Chapter 63: Coughing in the middle of the night and the crying of the dead
Lynn had just left the Villa, but Tony, who had been seemingly drunk, slowly opened his eyes.
"It seems the negotiations fell through!"
Sitting up from the sofa, Tony said to Rhodes, "I've dealt with that guy Stryker before. He's as stubborn and ill-tempered as General Ross. There's no way he'd apologize to Lynn on his own initiative."
Yes, this invitation was actually Rhodes's initiative, asking Tony for help.
There was no other way. Lynn meant what he said. For more than half a month, Lynn directly sent people to monitor Stryker 24 hours a day.
Even his family's every move was under the Federal Bureau of Investigation's surveillance.
Not only that, the Federal Bureau of Investigation also began to dig into all the things he had done in the past.
If the Federal Bureau of Investigation couldn't be stopped, Stryker would probably be sent to prison for various reasons before long.
Seeing that the Federal Bureau of Investigation was serious, Stryker couldn't withstand the pressure and directly sought help from his superiors in the Military.
After the Military failed to communicate with James Duke, they asked Rhodes to be a mediator.
Who else could it be, since he had a good relationship with Tony Stark, and Tony Stark also had a good relationship with Lynn?
This was also why Tony insisted on dragging Lynn over for a drink and pretending to be drunk today, after visiting Obadiah Stane.
"I don't think so."
Hearing Tony's evaluation of Stryker, Rhodes said, "Do you believe that after I relay Lynn's words, Stryker will humble himself and seek out Lynn within two days?"
"Really or fake?"
"Of course, it's real."
Seeing Tony's disbelief, Rhodes spread his hands and said, "Tony, you're not in the Military or a government official, so you don't know what it means to be targeted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation."
"If they really want to act, then let alone Stryker, they would even dare to arrest the Minister of Defense."
At this point, Rhodes stood up and said, "Anyway, Tony, thank you for your help today. Also, your recent mood—"
"I'm fine."
Before Rhodes could finish, Tony Stark directly said, "I am Tony Stark, the greatest genius of this century."
"Alright, genius, you're in charge of cleaning up the place."
Pointing to the large pile of wine bottles on the ground, Rhodes picked up his coat and turned to leave, "I need to go back immediately and tell my superiors the news."
"FUXX!"
Watching Rhodes turn and leave, Tony Stark directly gave him the middle finger.
These two guys, after drinking all his wine, didn't even clean the room.
Inside the car.
"Lynn, actually, I can also drive and act as your driver."
Looking at Alice, who had specially come to drive for Lynn, Polaris, sitting in the back seat, suddenly spoke.
Hearing Polaris say that, Lynn glanced at her.
Although Polaris was only fourteen years old now, her height had already reached one meter sixty.
"Alice, find some time to get Lorna and Laura their driver's licenses. That way, you won't always have to wait for me to finish drinking before coming to drive for me."
Hearing Lynn say this, Alice immediately said in a sweet voice, "Don't, Boss! This is one of the few opportunities I have to show you my devotion!"
"I'm still waiting for you to become a Director so I can be promoted to Assistant Director."
"Get lost!"
Listening to Alice acting coquettish, Lynn immediately cursed her with disgust.
In others' eyes, Alice was a tall, beautiful woman with a pretty face.
But in Lynn's eyes, this guy was just a man who had been born the wrong gender.
Anyone who saw a man acting coquettish would probably feel a shiver of disgust.
"Hmph, Boss, that's discrimination!"
Hearing her Boss curse her, Alice didn't get angry.
After all, only those close to him would be cursed by the Boss right off the bat.
"Oh, by the way, Boss, was Tony Stark's invitation for a drink this time for Colonel Rhodes, to give you a chance to make peace with the Military?"
Facing Alice's question, Lynn nodded, "More or less, but Tony's acting drunk skills still need improvement."
As a top Agent, Lynn could naturally tell whether Tonywas truly drunk or just pretending.
"Enough of that. How is Jonathan doing?"
Facing Lynn's question, Alice smiled, "According to Claire, Jonathan, who has lost everything, has completely fallen in love with her."
"So, the next phase of the plan can begin."
At this point, Alice looked at Lynn with some confusion, "Boss, Jonathan used to have a girlfriend, but even when his girlfriend went into Kenny Davis's arms, Jonathandidn't make any drastic moves."
"Now, just with Claire, whom he's only been with for half a month, he'll lose his mind and assassinate Kenny Davis?"
Facing Alice's question, Lynn leaned back in his seat and laughed, "That's why, even though you like women, you don't understand men."
"Alice, a man's possessiveness is terrifying, especially when you have nothing and are living on the streets."
"Your once privileged life is lost overnight, and the women and friends who once surrounded you scatter like birds and beasts."
"When you've seen the harsh realities of the World and the wickedness of human hearts, and you're about to die, someone who has loved you for over a decade suddenly appears."
"She doesn't despise you for having nothing. She carefully wipes away all the dirt from you, like a ray of sunshine illuminating your bleak and lonely life."
Turning his head to look at Alice, Lynn said, "If it were you, what would you do?"
Hearing Lynn's description, Alice suddenly felt a toothache, "I might be like a stray dog, guarding this last bone with my life."
"Boss, you are indeed still the Master of manipulating human hearts!"
"This is the control of human nature!"
Leaning back in his seat, Lynn Hall said, "He also needs to pay for everything he has done!"
Just as he was speaking, Lynn's phone suddenly rang.
Picking up his phone and glancing at it, Lynn said, "Back to the Bureau, we have a case!"
"Yes!"
Hearing Lynn's words, Alice turned the car directly towards the New York Federal Bureau of Investigation.
At the same time, at Claire's home.
Throwing his handbag on the table, Jonathan sat on the sofa and let out a long sigh.
This was already the fourth company that had rejected him in the past half month.
As soon as he thought of his past life of debauchery, Jonathan wished he could slap himself.
Otherwise, why would he be unable to even find a decent job now?
He turned his head to look at Claire's photo on the table.
Jonathan, who had been somewhat disheartened, unconsciously revealed a slight smile.
He picked up the photo frame and carefully wiped away the non-existent dust on it.
Then he took off his jacket and got up to clean the room.
If it were in the past, he would never do such a thing, even if it killed him.
But now, as soon as he thought of Claire's Angel-like smile and gentle encouragement.
Jonathan felt that his bleak life seemed to be illuminated by sunshine.
Thank God for letting Claire appear in his life.
For her, he was willing to give everything!
Just as Jonathan was cleaning the room, he heard the sound of the door opening behind him.
"Claire, you're back!"
He put down the tools in his hand and turned around, but Jonathan saw that Claire's eyes were red.
"What's wrong with you? Did something happen?"
Jonathan quickly came to Claire's side, his eyes filled with anxiety.
Especially when he saw tears falling from Claire's face, Jonathan was at a loss for a moment.
"No… nothing!"
Claire forced a smile at Jonathan and shook her head, "Don't worry, I'm fine. I'm going to take a shower."
After speaking, Claire went directly into the bathroom and closed the door.
Seeing Claire enter the bathroom, Jonathan's heart was filled with anxiety.
He cared about Claire so much that as soon as he thought of Claire crying.
Jonathan felt an inexplicable worry and irritability.
At the same time, in a manor in West Village, Manhattan.
"Please introduce the situation here."
