Chapter 21 The Painter
Originally, a relatively normal person suddenly became neurotic and worried about being eaten?
Did he see something? He probably received some kind of strong stimulation.
However, can a crazy man provide valuable clues?
Lu Li felt that the case was getting more and more difficult, like a runaway carriage. The driver didn't know when and which direction it would overturn.
He suspected that his previous judgment, based on the murderer's dissection of the victim's abdominal cavity, that he was a middle-aged man who had lost his son, or that he had been abandoned by his biological mother since childhood, was perhaps too narrow-minded.
Might as well give a vague definition first:
The murderer lacks some emotion.
Thinking of this, he turned to look at George and asked in a deep voice: "Mr. Lasker, what kind of person is the mother of His Royal Highness the eldest grandson of the Emperor?"
"She deserves all the praise."
"While Albert's father wandered into the beds of various married women, she remained loyal and cared about every member of the royal family."
Having said this, George Lasker seemed to have a deep understanding of it. He snorted and said angrily: "I don't know since when, in the upper class society, in addition to their husbands, ladies also have several knights who are lovers, and they have become a knight."
Kind of elegant and fashionable.”
A traditional and decent man with a very mysterious origin and knows many secrets of the upper class.
The above is Lu Li's evaluation of Mr. Lasker. Therefore, what he said is highly credible. Therefore, there is no rush to visit the emperor's eldest grandson.
"Walter Sickert, where does he live?"
After a moment of silence, Lu Li turned his head and looked at Lin Nai, making a decision in his heart.
Unfortunately, George is a bit talkative and always likes to interrupt others with words. He clenched his fists hard: "Are you going to visit this ugly painter first? That would be great, I think there is something wrong with this guy!"
"Linnai, clean your gun and load it with bullets. This man must be a desperado. Then guard the door. Although I am sure I can control him, I still need to take precautions in advance."
Lu Li held his forehead, feeling a little helpless.
"Mr. Lasker, don't have any prejudice against the suspect until you find out the truth. Besides, a few curious paintings can't explain anything. I just think it's necessary to talk to him."
Even if Lu Li decided that Sigurd was not a good person, he would not be so rude, well, I should say straightforward.
Hearing this, George glanced at the pocket watch in his hand and said dissatisfied: "It's seven forty now, I hope he can stay at home honestly."
"Otherwise, I have more reason to suspect that he is Jack the Ripper."
Eight o'clock in the evening.
Apartment Calvi Street 16.
A carriage stopped, and the coachman silently took out his beloved Winchester, holding the tobacco in his mouth carefully and on guard.
Linnaeus, who was tall and strong, knocked on the door.
"Does the painter Sickert live here?"
A rude but clear voice echoed outside the apartment. The old lady living next door heard the noise and secretly opened the curtains.
Coincidentally, he looked at Lu Li who was looking at his surroundings.
"Presumably, she is the one who provided the information. We can go over and have a chat later. I hope the old lady doesn't go to bed too early, otherwise I will feel very sad."
When he thought that he was about to meet the bloody butcher, Lu Li felt inexplicably excited. He was abnormally talkative and wanted to talk nonsense.
"As a good citizen, everyone has an obligation to cooperate with the investigation, and she will definitely understand."
Mr. Lasker was also a little excited, as if a great revenge was about to be avenged, and his fingers gently tapped the handle of the gun according to a certain rhythm.
"who?"
Someone came downstairs.
There were bursts of footsteps coming from inside the house, but they were a little shuffling and seemed to be walking very slowly.
Lu Li leaned in front of the door and listened. The footsteps were getting closer and closer, and then there was no movement again.
"Who's out there?"
The voice sounded again.
"Eastern District Citizen Self-Defense Force, we need Mr. Sigur's help to confirm something," Lu Li said loudly.
"I am, please come in."
The door opened, and a man who looked different from what they expected appeared in front of the three of them. He had nothing to do with being evil, but had a good-looking face and a slender figure, especially his blue eyes, which were like the water of a lake.
Just as clear and clean.
After saluting, Sigurd took a step back and waited patiently for the visitor to enter.
A gentleman who is very popular with girls.
Rich, handsome, and polite.
Lu Li made a judgment subconsciously.
"Lin Nai, you wait outside, I will accompany Mr. Lu Li in."
At this time, George loosened his grip on the handle of the gun and stepped into the door first. Lu Li also put down the rifle on his shoulder, handed it to Lin Nai for safekeeping, and walked in with his cane.
Click!
The door closes.
"Would you two like some coffee?"
Sigurd walked in front to lead the way, acting very calm, but his walking posture was strange, as if he didn't dare to take a step.
Upon hearing this, Lu Li immediately refused: "No, thank you."
While talking, the three of them came to the living room. Specifically, it should be a studio, but there were a few soft stools placed between Sickert's numerous drawing boards.
There was a moment of silence.
George was worried that his straightforward personality would cause trouble for Mr. Detective, while Lu Li was observing the paintings around him and thinking about where to start asking questions first.
Everywhere you look, you can see mothers holding babies in their arms. Each mother has a different face, but the facial lines are very soft. At first glance, she is a loving mother. The babies are either sleeping or smiling, showing their virginity.
Virgin and Child.
An enduring theme.
But, would a devout believer draw a series of pictures like "Murder in a Nameless Town"?
In the solemn atmosphere, Sigurd remained silent and just asked in confusion: "How can I help you?"
"I'm going to be blunt. What are your plans for the past two days? Are you going to attend a literary salon in the evening or get together with friends?"
George recorded the conversation with a pen, trying to put pressure on the suspect, while Lu Li sat loosely and talked to Sigurd in a relaxed posture.
"I feel unwell. Apart from painting and resting at home, I never go anywhere else."
Thinking of his weird walking posture, Lu Li nodded and complimented: "I admire painters the most, who work despite being sick to create, just like Van Gogh. Maybe you have never heard of this name."
When it comes to art, this handsome and taciturn man becomes much more talkative:
"No, I know him. I met this man at a salon held by a friend in Paris last year. He is very imaginative and strange."
"Well, if it weren't for my talent, I would also like to be a painter."
Lu Li folded his hands, as if he was preparing to talk about art with Sigurd. George was so anxious that he wanted to interrupt, but he could only hold back, fearing something bad would happen.
"Mr. Siegel, I'm curious, what do you think of your career?"
"No, in my opinion, painting is a great career and a life, not a tool for making a living."
Chapter completed!