image [https://i.imgur.com/xY4BMyc.jpg]
----------------------------------------
Minos Kiyon, a 29-year-old man with long golden-blond hair and red eyes — which are actually contact lenses made on purpose. This person is better known as 'Belium's Best Detective', a living legend among detectives. This same man came looking for Deshya Oveja, increasingly known as 'The Fox-Eared Detective', during her religion class. He then confesses that he has come to find her to help him with an investigation that has a very close link with the murder of 'Conri Tanisha', the Defense Minister's communications officer. He was killed in his home on September 2, 2022, and to this day, no leads have emerged. No potential suspects, no culprits caught. On Monday September 12, Deshya meets Minos and is thus led into the mystery of 'Sleeping Little Beauty', a website with the address 'https://www.sleepinglittlebeauty.com'. On this site, coded messages are sometimes posted in the 'MORE' tab, when they inspect the page. And on September 12, 2022, a new coded message was posted. It reads as follows:
[1]592aPoET9èmme)xq
50[2]8841*--Oc4p
8034[8]BmDAh
[7]982Ads2o*dA
486[2]1--%
2862[0]8+2[0]89%lMQa8²s^l9+9
30[7]8^$ad
[5]118mlS7fA/m.r=$^
[6]5358FXa0e...
0[2]88^$xCnOD
04[9]951XDadt49:8e++a
2862[0]8+2[0]89$*ax.
A message that seems to have been entered randomly — as if typed on a keyboard. However, Minos is convinced that it's the next instruction for the 'party' that's coming this Thursday, September 15: the next assassination by the group behind Conri Tanisha's. The reason he asks Deshya for help is not because she's considered a 'genius' or for her intelligence, but because of the message that was added on Sleeping Little Beauty on September 10, 2022 at 7:07 am:
‘September 15, let's celebrate. For information on this holiday, please refer to the new method. If you don't know which method I'm talking about:
The fox detective offers you the horned path'.
Minos is therefore convinced that, albeit indirectly, Deshya is involved in this case and wants to see if she can help them. It's also possible that their next victim is a member of Deshya's family or in her entourage, although unlikely.
After a long day of searching, Deshya and Minos decide to rest and stop investigating for September 12. Minos stays with Deshya, having finally accepted their hospitality, and goes to sleep around 10.30pm.
It's now September 13, and this time Deshya won't be skipping school despite the ongoing investigation. Not only will Gatito not accept it, Minos himself doesn't want such a thing. As the clock strikes 7:15, Deshya moves to the right in bed and begins to open both eyes slowly. Her human-sized pillow with 'Liv' on it and underneath her, while little Korone holds her hand in her sleep. Deshya wakes up slowly, smiles as she gently lets go of her new little sister's hand and yawns as she stretches. She gets up without making too much noise, but as she approaches her bedroom door, a delicate, almost silent sound is heard behind her: the blanket moving.
- Hmmm…
Korone rises in turn, struggling to open her eyes. Deshya turns to her and says hello.
- Hello, big sis…
She yawns and rises from the bed, but remains on the mattress, before joining Deshya's arms. Deshya carries her and suggests they go and brush their teeth, and Korone nods, her eyes heavy. The teenager leaves her room with Korone and heads for the bathroom. On the way downstairs, Deshya remembers that Minos is asleep in the next room, so she mustn't forget to get dressed straight away so that he doesn't understand the truth behind her fox-like attributes. He's the best detective in all Belium, a living legend and a very clever person, so he might understand straight away if he saw her like this... This time, she dresses in her blue sweater, which is already in the bathroom, and puts it on in a hurry — or rather, as quickly as possible despite her muscles not responding perfectly. When she's finished, after of course dressing in a t-shirt and bra, she puts toothpaste on her toothbrush and does the same for Korone's. Her father went to buy one especially for Korone on Sunday, just before Colin and Mona's 'second' party, the same day they went to see the notary.
to adopt the little girl. So they brush their teeth together, sometimes looking at each other and smiling. They rinse their mouths one after the other and Korone dresses in turn. Deshya puts on a pair of pants and heads downstairs with the little girl. They head for the kitchen and notice that Gatito and Pera are already up.
- Hi dad, hi mom!" said Deshya.
- Hiiiiiiiiiiii!" says Korone.
The red-haired man has his nose in the newspapers, but withdraws it when he sees his two daughters in the kitchen.
- Hello, Deshya, Korone.
- Hello my honeys!
Pera waves a hand, sitting next to her husband. Korone joins them, while Deshya stays in the kitchen to get a bowl from the cupboard.
- Would you like some cereal too, Korone?
- I don't mind!
Korone jumps up on her chair and happily accepts her big sister's proposal. Deshya nods and grabs a second bowl before placing them on the table. She fetches three different types of cereal and presents them to Korone, explaining that she can have any she likes. Korone thanks and quickly chooses the chocolate chip ones. Deshya takes the more natural cereals made for the figure. Gatito eats a sandwich he made himself, while Pera drinks the last of her coffee. The family doesn't chat over breakfast and silence reigns over the place, the dog currently outside and quietly poses on the terrace, not even chasing the other dogs in the neighborhood. Just as they're about to say nothing, the door opens again and a dressed man yawns.
- Aah, hello!
He greets the family and Deshya turns to him.
- Hi, Minos!
The man with the long, slightly tousled golden hair smiles and asks if he can join them for the breakfast. They all agree, and he asks Deshya where the bowls are: he'd like some cereal too. So they all eat together after Deshya tells him where they are, including the spoons.
CHAPTER 45
⎾Sleeping Little Beauty : Internet Mystery ; Third Line⏌
- Thanks again for agreeing to put me up for the duration of the investigation. I promise to pay it all back!" says Minos as he eats his chocolate-chip cereal.
Pera turns her face to him with a smile.
- You've already paid for last night's pizza and you're not asking for much, so you don't have to reimburse us for anything!" she admits.
- I'm not saying no," says Gatito without looking away.
Pera frowns as she watches him, which makes Minos laugh and insist that he wants to repay them for their kindness, especially as he stands to earn a good sum if he succeeds in uncovering the identity of the man behind Conri Tanisha's murder.
- If you can figure it out..." joked the red-haired man.
- Hmm, what does that mean?!" shouts Minos.
- If it's big sister who finds it, she's the one who must have plenty of money!" says Korone.
Minos turns his face towards her, but smiles and nods.
- Even if I'm the one who finds it, she's doing her best to help me, so I'll share without any worries!" he admits.
