Forensic Imperial Concubine novel Chapter 536

"Marquis Pearce, do you mean to say that we should not respond to this mistake, and just make the best of it?" asked Hollis cautiously. He dared not make wild guesses. He could suffer serious disadvantages if he made the wrong guess about Pearce's intentions. What complicated the situation was that Matthew was Alexander's brother-in-law, and he couldn't afford to offend the prince either.

Also, he knew that Matthew was in the River City now. If Matthew knew that Alexander had been framed, he would be in trouble and his life might even be in danger. But Hollis sensed that Pearce obviously wanted to convict Alexander for the murder. Thus, the first thing Hollis needed to do was appear to be obeying Pearce's demands, and then figure out a way to inform Matthew.

Pearce wrinkled his brows in perplexity. Hollis immediately observed his subtle reaction and felt that he had read his mind correctly. So Hollis said, "Sorry, I misspoke. It wasn't a mistake. Alexander is the murderer who killed your son. He will be put to death in two days!"

Pearce's brows wrinkled into a deep frown. He had gone so far as to come to the government office in person. And now Hollis insisted on the death penalty for Alexander. Had Hollis done it on purpose? Had he incited the coroner to issue the false judgment?

Pearce restrained his anger and asked, "Hollis, do you know you are the mayor of the River City?"

"Marquis Pearce, I know. Although I am the mayor, you are well-loved here. I will not let you suffer, nor let your son die in vain. I will definitely seek justice for you and punish the murderer, Alexander Chu!" Hollis thought he had read what was in Pearce's mind. Killing Alexander to avenge his son was simple enough. If Matthew wanted to blame him, he would simply insist that it was Pearce who pushed him to do that, and that the whole thing had nothing to do with him. He was just a low-level local officer and could only obey the commands of high-level officials.

Taking a deep breath, Pearce couldn't contain his impatience anymore. Then he stood up and kicked Hollis down to the floor, snarling, "Damn you! You think I am a lousy official who has people killed regardless of law and justice, do you?"

Hollis, after being kicked to the floor, quickly got up and went on kneeling down in front of Pearce. He added anxiously, "Marquis Pearce, I don't think that of you. Please tell me how I should deal with Alexander Chu."

"Are you the mayor or not? Why must I tell you what to do?" Pearce was so disgusted with Hollis that he felt a headache. He used to think it was a good thing that Hollis was so spineless, but now it seemed that his character was bound to drag him down.

"Marquis Pearce, you are my superior and of course you have the right to command me. I and all the civilians of River City will follow your commands." Hollis hastened to flatter him.

Pearce's face turned red in anger and contempt. He snorted, "Since Alexander Chu is innocent, let him go, you damned fool! And I command you to find the killer of my son with no further delay. Otherwise your political career will come to a quick end!"

Shocked, Hollis nodded quickly and said, "Yes, all right. I'll tell my men to release him right now. Marquis Pearce, please don't worry. I'll dedicate myself to finding the murderer.