Looking at the police officers everywhere in the manor, Lynn Hall showed his identification and then asked the District Director in charge of the scene.
"Mr. Hall, three days ago, we received a report from Ms. Helena Johnny. She claimed to hear someone coughing in the manor every midnight."
"After our investigation, there was no one else in the manor except the housekeeper, chef, and maid."
"To prevent anyone from secretly infiltrating the manor, we also installed a large number of surveillance cameras, but the results did not capture anyone."
At this point, the District Director spread his hands, "Mr. Hall, you also know that the Johnny family is an old political family, so after Ms. Helena reported it, our NYPD paid special attention."
"We even sent several police officers to guard the manor, but that night they also heard that eerie coughing sound."
Hearing the District Director say that, Lynn Hall gave a look to Shawn, who was beside him.
Receiving Lynn's look, Shawn immediately led his men to inspect the inside of the manor.
Then Lynn looked at the District Director and asked, "Where are those police officers?"
"Right here."
Waving to the police officers not far away, several officers quickly ran over.
Facing Lynn's inquiry, one of the police officers said, "Mr. Hall, after we heard the eerie coughing sound at midnight, we immediately followed the sound to search."
"But we found nothing, and the surveillance footage was all normal."
At this point, the police officer's expression became somewhat terrified, "And during the search, we all felt a chill down our spines, as if we were being possessed by a devil…"
"Shut up!"
Before the police officer could finish, the District Directordirectly interrupted his narration.
Waving his hand to tell him to get aside, the District Director then continued to Lynn, "After the incident, Ms. Helena moved out of this manor. She plans to move back only after this matter is thoroughly investigated."
"Mr. Hall, because the Johnny family is an old political family, the city Hall kept putting pressure on us, so we had no choice but to contact your Federal Bureau of Investigation."
At this point, the District Director looked around.
Then, in a voice only the two of them could hear, he said, "Lynn, this matter is extremely tricky, not only because of the Johnny family behind the current Master of this manor, but also because several murders have occurred in this manor."
"Even before Ms. Helena bought this manor, the previous Masters of the manor had heard the crying of the deceased in the middle of the night."
"So I suggest you find a way to pass this case to others in the Federal Bureau of Investigation."
"To avoid unnecessary trouble!"
Hearing the District Director's words, Lynn Hall nodded slightly.
This District Director had been Uncle George's subordinate when he was a police chief.
When Uncle George became the Director of the New York Police Department, he naturally became the District Director.
It could be said that he was Uncle George's trusted subordinate, one of their own.
So, for Lynn, he naturally said whatever he knew and would not hide anything at all.
If it were anyone else from the New York Federal Bureau of Investigation, he would definitely not have said the latter part of his statement.
"I know, Uncle Vandall. Don't forget to come to the house for a drink this weekend. Uncle George has a bottle of good wine that he's been collecting since he became a police officer."
"Haha, George wouldn't bear to take out that bottle of wine. I estimate that only when Gwen gets married will George be willing to open this bottle of wine."
Gently patting Lynn's arm, Director Vandall directly led the NYPD away from the manor.
After the NYPD left, Lynn and his people completely took over the manor.
Arriving at the monitoring room, every corner inside and outside the manor was now visible on the surveillance screen.
"Boss, I've had people rearrange the surveillance equipment, not even missing the blind spots in the Underground Room."
Coming up to Lynn, Sean said, "Also, Alice is questioning the butler and maids in the Villa."
"But I don't think there will be any Gains, otherwise the NYPD would have found out already!"
Hearing Sean say this, Lynn nodded slightly.
But looking at Sean's expression, he was a bit curious: "Why have you been grinning to yourself so much these past few days? The happy expression on your face can barely be hidden."
"Is there something good happening?"
Hearing Lynn's question, Sean scratched his head: "Boss, is it that obvious?"
"You ask them!"
Turning his head to look at Laura and Lorna sitting next to Lynn, Sean said, "Is it really that obvious?"
"Yes X2!"
Laura and Lorna answered in unison.
"Look, even Laura and Lorna can easily tell, your Agentcareer these past few years has been a complete waste!"
"Hehe.."
Hearing Lynn's "reprimand", Sean chuckled and said, "Boss, I got a girlfriend."
"Weren't you always aiming for Alice?"
"That's different."
Pulling up a chair and sitting next to Lynn, Sean's face was full of smug smiles: "Although my girlfriend isn't as pretty as Alice, she's a pianist, those hands, tsk tsk."
Looking at Sean's intoxicated expression, Lynn shook his head and said: "I don't care about your private matters, just send me an invitation when you get married."
"How's Danny's latest training coming along? I promised Kelly I'd train her son to be a qualified Agent."
"It's alright. After the Adam Morris incident and the mysterious town incident, Danny has grown a lot."
"Although he's a bit lacking in professional areas, if you give me another month, I'll definitely be able to train him into a qualified FBI Agent!"
At this point, Sean's gaze turned to Barbara, who was sitting next to Lynn.
"Don't look at me, and don't think about making me participate in those trainings."
Seeing Sean looking at her, Barbara shrugged: "I'm the Boss's secretary now, and I really enjoy this job."
"So, don't think about making me leave the Boss's side!"
"Boss, I just investigated everyone inside the Villa."
Handing the investigated documents to Lynn, Alice said: "The maids and cooks were all brought by Ms. Helena, only the old butler wasn't."
"He has lived here since he was five years old, until he became the butler of this Villa's first Master at the age of twenty. Sixty-five years have passed since then."
"Sixty-five years? It seems no one knows this Villa better than he does."
Flipping through the information in his hand, Lynnthought for a moment and said: "According to the information, from the establishment of the Villa until now, it has changed seven Masters over decades, but everyone who bought the Villa would hire him as a butler, which means he must have something extraordinary."
"Could it be because he has lived here since he was a child and is very familiar with everything here, which is why those people would hire him as a butler?"
Hearing Lynn's words, Alice said: "And Boss, according to my investigation, all previous Masters of this Villa have praised him highly, including Ms. Helena."
"So I guess this might be the reason why he can always be hired as a butler."
In response to Alice's explanation, Lynn closed the documents in his hand and said: "That's a possibility, but this old butler must know a lot of things inside this Villa."
"Help me call this old butler over, I have something to ask him."
"Yes!"
Nodding, Alice got up to call the old butler.
A moment later.
An old butler walked in, whose hair was white but meticulously combed, and even though he was over seventy years old, he still appeared energetic.
Looking at the white-haired old butler, Lynn said: "Mr. Reynard, please sit down, I have some things I want to ask you."
Facing Lynn's invitation, the old butler sat upright in the chair and said: "Please ask."
"Mr. Reynard, the first Master of this Villa was the Felton Family. Is it the same Felton Family that is still active in politics today?"
"That's right, Agent, the Felton Family bought this land and built this Villa back then. I was only five years old at the time, living here with my father."
"When I became the butler of this Villa at twenty, the Felton Family encountered some crisis, and later Mr. Campos Felton had no choice but to sell this Villa."
At this point, the old butler looked at Lynn: "After the Felton Family entered politics, this Villa was never bought back."
"So I stayed here."
Hearing the old butler's words, Lynn nodded: "Then the information says that the previous Masters of this Villaheard the sound of spirits crying at midnight. You must know about this, right?"
"I've heard a few former Masters mention this, but I haven't heard it with my own ears."