- Big sister will finally earn money for her work, yippee!
Deshya asks Minos if this is really okay, especially since she's underage, but Minos raises his eyebrows with a smile, staring at her.
- Would you turn down money? If we manage to save the next victim, I can earn around 30,000 euros, so I'll give you 10,000 without any worries.
Deshya opens her eyes wide and rises from the table, staring intently at Gatito.
- I want it.
- I don't care as long as it's not money we're not declaring," admits Gatito.
Deshya and Pera are surprised at Gatito's lack of resistance. He finishes his sandwich and rises from his chair before addressing Minos.
- You're letting my daughter go to school today, I hope.
- I already said it yesterday, I don't intend to keep it any longer. It was irresponsible enough of me to do that yesterday, I don't intend to repeat it," Minos explains. I only intend to stay as long as it takes to find out the truth behind the codes and stop the next murder, so I won't overstay my welcome.
- Hm.
Gatito replies nothing more and kisses his wife before leaving for work, greeting Deshya, Korone and even Minos. The girl in the fox sweater turns to the detective at her side.
- What happens if we don't find out the truth in time?" she asks.
- I'd rather not think about it, but it will simply mean that we can't prevent another victim from being taken by their hands. That's the worst possible thing for me.
Deshya is familiar with Minos' sense of justice and smiles.
- We'll figure out how to solve the codes first. If people on the internet could do it and join the murders, there's no reason we can't, is there?
Minos blinks and approves.
- Even if there's no guarantee that many of the assassins will find the truth, I'm convinced that those behind the assassination of the Minister of Defense's communications officer will do their utmost to decipher it all. It's highly likely that they're communicating with each other privately to understand the codes, too.
- Hm.
They both nod in chorus and Pera, including Korone, admires them with glee. The detective with the long golden hair stretches before sighing in relief, his cereal already finished.
- I still haven't received any message that the case has been solved by anyone else, so the mystery continues today... Even if I hope to find the money first, I hope above all that we'll be able to stop the next murder…
- Minos likes money, eeh?" smiled Korone.
- Who doesn't?
They all laugh together, which makes the atmosphere in the room even more jovial than before.
They all finish breakfast and Deshya approaches Minos before going to school.
- I promise to look even when I'm at school !" she said.
- Just concentrate on your studies, okay? I'll do my own research and there's no point in overthinking things when you also have to listen to your teachers.
- Hm, that'll do!
- Deshya.
- Okiiiiii…
Deshya bows her head and her fox ears do the same, though they're blocked by her sweater which hides them. Minos chuckles and thanks her before turning to the red haired woman, Deshya's mother.
- I don't want to use Deshya's room while she's away, would it be possible to work for the time being in your office downstairs?" he asks.
- No worries. I'm staying home with Korone for now," she replies. If you need help, I'll be here.
Deshya grabs Minos's sleeve.
- I have no problem with—
- I know.
Minos cuts her off and fixes her with a serious look.
- However, it just doesn't happen. Again, I understand your trust in me and I thank you for it, but I'm the kind of person who likes to be trusted over time and by proving that I deserve it. When you get back from school, I'll go back to your room to search for the truth with you if I haven't solved the mystery yet, but for now, I'm going to work downstairs.
Deshya blinks, but eventually smiles and nods.
- It's precisely because you think like that that I can trust you.
- …
Minos answers nothing and smiles back.
- Go to school.
- Yiss!
Deshya nods and turns hastily, running into the kitchen. She then climbs out and puts on her shoes, grabbing her bag and heading outside to join the school. Korone watches her do so before turning to Minos.
- Saaaaay, can I ask a question?
- What's wrong?" replies Minos.
- Isn't it possible to protect the likely victims on Thursday? That way, they won't be able to murder anyone.
Minos crouches down in front of the little girl and shakes his head gently.
- We can't ask such a thing to the police. We have no idea what kind of target they're looking for, given that they've currently only committed one crime, so I think almost anyone could be a potential suspect. Even if it's possible to protect the next target by chance, it's relying solely on chance with little probability of success, including invoking far too many members of the police force. If an urgent matter arises, they'll be forced to leave their posts and stop protecting, but they won't be in perfect conditions to act. It's just impossible," he admits.
- Eh, it's true…
Korone apologizes for her silly question, but Minos tells her it's far from silly. He explains to the girl and the woman that he'll get to work without further ado, and they wish him luck in finding the truth. He thanks them and Korone squints as she watches him go.
- I'd like to help, but I suppose he'll figure it out... Besides, I was able to watch a bit last night, but I don't understand it either…
Korone heads for the table where her mother is waiting to play a little together.
Deshya walks to school without even seeing Amora, which surprises her. Unlike most of the time, she has to go alone, and not with her best friend. Not being next to her, receiving morning cuddles and even receiving its natural energy…
- I thought so, but it's a bit sad... I wonder if she won't be there today," says Deshya.
Yet Amora didn't mention this last night, when they talked before going to sleep. What's more, her pink haired best friend was very worried and excited for her, given that Deshya had met Minos Kiyon. The girl in the fox-blue sweater continued on her way to school without passing many people, but when they reached the front gate, something happened that forced her to step back, eyes wide open.
- Deshya!
- Tell us all about it!
- You met Minos, didn't you?! What happened?
- Why did he come looking for you?!
- Do you have his autograph? Even pictures taken with him?!
- Can we know more?!
A crowd of students falls on her as soon as she arrives at school.
She's surrounded by dozens of teenagers her own age, but some are also younger or older. Deshya can't even hear what they're asking or saying anymore, as the voices collide and it's impossible for her to fully understand what's being said. She stammers as she tries to answer them, but all she knows is that they want to know more about Minos Kiyon. However, she can't tell them about the case they're currently working on. What's more, even if she wanted to explain what's going on right now, she couldn't: they're all shouting and it would be impossible for them to hear her. Deshya feels increasingly oppressed, and a sense of claustrophobia grips her heart tighter and tighter. The teenagers squeeze around her more, they all talk at the same time and Deshya feels sick. She wants to escape from the crowd, but it's impossible. Her breathing becomes more labored and the pressure increases, as if her chest were being crushed more and more. Deshya turns her head in all directions, no longer even trying to speak, but she sees no way to escape. As the crowd closes in on her—
- Yes, yes, we get it.
- GO!!! MOVE!!!
