Around eight in the evening, several carriages pulled up to the bank's entrance, and a group of uniformed policemen escorted two middle-aged men into the lobby.
"Good evening, Chief Orion. We've finished investigating the scene," Captain Kappa greeted the leading man.
"This is Mr. Edward, the branch manager. If you have any reports or questions, he's the one to consult," Chief Orion introduced the man beside him whose expression was rather ashen.
"Mr. Manager, once we've cleared the scene, you can have someone tally the losses. The robbers seem to have taken cash from the bank, but precious metals and other valuable items were fortunately preserved by my intervention," Elyon informed them.
"Ah, thank you to the police. The branch's reserve should be over ten thousand pounds in cash. Including the weekend deposits, it shouldn't exceed fifteen thousand. Those losses are within tolerable limits. If other items had been compromised, I'd be considering early retirement," Mr. Edward replied, his complexion brightening slightly.
"So the money I deposited this afternoon is safe?"
"Of course. Is there anything else you need to ask?"
"Do you know your subordinate, the bank manager named David?"
"Is he not among the casualties?"
"There are just some doubts. Could you please accompany us to the scene? It's a bit gruesome."
Elyon and Captain Kappa led the branch manager into the vault, pointing to the hands of the corpse.
"Mr. David's job shouldn't be this rough, yet his palms are all calloused. We've inspected his body, and besides the bronzed skin, there are numerous scratches on his thighs and arms," Captain Kappa observed.
"Impossible. Are you suggesting our bank doubles as a dock or fishery? This man's body looks more like a dockworker or a fisherman," Mr. Edward remarked.
"So, you're confirming this body isn't David's?"
"It can't be. Though he's dressed in a bank uniform, the waist of the trousers is clearly a size too small. The sleeves are also a tad short. Our uniforms are made to measure," Mr. Edward insisted.
"Does your bank's vault have a back door?"
"The vault is for cash and valuables. Why would there be a back door? That would just be inviting thieves."
"Mr. Manager, I happened to be present during the robbery this afternoon. Given the circumstances, I have to offer a hypothesis you might find difficult to accept."
"What have you come up with now?" Chief Orion asked, stepping into the vault.
"I'm the victim here, Chief. I just got a bonus—earned legally—and was about to secure it when it got stolen."
"Just get to your hypothesis."
"I suspect that the body here is the very robber who initially carried the bag. As for your manager, he might have exchanged attire with the robbers and is now counting cash and inventory somewhere safe."
"You mean David colluded with the robbers to rob the bank?"
"I'm not sure if he was coerced or a willing participant, but the reality is that the man lying here is likely not your employee. How is Mr. David's financial situation?"
"What does that have to do with anything?"
"Do you want the money back, or are you planning to absorb the losses yourself?"
Upon hearing this, Mr. Edward swallowed the curse that had come to his lips.
"I'm not well acquainted with David's finances, but perhaps you should inquire more specifically."
"What is his salary? Your other employees mentioned he spends lavishly."
"Despite working at a bank, we don't earn much. My weekly pay is eight pounds, David earns six. He does seem to spend a lot. He also has a fiancée, a local school teacher, and they plan to marry next year. He's said to be fond of gambling and drinking."
"It seems our bank manager needed a large sum for some urgent expenditure and planned this heist. The other three armed individuals were likely gang members or seasoned criminals. The one on the floor was probably duped into being the fall guy—a fisherman. David seized the opportunity to switch clothes and escape disguised as a robber," Captain Kappa deduced.
"How do you figure David planned it?"
"It's simple. Why would robbers kill one of their own? From a purely utilitarian standpoint, a fisherman can carry more loot than a bank employee. Would you trust a recruited accomplice or a stranger?"
"How do you know the deceased was a fisherman?"
"The callouses on his hands show years of pulling fishing nets and ropes. His skin is bronzed from the sun, and the wounds on his legs and arms are likely from fish and sea urchin spikes," Captain Kappa added.
"I have a request, Mr. Edward. Please don't disclose the possibility of David being a suspect. We need to investigate his fiancée first."
"Alright," Mr. Edward nodded.
"We'll need two sets of bank uniforms and a handwritten condolence letter from you. If we approach in police attire, it would alert David. We need him to believe he's gotten away with it."
"What size?"
"Just find two sets that fit me and Captain Kappa. Chief Orion, could I trouble you with one more thing?"
"What's your latest scheme?"
"I injured one of them; he was shot in the shoulder. Please order an investigation at all the hospitals for anyone with a gunshot wound."
"They won't go to a public hospital."
"It's just for show. Make sure it's public—officers in uniform and police carriages. Also, their carriage was common enough, but it might have a bullet hole from me. Please investigate this lead."
Chief Orion lit his pipe and took a puff.
"You Wasting your talents in the precinct, you should consider applying to the district police force; we're short on investigative professionals," Chief Orion suggested after a moment of contemplation.
"What are the work hours, and is there an allowance?" Elyon asked.
"Why are you always after money? Don't you have any sense of service to His Majesty the King?"
"Given the hazardous nature of criminal investigations, I have two lovely sisters who depend on me for their education. Chief, if you want me to consider the shift, there must be some incentive..." Elyon half-joked, half-serious.
"Incentive like what?"
"An increase in pay."
"Forget it, we're stretched thin as it is. You're better off sticking to clerical work at the precinct. I'll go order the others to process the scene and escort these gentlemen and ladies home. This bank robbery happened in your jurisdiction, so it's your case to handle."
Chief Orion gestured dismissively, indicating he could rest easy for now.
"Remember to come to the precinct early tomorrow morning. We'll visit Mr. David's fiancée together. Mr. Manager, make sure to have those uniforms and the handwritten letter ready for us in the morning," Captain Kappa added.