"Later, I had people investigate, but found nothing."
At this point, the old butler took out a list from his pocket and handed it to Lynn: "Agent, although my faith is in God, I never believe in the existence of devils or ghosts in this World."
"This list contains the priests invited by successive VillaMasters to perform 'exorcisms', but none of them had any effect."
Lynn Hall took the list from the old butler's hand and nodded slightly.
After the old butler left, Lynn handed the list to Sean: "Have someone check it."
"Yes!"
After taking the list, Sean immediately went to investigate.
The Villa covers a large area, not only with various plants, but as the new Master of the Villa, Helena also raised many small animals in the Villa.
She threw the frisbee out and watched the dog run out joyfully to catch the frisbee in the air, then bring it back to her.
Barbara raised her hand and stroked the dog's head, then continued to throw the frisbee out.
She then turned her head to look at Laura and Lorna, who were feeding the hedgehog.
Only then did she say to Lynn beside her: "Boss, it seems Ms. Helena Johnson is quite loving, she actually raised so many small animals in the Villa."
"Do you really think so?"
Hearing Barbara's words, Lynn sat in the wicker chair and smiled: "If Helena really had a loving heart, she wouldn't have left the Saluki here alone."
"Not to mention raising it with hedgehogs and those little rabbits. You should know that Salukis, also known as gazelle hounds, are a type of hunting dog."
Hearing Lynn say this, Barbara looked at a few litters of rabbits hopping on the grass in the Villa.
She then looked at the Saluki, which was holding the frisbee but whose eyes were always on those rabbits.
Then she said thoughtfully: "Boss, do you mean that the reason Helena raises these animals in the Villa is to create a loving image for outsiders?"
At this point, Barbara frowned and said: "According to the information, the Johnson Family is an old political family. Although Helena is not involved in politics, she has several charitable foundations."
"And a loving image can leave a better impression on the public."
"Tsk, as expected of someone from a political family, outwardly glamorous but inwardly filthy!"
Hearing Barbara say this, Alice, who walked out with food, smiled: "Not bad, Barbara, it seems you've worked hard following the Boss, you can think of so many things just from one sentence from the Boss!"
"Of course!"
Taking the hot dog from Alice's hand, Barbara's tone was a little proud: "Although I haven't received Agent training, when it comes to knowledge of the dark side, I'm not necessarily less knowledgeable than you."
"And if I don't work hard studying while following the Boss, I'm afraid the Boss will have a new secretary before long."
"Alice, you don't really think I just watch mysterious adventure variety shows all day with my tablet, do you?"
Looking at Barbara's smug look, Alice picked up a hot dog and handed it to Lynn.
Then she raised an eyebrow at Barbara: "Barbara, if you want to stay by the Boss's side forever, then practice your'skills' more, practice both up and down, preferably until the Boss can't do without you.."
Before Alice could finish, Barbara directly gave her the middle finger and said: "You, with a woman's appearance and a man's mind, are indeed filthy."
"There are two little girls here."
"Hmm X2?"
Hearing Barbara mention them, Laura and Polaris both looked up at the same time.
"It's nothing, little sisters, come eat hot dogs!"
Handing the food to the two, Alice sat down next to Lynn.
While eating hot dogs, Laura and Lorna continued to feed the hedgehog.
They just kept muttering to themselves, did she really think they didn't understand anything!
Midnight, inside the Villa.
Ever since Lynn brought the Federal Bureau of Investigation Agents into this Villa during the day, the old butler had arranged a guest room for each Agent.
However, Lynn did not have his people move in, but instead arranged for his subordinates to continuously patrol the Villa in shifts.
In the monitoring room, Laura and Lorna were already asleep at this moment, and even Barbara was dozing off.
Only Alice, after returning from a round of inspections with her people, stayed up late with Lynn.
"How are things?"
"No abnormalities found yet. Sean's side also visited those priests, but didn't get any useful clues."
At this point, Alice quietly asked Lynn: "Boss, there aren't really any devils or ghosts, are there?"
Without directly answering Alice's suspicion, Lynncontinued to ask: "What about the old butler's situation?"
"I have people watching him. He went back to his room to sleep at ten o'clock. He doesn't seem worried at all about the terrifying coughing and the crying of the spirits."
"Boss, I always feel that this Villa gets creepy at night."
Seeing a hint of worry flash in Alice's eyes, Lynn smiled: "Are you worried it's really haunted?"
"Yes, Boss, after all, all previous Villa Masters have experienced strange things, which explains a lot. And ordinary people don't know, but we personally witnessed evil rituals in that small town."
Facing Alice's somewhat worried expression, Lynnsmiled: "Don't worry, I've pretty much figured out the strange coughing sound."
"As for the crying of the spirits, and why he's doing it, I haven't figured that out yet."
Seeing the Boss's confident demeanor, Alice's face was full of doubt.
Who was the "he" the Boss was referring to?
Was he referring to the old butler?
And she had been with the Boss all day, and hadn't noticed anything unusual!
However, seeing Lynn's confident look, Alice still sat beside him, quietly waiting for midnight to arrive.
As time slowly passed, at the stroke of midnight, the surveillance footage suddenly distorted.
Although it quickly returned to normal, a series of intermittent cries instantly echoed through the Villacorridor.
The crying sound was extremely eerie, like the resentful sobbing of a woman who had died many years ago.
Not only that, but an old coughing sound was mixed in with the crying, and the two superimposed sounds made it even more chilling.
Hearing this eerie sound, Alice instantly stood up from her chair, a handgun already loaded at some point, ready to attack.
And Laura and Lorna, who had already fallen asleep, were also woken up by the sound, their two small faces filled with terror.
Lynn Hall glanced at the monitor, then got up and walked out.
Alice, Laura, and Polaris quickly followed him.
As soon as they entered the corridor, the eerie, chilling sound instantly vanished.
Several FBI Agents ran over from another part of the manor, and upon seeing Lynn, they immediately said, "Boss, we found no signs of intrusion."
Listening to his subordinates' report, Lynn Hall nodded.
Walking along the corridor, he soon found a hedgehog in the corner.
Compared to the other hedgehogs in cages, this one was inexplicably found here.
Alice and the others merely glanced at the hedgehog, then cautiously looked around again.
Only Lynn squatted down, picked up the hedgehog, wiped its mouth with his fingertip, and then rubbed his finger.
The hedgehog's mouth was a bit wet, clearly having just drunk Water.
After putting the hedgehog down, Lynn began to inspect the traces left by its constant movement.
The manor's corridor was very wide, appearing empty without any potted plants or greenery.
Soon, in a very inconspicuous corner, Lynn discovered a hair-thin crack on the wall.
Approaching the edge of the crack, Lynn squatted down and gently ran his finger along it.
Then, with a push, a palm-sized secret door appeared before everyone.
Seeing this, Alice also squatted down, looking at the plastic bottle cap inside the palm-sized secret door.
She then said to Lynn, "Boss, if you don't look closely, you really wouldn't find this small secret door here."
Saying this, Alice reached in and took out the bottle cap.
The capacity of this bottle cap was not large, at most it could only hold a few milliliters of Water.
However, the inside of the bottle cap was wet, indicating it had contained some liquid that had been drunk.
"Boss, I'll have someone analyze it right away."
"No need. It likely contained saline or sugar Water."