Two people jostle the others in the crowd and force them to move aside, one of them even shouting in annoyance. Student after student moves off, and finally Deshya turns to those heading towards her. Before she can find out who they are, both her wrists are grabbed by one hand each and she is whisked away from the crowd of over a hundred students. They continue to force her to follow them, and it's when Deshya sees their hair from behind that she realizes who they are. She smiles and watches the disappointed crowd behind her, most of the students understanding that they will have no answer to the death of the girl in the fox sweater. They stop in front of a bench and let go of Deshya at the same time before sitting down. The girl has her arms crossed, while the boy shakes his head and sighs.
- They're impossible to handle. Where did they think they were, at the zoo?!
He looks up at his friend with a desperate expression.
- As soon as you wake up in the morning, everyone's jumping on you, and I'm almost jealous..." he admits.
- If you're that popular next month, I wouldn't be surprised if you become known all over the world," admits the girl, a year older than him.
Deshya scratches his cheek.
- You're talking nonsense..." she says, embarrassed.
- Oh, it's the Fox Incorporated!
A male voice sounds behind her and Deshya turns to notice another girl and boy walking towards them. Both greet the three friends and smile.
- Sorry Deshyshy, I got here a little too early today!" apologizes Amora, the girl next to the black-haired boy.
- I met her on the way, ahah!" admits Raiji.
- Look, there's the Sun," smiled Tessa, sitting on the bench.
- And if it isn't Raiji, the guy who saved our little fox," teased Maruno, standing right next to her purple-haired friend.
- Hehe, you're going to make me blush.
Raiji stops in front of Deshya with Amora and scratches her hair. Maruno smirks and the pink-haired girl grabs her best friend's hand.
- Sorry, I forgot to tell you this morning that I'd arrived early! But there were so many people talking about Minos and you that my head was in the clouds!
- It doesn't matter," promises Deshya.
- Hihi, thanks!
She rubs herself gently over her and Deshya tells her, while being embarrassed, that she shouldn't be so clingy in public. Tessa smiled with a chuckle.
- Deshya embarrassed to have a girl rub up against her?
- Deshya, tell her that she's a good kitten!" jokes Raiji.
- She'll purr if she does that," says Maruno.
Amora stops and frowns, pouting.
- You really think I'd do that?!
- Yes.
- Yes.
- Yes.
- Yes.
Amora looks at her best friend with shock.
- Even you, Deshyshy?!
- I mean…
The girl in the fox sweater scratches her cheek with a smile. Amora sighs as she lowers her arms, accepting that they're probably right. Raiji laughs and pats her on the back, while Tessa stares intently at Deshya. The latter feels her gaze and turns to her.
- Y-Yes?" asks Deshya, confused.
- Say…
- ... ?
- Could I know why Minos came looking for you?
Tessa smiles at him and Deshya blinks. Maruno nods, crossing his arms.
- I'd like to know, too. We're all three members of the Fox Incorporated, aren't we? I deserve to know too.
- I'm your best friend!
- And I saved you from being kidnapped.
- It was Korone who pulled the strings, understood the tricks behind the alibis and shot Adam, though..." thinks Deshya, squinting.
She sighs and tucks her hands into the pockets of her fox sweater.
- It's private," she admits.
- Hmmm?
Tessa frowns.
- Don't you want to tell us about it?
- It's not that I don't want to, it's just that it's private.
- We won't tell anyone, we're not like that!" says Raiji, taking a seat next to Maruno.
- I know, but…
- It's about a case, isn't it?" smiled Tessa.
Deshya answers nothing and Amora massages her shoulders with a big smile.
- You can tell us anything, hihi! Plus, I'm intrigued to know why the great Minos came to see you, although I bet it's because you're getting popular!
- That's not why, even if it does play a part…
Deshya admits it, blushing softly. Maruno crosses his legs, a gesture directly imitated by Raiji.
- Is this a super-private investigation?
- An investigation that could jeopardize the security of the entire country? Or even the whole world?
Deshya closes her eyes with a sigh, hesitating whether to smile or growl.
- You're exaggerating…
- But this is a survey, hm?" drops Tessa with a teasing smile.
Deshya rubs her eyes and sighs heavily.
- All right, fine. But promise you won't say anything!
- Of course!
- Good, boss!
- Thankiiies, Deshyshy!
- Mouth sewn.
A few minutes later, just before the school bell rings, Deshya stops talking and puts her phone away, having just shown the code to her four interested friends. They are all greatly surprised that Deshya has been "invited" by Minos to investigate such a case, but even more so that she is mentioned in the clue to solve the code. Amora looks down, hands clenched.
- Does that... Does that mean you're in danger?" she asks worriedly.
- I don't think so, this must just be a clue with my first name, my last name or something I've done. Chances are it's not even me they're talking about, although Minos seems convinced of that," reassures her best friend.
- A connection with the murder of Conri Tanisha, damn…
Raiji whistles, impressed that Deshya is on such a case.
- On the other hand, for a complicated code, it's... complex," admits Maruno.
He's only been able to see it for a few moments, but he's already certain that it's sophisticated and will take time and effort to solve. Unlike the 'Lam Douce' letter they received last week for fun, this code is totally different and solving it before Thursday is almost a must. If they don't find the truth before then... then a person — or several — will come to die.
- If even Minos couldn't figure it out yesterday, then I can't even imagine how complicated it's going to be for people like us to solve it," admits Raiji.
- You talk as if you were on our level," Maruno teases him.
- I must admit it hurts…
They all start laughing and Tessa gets up from the bench, fixing Deshya.
- Well, I'll look around at my house for any clues to the code, but I bet we won't really be able to help, unfortunately," she says.
- As long as you don't tell anyone... Be careful though," Deshya replies.
- I return the compliment.
Tessa shakes her hair violently, albeit amicably, and walks away from the friends. Amora turns to her, blinking.
- Are you leaving?" she asks.
Tessa doesn't respond and makes a '3' with her fingers. Then a '2', then a '1'...
And the school bell rings.
The playground is now full of students moving in all directions, some grabbing their bags and running inside the building. Maruno and Raiji get up from the bench and smile.
- I didn't even realize that classes were already starting..." sighs the boy who often wears a helmet around his neck.
- Me neither..." smiled Maruno.
Deshya watches Tessa walk away and blows her nose with a smile before suggesting to Amora that they go to class without further ado. Her best friend nods happily and they set off.
- It's too complex a code for me, so I think I'll just watch the anime that comes out today,” admits Amora.
- Which one?" asks Deshya.
