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Murder at the New York Library / Murder in Harlem / Murder in Central Park – Part 05

A gazebo perched atop a small hill overlooked the lake, with four long benches surrounding a rectangular wooden table. Couples huddled together, sipping coffee in the cold, while groups of students chatted happily nearby. Victorique and Kazuya sat side by side, the former indulging in the last remaining piece of red velvet cake. Kazuya spread out his notebook, awaiting Victorique’s insight. Behind them, Carlos fiddled with his hat, wondering what the best angle was.

Finally, Victorique spoke up, “Well?”

“Well, what?”

She eyed Kazuya with surprise. “You still don’t get it?”

Kazuya gave an awkward nod. Perhaps out of sympathy or some other reason, Victorique reluctantly extended the last piece of red velvet cake to him. Her small, chubby hand was trembling.

Kazuya shook his head gently. “You can have it all.”

Victorique sighed in relief and took a big bite. Bits of red sponge cake clung to her mouth.

“The vendor at that stand is