Saying this, Lynn pointed his laser pen at the hedgehog: "The aged coughing sound you just heard was made by this hedgehog."
"When a hedgehog drinks sugar Water or saline, its digestive system is stimulated, causing it to make this sound."
"And the eerie coughing sound that scared Ms. Helena Johnson came from this!"
Hearing Lynn's explanation, Alice suddenly realized, "So that's it. No wonder you were so confident, Boss."
"When you saw those hedgehogs this afternoon, you already guessed it, didn't you?"
"Yes!"
Nodding and standing up, Lynn looked at Alice and said, "Take your people and search the manor thoroughly. Don't miss any corners. I suspect there are other secret doors inside the manor."
"Yes!"
Once she knew it wasn't some ghostly or supernatural event, Alice's worries immediately vanished. Since it was a man-made trick, she was confident she could uncover the clues.
Sitting down in the living room, Barbara, curious, leaned over and asked, "Boss, how did you know that hedgehogs cough after drinking salt and sugar Water?"
Facing Barbara's curious question, Lynn did not explain.
This was just an ancient trick, similar to loach blood, black dog barking, and bats hitting doors.
He hadn't expected that someone in the West would also know this trick.
As Alice led her team in a meticulous search, inch by inch, she soon discovered another very inconspicuous secret door in the manor owner's Master bedroom.
Wearing gloves, she took out an old-fashioned portable tape recorder from the palm-sized secret door.
Pressing a button on the recorder, an eerie woman's crying sound emanated from it.
The old tape began to play, and the unclear sound quality made the crying sound even more chilling.
"Tsk, this little gadget scared away one manor owner after another?"
Looking at the old recorder in Alice's hand, one FBI Agentsaid, "But it makes sense. Anyone who hears this terrifying sound in the middle of the night would probably be scared half to death."
"Only the Boss is amazing; otherwise, who could have discovered it?"
For the FBI, as long as a case didn't go beyond their cognitive scope, such as supernatural or ghostly phenomena, they didn't care at all.
So, when they learned that this case was a man-made trick, they immediately arrested the manor's old butler.
In the living room.
"Speak. Why did you use such methods to scare away one manor owner after another?"
Lynn Hall asked, watching his subordinates press the old butler, dressed in pajamas, into a chair.
"I don't understand what you mean."
Facing Lynn's inquiry, the old butler looked bewildered.
As if none of this concerned him.
"This manor has had seven occupants. Except for the original Felton Family, every owner who purchased the manor has been scared away by these 'terrifying' events."
Placing the old recorder and plastic bottle cap on the table, Lynn looked at the old butler and said, "I had people thoroughly investigate the information on this manor."
"Since the Felton Family, both the maids and the cooks were temporarily hired by the people who bought the manor."
"Only you have remained in this manor for decades, from beginning to end."
"The previous few manor owners only heard 'the crying of the dead,' but only after Ms. Helena Johnson moved in did she also hear the eerie coughing sound."
At this point, Lynn Hall said, "I think you must have thought of the hedgehog coughing method by utilizing the many animals Helena kept."
"And only you, who knows every blade of grass and every tree in the manor, would know where to hide secret compartments and similar devices."
Leaning on the sofa and looking at the old butler, whose expression was still "bewildered," Lynn said, "I'm very curious, what is your ultimate goal in doing this?"
"To occupy this manor? It shouldn't be. You are already over seventy years old, but you have no children, not even direct relatives."
"Even if you occupied this manor, you couldn't leave it to anyone."
Facing Lynn's deductions, the old butler still shook his head: "Agent, I really don't know what you're talking about. I've lived in this manor for decades, and the manor owners have changed seven times, there's no need..."
"It's the Felton Family, isn't it?"
Before the old butler could finish, Lynn directly said, "Perhaps after the Felton Family built this manor, they left behind some secrets that couldn't be known."
"And the reason you've stayed here all this time isn't that the Felton Family abandoned you, but rather that you've been keeping their secrets!"
Hearing Lynn say this, the old butler's expression froze.
Before he could speak, Lynn continued: "I investigated the Felton Family and found that, as you said, after their decline, they sold this mansion."
"Even in the subsequent fifty-plus years, despite their efforts, with four state councilors emerging from the family, they still couldn't reach the former glory of the Felton Family."
"And compared to spending hundreds of millions to buy this manor, it would be better to invest the money in their 'future.'"
At this point, Lynn smiled and said, "You mentioned Campos Felton, the second Family Head of the Felton Family, who is now 87 years old. The secret you want to hide should be related to him, right!"
After hearing Lynn lay out all his conjectures, the old butler remained silent for a long time.
Then he sighed and said, "No wonder you're so young and already hold such a high position in the Federal Bureau of Investigation; you are indeed very capable."
"You're right, but I apologize, there are some things I cannot tell you."
"For decades, I've been tormented by my conscience, but I was treated like family by the Felton Family since I was a child."
"Mr. Campos treated me like a younger brother, so I absolutely cannot betray him."
"Please judge me as the culprit, and please allow me to take this secret to hell!"
After speaking, the old butler seemed to have shed a heavy burden. Although his mouth was tightly shut, his expression was visibly much more relaxed.
Seeing that the old butler was unwilling to disclose anything, Lynn shrugged, then had Shawn take him away.
"Boss, no more interrogation? If it doesn't work, we can have Laura use her ability to put him in an illusion, then..."
"No need."
Before Alice could finish, Lynn smiled and said, "Alice, don't you think this manor is too old?"
"It is a bit, Boss. It seems it hasn't been renovated since it was built, at most just some touch-up painting."
"That's the reason."
Standing up from the sofa, Lynn stretched his body: "I had Shawn inquire with the previous few buyers of the manor, as well as Ms. Helena Johnson."
"When they first moved in, they weren't scared at all. But precisely when they complained about its age and wanted to undertake large-scale renovations, the strange things began."
"Boss, are you saying the secret is hidden within the manor's structure?"
After speaking, Alice waved her hand, immediately instructing someone to prepare a detector.
As the detector started, everything in the manor's structure initially appeared perfectly normal.
But when it scanned the Underground Room, the detector found some extraordinary things.
Arriving at the Underground Room, Lynn's subordinates began to smash the wall according to the detector's readings.
As the wall was broken open, a foul odor immediately permeated the entire Underground Room.
After the bricks and stones fell away, human bones, hair, and other things embedded in the cement were all dug out.
"Ugh..."
Barbara, who had been standing next to Lynn, immediately covered her mouth and ran out after seeing this scene.
Laura and Lorna, however, watched everything before them with interest.
"Aren't you two little ones scared?"
Raising his hands and gently patting their heads, Lynnasked with a smile, "If you're scared, you can leave first."
"There's nothing to be scared of, is there? It's just human bones and hair embedded in cement. Although the smell is a bit unpleasant, Lorna and I have personally killed bad people who tried to molest us."
"But according to what you said, Lynn, if this was done by Campos Felton..."
"Then these dead people must have been buried here for decades, right? And surprisingly, they're quite well preserved."
Laura, who seemed well-behaved, instinctively removed Lynn's hand from her head and said with a grin.
Polaris, who stood on Lynn's other side and had a somewhat gloomy and irritable personality, made no movement.
She seemed not to dislike Lynn's hand on her head.
After subtly testing her and realizing that Polaris wasn't as indifferent to him as she appeared, Lynn withdrew his hand.