- It's called Mochi Neko, it's about cats who become idols, but from what I hear, there's a plot twist to episode one!!! Can't wait to see it!
- Why doesn't it surprise me that she plans to watch this?
Deshya is already reading the manga that's going to be adapted and she likes it a lot, although she thinks it's going to create controversy for some reason... She's not looking forward to seeing the idiots fight over it, but she knows she's going to have to put up with it. As she walks towards the school, her phone vibrates in her pocket. She grabs it and turns it on to see that the person who sent her a message... is Minos Kiyon! She hurries to read its contents and sees this:
"I hope I'm not disturbing you. A new code was posted today, Tuesday, September 13, 2022, 08:11am. Here is the code:
96[2]82a1B+S52r
8034[8]/-aa
0[5]118548rmAP
926[5]L;:aa45ÂRl++s
0[2]884!aX8i)é&$
[9]5974SPsMd6969a69++ [6]4338+-+ù
4[8]253421170:>ksd1$AmeLRl 62[0]89+62[0]89D12slDZdz 775[1]mM
62[0]89+62[0]89dcO
612[8]47TTS+
95[3]43014654--dzs12
[3]70277$ézEoKDs
[4]159;:SsllL%
9310[5]$'(5
4[9]95)0sa
0[2]88PRrO.'
If you find anything, don't hesitate to text me and I'll get right back to you.
Focus on your classes first, though!!!! Minos :3"
The code is longer than last time, but it seems to be written in a similar way to the last one, but Deshya doesn't have time to concentrate on it, as she has to get to class. However, as she flies over the code, something bothers her... as if there's a clue that could lead her to the trail of the code's resolution... but she can't work out what it is. So she decides to send Minos a quick message saying she'll look at it over lunch and puts her phone away straight away. However, she can't forget the message... but it's not because of the code itself, but what Minos has written at the end.
- He put a ':3', hihiiii~!
She thinks it's too cute and can't help smiling and showing her contentment physically. Amora notices this and asks her if she's all right, but Deshya nods happily without telling her why she feels this way.
Time flies at school, and after the 2-hour English class, Deshya heads downstairs with her friends to the basement, where the school cafeteria is located. She sits down at her usual table with Amora, Raiji, Lam, Frie and Abdoul. She takes out her toast, but before she starts eating, she looks at her phone and opens the message that was sent by Minos again. He reacted to her message with an '❤' and hasn't said anything to her since, but it suits her perfectly. She's looking forward to continuing to 'work' alongside him, but for now, she needs to concentrate on school; which is no simple matter. As she watches her phone, she senses stares being directed at her, which disturbs her. She looks up and sees three heads concentrating on her phone.
- Do you mind?!" she asks.
- I just wanted to know who had sent you a message, hihi..." admits Amora.
The girl with the long pink hair scratches her cheek, but the boy next to her just crosses his arms.
- I just wanted to see the second code," replies Raiji.
- A code?" asked Lam, who was also interested in Deshya's phone.
- She's playing a detective game on her phone, but I seem to have got it wrong.
He shrugs and leaves the table to heat up his pasta. Amora wonders what he's talking about, but remembers that they must keep Deshya and Minos' secret investigation, so he simply lied. Abdoul takes a bite of his baguette and turns his attention to Deshya.
- I don't know what you and Minos talked about, but he surprised me by coming to class like that," he says.
- I'm even more surprised than you are, to be honest…
Deshya smiles before crossing her legs, pondering the code. Amora pats her on the shoulder, saying she should eat, but Deshya replies that she just wants to concentrate on the code for a few moments to see if she can come up with anything. Amora agrees, since she has nothing to say about it. Deshya rubs her chin, admiring the message sent by Minos.
- The message is longer, but I don't see anything different to the old code... Some lines are very long, others quite short... I wonder if each line means a sentence? Hmm…
As she ponders, Raiji sits down next to her again, his pasta reheated.
- You'll have to show it to Tessa and Maruno," he whispers.
Deshya nods and simply puts her phone away: with Abdoul, Lam and Frie talking amongst themselves, she'll never be able to concentrate enough. She'll look into it a little more after she's eaten, in the few minutes before she returns to class, while showing the new code to Tessa and Maruno. Raiji starts eating his pasta and Deshya her toast. Abdoul flirts with Lam, while Frie takes turns chatting with Amora and Deshya.
- I'm impressed that someone like Minos knows you, Deshya!" she admits.
- I'm no less surprised," replies her red-haired friend.
- Soon you'll be famous all over the country!
- Let's not exaggerate, ahah!
Deshya lets out a little laugh and Frie admits that she's sincere, which pleases her greatly. Lam comes out of her conversation with Abdoul to tell Deshya that she also thinks it's a possibility, but that if she becomes so popular, she wants her to talk about her in her lectures. This makes Deshya blush and she continues to insist that this won't happen, but Raiji smiles and waves his fork.
- Will you talk about how I saved you?
- Stoooooop…
Amora, Lam and Abdoul laugh as they see Deshya hiding behind her hood. Frie and Raiji chuckle and continue eating in good spirits. Five minutes before the school bell, Deshya went to speak with Tessa and Maruno to show them the new code that had been published today. Raiji joined them, while Amora stayed behind with Lam, Abdoul and even his brother, Minoru.
- What's that… code…
Tessa touches the front of her cap with a grimace, not at all understanding what this code could mean.
- Sure it's not ROT-47 code or something like that?" asks Maruno.
Deshya shakes her head.
- Minos and I have checked several combinations, but nothing seems to work. What's more, there's always a number in square brackets at the beginning of each line, or even two numbers, so I don't think it's just a trick," she admits.
- So the biography of Alveva's account must really be the main lead to follow..." remarks Raiji. Is it by understanding what he means that we could solve the code?
Deshya nods and tells him it's highly likely, since there must be a way of solving the coded messages, otherwise it would be impossible for the assassins to follow these codes.
- So there are several of them... Do we know how many there are?" asks Maruno.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
- Impossible to say, especially since it's likely that some of them don't understand how to solve these ciphers. Well, we talked to Minos about it and he said it's possible that the assassins 'hired' by Alveva589 are talking to each other somewhere else, so if anyone understands, they should all be able to understand the messages.
- I bet if nobody understands, whoever's behind the site will come up with an even bigger clue..." adds Tessa.
- Korone said that when we were eating the pizzas, but Minos admitted he wasn't convinced.
