a nightcap?" Toni hesitated. "Not tonight, Jean-Claude." "Perhaps tomorrow?" She squeezed his hand tightly. "Tomorrow." ※※※ At three o'clock in the morning, Officer Bicard was driving his police car and patrolling the boulevard in the Montcalum district when he noticed that the door of a two-story red brick building was open.He parked the car on the sidewalk and got out to check.He went to the gate and called, "Good evening. Is anyone in there?" No answer: He enters the porch and walks toward the large living room. "It's the police. Is anyone in there?" no respond.The whole house was unnaturally still.Officer Bicard unbuttoned the holster and began checking the downstairs room.He screamed loudly as he moved from room to room.The only response was an eerie silence.He went back to the porch.An elegant staircase leads to the upper floors. "Hello!" There was no sound. Sergeant Bicard began to climb the stairs.When he reached the top of the stairs, his gun was in his hand.He yelled again, and walked down the long passage.Ahead, a bedroom door was ajar, and he went to it, opened it wide, and turned pale. "my God!" At one o'clock that morning, in a graystone and yellow-brick building on Story Street, where the police station is located, Inspector Paul Gayle was asking, "What have we got?" Inspector Guy Fontey replied: "The victim's name is Jean-Claude Parente. He was stabbed no less than a dozen times and his body was castrated. The coroner said the murder took place at three Four hours ago. We found a receipt in Parente's coat pocket for a meal from 'Bavillon' where he had eaten earlier in the evening. We got the restaurateur out of bed." "anything else?" "Mr. Parent was at 'Bavillon' with a very attractive black-haired, brunette woman named Toni Prescott, with a British accent. Mr. Parent's The jeweler's manager said that early yesterday Mr Parent brought a woman of the same appearance into the store and introduced her as Toni Prescott. He presented her with an expensive emerald ring, we also believe that Mr. Parente had sex before his death, and the murder weapon was a steel blade that broke the credit. There were fingerprints on it. We sent the fingerprints to our testing room and the FBI. We Waiting to hear the results." "Have you caught Toni Prescott?" "No." "Why not?" "We couldn't find her. We searched all the local hotels. We went through our own files and the FBI files. She didn't have a birth certificate, she didn't have a social security number, she didn't have a driver's license." "Impossible! Is she out of town?" Officer Fang Tai shook his head. "I don't think so, Inspector. The airport closed at midnight. The last train out of Quebec City left at 5:35 yesterday afternoon. The first train this morning was at 6:39. We have Distributed her portrait to the bus station, two taxi companies and the mid-size bus company." "For God's sake, we have her name, her likeness and her fingerprints. There's no way she just disappeared." An hour later, a report came in from the FBI.They couldn't confirm those fingerprints.There is no profile for Toni Prescott.