Lynn had no perverse intentions; he merely wanted to gradually increase their intimacy by occasionally performing gestures that an older brother would typically do for his younger sister.
Now it seemed that the seemingly well-behaved Laurawas actually very independent.
Conversely, Polaris, with her cold and melancholic exterior, deeply yearned for affection.
Chapter 64: Lin En Enters the Sight of a Big Shot for the First Time
The next morning, inside the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
"Boss, the lab results are out."
Alice came to Lynn's office with the lab report and said, "According to the forensic doctors' examination, the human bones and tissues in the Underground Room of the manor..."
"It's a pity that after these bones were steamed and boiled, it's impossible to determine the Master of the bones through DNA, but—"
"But what?"
Seeing Alice hesitate, Lynn asked.
"You'd better see for yourself."
Saying that, Alice handed the file to Lynn.
Lynn took the file and opened it, finding that the report recorded bite marks on most of the bones.
And through a small portion of relatively well-preserved bones, it could be determined that the tooth marks on the bones belonged to humans!
"My goodness?"
Barbara, who was standing nearby, looked at the lab report and couldn't help but cover her mouth in surprise.
"No wonder that old butler refused to say anything, preferring to go to hell rather than reveal a single detail."
"After all, once the Felton Family's affairs are known to the public, then the Felton Family will be finished!"
Hearing Lynn's words, Alice said, "Boss, what should we do now?"
"We shouldn't let these beasts live in this World, but the Felton Family is a political family after all."
"Even if we are the Federal Bureau of Investigation, we need enough evidence to throw them in prison!"
Facing Alice's question, Lynn closed the lab report in his hand and said, "Alice, I'll leave the physical evidence to you."
"I need evidence that can both nail the Felton Family and withstand scrutiny. As for the old butler's confession—"
Turning to look at Laura, Lynn said, "Laura, can you make the old butler 'willingly' confess the Felton Family's affairs within an hour?"
"No problem."
Facing Lynn's request, Laura stood up and said, "The old butler is just an ordinary person; he can't resist my Illusionist ability at all."
"Good, then let's begin!"
At the same time, inside the farm in New Jersey.
"We must leave here as soon as possible!"
Looking at Magneto, Smith said seriously, "My Lord, the chaos we created has already caused the X-Men to leave, and members of the Brotherhood of Mutants also took advantage of the empty Xavier's School to sneak in and rescue Raven."
"However, all the official eyes are on us, so it has become unsafe here."
Hearing Smith's persuasion, Magneto stretched his body: "Where's Owl?"
"She has already gone to our secret Base in Los Angeles. According to her, Lynn Hall, this Agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, values Lorna extremely much."
"And for their safety, he even arranged for her and Laurato stay at his home. Not only that, wherever Lynn Hallgoes, he always takes Lorna and Laura with him."
"He even stood up to those Military people for Lorna."
At this point, Smith said seriously, "My Lord, Lorna being with Lynn Hall right now is the best choice. At least she doesn't have to flee constantly like us."
"Before the Mutant nation takes shape, my suggestion is to let Lorna stay with Lynn!"
Hearing Smith's suggestion, Magneto was silent for a moment and then said, "Find a way, I want to see Lorna!"
"My Lord, if we show up now, I'm afraid we will be targeted by those official organizations."
Listening to Magneto's request, Smith's expression was anxious as he pleaded, "Before our plan is completely finished, once we are targeted by the officials, then My Lord, we will have no chance left!"
Looking at Smith's anxious expression, Magneto, uncharacteristically, fell silent again.
His daughter and his ideals constantly clashed in his mind.
After a long while, Magneto let out a long sigh and said, "You're right, Smith. Lorna staying with Lynn now is the best choice."
"As long as we can fulfill the ideal of the Brotherhood of Mutants, I believe Lorna will understand me!"
"Go prepare, we're heading to Los Angeles now!"
Seeing Magneto make his choice, Smith breathed a sigh of relief, then nodded heavily and said, "Yes, My Lord!"
Two hours later, in the Felton Family's apartment in the Upper East Side, New York.
"The Federal Bureau of Investigation has withdrawn from that manor in West Village, and they also took the old butler with them."
Looking at his father sitting in the lounge chair, the eldest son said with some worry, "Father, will the Federal Bureau of Investigation find anything..."
"Don't worry, Reynard grew up in the Felton Family. Decades of time are enough to prove his loyalty to the Felton Family."
Looking at his eldest son, Campos Felton smiled and said, "Those Federal Bureau of Investigation Agents won't find the truth. Even if they do, so what? They don't have substantive evidence to prove that those people are ours."
Hearing his father say that, the eldest son was still a little worried.
Just as he was about to say something more, he saw his daughter come down the stairs.
"Grandfather, Dad, I'm going to school."
Picking up the keys from the coffee table, his daughter smiled at the two of them, then walked outside.
After his granddaughter left, Campos Felton suddenly said, "Lily is already nineteen years old; it's time to hold the Felton Family's ceremony."
"The Felton Family suddenly declined back then, so I had no choice but to hold the family's coming-of-age ceremony for you early when you were five years old."
"This also led to your highest achievement being only a state senator. Lily's talent is better than yours, so..."
"Don't even think about it!"
Before his father could finish speaking, the eldest son suddenly stood up in anger: "I was only five years old then, and you lied to me that it was beef. After I knew the truth, I almost vomited to death!"
"This kind of thing should end with my generation. I don't believe in this bullshit mysterious ceremony, and I will not let my daughter become like this too!"
Looking at his eldest son's hateful expression, Campos chuckled and said, "But later, didn't you and your other brothers still become addicted to that taste?"
As the father and son were talking, the apartment door was suddenly kicked open.
The two subconsciously looked towards the door, and then saw Lynn Hall leading a large group of Federal Bureau of Investigation Agents walking in.
"Damn it, who are you?"
"Federal Bureau of Investigation!"
After showing his badge, Lynn immediately ordered the arrest of the two: "There is sufficient evidence to show that you are involved in a heinous case that endangers national security."
"Therefore, I am now arresting you!"
Watching his subordinates handcuff the two, Lynn Hallcontinued, "And, the other three state senators of the Felton Family have also been arrested."
"Tsk, a family, it's always better to be neat and tidy!"
Inside the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Sitting in the interrogation room, Campos Felton looked at Alice in front of him and said, "All your accusations are false. Although that manor in West Village once belonged to our Felton Family, that was decades ago."
"Maybe those remains belonged to the second owner of the manor, or maybe the third, so..."
Before Campos could finish speaking, Alice directly played the interrogation video of the old butler.
Watching the old butler confess everything the Felton Family had done back then in the video, as well as the physical evidence Alice placed on the table.
Campos Felton's expression remained unchanged: "Reynard was indeed once the butler of our Felton Family."
"But after the Felton Family declined, we sold the manor, and he is no longer a member of our family."
"So these accusations are false. Perhaps those people were hidden by him, and after being discovered by your Federal Bureau of Investigation, he framed our Felton Family to escape guilt."
Outside the interrogation room.
Seeing Campos Felton showing no signs of panic, Lynn Hall turned and left.
"Boss, this old man is so stubborn? He still won't admit it even with the evidence right in front of him. Do you think the reason he's not worried at all is because there's still power behind him?"