Tessa is astonished and asks why. Deshya answers her directly:
- The reason he's changed the way he enciphers his messages is because the site's popularity has increased, but it's not just a change of code: he's really spiked the messages. So he's aware that his site is attracting views, and that there's a good chance the police and detectives are already on the case. If he gives too big a clue, committing the next murder will be far too risky.
- Is it possible that the codes are decoys and that the culprits are talking to each other? I know Minos assumes that the boss wouldn't send such messages to the site if they were all talking in a different chat room, but…
Maruno doesn't finish his sentence: Deshya cuts him off.
- Even if it's a possibility, it's highly unlikely. Sending out a clue like this and changing the codes in such a complex way is far too much work to be a simple decoy, especially as the old codes actually indicated the murder that was about to take place with precision. This isn't just a joke that some Internet user decided to play to pass the time, but a real affair.
- Internet user…
Raiji chuckles and Deshya sighs.
- Yeah, well…
- Mamy Deshya?
- You can't be serious.
- I mean, I don't think it's possible to solve such a code without more information. The codes in square brackets isn't even what surprises me the most, but what's next.
Tessa points to Deshya's phone and shows the last line of code.
- The only dot there is at the very end of the last line, so is it possible that every line is a sentence?" she asks.
- I thought about it, but there were other points in the old post... Wait, there.
Deshya fiddles with her phone and shows the screenshot she took last night while pondering the code.
- The ninth line, the one with the message '[6]5358FXa0e..'. There's a colon at the end, so it's possible that it's just a symbol they're putting there. After all, it's true that coded messages always end with a period... Wait…
Deshya frowns. The thing that disturbs her…
- It's…
She switches back to the old code, but just as she does, the school bell rings. She looks up and grumbles as she puts her phone away. Tessa jumps up from the bench and pats her on the back.
- Well, the only thing that really changes in both codes is the length of the lines. There seem to be more short lines this time.
- Yeah…
Deshya lets her shoulders drop and her three friends say they'll try to figure it out on their own when they get home: if they find anything, they'll come and warn her. Deshya thanks them and heads off to class with Raiji, deep in thought.
- What is this feeling that's bothering me...?
However, she doesn't manage to fall on it, and at 4.15pm they are allowed to leave the school after gym class. Deshya greets Frie and Raiji before going for a walk with her best friend.
- You were even faster than last time today!" says Amora.
- I was just going for it!
Deshya hops around holding her bag, which amuses Amora, who can't help laughing. Deshya smiles and checks her phone again, but she hasn't received any important messages since. Amora watches her best friend's face.
- Anyway, how are you these days?" she asks.
A question out of the blue, one that surprised Deshya, who couldn't help questioning her with her eyes. Amora touches the strap of her satchel.
- You've seen a lot of deaths these days..." she admits, worried.
Deshya closes her mouth after blinking and smiles.
- Are you still worried about me?
Amora pouted at her.
- Of course I do! You're my best friend, and I want you to feel good about your life!
Deshya lets out a quick laugh and Amora strikes her gently with her fists. Deshya apologizes, promising she wasn't laughing.
- Sorry, sorry, it just makes me happy to know you care about me like that!
Amora stops and lowers her head, but doesn't look away from Deshya.
- I know you're seeing a psychologist, but—
- I'm fine.
Deshya cuts her off as she looks ahead.
- Bibi is a great help, but since then I haven't felt any sudden rage.
Amora knows the truth about the night she found Byron Elrick, Michäel Elrick's 8-month-old grandson. Deshya didn't hide from her what she had dared to say to the guilty woman, nor how she felt at the very moment. Yet this didn't faze Amora, who replied directly—
- I know you'd never dare do that! You're a good person, but you keep too much inside you!
Bibi also told her that she shouldn't let the pressure, stress and emotions swell her heart to the point of exploding. Deshya received similar advice from Korone, but in a different way.
- If Deshyshy needs to cry, she can cry on me!!!
That's what she told him the very night the Byron Elrick affair happened, minutes before Bibi came. In fact, Deshya is convinced that these words from Korone's mouth are one of the reasons she wanted to keep her as her little sister.
- I'm happy if you're well, but if you're not, don't hesitate to tell me, oki?
Amora shows her white teeth behind her smile after saying this. Deshya nods.
- I promise, Amora.
- Perfect!
She stops at an intersection and waves to Deshya: their paths diverge here. Before Amora can run to the bus stop, Deshya takes a step forward and—
- Thanks for being there for me!
Amora brakes and stops before turning around, seeing Deshya walking on the opposite side, continuing towards her house. Amora stands still for a few moments, but eventually smiles and closes her eyes, moved.
- I'm the one who should be saying that…
On these murmurs, Amora continues on her way with a big smile, unable to stop.
On the 15-minute journey from the moment she parted company with Amora to the moment she arrived home, Deshya asked herself questions about the code, the biography of Alveva589's account and their meanings, but unfortunately, she found nothing. She hadn't received any messages from Minos all day, so she assumed he hadn't found anything either... The red haired teenager arrived at the front door of her house and opened it with her key, but she was greeted by no one this time — well, yes, but by her dog. The dog wags his tail at the sight of his mistress, and Deshya closes the door behind her, before smiling and lowering her gaze.
- Hi, Nero.
She strokes his head and body for a few seconds before throwing off her bag and shoes and almost pulling down her hood, but then remembers that Minos is at home, so she can't afford to do that.
- The truth is, even though I'm super happy he's here, I hope he doesn't find out that I'm a real fox girl..." thinks Deshya.
He's an extremely intelligent and perceptive man, so it's far from impossible, but it would worry her greatly: if he knows the truth, then he is in danger. Admittedly, it's highly likely that this would never be known by whoever had kidnapped him in the past, but until she has more information about his fox-like attributes, she'd rather choose the safe route and continue to worry, even if it turns out to be pointless. When Deshya arrives in the kitchen, she notices that her mother is preparing supper... alongside Korone.
- How was school?" asks the redheaded woman.
- Heyoooo, big siiiiiis!" greeted Korone.
She jumps out of her chair and approaches Deshya happily. The fox-like teen gently rubs her head and looks at her own mother.
- Nothing special to say," she admits. Did you have a good day?
Pera nods, concentrating on the meal.
- I played with Korone most of the time and gave her your old phone, since you weren't using it anymore, so she could contact us if she needed to. I gave her your number, but asked her not to disturb you," explains Pera.
- I've already renamed you 'Big Sister' on it, hihi!
