Mindy was surprised to learn that Sam had read her book. “Wait, you know I wrote ‘Seven Days’?”

He glanced at Miranda. “Yeah.”

Sam didn’t mention where he had heard that, and Mindy didn’t press him. But poor Miranda was caught in their silent exchange. She could feel their scrutinizing gazes as they assessed her from every angle.

He asked, “So, is the murderer really that honest physics teacher?”

Mindy was surprised. “What makes you say that?”

The book ended with all the mysteries unraveled, and the clues pointed toward the physics teacher. He used his expertise to pull off the perfect crime, and the narrative made it clear he was the murderer.

Sam wanted to confirm if the physics teacher was actually the murderer. At that moment, Mindy studied him intently.

Sam continued, “I recall a few subtle clues in the book. First, the shadow on the staircase seemed off. Then, there was the missing murder weapon. Although the police eventually recovered it, the book never explained how it disappeared. Lastly, there were two pairs of slippers in the apartment of a woman who was living alone. The story mentioned they were for guests, but why was there a pair of men’s slippers? Did she regularly invite men over and keep a pair just for them? All these didn’t add up. If she was preparing those slippers for guests, wouldn’t she have bought women’s slippers instead?”

Sam paused before saying, “All these hidden clues suggest there must be another suspect.” He then added, “Of course, this is just my theory.”

Mindy smiled. “If you’re asking these questions, you probably already have the answer.”

He grinned. “So, there’s going to be a sequel, right?”

She said nothing, but her smile said it all.

Sam stopped near the alley as Miranda thanked him and exited the car with her parents.

“Thanks, Sam,” Lionel said.

“Don’t mention it, Mr. Sutton.”

As they headed upstairs, Lionel suddenly paused. “Hang on… I never told him where we lived. How did he know to stop here?”

Miranda said nothing and felt uneasy for no apparent reason.

Mindy rolled her eyes at Lionel and wondered if he had finally realized what was happening. “You should ask Mimi about that. Right, sweetie?” She looked at Miranda with a teasing smile.

Lionel looked at his daughter, and realization dawned on him. His expression turned serious. “Are you close with Sam?”

Miranda hesitated before replying, “He has helped me a few times, and I think of him as a friend. But we’re not that close.”

“You’re not that close, yet he has helped you more than once?”

She said, “Maybe he’s just a nice guy? Didn’t he help you catch that thief today?”

Lionel thought it over and couldn’t help but nod. “You’re right.”

Mindy was speechless.

“Dad, stop asking questions and let’s go. These bags are heavy.”

“Give them to me, I’ll carry them,” Lionel said.

Sam was in a great mood on his way back. “Hey, Cal. Call Zach, and let’s meet up for tea.”

Calvin paused and thought he had misheard. “Tea?”

“Yeah, tea,” Sam replied.

Calvin was baffled. He wondered who would drink tea in the middle of the day.

At the Cozy Tea House, Zach stepped inside and surveyed the place. He asked curiously, “What is this new trend?”

Sam poured him a cup. “Here, try this. It’s freshly brewed.”

Zach leaned in for a closer look, then grimaced. “It’s flavorless. I’m not drinking that.”

Calvin, who had already downed two cups, nodded furiously. He admired how Zach dared to say what he wouldn’t have the courage to express.

Just then, Hansel walked through the door.

Zach and Calvin froze. They exchanged puzzled glances as their eyes darted between Hansel and Sam. Then, they began to raise their eyebrows at each other.

Calvin whispered, “Did you invite him?”

Zach replied, “I wouldn’t dare.”