Facing Sean's question, Lynn Hall said, "That's possible. I've looked at the Felton Family's records. Their family was once very prominent during the Civil War, over a hundred years ago."
"It's just that the family declined in Campos's generation, but even so, in the decades that followed, the Felton Family rose again, and even all four sons became state senators."
"It's impossible to say that they don't have helpers behind them."
Looking at Sean, Lynn Hall said, "These old politicians always like to weave a very large web of connections with spider webs."
"Just watch, as we investigate deeper, this time we will definitely catch countless big fish!"
Hearing Lynn say this, Sean not only showed no fear but became excited: "Hehe, Boss, isn't this what we in the Federal Bureau of Investigation do? But Boss, the credit for catching those big fish this time will definitely be huge, right? Do I have a chance to get promoted again?"
"What do you think?"
Looking at Sean's eyes sparkling with excitement, Lynnshrugged: "This time, I'll make sure you and Alice get more achievements, so that when I become a supervisor, you two can be promoted to Assistant Supervisor."
"It's a pity your ranks aren't high enough now, otherwise you could even aim for Deputy Supervisor."
Hearing Lynn's words, Sean rubbed his hands excitedly.
He knew that as long as he followed the Boss, he would never suffer a loss.
He just didn't expect that one day he would also be able to reach the position of Assistant Supervisor.
Looking at Sean, who was grinning foolishly and whose expression was gradually becoming lewd, Lynn directly kicked him: "What are you grinning about, get to work. I'm going to interrogate Ledger Felton. You take Laura to interrogate Campos's other three sons."
"Have Laura confirm if that old man's other three sons also participated!"
"Yes!"
After being kicked by Lynn, Sean tried hard to suppress his smile, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't hide his excitement.
After walking a few steps, Sean suddenly thought of the other three Assistant Supervisors.
Just as he was about to ask the Boss what would happen to the other three Assistant Supervisors if he and Alicewere promoted to Assistant Supervisor.
He then remembered the Boss's methods, and so he held his tongue.
Since the Boss said so, then he must have a way to solve this matter!
Arriving at the other interrogation room, Lynn recalled Ledger Felton's information.
Ledger Felton, Campos's eldest son, is currently a state senator in New York.
His wife disappeared twelve years ago, and he currently only has one daughter named Lily Felton.
Ledger was very fond of this daughter.
Perhaps, this was a good breakthrough point.
Pushing open the door of the interrogation room, Lynndirectly sat opposite Ledger Felton.
"I have nothing to say. This has nothing to do with the Felton Family."
Before Lynn could speak, Ledger said directly.
"Your daughter Lily is only 19 this year, right?"
Lynn didn't say anything else to Ledger; he directly asked about his daughter.
Hearing Lynn's words, Ledger Felton's emotions were clearly a little agitated, but just as he was about to say something, he clearly stopped himself.
"Actually, you should understand that without conclusive evidence, we in the Federal Bureau of Investigationwould not arrest your entire family."
"Now, the evidence we have is enough to put you away for life."
"Then why are you still interrogating me?"
Hearing Lynn's words, Ledger Felton leaned back in the interrogation chair and asked.
"I just want to know through you, the Felton Family's network, and if there are other "big shots" involved!"
"Also, don't think anyone will save you. Trust me, not even the Secretary of State can get you out of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's prison!"
Facing Lynn's candor, Ledger Felton lowered his head and chuckled, "Of course I know that. After all, you in the Federal Bureau of Investigation are different from other law enforcement agencies, but…"
"If other law enforcement agencies had evidence against your Felton Family and arrested you."
"Then within three days, members of your Felton Familywould be suicided. You should be aware of this."
Looking at Ledger, Lynn lit a cigarette and said, "You only have one cigarette's worth of time to think."
"A quick reminder, the main members of your Felton Family have all been arrested. I can't guarantee how those "big shots" will treat other members of your family if they can't save you and can't make you commit suicide."
"For example, your daughter, who just turned 19. Perhaps they've already started acting. Who made it so many people saw us arresting you?"
Hearing Lynn say this, Ledger Felton's pupils instantly constricted, and then he looked at Lynn emotionally and said, "Damn it, you did this on purpose! How could you do this? Lily is innocent! How could you…"
"Innocent? Heh…"
Exhaling a puff of smoke, Lynn Hall sneered, "Weren't those people you buried innocent?"
"I even suspect your wife, who disappeared 12 years ago!"
As he spoke, Lynn observed Ledger Felton's expression. When he saw a clear change in his expression, Lynnclicked his tongue a few times and said, "I didn't expect it to be true."
"Tsk… impressive."
As the cigarette was finished, Lynn stood up and said, "I believe your daughter must be very concerned about where her missing mother went!"
"No, that's not how it is. This has nothing to do with Lily. Please, don't involve her!"
Seeing Lynn about to leave, Ledger Felton tried to reach out and grab Lynn's clothes, his face full of pleading.
A few minutes later.
Looking at the now calm Ledger Felton, Lynn casually tossed him a cigarette.
After Ledger Felton lit the cigarette and took several deep drags, Lynn Hall continued, "Do you know why I'm interrogating you alone and not your other three brothers?"
"Because my daughter is my weakness?"
"No, it's because I found that you seem to hate your father very much."
Leaning back in his chair, Lynn said, "Although you hide it well, I am a professional Agent and can detect your attitude towards your father!"
Hearing Lynn say this, Ledger Felton once again asked Lynn for a cigarette.
However, this time he didn't inhale deeply but slowly savored it.
"The first time was when I was five years old."
In the smoke, Ledger Felton slowly said, "Originally, according to the Felton Family tradition, we were supposed to have our coming-of-age ceremony after turning nineteen."
"This is a rule in the church, so we can become superior to others."
Hearing Ledger mention the church, Lynn didn't pay too much attention.
After all, in this country, there are countless sects, and Lynn alone knows of over two hundred.
Some even worship the God of Pants.
"It's just that when I was five, the Felton Family suddenly declined. Campos firmly believed in the church tradition, so he tricked me with a piece of meat, telling me it was beef."
"Later, my three younger brothers also slowly accepted this tradition."
"Even now, Campos and my three brothers believe that it is precisely because of this tradition that the Felton Family was able to rise again."
At this point, Ledger looked up at Lynn, "I truly detest Campos, not just because he made me…"
"But also because after my wife discovered this secret, he forced us!"
"He even wanted Lily to accept this tradition, which I absolutely cannot tolerate. I will never let my daughter…"
"How many people are in your church?"
Before Ledger, with red eyes and gritted teeth, could finish speaking, Lynn directly asked, "How many people?"
"I don't remember!"
Facing Lynn's interrogation, Ledger shook his head, "My father always said that over the years, he hasn't been idle, ha!"
Listening to Ledger Felton, while hating and repenting, continuously confessing everything Lynn wanted to know.
Lynn Hall also quickly recorded it.
When Ledger Felton finished confessing everything he knew, even Lynn couldn't help but frown looking at the long list.
The number of people he confessed from the church was not large, only a little over two hundred.
But precisely, these people covered various industries such as politics, the Military, business, and education.
If HYDRA's way of winning people over was to slowly corrupt them with money and power.
Then this church used deception.
Regardless of whether the people they wanted to win over were aware or not.
Then, the subsequent events would naturally unfold!
And this sect behind the Felton Family had been established for two hundred years. Lynn couldn't even imagine how many people these guys had harmed!