Deshya smiles at Korone's words and tells her she'll do the same, calling her 'Little Sister' afterwards. This greatly pleases the girl with the long white hair.
- We're both making supper, but if you want to see Minos, he went to your room a good five minutes ago, as you were on your way home," adds Pera.
- I'll have a bite and go. Did he find anything?" asks Deshya.
Pera shakes her head.
- It doesn't look like he's made much progress, and he has some information to share with you, but I don't know much more than that. Korone had a look at the two codes with him, but she didn't find anything... She just wanted to ask you if you had any idea what... Er…
- Observer of the Five, what do you think that meaaans?
Korone finishes Pera's sentence, since the latter had forgotten the exact words, and Deshya looks down at her, stopping to stroke her hair.
- Even if the beginning is important, I'd like to know the end.
- Minos has already looked to see the position of the '5s' in the codes, but it's come to nothing," admits Deshya.
- Yes, he looked again with me, but we couldn't find anything…
Deshya shrugs.
- I'll do my best to understand!" she promises.
- Yiss!
Korone returns to her chair and continues cooking alongside the red-haired woman. Deshya notices that Néro, their dog, is back in the kitchen, and pats him again before eating her snack. She decides to have strawberry yogurt, as she can't eat walnut yogurt: she's allergic to it. Some fruits are also forbidden to her, but she's always careful. When she's finished eating, she decides to go up to her room to see Minos Kiyon and find out how he's getting on with the investigation. She climbs the two flights of stairs rather quickly and notices that her bedroom door is already open. The golden-haired man stops writing on his laptop and looks up: he's sitting on Deshya's bed, as she'd expected.
- Hi," he said simply.
- Hi, Minos! How are you?
- A little tired of searching and searching, but I'm fine. How was school?
Deshya sits down in the chair at her desk and turns on her computer before nodding.
- Nothing major, but it was far from bad," she admits.
- Good for you. I hope you've been concentrating on your classes and not just the business.
- I admit that at times my mind was a bit elsewhere, but I concentrated mainly on the lessons!
Minos judges that she's not lying and so smiles before gently pushing aside the laptop in her lap.
- Above all, did you find anything while you were looking during lunchtime or on your way home from school?" he asks.
Deshya shakes his head sadly and Minos sighs with a smile.
- Well, that's to be expected, since you didn't really have time to think. I didn't really get anywhere either…
He gets out of bed and starts walking in circles around the girl's room.
- Do you remember I called a friend from the Shiru police yesterday to get photos of the fire that happened in 2007?
- I remember," admits Deshya.
- I received some photos from him this lunchtime, but unfortunately, not only are there not many, but some of them are blurry or don't show the crowd. Well, that's not surprising on the one hand, but I still expected to see more... However, the few photos that do show the crowd have hardly anyone recognizable or they're hidden behind the others. The only people we've managed to identify are incapable of being the culprit, even though we have three of them under surveillance at the moment. Well, it's unlikely that the culprit we're looking for is one of them, especially as there are two women.
- Why couldn't most of the people in the crowd be the culprits?
- Too young.
- Too…
Deshya thinks about it, but soon understands what he meant.
- If Alveva_01's account was created in 2006, it's true that the person behind it must currently be over 35, even 40 years old.
Minos agrees.
- The fire happened in a neighborhood heavily frequented by young people, although less so now, so most of the people in the crowd were teenagers. While that's not a possibility to rule out, I really don't think it's a probability. Well, after all, the impossible must be considered possible.
Deshya is surprised to hear him say this and unconsciously repeats:
- It's by thinking the impossible is impossible that we drown in an impossible situation…
Minos squints.
- Where did you hear that?
- It was a woman by the name of Mariah Sukeni who told me this during the case of the invisible gunshot that was this Saturday," Deshya admits, remembering the detective's words.
- Mariah Sukeni... Isn't she the female detective who likes to dress lightly? Black and pink hair?
Deshya nods.
- You... I mean, do you know her?
Minos sits back down on the bed and crosses his arms.
- She has a certain popularity and likes to shine in other people's eyes, so of course. She's a pretty smart detective, but she's just an acquaintance," Minos admits. So she told you that…
- She explained that it was someone she had met who had told her that.
- I see.
Minos smiles and Deshya asks him if he knows this person too.
- Well, you'll meet her someday, too. I mean, I think.
- A-Ah really?
Minos agrees and turns his attention back to the case.
- In any case, it's impossible to find a potential suspect and even if we tell ourselves that Alveva was in Shiru that day, during the fire, there's always the possibility that someone else took the photo or stole it from the internet. I've looked into it a bit and a friend is helping me, but it seems that the photo is unique, so it's highly likely that it was Alveva himself who photographed the fire, but finding a potential suspect just with that…
Minos clicks his tongue against his teeth.
- Almost everyone was filming or taking photos in front of the building that day, so it's almost impossible to find someone who would remember the man who captured that particular image. Plus, it happened 15 years ago, so looking for an eyewitness who would remember the people in the crowd that day... I think it's understandable that it would be completely pointless.
Deshya agrees with him and touches her chin.
- So we haven't really made any progress since..." she remarks.
- I still don't understand what the code could mean, especially since I searched hard, but I must confess that I was mostly focused on finding the identity behind Alveva589's account. Even if I didn't find much information around, knowing that he had an account named 'Alveva_01' between 2006 and 2008, that he was in Shiru and also his email address might help.
Deshya opens her eyes wide.
- His e-mail address?!" she repeats.
- Using a reverse lookup method, I found that the email address for the Alveva_01 account is '[email protected]', but…
Minos grabs his laptop and doesn't hide his grimace.
- The e-mail address has not been used since 2010 and nothing confidential or useful has been found on it, especially since it was used to receive advertising of all kinds or to chat with one or other person on the image import site.
Deshya listens attentively, but remains focused on the e-mail address.
- Alveva589589..." she repeats.
Minos agrees.
- Alveva589. At least it proves that Alveva_01 and Alveva589 are related and the same person. There's always the small chance that it's just a coincidence, but they're related no matter what. I sent an e-mail to the address hoping for a reply, but the chances of a return message being sent are close to 0. Obviously I used a secondary e-mail address, I'm not stupid.
Minos winks, which makes Deshya giggle, but she quickly regains her seriousness.
- I guess this means that decoding the message is our only way of stopping the assassination now..." she blurts out, unhappy that this is the case.
Minos sighs and approves.
