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Chapter 14: Finally Solved? The Mystery of Kid's Notice!
"True. You've always hated banquets. I know you wouldn't go even if you didn't say it."
Tim spoke as if he expected this.
Actually, he didn't like watching rich people fake smiles and flatter each other either. But as the only son of the Drake family, some events were mandatory.
Especially with the Phantom Thief Kid situation. Using his public identity to enter the banquet was better than sneaking in from the outside.
"By the way, I heard Kid is going to cause a scene at the Vanaver banquet. It sounds dangerous. Honestly, I want to advise you not to join the fun," Darren warned solemnly.
"Hmm..." Tim mused for a moment. "It might be hard to believe, but I actually want to meet this Phantom Thief Kid."
"Aren't you curious? Kid sends a notice before every theft, afraid people won't know he's coming. After taking such huge risks to steal the item, he throws it away a few days later. He gains absolutely nothing from his crimes."
"Why does he do it? What is his goal?"
Tim turned his gaze to the window beside Darren, looking into the distance.
Compared to solving the riddle, this was the fog he wanted to clear most...
"Curious? Of course I am. But my curiosity isn't strong enough to ignore my own life."
As soon as he finished speaking, Darren sat up straight and whispered, "Hey, stop looking out the window. Mrs. Holmes is coming back!"
Tim was startled and turned his head quickly.
Unfortunately, it was too late. His eyes met Mrs. Holmes' gloomy face.
"Mr. Drake, your performance today is thoroughly disappointing. I think you need to stand outside the classroom for a while."
Tim had no defense and obediently went out to stand in the hall.
Mrs. Holmes' class passed quickly, and Tim returned to his seat.
However, he didn't continue the topic of Kid with Darren. They chatted about usual things.
After all, Darren was just an ordinary civilian. Treating Kid as an interesting topic was fine, but going too deep might harm him.
After school, Tim ran out of the gate impatiently to prepare for his night life.
Although there were still ten days until Kid's operation, Robin wouldn't be idle. Patrols and beating up criminals continued as usual.
As for Darren, he went straight home to rest and recharge.
This operation wasn't in a public place like the museum; it was the Vanaver private manor. He couldn't scout it daily like before.
So, for the first few days, Darren wouldn't visit the manor. He would wait until two days before the event, when the banquet layout was fixed, to infiltrate and gather intelligence. That way, the information would be most comprehensive.
Time passed day by day.
Twelve days later.
"...It's no use. I still can't figure out what the 'Shaking Heavenly Road' is. Does this line really have no meaning?"
Tim sat in his room, staring at the white card, scratching his head.
"The banquet is about to start, and I don't even have a clue..."
"Tim, are you dressed? We can go now."
Suddenly, Tim heard someone calling him from outside the door.
"Almost ready! Just a moment!"
Tim put away the notice and straightened his collar.
He was wearing a sophisticated formal suit for the banquet.
Walking out, he found a middle-aged man in a tuxedo waiting for him.
It was his father, Jack Drake.
"Not bad. It fits well. You look much better in it than I do," Jack praised with satisfaction. "Let's go."
Father and son got into the car and drove toward the Vanaver Manor.
Usually, banquets were held in the evening. But Samantha's memorial banquet started at 2:00 PM and would last for three days. Guests could stay at the manor during this period.
It was more of a party than a formal banquet, though the atmosphere was more solemn.
According to the notice, Kid wouldn't appear on the first day, but on the second.
"The Vanavers are a very low-profile but influential family. Many Gothamites don't know they exist, but are constantly affected by them. Our business has dealings with them, but I've never met a Vanaver in person," Jack explained on the way.
"Today is their first public appearance in decades."
"So Gotham has a family like that..." Tim marveled, pretending he didn't know. In reality, he knew far more secrets about them than Jack did.
As the car neared the manor entrance, a temporary checkpoint blocked the road.
"Hm? What's going on?" Jack asked.
Several police officers walked over. The leader explained professionally, "Sorry, sir. During the banquet, all vehicles entering the manor must undergo inspection... Oh, isn't this Mr. Drake?"
Seeing the person in the car, the officer was surprised.
"Detective Bullock? Why is the GCPD here?" Jack recognized him.
Harvey Bullock. A veteran GCPD officer with more years on the force than even Gordon. He was Gordon's partner when the Commissioner first arrived in Gotham.
"Phantom Thief Kid announced he's going to steal the Vanaver emerald. He might hide among the guests, so everyone has to be searched."
"I see. I've heard of him. He stole the Goddess's Tear. Not a simple thief."
Knowing the context, Jack and Tim got out of the car and let Bullock check them.
"Detective Bullock, I heard Kid's notice is quite hard to read. How much have you guys decoded?" Jack asked curiously during the check.
"That goes without saying. With the GCPD's strength, we've solved it completely!" Bullock patted his chest confidently.
"But I can't tell you the meaning. Just wait and watch Kid get arrested."
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