After getting the list, Lynn went directly to James Duke's office.
When he learned the full story and saw the long list.
Even James Duke, who was a member of HYDRA, couldn't help but frown and say, "Damn it, I didn't expect there to be so many deranged guys in the United States!"
Looking at the frowning James Duke, Lynn said, "Director, the people on this list are spread across various cities throughout the U.S."
"So I think it's best to report it to headquarters, and have headquarters issue arrest warrants to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in each city!"
Hearing Lynn say this, James Duke nodded.
He picked up the desk phone and dialed.
Seeing James Duke calling headquarters, Lynn was about to leave but saw James Duke signal him not to.
After reporting the matter, James Duke looked at Lynnand said, "You did an excellent job, Lynn. I didn't expect a "haunted" case involving Helena Johnny could lead to such a shocking case."
"More importantly, you solved this case in less than 48 hours."
"I knew your abilities were top-notch within the Federal Bureau of Investigation!"
Facing James Duke's admiring gaze, Lynn humbly said, "Thank you for the compliment, Director, but I think whether it's Miller, Kenny, or Allen, they should all be able to solve this case."
Hearing Lynn mention the other three assistant supervisors, James Duke waved his hand, "We know ourselves best. The three of them might be good, but compared to you, their abilities are far inferior!"
"Let's not talk about this. For the Agents involved in this investigation, their bonuses will be doubled."
"Also, I will hold a press conference about this matter, and you will attend with me!"
Hearing the Director say this, Lynn's heart stirred.
This was clearly training him to be a successor!
Perhaps, this was related to the trip to Los Angeles at the end of the month?
Thinking of this, Lynn nodded and smiled, "Understood, Director."
Seeing that Lynn understood his meaning, James Dukenodded in satisfaction.
After Lynn left the office, James Duke picked up the phone and made a call.
"Get things ready. This trip to Los Angeles, Lynn, the young man we all favor, will officially become one of us."
After speaking and hearing the reply from the other end of the phone, James Duke hung up contentedly.
Hopefully, that experiment will succeed, otherwise, he would only have twenty to thirty years left to live at most.
As the list was reported to headquarters, even the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation was shocked.
After the order was issued, the Federal Bureau of Investigation in various cities immediately carried out arrests according to the list.
The large-scale movement of the Federal Bureau of Investigation naturally could not escape the eyes of other departments.
For a time, whether it was the Military or the CIA, even S.H.I.E.L.D. was paying attention to the reason behind the Federal Bureau of Investigation's operation this time.
When they learned what had happened, they were all somewhat surprised.
Such things were not unheard of, but the sheer scale and long duration still left them somewhat shocked.
At the same time, because of this incident, the name Lynn Hall entered their ears for the first time.
Even the President, whom Lynn often talked about wanting to arrest, was discussing with his staff whether to award Lynn Hall a medal or something similar.
It could be said that Lynn had now truly entered the sight of the big shots.
The next morning, inside Stark Industries.
"This one's not bad!"
Looking at the photo of Natasha Romanoff's figure on the tablet, Tony smiled at Pepper, "She's very beautiful. The file says she used to be a model?"
"Tony…"
Watching Tony critique the life assistant she had chosen for him, Pepper frowned and said, "This is not how a gentleman should behave."
"Gentleman? Pepper, you think I…"
Halfway through his sentence, seeing Pepper's gaze fixed on him, Tony shrugged and said, "Don't misunderstand, this is just a simple compliment. Also, I think if she has long legs, then Lynn will definitely like her."
Seeing Tony start to change the subject again, and this time even dragging Lynn into it.
Pepper shook her head helplessly, "This is a life assistant I hired for you, not a female companion for Lynn."
"Also, why do you always mention Lynn lately? When did your relationship become so good?"
Facing Pepper's question, Tony thought for a moment and said, "Perhaps it's because he rescued you from the kidnappers? Anyway, I think he and I get along quite well."
"And I owe him two favors, so I've decided to hold a party soon and invite Anne Hathaway from Hollywood. I promised Lynn I'd be his wingman."
Hearing Tony say this, Pepper shook her head.
Just as she was about to say something, she saw Happyon the ring suddenly being taken down by Natasha.
"Oh my God!"
Seeing this, Pepper exclaimed, while Tony spread his hands and said, "Are you sure this is a life assistant you hired for me, and not a bodyguard?"
Hearing Tony's teasing, and seeing that Happy was fine, Pepper replied, "I don't think there's much difference, anyway—"
Mid-sentence, Pepper's phone suddenly rang.
She picked up her phone, glanced at the text message, then got up and turned on the television hanging on the wall.
On the television, countless media outlets were currently broadcasting live the case being reported by DirectorJames Duke of the New York Federal Bureau of Investigation.
And Lynn Hall was standing next to the Director.
Listening to James Duke narrate the Felton Family case, Pepper frowned and said, "I remember State Representative Ledger Felton from the Felton Familyonce wanted to invite you to dinner."
"But you refused him. I didn't expect him to be…!"
Watching on TV, after James Duke finished reporting the case, he let Lynn Hall step forward to be interviewed by reporters.
Pepper said with some lingering fear, "Luckily you didn't think much of him then and directly threw his invitation into the trash."
Natasha on the ring looked at Lynn on the TV, who was currently answering reporters' questions.
A hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.
She knew that Nick Fury greatly appreciated Lynn Hall.
Therefore, even though Lynn Hall repeatedly refused S.H.I.E.L.D.'s recruitment, Fury still did not give up on recruiting him.
But now, James Duke was even taking him to press conferences.
This clearly showed that Lynn Hall was being groomed as a successor.
It seemed impossible for Lynn Hall to join S.H.I.E.L.D.!
She just didn't know why Lynn Hall was so distrustful of S.H.I.E.L.D..
Thinking of this, Natasha looked away from the TV and towards Tony Stark.
At this moment, Tony Stark's attention was completely drawn to Lynn Hall's interview.
Especially when Lynn in the TV explained the details of the case, Tony Stark was even more engrossed.
Seeing this, Natasha silently stepped off the ring, then took out her phone and sent a message.
She knew Tony Stark and Lynn were friends, so she had to inform Coulson, lest Lynn expose her identity in front of Tony.
Midtown High School, Cafeteria.
"My goodness, I didn't expect there to be cannibals in the United States, and so many of them?"
Looking at the news report on the TV, Mary Jane's face was filled with surprise.
Turning her head to look at Gwen, Mary Jane said, "This case was solved by Lynn again. Oh my gosh, as long as Lynn is in New York, I feel so safe."
Hearing Mary Jane say this, Gwen was a little surprised, especially when she saw Mary Jane staring intently at Lynn on the TV, and she couldn't help but inwardly complain.
My Lynn is in New York, so how can you feel so safe?
Gwen hadn't forgotten that at her last birthday party, Mary Jane kept staring at Lynn, intentionally or unintentionally.
"This is just too cool!"
Hearing Lynn describe the process of solving the case, Harry Osborn excitedly said to Peter Parker, "Lynn is indeed the most amazing in the Federal Bureau of Investigation!"
"Midnight's eerie old man's cough, such a scary thing, I didn't expect him to see through it at a glance."
"He truly is my idol!"
Seeing Harry's excitement, even a hint of longing, Peter Parker also nodded, "If it were me, I probably wouldn't have guessed that the eerie cough was from a hedgehog drinking sugar water."