- I haven't found any other account named 'Alveva' on the internet and I've spent way too much time trying to find the slightest clue about his identity, so I think focusing on Alveva589's actual account, biography, Sleeping Little Beauty site and codes are our priorities. Finding Alveva589's identity is something friends are still trying, but it seems the account is well protected and doesn't want us to find out where it came from... Eh.
He lets out a weak smile before opening his laptop, but it lights up straight away, since he'd just closed it, not turned it off.
- Well, if we can find the truth in the codes, then we're good," he admits. We don't really have a choice, unless a miracle happens... but as a detective, I prefer not to believe in them too much.
- I couldn't agree more. Also, something bothered me looking at the code that was posted today, so I'd really like to understand what I saw that bothered me.
- Something bothering you...?
Deshya nods and returns to the Sleeping Little Beauty website on her own computer. She wastes no time and starts searching silently, accompanied by Minos who looks at Alveva589's account and the code simultaneously.
However, after supper, now at 7.55pm, they still hadn't found anything. Not a single clue. Deshya still doesn't know what's bothering her either... In short, they're still stuck on the coded messages. Minos suggests that Deshya look around a bit before going to bed, but she admits she can't right now.
- Why?" asks Minos, shocked.
Deshya goes to explain why, but someone knocks on the door, which cuts the girl off. She opens it, as they are already in the entrance hall, and the feminine form of a woman with white hair, but faintly tinted blue, presents itself to them. Deshya smiles.
- Good evening, Bibi!
The woman enters, greeting the teenager with a big smile, but stops when she sees the man with the long golden hair in the house. Minos observes the woman in turn, and silence reigns in the hall until Deshya closes the door behind Bibi. The latter finally smiles.
- Hi, Minos.
- A-Ah, good evening.
Minos greets Bibi in turn and Deshya looks at the fair haired woman in amazement.
- Do you know each other?" she asks.
Bibi turns her face to the red-haired girl, questioning her with her eyes. However, noticing how she has just greeted Minos, she apologizes and turns back to the golden-haired man.
- Ah, forgive my rudeness!
She bows to the man, who waves a hand and smiles.
- It doesn't matter!" he admits.
- Still, it's unprofessional of me. I do apologize.
- I'd rather be too friendly than too formal with me either way, ahah.
Minos smiles at him and Bibi returns it with pleasure. Deshya now addresses the man.
- She's my psychologist, even though she works for the police here," she explains.
- Ah, I see. Pleased to meet you.
- Pleased to meet you, my name is Bibi Derumi. You're Minos Kiyon, aren't you?
- That's right! In the flesh!
Minos strikes a proud, upright pose, closing his eyes like a superhero. This amuses the two girls, who can't help laughing, and Bibi presents Minos with her gloved hand.
- Once again, a pleasure!
Minos shakes her hand and repeats her words almost exactly. Deshya watches them with a smile.
- I'm surprised to see you here. What are you doing at Deshya's?" asks Bibi.
- You can call be informal with me, ahah!
- I return the compliment.
- Arf, touché.
Minos touches his left breast and they all laugh together.
- But I'm here for an investigation, the one concerning Conri Tanisha," he admits.
- I suppose he could be sincere with a member of the police force," Deshya thinks.
- Oh, I see. I haven't looked into it too much, but the best detective in our country is coming to see our little fox girl... I'm impressed.
- Ahah, but that's not why he came…
Deshya is embarrassed and blushes softly as she tries to explain, but Minos nods.
- She's a smart girl, I'll give her that," he admits.
Deshya starts to blush even more strongly while remaining silent.
- W-Well, it's good for my ego, I guess…
Bibi and Minos chatted for a few more seconds before the psychologist suggested the girl go and have a little chat in the living room next door. She nods and Minos starts to climb the stairs.
- I'll wait for you upstairs, then. We can think a little longer before going to sleep," he said.
- Okay," Deshya replies briefly.
He quickly climbs the stairs and Bibi goes into the living room accompanied by Deshya. They settle down quickly and the psychologist takes some papers out of her bag, along with two pens: one pink and one black. The two of them start chatting, talking about what happened over the weekend, Deshya's mental state these days and whether she's managed to calm down. The teenager in the fox sweater answers her honestly, explaining that everything's better on her side, that she hasn't had a dark thought since, that she hasn't wanted to kill anyone or let her emotions control her. Bibi writes a few words on her index cards and continues talking when, about 30 minutes into the conversation, someone knocks on the living room door. Deshya goes to open the door and notices a little girl coming towards them.
- I'm sorry to bother you, but your dad said it would be nice if I came and talked to you both for a bit, around 8.30pm," she confesses.
- Really?" asks Deshya.
Bibi puts down her pen and smiles.
- He told me about Korone and said she might affect how you're feeling these days, since you've always wanted a little sister," she blurts out. I wanted to talk to both of you at once, so let her in.
Deshya approves without replying and closes the door behind Korone. The little girl asks where she can sit, but Deshya settles on the chair first and offers to sit on her lap. Korone accepts with a big smile and looks at the leaves on the table.
Korone, Deshya and Bibi chat together until 9.07pm. The psychologist tells Deshya that she seems to be doing very well and not letting her heart get the better of her, which is very good news. What's more, now that she has a 'new little sister', it could help her feel better and she shouldn't hesitate to talk to her if she needs to, although given Korone's age, she won't be able to tell her everything either. Deshya told her sincerely that she's trying to confide in her more, and even with the murder she saw on Saturday, she hasn't 'exploded' again.
- It's true that knowing Korone is by my side now comforts me greatly," admits Deshya. I know we haven't known each other long, and she's not technically my adopted little sister yet, but I can already see her like that... I'm sure our relationship will grow even stronger as time goes by!
Korone nods and says she thinks so too. Bibi stands at the front door and smiles at them. She crouches down to stroke Korone's hair and gives a little nod.
- I'm sure of it too," she admits.
She then gets up and, before leaving, addresses Deshya and Gatito, the man on the staircase behind his two daughters.
- I still plan to come and see how she's doing, especially as it seems that people like Minos are interested in Deshya now.
- I'll pay you for the next few sessions," confesses Gatito.
- I'm not necessarily asking for money, don't worry. I'm paid by the government for what I do and the police themselves pay me, so I'll be fine.
Bibi opens the front door, smiling at Gatito.
- My job is to make sure my customers keep their heads on their shoulders. I already make enough money, so don't worry too much about that.
With these words, she greets all the members of the Oveja family — except Pera, who is already upstairs — and closes the door behind her. Korone tells Deshya how much she likes this woman, and her older sister nods in agreement.
