75: Chapter 75 Going to Bars

Shaun felt a surge of excitement and continued reading.

The third sheet of paper was a hand-drawn map.

It showed the outline of the swamp, along with the location of a church inside.

A dashed line ran from the church to the east, bypassed a forest, crossed a dried-up riverbed, and finally stopped at a spot marked with a red cross.

Beside the red cross, that symbol was drawn—three wavy lines intertwined, more complex and ancient than the mark of the Coven.

Shaun stared at the map for a long time, committing it silently to memory.

Joseph White had found the location of the treasure.

Yet, although he had found it, he died in the jaws of the Bat Monster!

The kitchen door opened.

Linda stood in the doorway, looking at Shaun.

Her eyes were still red; she looked at the letter in Shaun's hand, then at his face.

She asked softly, "Did you see him?"

Shaun nodded.

Linda's lips trembled. "Is he... is he okay?"

Shaun thought for a moment and said, "He is fine, but he is leaving soon..."

Linda lowered her head, and tears finally fell again.

She didn't make a sound, just stood there, her shoulders trembling slightly.

Shaun stood up, folded the letter, put it back into the envelope, and handed it to her. "He left this for you."

Linda took it and clutched it in her hand, gripping it tightly.

Shaun didn't pay any more attention to Linda; he knew he had to let her process her emotions on her own. He walked to the door and pushed it open.

Sunlight flooded in, shining on his face.

He glanced back at Linda; she was standing in the middle of the living room, clutching the envelope, with tears still hanging on her face.

Shaun walked out and closed the door.

He got into the car, sat in the driver's seat, and looked at the hand-drawn map in his hand.

He already knew the location...

All that was left... was to find the Supreme Witch and tell her the location.

As for how the Coven would handle this matter, or what clashes they might have with the Colombians or the Vampire, that had nothing to do with him.

...

Shaun folded the map and put it into his pocket.

He had to find Fiona Goode.

She had waited so long for this.

Now that he had the clues and the map, he had promised to help her investigate.

A promise made must be kept!

But just as he was about to start the engine, his phone rang.

The call was from Madison.

Shaun answered, "Hello?"

"Shaun!" Madison's voice burst from the receiver, sounding ready to hold him accountable. "Are you free tonight?"

Sensing Madison's tone was not great, Shaun paused. "Tonight? I have things to do."

"What things?"

"I have some cases to investigate."

"Cases?" Madison's tone changed, clearly carrying a hint of dissatisfaction. "Do you remember what you promised me last time?"

Shaun thought about it.

Last time? Which time?

He couldn't recall...

And Madison clearly didn't intend to let him think. She said, "You said you would accompany me, you said 'yes', and now you're telling me you have a case?"

Shaun opened his mouth. "Madison, I..."

"Do you know the consequences of not coming?" Madison interrupted him. Her voice wasn't loud, but every word carried a threat. "Officer Sean, you better think carefully!"

Shaun was silent for a second.

He had indeed promised her when Madison helped him inquire about Frank, she had made a request...

"Whenever I want you to accompany me in the future, you have to."

He had agreed at the time.

If he didn't do it now after promising, he would definitely be torn apart by Madison.

So he could only ask, "What time? Where?"

Madison's tone softened immediately, carrying a hint of triumph. "Nine o'clock, French Quarter, Tujague's. Do you know where that is?"

Tujague's was one of the oldest bars in New Orleans, boasting the first stand-up bar counter. It was also the birthplace of the Grasshopper cocktail—sweet without being cloying, with a refreshing mint flavor.

Hearing that Shaun knew the place, Madison didn't say much more. She just said, "Meet at nine," and hung up the phone directly.

Shaun looked at the phone screen and gave a wry smile.

He had originally planned to go find Fiona Goode tonight to show her the map and tell her the location of the treasure.

But he couldn't cancel the date with Madison.

That girl had a sharp tongue, but was more sensitive than anyone.

If he promised and didn't go, she would remember it for a lifetime, and the possibility of her turning dark again wasn't zero.

Anyway... it would be appropriate to go to the Coven's estate to share the news after the date.

...

At nine in the evening, Shaun stood at the entrance of the bar.

Pushing open the door, a scent mixed with alcohol and jazz rushed out to meet him.

The bar wasn't big; the lights were dim. There were a few small round tables against the wall, and the liquor cabinet behind the bar reflected light under the dark red lamps.

Madison was sitting at the edge of the bar with a pink cocktail in front of her.

She was wearing a black tight-fitting dress today, the hem just above her knees, her blonde hair let down over her shoulders, and a pair of sparkling earrings on her ears.

Seeing Shaun enter, she lifted her chin and the corners of her mouth curled up slightly, but she quickly pulled it back, intentionally keeping a straight face.

She said coldly, "You're two minutes late."

Shaun walked over and sat down next to her. "Traffic jam."

Madison snorted and didn't pursue it further. She snapped her fingers at the bartender. "Give him a Black Rum, on the rocks."

Then she looked at Shaun and said, "You drink this."

"Why?"

"Because I think it suits you."

The bartender brought the drink over, and Shaun took a sip.

Strong, spicy, but not bad. Madison watched him, her blue eyes bright in the dim light.

After thinking, she still cared about Shaun's situation. "What case did you investigate today?"

Shaun replied, "Joseph White's business, wrapping it up."

Madison nodded, not prying further.

She picked up her cocktail, took a small sip, then set the glass down and turned to face him directly. "Shaun, have you been very busy lately?"

"It's okay."

"Is 'it's okay' busy or not busy?"

"A bit busy."

Madison said somewhat huffily, "Regardless, you have to accompany me today!"

Shaun had been prepared early on and nodded immediately. "No problem!"

Madison's mood improved immediately. "That's more like it."

She picked up her glass and clinked it against his. "Cheers."

Shaun picked up his glass and took a sip.

The strong liquor went down his throat, burning his chest with a warm sensation.

Madison began to talk about her recent affairs.

Queenie had argued with Zoe again because Zoe was playing sad music in the living room, and Queenie said it ruined her mood for eating potato chips.

Cordelia had been learning to bake recently, and the bread she baked was as hard as a brick, but no one dared to say anything.

Fiona Goode had rarely appeared recently, locking herself in her room all day.

Upon hearing Fiona's name, Shaun naturally chimed in, "What's wrong with her?"

Madison shrugged. "Who knows. That Old Hag, her temper is getting weirder and weirder."

She took a sip of her drink. "Anyway, it's none of my business..."

Shaun didn't speak; he knew what was wrong with Fiona Goode.

Her power was fading...

She was afraid...