"Not to mention it later involved a cannibalistic cult."
Looking at Lynn on the TV with some emotion, Peter Parker looked at the food on his tray.
In his mind, he was imagining Lynn knowing his true identity.
Peter Parker wasn't too panicked about Lynn knowing he was Spider-Man.
After all, he trusted Lynn very much.
He just didn't know when the organization Lynn founded would extend an olive branch to him.
The last time they met was during the Mutant attack on the White House!
Just as he was thinking, his phone suddenly vibrated.
He took out his phone and saw that it was a message from Lynn.
Peter Parker's eyes immediately lit up.
After quickly finishing his lunch, Peter Parker looked at Harry and said, "Harry, could you please help me ask the teacher for leave? I have something to do this afternoon and need to go out."
Hearing Peter ask him to help with leave, Harry Osbornnodded, "Of course, no problem. Did something happen? If you need help, just say so."
"You know, we're best friends!"
"It's just a personal matter of mine."
Smiling at Harry, Peter then looked at Mary Jane, "Jane, I won't be taking you home after school today."
"Okay!"
Smiling back at Peter, Mary Jane continued to ask Gwenabout Lynn.
Perfunctorily answering Mary Jane's questions, Gwenglanced at Peter Parker, then began to suspect.
Could Peter Parker be Spider-Man?
She also received a text message from Lynn.
The last time Lynn told her not to appear as Spider-Woman for the time being, Peter Parker also rushed out after she returned to the classroom.
This shouldn't be a coincidence!
Queens, a detached three-story apartment.
Sitting on the sofa with her feet propped up, playing her PSP, Laura looked at Lynn who was tidying things up not far away and said, "Lynn, are you taking us home with you tonight?"
Hearing Laura's question, Polaris, who was sitting next to her, also looked up, her eyes filled with a hint of hope as she looked at Lynn.
Lynn would spend one or two days a week not living at home.
He would either go back to George Stacy's place in Queens or to Barbara's apartment.
Polaris felt that although her power was very strong, even among Mutants, she was very powerful.
But by Lynn's side, Polaris always felt a strong sense of security.
"You two can stay here tonight. The first floor is our organization's Base, the second floor is for equipment and the laboratory, and you can choose any of the rooms on the third floor."
Lynn wasn't as wealthy as Tony, who could build an Avengers Tower for the Avengers.
However, he did have enough money to buy a three-story small building in Queens.
"Organization? Is that the organization you used to deceive Spider-Man?"
Hearing Lynn mention the organization, Lauraimmediately put down her PSP, "Lynn, Polaris and I are also members of this organization, right? That's what you told Spider-Man last time."
"Of course."
"Then what is our organization's philosophy? Is it to perform some special missions? And, and also, what is our organization called?"
"Is it an organization like the Brotherhood of Mutants and the X-Men?"
Looking at Laura, who usually behaved very obediently, but was now very excited.
Lynn put down the equipment he had prepared for Peter Parker and asked with a smile, "You seem to really want to join such an organization."
"Of course!"
Facing Lynn's curiosity, Laura hooked her arm through Polaris's and said, "Don't you think being in a mysterious organization is a very cool thing?"
"And with an organization, we won't have to hide anymore like before."
"If we encounter danger, maybe someone from the organization will come to save us. Most importantly, if I encounter an enemy I can't defeat, I can say I'm from the XXX organization, and if you dare to hurt me, the organization won't let you off!"
"Anyway, that's how it is in the movies I watch."
Looking at Laura's excited and animated expression, Lynnsmiled, "You are now a member of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, you don't need to hide, and no one dares to bully you."
"That's different!"
Shaking her head stubbornly, Laura's expression was full of a sense of ritual, "Although the Federal Bureau of Investigation can also solve these problems I mentioned, it's not the same as having your own organization!"
Facing Laura's firm tone, Lynn suddenly felt that he seemed to understand where this little girl's affection switch was.
Thinking of this, Lynn turned around, took out two badges from nearby, and threw them to Laura and Polaris.
The badges were silver, with a smooth, slightly ancient surface, and a red Sun engraved on them.
Below the red Sun, the identity was engraved with cloud patterns.
Of course, what was engraved was not their real names, but their nicknames.
For example, on Laura's badge, it was engraved with "Illuminati - Illusionist."
And on Lorna Dane's badge, it was engraved with "Illuminati - Polaris."
"Wow, this is so cool!"
Holding the badge in her hand, Laura's eyes were glowing at this moment.
[Laura Bellock's Affection: 5]
Looking at Laura, who was holding the badge with fondness, her affection directly increased by 1 point.
Lynn had completely mastered how to correctly activate the affection switch for these two little girls.
Laura needed a sense of belonging. Only with enough belonging would she truly identify as one of their own.
And Polaris needed care. Don't let her gloomy and irritable personality fool you, that was her camouflage.
She lacked a sense of security internally and yearned for care and warmth.
After knowing their affection switches, Lynn planned to slowly increase their affection once he returned from Los Angeles.
Especially Polaris's ability, Lynn had coveted it for a long time.
"Lynn, from now on, our organization will be called 'Illuminati'?"
"Yes!"
Facing Laura's question, Lynn smiled, "Our organization is named Illuminati. The current members are me, you, Polaris, as well as Spider-Woman and Spider-Man."
"The core philosophy of the organization is [Unity, Mutual Aid, With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility]. Of course, the organization currently has no missions."
"Later, there might be new members, but for now, there are only five of us!"
"Also, there is no salary within the organization, but each person can apply for three thousand U.S. dollars in activity funds per month, as well as equipment upgrade fees. I will pay this money in the early stage, and a certain guy will pay it later."
Hearing Lynn say this, Laura put away her badge and nodded solemnly.
Just as she was about to say something more, all three of them looked out the window.
"Hi, good afternoon, three of you."
Outside the window, Peter Parker kept waving to the three of them. Although his expression couldn't be seen under the Spider-Man mask.
But his tone was full of excitement, "Lynn, is this the organization's Base? Cool."
"Although it looks more like a three-story office building, this makes it more hidden. No ordinary person would ever guess that this is the organization's Base."
"Lynn, did you send me a message this time to invite me to join the organization? This is just too cool, I am now..."
Listening to Peter's somewhat excited tone, Lynn waved him in.
"Oh, sorry."
Only then remembering that he was talking to the three through the window, Peter Parker quickly walked in through the door.
After entering the room, Peter Parker thought for a moment and took off his mask.
The three of them already knew his true identity, so Peterfelt he didn't need to hide anymore.
"Um, Lynn, are you planning to have me join this organization this time?"
Facing Peter Parker's question, Lynn hadn't spoken yet.
Laura, however, directly ran to Lynn's side, extended her fair little hand, her gaze firm, as if saying, leave it to me.
Seeing Laura like this, Lynn handed the Illuminati badge to her.
Taking the badge, Laura came to Peter Parker's side and said, "Spider-Man Peter Parker, are you willing to join the Illuminati?"
"Uh..."
"Don't rush, I'll first explain the reason for the establishment of the Illuminati organization, what our organization does, and the benefits for members, then you can consider whether to join us."
"Oh, by the way, no matter whether you want to join the organization or not, Lynn has prepared better equipment for you."
"After all, Lynn greatly appreciates you, the Spider-Vigilante."