- She's kind and knowing she's coming to check on my mental state helps me, honestly.
- Bibi is a good woman, let's face it.
Gatito stands up and gently cracks the back of his neck.
- She's sweet and friendly and a good therapist. But I still feel bad about not paying her directly, although it's true that the government pays her for what she does, so…
He scratches the back of his neck and climbs the stairs.
- I think I'll pay for it next time..." he murmurs.
Deshya can hear her words thanks to her acute hearing, unlike Korone. Deshya suggests to her new little sister that they go upstairs now and brush their teeth before going to their room, where Minos Kiyon should be waiting for them. Korone accepts and climbs the stairs holding Deshya's hand, happy to have met Bibi this evening.
A little after 9.15pm, Deshya arrives in her room with Korone, finding there the golden-haired man sitting on the teenager's bed, laptop switched on in front of him. Seeing the arrival of the two girls, he looks up and smiles.
- Everything went well?
- Like always. Everything seems to be going well with my mind," Deshya replies honestly.
Deshya is greatly reassured by this: with what happened during the Byron Elrick affair, she was afraid it would come back often, but since then she's never had such a thought. She'd just built up too much pressure and stress and exploded, but now she'd understood her mistake, it seems she wasn't going to do it again. Korone is there for her, but so are Amora, her parents, Bibi and even friends like Tessa, Maruno and Lam. Deshya couldn't tell them everything, but at least she knew she had to let go a little more and not keep everything in her heart. Deshya sits down in her desk chair and Korone jumps up on the bed, staring at the screen of Minos's laptop.
- Have you found any clues?" asks the little girl.
Unfortunately, Minos shakes his head.
- Not much... I've been thinking about the messages, but I don't understand how to decode them. Is every line a sentence? Are there any symbols to take into account? What do the numbers in square brackets represent? I'm also wondering about the phrase 'Observer of the Five' in the biography of Alveva's account.
Korone was asking herself the same question, but she couldn't see what it could mean either. Deshya admires the coded message on her own computer and thinks silently.
- What bothered me when I looked at the code...?
It's a question she's been asking herself since the morning, but she hadn't been able to think about it any longer when she was in class. She looks at each line carefully, hoping to understand now. First she looks at today's code, then at yesterday's message. She analyzes each sentence, looking to see what she's noticed…
And here—
- I get it!
She screams, opening her eyes wide. Minos and Korone are speechless.
- Have you figured out how to decode the message?!" they shout at the same time.
Deshya blinks and turns around before smiling awkwardly, cheeks flushed.
- A-Ah, no, not that much…
Minos sighs, disappointed, and Korone pouts.
- Moooh, big sis!
- No, but I understood what was bothering me when I looked at today's code!" she admits.
- What is it?
- It's because of yesterday's code!
Minos questions her with his eyes, not sure he understands her. Deshya rises from his chair and jumps on her own bed to show them. She pulls out her own phone, goes to her gallery and shows the screenshot of the coded message that was sent yesterday. Then she goes to the Sleeping Little Beauty website from Minos's laptop and shows them what she's seen.
- Look at the second line of the first code and the fifth line of the second code!
Korone and Minos do it directly.
- The second line of the first code is "50[2]8841" and the fifth line of the second is "0[2]884"... Ah!
Minos squints and, before saying anything, checks the other lines.
- The last line of the second code is "0[2]88" and the tenth line of the first code is "0[2]88" too! Wait, 0[2]88... 0[2]884... 50[2]8841... Ah!
Minos opens his eyes wide and smiles.
- Not only is the '2' always in square brackets, they all come from the same number grouping?
Korone just noticed it too: "0[2]88" is part of "50[2]8841" or "0[2]884".
- It can't be a coincidence, can it?" asks Deshya, excitedly.
Minos ponders and analyzes the numbers, thinking he's onto something, but he's not convinced at all. He crosses his arms.
- Hmmm... No, it's clear there must be a connection, but does that mean they all mean the same thing... That… Hm…
Minos rubs his hair and stretches before sighing.
- I'll think about it. Well, we'll think about it. However, it's already past 9:30pm, let's get some sleep now and we'll figure it out tomorrow. As long as we decode it tomorrow, we'll be fine.
So he closes his laptop and smiles, looking at Deshya.
- I feel like an idiot for not noticing before, but that's my fault... I was too focused on Alveva589's identity first, I should have... Bah.
He gets out of bed and blows his nose without losing his smile.
- There's a little fox-eared detective here who helped me track down Alveva589 while she was looking for the code, so I don't feel I've wasted any time. Tomorrow, we'll concentrate solely on the code: I think we'll discover the truth very quickly.
He turns to her and nods gently up and down
- Tomorrow is Wednesday, so we'll have more time to think," he admits.
- Yup yup!
Deshya rises from his bed in turn and Korone frowns.
- The numbers... I've seen them before... Right?
However, her attention is drawn to the conversation between the two detectives.
- Tomorrow, I'm going to the WacDonald with my friends, but I'll be right back afterwards," she explains. I'm sure we'll figure it out by evening!
- I'm convinced of it too!" he confesses. It's possible that we understand the link between numbers and bracketed figures in our sleep, as it's already happened to me. Sometimes rest is more useful than thinking!
Deshya nods happily: Minos is absolutely right! She doesn't know if she'll get a good night's sleep, since she's on the trail of the coded messages. She'll do her best, but she hopes she'll soon be able to return to the world of dreams. Otherwise, she'll be tired tomorrow and that would be a bad thing. Minos wishes her a good night and Deshya does the same, Korone greeting the man with both hands. He then leaves the room and goes brushing his teeth immediately afterwards, while Desya and Korone chat for a few moments together before turning off the computer and the lights. Deshya quickly gets into her pajamas and they both go to bed. Korone grabs the fox tail, unlike yesterday's cuddle, and wishes her big sister good night before remaining silent. Deshya does the same, and a few minutes later it's Minos who joins the guest room. He places his necklace in its box and goes straight to bed, not even looking at his phone. Before falling asleep, he thinks back to Bibi's words, but if she's a psychologist from the Tetazo police force, then it doesn't really surprise him that she's already met him, but it does amuse him.
- I'll have to send her a message tomorrow, but she's probably on a survey right now…
Minos settles comfortably into his bed and decides to leave it on the side.
They have just one day left to discover the truth behind Sleeping Little Beauty's coded messages and stop their next murder.